| Rome is famous for its many monuments and | | | | Elsewhere in the Roman Forum you can see the |
| buildings which are left over from ancient times. It | | | | Arch of Septimius Severus. This was built back in |
| is quite an experience to see structures such as | | | | the year 203AD, and it towers 23 metres above |
| the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus and the | | | | the ground. The detail on the arch itself is quite |
| Pantheon when you realise they stand alongside | | | | amazing, especially when you consider all the |
| far more modern buildings. | | | | centuries that have passed since it was first |
| The key location to visit is not the Colosseum, | | | | constructed. |
| although this is of course well worth seeing. Your | | | | While some of the Roman Forum has survived |
| first destination should be the Roman Forum. | | | | remarkably well, other parts of it stand in ruins. A |
| When you see what makes up the Roman Forum | | | | key example is the Temple of Castor and Pollux. |
| you will see why it draws so many visitors each | | | | These are the two twins who are known as |
| and every year. It isn’t just a building; it is | | | | Gemini – the word actually means twins in |
| comprised of various temples, arches and basilicas. | | | | Latin. |
| As such there is enough here to keep you busy | | | | Just three fragile looking pillars are left soaring up |
| and exploring for a whole day, even longer if you | | | | into the sky. At some point between the fourth |
| explore every structure in detail. | | | | century and the 15th century, most of the |
| Be prepared to do a bit of walking if you want to | | | | structure was destroyed in one or more events, |
| see everything, and make a plan of where you | | | | the origins of which remain a mystery. The |
| would like to go first if you can. Make sure you | | | | chances are we will never know what happened. |
| take plenty of bottled water with you too – if | | | | As you can see, the Roman Forum offers a |
| you are visiting during the summer months you | | | | chance to look back into ancient Roman history in |
| will find it hard going at times due to the heat. | | | | a way no other single structure does in the city. |
| Some locations are more popular than others, | | | | There are many temples and arches present that |
| such as the Temple of Caesar for example. This | | | | tell their own story, and if you want to book a |
| has been standing since 29BC. The temple was | | | | room in one of the many Rome hotels available |
| built after Caesar was murdered by those in | | | | nearby, you too can look forward to going back |
| attendance at the Senate. Be ready to encounter | | | | in time and standing where the likes of Julius |
| the crowds if you visit during the main part of the | | | | Caesar once stood. |
| day – stick to the cooler hours if you can. | | | | |