Rome Pilgrimage

This church occupies Rome's Holy of Holies-the crown of the Capitoline Hill that once housed the city's first 'Arx' (Citadel) and Temple of Juno Moneta. Founded in the 6th century, or possibly earlier, the church has a dazzling interior with ancient columns, chandeliers, and a quite magnificent wooden ceiling. Its main treasures are Pinturicchio's frescos on the 'Life of San Bernardino' (first chapel in the right-hand aisle) and, until it was stolen, the 'Santo Bambino', a miracle-working statue carved from an olive tree in Gethsemane.

Opening Hours: 9-12 am/4-6 pm. If closed ring the bell.

This splendid square was conceived by Michelangelo, who also designed the two palaces-'Palazzo Nuovo' & 'Palazzo dei Conservatori'- the present Musei Capitolini,on the opposite sides of the square, whoose divergence creates a widening perspective which is most effective. It is reached by the grand flight of steps known as the "Cordonata", built to a design by Michelangelo especially for the triumphal entry of the Emperor Charles V in 1536. Michelangelo placed on a new pedestal the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (161-180), removed in 1981 for some delicate restoration and situated on the ground floor of the Museo Capitolini.

Opening Hours: every day from 9:00 to 19:00

Transports: Buses 44 46 56 60 64 65 70 75

The Roman Forum was the centre of the civic and economic life of Rome in the Republican era and kept its prominent role even in the Imperial age. The old heart of the Roman Empire is crowded with the jumbled ruins of temples, basilicas, and other buildings spanning 1,100 years-a wonderfully evocative place to wander in. Be sure to see the trimphal arches of Tito and Settimio Severo, the mighty Basilica di Massenzio, and the Tempio di Vesta (Temple of the Vestal Virgins).

Opening hours: Daily 0900-1930 (summer)

Admission: free

Transports: Metro Colosseo; bus to Via dei Fori Imperiali or Piazza Venezia.

Next to the Colosseo, south of the Roman Forum and offering a stunning view of the ancient city founded in 753 BC, this area includes imperial and patrician residences including those of the Emperor Domitian. Originally the Domus Flavia had walls completely lined with polished marble - Domitian feared assassination and in this way he could see the reflection of anyone coming towards him. The courtyard still has its fine pavement in coloured marble. Close by can be seen a number of holes, made for the posts of huts, possibly dating from the 9th century BC. It is thought that these were Rome's first huts, attributed by legend to the hand of Romulus himself.

Open Hours:Daily from Tues to Sun from 9 a.m. to 1 hr before sunset.

Ticket for Colosseo is also valid here (and vice versa), do both on the same day!

An architectural and engineering marvel, the Colosseum's arena has provided the model for large stadia ever since. Over 50,000 spectators could leave their seats within minutes through the 76 numbered exits or vomitoria. On the upper levels, a huge movable sailcloth (velarium) could be winched into place to shade spectators from the sun.

Opening hours: Daily 0900-1930 (summer)

Admission: Euro$8

Transport: Metro Colosseo; bus to Piazza del Colosseo

San Clemente comprises three distinct levels. The present church has the city's finest medieval interior (1130), with superb 12th-century mosaics, pulpits and frescos by Masolino da Panicale (c. 1428). The lower 8th-centry church has faded (but important) early frescos. Below it lie the ruins of a Mithraic temple, which are open to the public.

Opening Hours: daily 0900-1230 and 1530-1830

San Giovanni (not St. Peter's) is Rome's cathedral church. It was founded by Constantine in 313, and although much has now been restored, it still remains immensely impressive. The cloisters with their Cosmati marblework are one of Tome's loveliest spots. The much-copied octagonal Baptistery, adapted from 5th-century Roman baths, is the earliest in Christendom. The church was damaged by a terrorist bomb in 1993.

Opening Hours: Daily 0700-1845 (summer)

The Scala Santa is over the road from the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, close to San Giovanni Metro station. You can walk there from the Colosseum, or take a bus (numbers 85, 87, 850, 117). Like so many religious sights, the building is closed for at lunchtime.

Transports: Take Metro Linea A to the Spagna stop; bus 60 and 492 to Piazza Barberini or 117 to Piazza di Spagna

Tel: (06) 32810 (information and booking) or (06) 8413979

Website: http://www.galleriaborghese.it/

Opening hours: Tues-Sun 0900-1930, last entry at 1700

Admission: full price Euro$12.50 (reservation required); reservation fee Euro $2.00; concessions available

Transport: Metro Spagna; bus or tram to Via Veneto
Buses 95 490 495 52 910 926 19 19b 30b

Transports: Buses 52 53 58 60 61 62 71

Piazzale di Villa Giulia 9

Opening hours: Tues-Sun 0815-1915, last entry at 1815

Admission: Euro$4

Transport: Buses 95 490 495 52 910 926 19 19b 30b; Tram 3 or 19

Opening Hours:Mon-Sat 0830-1930, Sun 0900-1800; public holidays 0900-1300

Admission: Free

Transport: Bus to Largo Argentina or Via del Corso.

Transport: Bus to Largo Argentina or Corso Rinascimento