Rome’s Most Fascinating Architectural Masterpieces

Italian architecture is some of the most brilliant and beautiful in the world. From the Greeks and Etruscans through Neoclassicism to the modern day, the architecture of Italy is diverse, captivating, and full of masterpieces. In this installment of our series on Italian architecture, we explore two of the most popular tourist sites: the breathtaking Sistine Chapel and the imposing Colosseum.

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is the main chapel of the Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s residence in Vatican City. When a pope dies, the College of Cardinals meets here to determine the new pope. In addition to its architecture, the Chapel is revered for the artwork on its walls and ceiling, painted by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance including Michelangelo and Botticelli.

Pope Sixtus IV commissioned the Chapel in the 15^th Century, hence its name. It was completed centuries later, and its architecture is a combination of Medieval and Renaissance. Like other churches built during the same era, the exterior of the rectangular brick Sistine Chapel lacks decoration or ornate architecture. It has no exterior doorways, as its entrance is inside the palace.

The Chapel shares the same measurements as the Temple of Solomon in the Old Testament: 134 feet long by 44 feet wide. The vaulted ceiling is 68 feet high, and the side walls have six centered, arched windows in addition to two windows at either end. Around each window are frescoes, and above the ceiling is a third story with accommodations for guards.

As in other churches of the time, the ceiling vault is not angular as we’re used to in our homes; travertine crossribs flatten and divide it into separate gridlike areas. In the center, Michelangelo painted scenes from the Book of Genesis, such as the Creation of Adam and The Great Flood. The ceiling is a fascinating blend of Michelangelo’s Genesis paintings and depictions of Ignudi, prophets, and ancestors of Christ, as well as circular shields and medallions and stone rams’ heads.

Coliseum

Located in the center of Rome, the Coliseum, or Colosseum, was originally the Flavian Amphitheater. Built between 70 and 80 AD, it was the largest coliseum built during the Roman Empire. Used for contests between gladiators, executions, animal hunts, and theatrical plays, the Coliseum was a gathering place for residents of ancient Rome and is still one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Ravaged by fire and earthquakes, the Coliseum stands today in a partially damaged state.

The Coliseum’s elliptical shape is similar to two Roman theaters back to back and is 615 feet long and 510 feet wide, with an outer wall of 157 feet in height. The outer wall has sustained extensive damage from earthquakes, but the intact area of the wall has three stories of travertine stone archways with a fourth-story attic. Each lower floor’s architectural style is different: the first floor is Doric, the second is Ionic, and the third is Corinthian.

Main entrance arches were located on the four sides of the building, and the remaining arches were numbered, much like a sports stadium today. The number of arches also made it possible to quickly fill and evacuate the 87,000 seats. Seats were tiered, as was Roman society at the time. Like our arenas, box seats at the north and south ends provided the best views and were reserved for the emperor. Seats at the same level and directly above and below were for senators, nobles, and the wealthy, respectively. The uppermost seats were for the poor.

The Coliseum also featured a complex underground tunnel and cage area known as the hypogeum. This area held animals, gladiators, and prisoners in preparation for the day’s entertainment and raised them to the surface with some form of hydraulic lift.  

As you stand in the Sistine Chapel or among the ruins of the Coliseum, you feel the magic of Michelangelo and the brutality and beauty of the Roman Empire. No matter which you choose to visit, you’ll walk away with vivid memories and the feeling that you’ve been part of history, even for just a moment.

Who is ready for a Roman Holiday?

Italy Bound:From Fast-Paced Rome to the Tuscan Countryside

No matter where you visit in Italy, the feeling of romance and historic presences are a constant. But, deciding on where you want to go in Italy is dictated by what you desire to see and do.

Below are highlights of some of Italy’s most visited cities and quaint countryside regions to give you a better understanding about what some of the destinations in Italy have to offer on your next vacation:

The Cities

Florence

The combined vision of religious landmarks, Italian architecture, and earthy aromas give Florence, Italy, its captivating medieval aura. As you walk along the cobblestone-lined, narrow streets past quaint cafés and bustling outdoor markets, you can’t help but feel envious of the lifestyle these Italians lead. The art, history, and cultural presence reflected in every element of Florence are what give this city its reputation as being one of Italy’s most renowned destinations.

A day in Florence:

Begin your morning with a delightful cup of steaming espresso and a chocolate croissant at one of Florence’s charming cafés. Afterwards visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to witness one of Michelangelo’s most renowned masterpieces, David, as well as significant pieces that date all the way back to the fourteenth century.

After an enriching experience at the Galleria dell’Accademia, stroll through the quaint streets and enter bustling markets filled with brightly colored pashmina scarves, handcrafted jewelry, local artwork, and clothing. 

Continuing through the streets, absorb  the rich aroma of Italian leather before entering a store filled with leather-bound notebooks, authentic leather gloves, purses, wallets, shoes, jackets, and messenger bags.

It’s not long before you are captivated by a new aroma, fresh pizza and panini. Indulge your palette before moving to the world-famous religious site: the Duomo. With a remarkable Renaissance dome, breathtaking stained-glass windows, gothic interior, and regal statues, this astonishing Roman Catholic cathedral is arguably Florence’s most profound works of art.

Your day ends at the Mercato Centrale where you delight in the sight of fresh cheeses, cured meats, butcher stands, and baskets of handmade pasta.

Rome

Quite possibly the most famous city in Italy, Rome is known for its rich history and landmarks, world-renowned art scene, astonishing fashion and shopping, and savory cuisine. Alive with the spirits of past artisan masters such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci and past religious icons such as Pope John Paul II and St. Peter the apostle, Rome’s significant figures demand the attention of all travelers who visit.

A day in Rome:

You awake to the exciting sounds of Roman city life bustling outside of your lavish, renaissance-inspired hotel room. After enjoying a cup of Italian espresso, head to the famous St. Peter’s Basilica where you’ll be able to view 140 statues of Saints that were sculpted in the 1600s, as well as observe tombs of past Popes, including St. Peter and Pope John Paul II.

Afterwards, travel to the nearby Vatican Museums where you’ll venture past some of the world’s most magnificent works of art including 18^th- and 19^th-century ceramics, tapestries, religious art, ancient maps and more. Some museum areas you may choose to visit include the Upper Galleries, which includes The Biga Room, Galleries of the Candelabra, tapestries, and maps–Sala delle Dame, Chapel of Nicholas V, Sistine Rooms, and much more.

Now, it’s time to enter one of the world’s most sacred territories and famous works of art: the Sistine Chapel. As you enter this holy realm, witness some of Michelangelo’s most profound ceiling frescos including his nine stories of Genesis. The walls also contain magnificent frescos reflecting scenes from the Old Testament and the New Testament, as well as the portraits of the Popes.

After an exciting and jaw-dropping day at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, enjoy a delightful dinner at a charming bistro where you’ll delight in some of Rome’s most delectable cuisines and bold wines.

As you retire to the comfort of your luxurious suite, anticipate tomorrow’s exciting activities, which include the cascading Spanish Steps, the regal Coliseum, and the astounding Pantheon.

The Countryside

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, meaning five lands, is an area comprised of five neighboring villages that are all nestled along the romantic Italian Riviera. The combined beauty of the dramatic cliffs, brightly colored homes and cottages, and winding paths that intertwine these five villages create the quaint and majestic ambiance that Cinque Terre is so famous for.

A day in Cinque Terre:

After visiting one of Italy’s ancient cities, enjoy a soothing train ride to the quaint Italian countryside, Cinque Terre. As you exit the train, stop into one of Cinque Terre’s intimate cafés for a quick bite before exploring the quiet Italian village life of the region.

Once you’ve ventured along the winding hiking paths of the Mediterranean coastline Cinque Terre sits along, strap on your bathing suit for a relaxing afternoon on one of Cinque Terre’s sandy beaches. Or, sit atop a giant rock on the water’s edge as you sketch the brightly colored cottages staggered along the cliffs.

As the evening sets in, enjoy a scrumptious meal at a private outdoor table with a bottle of house wine and the soft sounds of the ocean before retreating to your lavish villa for a good night’s rest.

Tuscan Countryside

Nothing is more soothing and culturally enriching than the Tuscan countryside. Lined with towering Italian cypress trees, bright sunflowers, and impeccably manicured lawns, the Tuscan countryside is nothing short of divine. Whether you want to experience long bike rides, a stroll through picturesque piazzas, or wine and cheese tasting tours, the Tuscan countryside is a destination for total relaxation and personal enlightenment.

A day in the Tuscan Countryside:

After awaking in your private Tuscan villa that overlooks the sprawling countryside, delight in a warm cup of cappuccino and a fresh cup of fruit.

Begin your day exploring local piazzas surrounded by local leather shops, gelato stands, art boutiques, and perfume shops before embarking on your private wine- and cheese-tasting tour.

As you visit some of Tuscany’s most renowned vineyards, you’ll explore ancient wine cellars and taste some of the world’s finest wines. Afterwards, indulge your palette with a visit to a cheese- and cured-meats farm where you’ll learn about the meat- and cheese-making process and take your first bite of pecorino cheese topped with warm honey.

Your day ends at a rustic Tuscan village dinner table where you’ll delight in traditional Italian farm cuisine and wines purchased from the vineyards you visited earlier in the day.

Which would you prefer to visit the cities of Italy or the countryside of Italy?