Considered as the iconic symbol of Rome, Colosseum is the largest ever built an amphitheater in the world. With its unique structure and design, Colosseum attracts millions of visitors every year. Anyone in Rome can’t miss visiting this iconic site.
However, there are many other historical places near the Colosseum which you can discover on your tour to Rome.
1.The Salita del Grillo and the Trajan’s Market
Located just near the entrance of the Imperial Forum Piazza del Grillo is an enchanting square made in the honor of Grillo Family. It is a must-see site near the Colosseum which many tourists miss to visit. The Salita del Grillo is a picturesque street in Rome which is surrounded by ancient buildings. On your way to the walk on the street, we can see the panoramic view of the historical Trajan’s Market. It is one of the most famous places in Rome after the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
There are ruins from the medieval period of Rome which includes markets, storehouses, and offices where the Ancient Romans discussed their business. The entrance to Trajan’s Market is from the Militia Tower which is at the top of the Salita del Grillo.
Visiting here gives you the experience of the transformation of the city in a different era.
2.The Mamertine Prison
The Mamertine prison was built to incarcerate the enemies of Rome in ancient times. It is located near the Imperial Forum in the foot of Capitoline Hills in Rome. It was originally a cistern that was converted as a prison around 640-616 BC for the inmates to spend their last days in the darkroom. It is said that Peter and Paul imprisoned in the Mamertine prison. As per the myth, they create a spring in the cell to baptisms on his guards and cellmates. There is also a story continues from the history that banged his head on the wall of the prison. The mark is still on the wall today.
3.The Basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati
Located just near the Colosseum, this basilica is lesser-known by the visitors. It was built in the 4th century to give honor to the four anonymous soldiers who refused to execute the Christian group. Pope Pasquale II rebuilt the building after it gets destroyed in 1084 by the Normans. Chapel of St. Sylvester is the best artwork here. We can get access to it through a small gate on the left of the site. There is also a beautiful garden in the Basilica which gives a pleasant feeling.
So, on your trip to Rome, don’t miss the opportunity to admire such an iconic treasure in Rome.
4.The Basilica of Saint Clemente
Despite being located between the Colosseum and Saint John Lateran Basilica, it is not famous among the visitors. The Basilica of Saint Clemente depicts the three different eras by its three floors. The lowest floor is an underground set of rooms features to a 1st-century Mithraeum. Above this floor, the first Christian church was made in the 4th century. The church was rebuilt after Normnans destroyed it in 1084. The current basilica is on the first floor which is embellished by the wall paintings and other artworks.
Visit here to retrace the history of 20 centuries. We must recommend visiting this place on your Rome tour.
Also Read: Colosseum Underground Tour: Going Behind the Scenes
5.The Basilica of Saint Stephen in the Round on the Caelian Hill
Dedicated to the first king of Hungary, Saint Stephen, It is considered as the National Church in Rome of Hungary. The basilica was built in the 5th century. It is different from another basilica for its timbered ceiling and circular design. The area is surrounded by beautiful gardens and Roman Walls. The interior of the Basilica has four chapels making a cross and marble columns that create amazing plays of light and shadow. Apart from this, the church is also famous for its incredible artworks. The walls have portraits of 34 scenes from the tortures of Christians during their martyrdom.
6.The Roman Houses on the Caelian Hill
It is a place of public interest where there is the buried of the ancient Roman houses of the 1st to 4th centuries. Located on the Caelian Hill is was discovered in 1887. There are more than 20 rooms having different structures. Most of the rooms depict the paintings from the 3rd to 12th centuries. These paintings make the visitors understand how the Roman houses and shops were decorated with the period.
