Explore Hidden Gems of Hills of Ancient Rome Golf-Cart Tour

The exterior of the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an impressive symbol of ancient Roman engineering and architectural prowess, constructed between AD 70-80 under Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus. Its grand façade features three levels of towering arches adorned with columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, showcasing the Roman mastery of design and aesthetics. Originally, the structure was covered in travertine limestone, giving it a majestic appearance that could accommodate up to 50,000 to 80,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles, and other events. Over centuries, the Colosseum has endured earthquakes, stone robbing, and modern development, yet it remains a powerful emblem of Rome’s imperial history and architectural innovation, drawing millions of visitors from around the world.( outside)

The Circus Maximus, located in Rome, is one of the world's oldest and largest ancient Roman entertainment venues, with origins dating back to the 6th century BCE, traditionally attributed to the early kings of Rome. Originally a simple chariot racing track, it was expanded and renovated multiple times, reaching its peak in the Roman Empire, especially during the Republican and Imperial periods. The circus could accommodate up to 150,000 spectators who gathered to watch chariot races, which were among the most popular and thrilling events in ancient Rome. Its elongated oval shape, measured about 2,000 meters in length, with a central barrier called the spina decorated with obelisks and statues, served as the focal point of the races. Over time, the Circus Maximus fell into disuse, especially after the decline of the Roman Empire, but its ruins remain a testament to Rome’s grand entertainment culture and engineering ingenuity.

The Mouth of Truth, or Bocca della Verità, is an ancient marble mask located in Rome's church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, believed to date back to the 1st century CE, possibly as a fountain or drain cover from the Roman period. Its iconic, expressive face features an open mouth, which has captivated visitors for centuries, fostering legends that it serves as a lie detector—believed to bite the hand of anyone who tells a lie while their hand is placed inside. The monument gained fame in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, partly due to its mention in popular stories and artworks, and was famously featured in the 1953 film Roman Holiday. Today, it remains a popular tourist attraction, symbolizing medieval superstitions and Roman history, and continues to inspire stories about truth and deception.

The Temple of Hercules Victor, located in the Forum Boarium in Rome, is one of the oldest surviving marble temples in the city, dating back to the 2nd century BCE during the Republican period. It was dedicated to Hercules, a hero of Greek mythology who was also widely worshipped in Rome, symbolizing strength and protection. The temple's circular design with a high podium and Corinthian columns reflects Hellenistic influence and was likely inspired by Greek models. Originally, it served as a place of worship and a religious center dedicated to Hercules Victor, emphasizing the importance of Hercules cults in Roman religion. Over the centuries, the temple fell into disuse but was preserved and reconstructed in the 20th century, and today it stands as a well-preserved example of Roman Republican architecture, attracting visitors interested in ancient Roman religious and architectural history.

The Teatro di Marcello, or Theater of Marcellus, in Rome was built between 13 and 11 BCE during Emperor Augustus's reign, as a grand entertainment venue named after his nephew and heir, Marcus Marcellus. Designed by architect Vitruvius, it was inspired by Greek theaters and could seat around 15,000 spectators, serving as a cultural hub for theatrical performances, concerts, and public gatherings. Unlike later Roman amphitheaters, it was a semi-circular, open-air structure with a multi-tiered seating arrangement and elaborate decorative elements. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the theater fell into disrepair, and much of its stone was repurposed for other buildings, but it was later restored and partially integrated into medieval and Renaissance architecture. Today, its preserved ruins serve as a prominent historic monument, illustrating Roman engineering and entertainment culture.

Piazza Venezia, located at the heart of Rome, has a rich history as a central hub of the city since ancient times, originally serving as a key intersection and commercial area during the Roman Republic and Empire. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it developed further with the construction of important buildings, including the Palazzo Venezia, which was a papal residence and later a seat of government, becoming a symbol of political power. The square gained prominence in the early 20th century when Benito Mussolini's regime transformed it into a grandiose space to showcase Fascist architecture, featuring the imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (Altare della Patria), completed in 1911 to honor Italy's unification. Today, Piazza Venezia remains a bustling central square, serving as a focal point for political demonstrations, public events, and as a gateway to Rome’s historic center, reflecting its layered history from ancient to modern times.

The Knights of Malta keyhole, located in Rome's Villa del Priorato di Malta, is famous for offering a unique view of St. Peter’s Basilica through a small, unassuming door in the Aventine Hill’s Santa Sabina walls. This secretive and intriguing spot has a history rooted in the Knights of Malta, a Catholic military order established in the 11th century, which later became a sovereign entity with its own territory and headquarters in Rome. The keyhole, part of the Villa del Priorato di Malta, was designed as a symbolic portal to spiritual and earthly power, and over time, it became a popular curiosity for visitors seeking a glimpse of the basilica framed perfectly through the narrow opening. Its fame grew in the 20th century when travelers and photographers appreciated the visual magic of the view, making it a well-known hidden gem that exemplifies the blend of history, mystique, and the enduring legacy of the Knights of Malta in Rome.

The Column of Trajan, erected between 113 and 116 AD in Rome, is a monumental Roman triumphal column celebrating Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars (101-102 and 105-106 AD). Located in Trajan's Forum, it stands approximately 30 meters tall, including its pedestal, and is renowned for its intricate spiral bas-relief frieze that vividly depicts the military campaigns, battles, and daily life of Roman soldiers, serving both as a visual record and propaganda of Trajan's military prowess. The column originally housed a statue of Trajan, which was later replaced by a statue of Saint Peter. Its innovative design, detailed narrative relief, and architectural grandeur have made it a masterpiece of Roman art and engineering, symbolizing imperial power and military success, and it remains one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Rome's imperial achievements.