Rome Landmarks

There are so many items of historic or artistic significance in Rome that it is difficult to list them all, but here are a few lesser-known landmarks that you may want to see. Trajan's Column was erected in the second century as monument to the exploits of the Emperor and to serve as the final resting place for his ashes. An internal stairway will bring you to the top of the 42-meter high monument. Other crypts can be found at the Catacombs of Domitilla. These underground cemeteries were originally used only as a burial ground. But from the 6th century until the 12th, they were used for the worship and commemoration of the martyrs. The Quirinal Palace was built as the first papal See, and then became the official residence of the Italian Royal Family and finally the President of the Republic's residence. Neither burial ground nor residence, the Circus Maximus was an important part of Roman life until the 6th century. Built to accommodate 250,000 spectators, the Circus was used primarily for horse-racing and mock battles.