Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

The history of the oldest buildings dates back to 7th century BC, to the reign of the first Etruscan king. But first important buildings connected with political, religious and civic life began to appear here during the reign of Claire Caesar. In addition to patrician houses here were built shops, temples, basilicas and markets. The most commonly used building material was marble, gilt metal and cut stones. Construction boom stopped in the early 2nd century AD. The reason was simple – there was no empty space here any more.

Foro Romano began to lose importance with the fall of the Roman Empire. The buildings then began to decay. Advanced and splendid city turned relatively quickly into ruins. A large fire even help it in the 3rd century. Following several earthquakes and barbarous conquerors destroyed almost the whole area. Marble stones were dismantled and used to build local houses or shipped to other parts of Italy, to build churches and palaces. Finally Foro Romano became untidy overgrown space again.

View Foro Romano – one of the most important archaeological sites in the world Italy in a larger map

In the 18th century, archaeologists discovered this area and immediately started to clean it. Slowly and carefully uncovered the remains of ancient buildings, and finally Foro Romano saw the light of day again. The first comprehensive archaeological survey was carried out at the turn of the 18th and 19th century under the leadership of the Italian archeologist Carlo Fea. In 1803 he discovered the remains of a massive arch Septimius Severus and later of the other temples as well. After these discoveries the place began to attract researchers from all over the world. The main archaeological works were completed in the early of the 20th century when many ruins of temples and basilicas were uncovered.

Visitors to Rome now can see at least a fraction of these beautiful ancient monuments that once dominated by Foro Romano.

Foro Romano is currently considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Although it cannot amaze visitors with its ancient beauty any more, attracts them with its glory and mysterious atmosphere.

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Trevi fountain / Photo by admin

The city sees between seven and ten million visitors annually. On holy years, this number can more than double to well over twenty million tourists. Last year alone, the Colosseum was vested by more than 4 million people while 4.2 million people made their way through the various museums of the Vatican. One of the biggest years in recent history was 2005 when more than 19.5 million visitors from all over the world made their way to the city.

For hundreds of years, the city of Rome has maintained its position as one of the most visited cities in the world. From the days of the vast and powerful Roman Empire to the rise of Christianity, billions of people have stepped foot in this most ancient of cities. However, there was a time when Rome did see a fall in tourism; during the revolutions of the 1870s.

Pantheon, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

The Vatican Museums are considered to be the 37th most popular destination in the entire world today. The Colosseum on the other hand is ranked at number 39. St. Peter’s Basilica is perhaps the next most visited place in the city. Then of course there is the Pantheon, Forum Romanum, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain which are well-known hot spots in Rome. Many visitors also stop by the Piazza Navona, Castel Sant’Angelo, Quirinal Palace as well as the Lateran Palace while they are in the city.

There is something romantic about having the opportunity to see some of the oldest manmade structures in the world; some dating back several thousand years.

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