Italy 8 - Rome 4: Colosseum and around

The most complete part of the iconic Colosseum.


Again, long queue.


That's all that is left of Rome's greatest known monument. But if u "try to close ur eyes and picture how the ancient arena would have appeared in its heyday - the marble-covered building crammed with 50,000 spectators, completed with boxed seats, toilet facilities, refreshment stands and a giant retractable sail to act as a roof, watching gladiators fight panthers, hippopotami and crocodiles, and occasionally, one another" as suggested by the Lonely Planet, u'll be able to feel the greatness of this monument.




For a period, this place had been converted to stage religious performance.




The names of the benefactors can still be seen here, carved on the marbles at the first class seats.


Here's another one.


Bridal photography at the Colosseum.




The jump @ Colosseum.


Piazza Fontana.




This place was filled with various artists.


Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Bernini.


Details of the magnificient fountain.


The Pantheon.


Dome of the Pantheon - an architectural marvel.


Raphael's tomb in the Pantheon.


Trevi Fountain.


So crowded!


Piazza di Spagna. In the 18th century, beautiful Italians gathered here, hoping to be chosen as artist's models.


Today, u can still find many beauties there!


Children enjoying themselves.