The Roman Forum and the Palatine hill
This itinerary occurs in the heart of the monumental center of ancient Rome, where we’ll walk on Cicero’s or Julius Ceasar’s and other great past characters’ footprints.
Starting from the central square, we’ll enjoy the imposive remains of the tabularium and the curia, that was the place where senators were gathering; we’ll admire the rostra, namely the tribune from where politicians and rethors used to address people, the remains of the two basilicas and the many temples surrounding the forum valley. Behind the temple dedicated to Julius Ceasar we’ll see the fons Iuturnae, one of the most ancient worship places in town, and the small christian oratory dedicated to Forty Martyrs with its unique ancient medieval frescoes. Going up the via sacra, we’ll enjoy the temple dedicated to the emperor Antoninus Pius and his wife Faustina, the massive Maxentius’ basilica and the arch dedicated to emperor Titus, built in order to commemorate his victory in the Jewish war. From here we’ll climb up the Palatine hill, where, according to tradition, Rome was born and where we’ll see the post holes left by the primitive village built by Romulus. We’ll enjoy the remains of the sumptuous ancient emperors’residence walking through the throne room (or aula regia), the courtyards and the dining rooms covered with lavish marbles and we’ll finish our tour with an astonishing panoramic view on the Forum valley or the Circus Maximum.