THE ROMAN FORUM

Here we literally stumble across history, making the Latin lessons a reality: the Curia, the building where the Senate met, and the remains of the Committee, the square where the popular assemblies were held, the Lapis Niger, the Aerarium or Temple of Saturn and the Rostra, the tribune of the oratories. Along the Via Sacra we come across the remains of the Basilica Iulia, the temple of Julius Caesar, where an altar indicates the place where the dictator was cremated in 44 BC, the temple and the house of the Vestal Virgins, the priestesses in charge of the sacred fire, the triumphal arches and the mighty Basilica of Maxentius.

COLOSSEUM, ARCH OF CONSTANTINE AND PALATINE HILL:

One of the landmarks of Rome is definitely the Colosseum. It is the largest amphitheatre in the world and housed the most impressive games of antiquity: animal hunts, gladiator fights, but also executions. In the Middle Ages, the Colosseum also became a place of pilgrimage, oratories and a church were built there until it was struck by a strong earthquake in the late Middle Ages and thus became a building pit.
The Arch of Constantine, built to mark the triumph of the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, where, according to legend, Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, rises reverently next to the Colosseum.
Uphill, the route leads to the Palatine Hill, where the history of the Eternal City once began almost 3000 years ago. Here lived Romolus and Remus, the richest senators of the city and the greatest emperors of Roman antiquity. From here, the view sweeps over the hills and the Roman Forum.

CIRCUS MAXIMUS

Who doesn’t know the famous chariot race from Ben Hur – Charlton Heston raced through the Circus Maximus and brought the world of ancient Rome back to life. Sadly, not much of that setting remains, but you can still feel the vastness and grandeur of the former spectacle in the huge field.

THERMAL BATHS OF CARACALLA
The huge ruins of the Baths of Caracalla still transport visitors back to the most majestic baths of imperial times.
They were built by Emperor Caracalla at the beginning of the third century AD. The baths could accommodate up to 3000 people. In addition to the three main rooms, the Calidarium, the Tepidarium and the Frigidarium, there was a huge, magnificent Olympic swimming pool (Natatio) as well as rooms for massages, changing rooms, saunas and everything else that could serve the well-being of body and soul. The visit will allow us to get to know many aspects of daily life in ancient Rome, in particular the concept of otium, linked to personal care and hygiene, but also to the enrichment of the mind through reading and social relations.

VILLA DEI QUINTILI:
One of the largest suburban villas in Rome, the complex stood on the Via Appia Antica and was originally owned by the noble Quintili brothers.Accused of conspiracy and consequently sentenced to death by the Emperor Commodus, their property was confiscated and came into the possession of the Emperor himself and became part of the imperial estate.The villa was so elegant and prestigious that it welcomed the Emperor at his leisure. We will visit the site, paying special attention to the huge spa complex, part of which still retains its marble decorations. We can also admire the small but rich antiquarium, which displays valuable statues discovered during the archaeological excavations of recent decades.