Rome Photos

Take a virtual tour with this introductory Rome picture gallery. You'll see photos of Rome's most popular tourist sights including ancient Roman sites, churches, and lavish fountains and squares. Enjoy the splendor of Rome, the Eternal City.

The Roman Colosseum, constructed between 70 and 82 AD by Emperors Vespasian and Titus Flavian, is the heart of ancient Rome. Once used for fierce gladiator and wild animal fights, today it's one of Italy's top tourist attractions. Here's a look at both the exterior and interior of the Colosseum.

The Baths of Diocletian were the largest public baths in ancient Rome, covering 32 acres and accommodating up to 3000 bathers. Today part of the ancient bath complex belongs to the National Roman Museum and holds a display of painted tombs, funerary urns, and sarcophagi. Take a closer look with these photos.

The Basilica of Saint John Lateran, or San Giovanni in Laterano, is Rome's cathedral. The Baroque cathedral holds six papal tombs and the papal altar is said to contain many relics. Take a look inside the Basilica with these photos.

Rome is a top Italian city to visit during the Christmas holiday season. From early December through Epiphany on January 6 the city comes alive with a Christmas market in Piazza Navona, huge Christmas trees in Piazza Venezia and Saint Peter's Square, and the display of nativity scenes. Take a look at Rome during the Christmas season with our pictures from December, 2009.

Piazza Navona is lined with luxurious cafes and Baroque palaces but tourists come mainly to view the three lavish Renaissance fountains. Fontana Dei Fiumi, the central fountain, is said to be the most complex of all the fountains in Rome. It was created by Bernini in the early 1650s. Take a virtual walk around Piazza Navona.

Although not nearly as popular as Piazza Navona, Piazza Farnese, between Campo dei Fiori and the Tiber River, is one of my favorite squares in Rome. The square has two unusual bathtub fountains, made of tubs taken from the Baths of Caracalla. Hotel Residenza in Farnese (read my review) is just off the piazza and is a nice place to stay. Enjoy our photos of Piazza Farnese.

Villa Torlonia, a lavish 19th century villa in Rome, was the residence of former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from 1925 through 1943. The grounds are open to the public free of charge and there are two museums at Villa Torlonia. During summer concerts are held in the gardens. Take a look at the villa and grounds with these photos.

Beneath the grounds of Villa Torlonia are well-preserved Jewish catacombs, possibly the oldest in Rome, with some amazing frescoes. Here's a look at the catacombs on Europe Travel.