Civitavecchia (Rome) Self-guided activities
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St. Peter's Basilica
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, commonly known as St. Peter's Basilica, is located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people. It is the symbolic "Mother church" of the Catholic Church and is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites. St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage, for its liturgical functions and for its historical associations. It is associated with the papacy, with the Counter-reformation and with numerous artists, most significantly Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age. Walk inside a magnificent 16th-century basilica that is sumptuously decorated in the finest marble. Gaze in awe at the majestic dome designed by Michelangelo—the tallest in the world.
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Google Satellite Map of the Basilica
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums, in Viale Vaticano in Rome, inside the Vatican City, are among the greatest museums in the world, since they display works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries.
Pope Julius II founded the museums in the 16th century. The Sistine Chapel and the Stanze della Segnatura decorated by Raphael are on the visitor route through the Vatican Museums.
Works on display include those by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, and Fra Angelico.
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Colosseum
The Colosseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81–96).
Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined due to damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and its breakthrough achievements in earthquake engineering.
Pantheon
The religious sanctuary originally known as the "Temple of All the Gods" is bedecked even today with opulence. Completed in 118 AD, the Pantheon is a wonder of Roman engineering, and is Rome's only classical building with its ceiling completely intact.
Via Condotti
This stylish street is a divine paradise for lovers of fashion and luxury. Stores for designers such as Valentino, Armani, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, and Salvatore Ferragamo all occupy spots along the boulevard. Don't miss Caffé Greco (Antico Caffé Greco), a famed café on Via Condotti that was established in 1760 and has drawn such historical figures as Goethe, Byron and Keats to sit for coffee and conversation.
Being near the Spanish steps the street is visited by large numbers of tourists.
