The Pantheon is a building in Rome that was begun in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa. It was completely rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian sometime between AD 118 and 128.  The dome was the largest built until modern times, measuring about 43 m in diameter, and rising to a height of 22 m above its base.  Dedicated in AD 609 as the Church of the Santa Maria Rotunda, it holds he tomb of the artist Raphael.

Piazza Navona is a marvel of light and sculpture. It is exceptionally long and owes its shape to the ruins that formed it, the Circus Domitian -- a part of which can still be seen.  In the center of the piazza is Bernini's  la Fontana dei Fiumi (Four Rivers) erected in 1651. Piazza Navona is an extremely lively place filled with local artists selling their art.

Campo dei Fiori translated literally from Italian, means "field of flowers." The name was first given during the Middle Ages when the area was actually a meadow.  The philosopher  Giordano Bruno was burnt alive by the Roman Inquisition.  Today it serves as an open market during the day, and is a popular spot for young people to gather at night.

Ponte Vitorio Emanuele II  (Vittorio Emanuele II Bridge) was dedicated to the first king of Italy and inaugurated in 1911, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the reign.  It is the most monumental bridge among all those built after Rome became the capital of Italy.  From this bridge you will see magnificent views of both St. Peter's basilica and the Castel Sant'Angelo.

The Tiber River is the third-longest river in Italy has achieved lasting fame as the main watercourse of the city of Rome which was founded on its eastern banks.  We'll enjoy magnificent views of the Castel Sant'Angelo and the cupola of St. Peter's Basilica, as well as Mussolini's famous Romanesque statues which adorn the Vittorio Emanuele II bridge.

 

Castel Sant’Angelo was built by the Emperor Hadrian (117-138) as a Mausoleum for himself and his successors. In 1277, it was connected to the Vatican by the famous corridor, a safety passage that runs along the top of the encircling wall of the Vatican and the Popes used it as a fortress and a prison. The bridge in front (Ponte degli Angeli) is adorned by some of Bernini’s most beautiful and interesting statues.

St. Peter’s Square is one of Rome’s greatest sites. Bernini's square and colonnade form a superb entryway to the greatest church of Christendom, dominated by the magnificent Dome of Michelangelo. The basilica rises over the foundations of a paleochristian Church, which, according to tradition, was built over the tomb of the Martyred Apostle Peter.

Starting point of afternoon tour. Your guide will meet you at the right corner of the Pantheon as you face it. (The corner of Salita de' Crescenzi & Via della Rotonda)  To see the meeting point and meeting time, click on the link below: