Rome (Pt. 2/2)
Our tour of Rome continues on with one of the world's most famous buildings - the Colosseum. Opened in A.D. 80 and seating more than 50,000 spectators, this impressive arena was home to countless gladiator fights for more than 400 years. While a good portion of the structure has been lost throughout the centuries, there's still plenty left to explore - making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
Once the heart and marketplace of the city, today the Roman Forum lies in a sprawling heap of ruins. With likes of Julius Caesar and Mark Antony once walking across these grounds - there's history everywhere you go. The entire complex was abandoned shortly after the fall of the Roman Empire and quickly fell into a state of disrepair - much of the stone here was used by the locals, leaving many of the legendary temples incomplete. Finally, near the end of the 18th century, large scale excavations started to take place, preserving this legendary landmark. The entire complex remains sunken under the street level - the result of countless excavations over the years.
One of the most beautiful and romantic spots in all of Rome is the heart-shaped Villa Borghese park, located in the center of the city. The Giardino del Lago (Lake Garden) is a popular destination - there's no better way to spend a day than renting a boat and rowing across these peaceful waters. With cherry trees dotting much of the park - spring is a truly magical time of year here.
The next stop is the Verano Cemetery - a spot with plenty of history as many famous people have been buried here over the centuries. Since it's founding in the early 19th century, its been one of the cities most important cemeteries ever since.
Just behind St. Peter's Square in The Vatican lies the stunning dome of St. Peter's Basilica - standing 448 feet tall, it's by far the tallest historic building in the area. Regarded by many as being one of the holiest Catholic shrines on the face of the planet - it's been the traditional burial site for popes and other important religious figures since the 10th century. To this day, the structure remains a place of pilgrimage - with the pope making common appearances for liturgies.
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-korver
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Previous Update: "Rome (Pt. 1/2)"
Thanks to @Tyberius06, @Fantozzi, @RandyE, @scotttbarry, @gigius76, @Silur, @Manuel-ito, @huzman, @jakis, @CorinaMarie, @mike_oxlong, @Toby Ferrian, @mrsmartman, @tariely, @_Michael, @bobolee, @matias93, @raynev1, @Jonas_Chaves, @MushyMushy, @The British Sausage, @redfox85, @Mr Saturn64, @SC4L0ver, & @Krasner for all the likes and reactions 
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