Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Situated on the Esquiline hill, the impressive Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was built during the time of Pope Sixtus III. Its beautiful interior is decorated with mosaics dating from the 5th century, though its main façade was added in the 18th century. 5 minute walk from the hostel

The Colosseum was comlpeted in AD 80. At its peak it could seat up to 50,000 spectators who came to watch bloody combats between gladiators and wild beasts. 10 minute walk from the hostel, or take metro line B two stops from Termini to Colosseo.

Foro Romano The political, religious and commercial centre of life in ancient Rome, the Forum was constructed over the course of 900 years in the valley between the Capitoline and Palentine hills. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, the Forum too lost its importance, and during the middle ages was plundered for building materials. Some of the numerous famous remains found in the Roman Forum include the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the Column of Phocus, the Temple of Julius Caesar, the House of the Vestal Virgins, the Arch of Titus, and the Basilica of Constantine. 15 minute walk from the hostel.

	Fori Imperiali Imperial Forum The Fori Imperiali lie along the Via dei Fori Imperiali just outside of Piazza Venezia and include the Foro di Cesare, the Foro della Pace, the Foro di Augusto, and the Foro Traiano. Together they constituted a center for commercial, political, religious, and social activities. 15 minute walk from the hostel
	Palatino Palatine Hill The Palatine Hill was one of the seven hills of Rome. According to legend, it was here that, under the direction of Romulus, the first settlers built their huts. It later became a residential district, and eventually the site of the imperial palaces of such famous and infamous emperors as Caligula, Nero, Tiberius, and Domitian. 15 minute walk from the hostel

Circo Massimo Circus Maximum The Circo Massimo is thought to have once been the most impressive structure in ancient Rome. It could seat up to 250,000 people who assembled to watch the imperial chariot races. In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance builders looted the structure for its stone, and today little more than the vast, empty field remains. 20 minute walk from hostel, or take Metro line B three stops to Circo Massimo

Campidoglio The centre of government in Ancient Rome, the Campidolgio is now the seat of Rome's municipal government. Designed by Michaelangelo in the 16th century, the Piazza del Campidoglio contains the bronze esqustrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, as well as a fountain containing a marble statue of Minerva from the time of Domitian. 20 minute walk from the hostel.

Vittoriano Monument to Victor Emmanuel The grandiose Monument to Victor Emmanuel dominates Piazza Venezia and has, since its construction, met with mixed opinions. It was built in the late 1880's to honor Italy's first king. An eternal flame burns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the exterior of the monument, and the interior houses the Museo del Risorgimento. 15 minute walk from hostel

The Pantheon constructed in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, and later reconstructed at the end of the 2nd century AD by Hadrian, is the only one of the great Roman buildings that remains intact. Its extraordinary dome is considered the most important achievment of ancient Roman architecture. 20 minute walk from the hostel

Piazza Navona Piazza Navona was built on the top of the ruins of the stadium of Domitian, a fragment of which can still be seen from outside the piazza under a building on its north side. In the center of the piazza is Bernini' s famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, whose four stone figures represent the world's great rivers - the Ganges, Danube, della Plata, and Nile. In the Middle Ages the piazza was flooded to stage mock navel battles. 30 minute walk from hostel

Fontana di Trevi The Trevi Fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732, depicts the figure of Neptunus Rex standing on a shell chariot drawn by winged horses. Its name refers to the three roads (tre vie), which converged at the fountain. Tradition has it that if you stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your shoulder with your right hand, you are sure to return to Rome one day. 15 minute walk from the hostel.

Piazza di Spagna Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps take their names from the Spanish Embassy, which used to be located here, although the steps and the church they lead up to, Trinità dei Monti, were built by the French. The fountain in the piazza is believed to be by Bernini's father, Pietro Bernini. 15 minute walk from the hostel, or take metro line A from Termini to Spagna

Basilica di S. Pietro The construction of St. Peter's Basilica began at the start of the 16th century and took over 150 years to complete. While many architects and artists contributed to its design, its most important contributor is held to be Michelangelo, who took over the project in 1547 at the age of 72. Metro line A from Termini to Ottaviano-S. Pietro, six stops or 40 minutes walk from the hostel.

Città Vaticano Vatican City Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, created in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty between Pope Pius XI and the Italian government. It controls an enormous collection of treasures from antiquity and the Renaissance, among them Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescos. Metro line A from Termini to Ottaviano-S. Pietro, six stops or 40 minutes walk from the hostel.

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano San Giovanni, not St. Peter's, is the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, and the one which Catholics all over the world consider their "mother church". Originally built in AD 314 by Constantine, it has had to be reconstructed several times over the centuries, and only fragments of the original structure remain. Take metro line A from Termini to S.Giovanni or 15 minutes walk from the hostel. .

Outside Rome

Tivoli

Tivoli lies about an hour's drive east of Rome. The ancient Roman emperors retreated to luxurious villas lining the ravine here. Among the most impressive is Hadrian's Villa, built by the emperor in the 2nd century. Though the Villa itself was, like many other treasures of the ancient Roman world, plundered over the centuries for its marble, it remains an extraordinary sight, and well worth the trip outside Rome. Also in Tivoli are the spectacular gardens of the Villa d'Este, built in the 16th century and designed by Pirro Ligorio.

To get to Tivoli by public transportation, take Metro line B to the last stop, Rebibbia. Exit the station and take a Cotral bus the rest of the way to Tivoli.

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica was the port of ancient Rome, founded at the mouth of the Tiber in the 4th century BC. For about eight centuries it was a thriving and prosperous city full of baths, temples, theatres, and patrician homes, and then it began to wither and finally fade away into history. The site was remarkably preserved thanks to a mud covering. From 1938 to 1942, the major archaeological work of unearthing it was carried out under Mussolini.

To get there by public transportation take Metro line B to the Magliana stop and change there for the Lido train to Ostia Antica.

Ostia Lido

If you are feeling like the beach, you can hop back on the train at Ostia Antica and take it to its end at Ostia Lido. This is the seashore town Romans come to in the hot summer months. Most of the beaches charge entrance fees, but a few are free. There are plenty of pizzerias and restaurants, and a few night spots, along the main strip.

To get there by public transportation take Metro line B to Magliana stop and change there for the Lido train to Ostia Lido.

Frascati

Frascati is located some 13 miles out of Rome high up on an ancient volcanic ridge. It is one of the most beautiful of the hill towns surrounding Rome, and is famed for its fruity white wines.

To get there take Metro line A to Subaugusta, and from there take a Cotral bus to Frascati; or take the train from the Ferrovie Laziali section of Termini train station.