Every tourist destination has it’s attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary’s gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular place to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” You may find more about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, there may be “Walking Tours” of these places available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

The “Eternal City” of Rome should be high on every traveler’s bucket list. As the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome witnessed and played a part in much of the earliest history of Western Civilization. Roman laws and customs have shaped much of today’s world. Travel to Rome for at least the following reasons:

1. Walk through the Roman Forum to step on the same stones which were trod by Julius Caesar, Augustus, Cato, Cicero, and other great Romans.

Roman Forum

2. One of my favorite buildings in the world is considered one of the best-preserved ancient structures. The Pantheon, a temple to all religions, still functions as a church and greets millions of visitors annually.

Pantheon

3. Some of the world’s most beautiful piazzas (squares) can be found in Rome. My favorite is the Piazza Navona, an oval-shaped square which once held chariot races. Today it is best known for its three spectacular fountains.

Piazza Navona

4. Numerous other travel icons dot the city, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain.

Trevi Fountain