Italy has been center of cultural and intellectual activities of world since long. Right from the ancient when Rome was symbol of wealth, prosperity, luxury and exclusivity. For thousands of years, Rome was the most politically important, richest and largest city in the Western world, and remained so after the Roman Empire started to decline and was split, later Rome ultimately lost its capital status to Milan and then Ravenna, and was surpassed in prestige by the Eastern capital Constantinople (Turkey).

The monuments and symbols of ancient Rome are most popular architectural heritage of world tourism these days. Some unforgettable gifts of Ancient Rome to world tourism are:

Ancient Roman Monuments

Colosseum the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire is one of the finest examples of Roman prosperity. Originally capable of seating 60,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial combat. The list of the very important monuments of ancient Rome includes the Roman Forum, the Domus Aurea, the Pantheon, Trajan's Column, Trajan's Market, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Ara Pacis, the Arch of Constantine, the Pyramid of Cestius, and the Bocca Della Verità. Even today people can experience the history and prosperous living of Rome through its monuments.

Mediaeval Roman Heritage

Medieval Roman Architecture is famous for carving beauti out of buildings and other establishments. The whole world accepted and used Roman Architectural concept sometimes in true form or sometimes mixed with own style sense.

Mosaic and fresco art is one of the popular arts of this Roman medieval period which is visible in the churches of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santi Quattro Coronati and Santa Prassede. Lay buildings include several towers, among which largest towers, the Torre delle Milizie and the Torre dei Conti, both next the Roman Forum, and the huge staircase leading to the basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli.

Renaissance Period

Rome was centre of Renaissance period along with Florence. Rome experienced several changes during that period. The most impressive masterpiece of Renaissance architecture in Rome is the Piazza del Campidoglio by Michel Angelo, along with the Palazzo Senatorio. Rome is also famous for huge and majestic squares, many of them built in the 17th century. The most significant example of such squares are Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Farnese and Piazza della Minerva.

There are several things in Rome which couldn't be described in only few worlds. Watch out our next article for more information on Roman Heritage.

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