Steven Sklifas - Writer Photographer

Images in this photo gallery are from the section of the ancient Roman road known as The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) in the Park of the Appia Antica in Southern Rome. Celebrated as “the queen of the long roads” in antiquity, the Appian Way is an impressive feat of Roman engineering and named after Roman Censor Appius Claudius Caecus, who completed a section of the road to the south in 312BC. originally built for military, the road linked Rome to Brindisi, Apulia, in southeast Italy and opened up trade routes with Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. The road is famous for notable historical events. In the year 71 BC, saw the crucifixion of ex gladiator Spartacus and his army of 6000 slaves who revolted against the Romans.  Also, according to legend, Saint Peter, whilst fleeing Rome and Emperor Nero, saw a vision of Jesus Christ, which compelled him to return to Rome and to accept his fate.

Images in this gallery are of the southern Rome district of Aventine. Aventine, the southernmost of Rome's seven fabled hills, is an elegant high class and quiet residential area with many fine historic churches and fabulous elevated views of Rome.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), the ancient Roman Public baths and leisure centre which were completed in AD 217 during the reign of the Roman Emperor Caracalla. The vast Baths of Caracalla are in the Caelian Hill (Celian Hill) area of Southern Rome, Italy.

Images in this gallery are from Capitoline Hill and nearby surrounding sights. Capitoline Hill, also known as the Capitol, was the citadel of Ancient Rome and a highlight of any trip to Rome. The smallest of the seven hills, Capitoline hill packs a big punch with Michelangelo's magnificent Renaissance Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitol Square) which continues to mesmerize visitors as it has since the 16th century. The grand square has a copy of the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius at its centre and is surrounded by the twin buildings, Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori which house museums and at its rear is the 14th century Palazzo Senatorio. 

Images in this photo gallery are of the Ponte Sant’ Angelo and Castel Sant'Angelo, both on the west bank of the Tiber River in the Borgo neighbourhood of Rome. Both the bridge and castle were built around 134-139 AD. The Ponte Sant’ Angelo which is lined with Bernini designed Angel figures. The bridge crosses the River Tiber and leads to the Castel Sant’Angelo, which was built as the Mausoleum of Roman Emperor Hadrian.

Images in this gallery are of the Centro Storico area of Rome. Highlights Include: The Arco Farnese, an on Via Giulia which is one of the most picturesque streets in a Rome. Laid out in the 16th century the long flat cobbled street is lined with fine garden courtyards, beautiful Renaissance palaces and small churches. The Palazzo Farnese at the piazza bearing its name. The Palazzo Farnese is widely considered to be the most beautiful renaissance building in Rome. Begun in 1514, many great architects contributed to its design, including Michelangelo who gave it the grand cornice and the central balcony. Today the Palazzo is home to the French Embassy. The Chiesa S.Brigida (Church of Santa Brigida) is located at Piazza Farnese. Built in 1513 and restored in 18th century the small convent church is dedicated to the Swedish Saint Bridget and the facade and the interior bear the coat of arms of Pope Clemens XI. The 15th century Palazzo della Cancelleria (Palace of the Chancellery). The inner courtyard is lined with forty-four Egyptian granite columns that were originally used for the Theatre of Pompey where Julius Caesar was assassinated. The Chiesa di Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza (Church of Saint Yves at the Sapienza). Built between 1642-1600 by architect Francesco Borromini, the church is located in the interior courtyard of the Palazzo della Sapienza, former site of the University of Rome. The church is considered a masterpiece of Roman Baroque architecture. The pedestrian Ponte Fabricio which crosses over the River Tiber and links the mainland to the tiny Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) located in the middle of the River. Ponte Fabricio dates from 62 BC making it the oldest standing bridge in Rome. It is also known as Ponte dei Quattro Capi due to the 4-faced Janus images found on it. The Baroque Chiesa Nuova or Santa Maria in Vallicella which was completed in 1606.

Images in this photo gallery are of the Colosseum or Coliseum or Flavian Amphitheatre, which they originally knew it as, and the Arch of Constantine (Arco di Constantino). Both are in the centre of Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historical centre of Rome listing. The epic Colosseum exterior is one of ancient Rome's greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Completed in A.D. 80, the monumental four storey building is the largest amphitheatre ever built by the Romans and endures as an emblem of past glories. The Colosseum at its peak accommodated 70,000 spectators to watch gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and they could flood the arena for mock sea battles. The well-preserved Arch of Constantine (Arco di Constantino) is a triumphal arch situated beside the Colosseum. Erected in 315 AD to honour Constantine's victory over co-emperor Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312 AD. Most of the reliefs on the war memorial were taken from older buildings from previous centuries, which were probably disused and demolished.

Images in this gallery are of EUR, a district of Rome officially known as the Esposizione Universale Roma (also known as E.42).

Images in this gallery of the area encompassing Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo). The hill is in western Rome across the Tiber and is the second highest in Rome. Highlights Include: The Fontana dell’ Acqua Paola, a monumental white marble fountain. Commissioned by Pope Paul V, and designed by Giovanni Fontana, the fountain dates from 1612 and was built to commemorate the reopening of a 2nd century aqueduct. The large semicircular granite basin was added by Carlo Fontana in 1690. The 1895 Giuseppe Garibaldi monument dedicated General Garibaldi and those who fought against the French and other nations in the Italian wars of independence. The 1941 Janiculum ossuary mausoleum, which houses the remains of those who fought along Garibaldi in defence of Rome against the French in 1849 and 1870. It has inscribed on a marble slab the names of all of those that died. The Manfredi or Victory Lighthouse. Erected in 1911 during the Rome Exposition, the lighthouse was a gift from Italians who had immigrated to Argentina. The Porta S. Pancrazio, an 1854 reconstruction of the Aurelian wall gate on Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo). The original gate was built in 1644 and almost completely destroyed during the Italian war of independence against the French, however it was never taken.

Images in this gallery of the vast ancient public squares known as Imperial Forums (Imperial Fora or Fori Imperiali). The five Imperial Forums are, Forum of Caesar, Forum of Augustus, Forum of Peace, Forum of Nerva and Forum of Trajan. Highlights include: The Forum of Roman emperor Trajan. The Temple of Mars at the Forum of Augustus. The Temple was built to commemorate Augustus victory over Caesars assassins Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. The Temple which was one of the most revered in the Empire, has three tall Corinthian columns upright and the flights of steps leads to its pronaos. Trajan’s column in the forum of Roman emperor Trajan. The free standing and marble Trajan's Column was built in 113 AD and dedicated to Trajan by Hadrian in memory of his two military campaigns in Dacia – now Romania. The spiral frieze depicts scenes form the various battles. The markets of Trajan and the Casa dei Cavalieri di Rodi or House of the Knights of Rhodes. Using the spoils of victory against the Dacians, Emperor Trajan financed the semicircular brick building (markets) which was built by the architect Apollodorus of Damascus in the 2nd century AD. A wonder of the Classical world, the building is laid out over six terraced floors and contains over 150 shops. Julius Caesar’s Temple of Venus Genetrix in the Forum of Caesar. The temple was built in 46 BC and dedicated to the Roman goddess of motherhood.

Images in this gallery are of the Rome's Botanical Garden or Orto Botanico di Roma. On the lower slopes of Gianicolo or Janiculum Hill, the tranquil secret garden was established in 1883 on the formerly private grounds of the Palazzo Corsini and is run by the University of Rome. A green oasis and retreat from the hustle and bustle of Rome, the gardens are spread over 12 hectares of land and contain over 8000 plant species from all over the world.

Images in this gallery are of Palatine Hill in the historical centre of Rome, Italy. Set on one of the Seven Hills of Rome overlooking the Roman Forum, Palatine (Collis Palatium or Mons Palatinus) is the oldest inhabited part of Rome and according to legend the site where Rome, the Eternal city was founded by abandoned twins Romulus and Remus on April 21, 753 B.C. The tranquil green hill is home to majestic ruins of many ancient grand imperial palaces built after the 1st century BC set amongst gardens, fountains and magnificent trees.

Images in this gallery are of the Pantheon, an architectural masterpiece and one of the best-preserved monuments of antiquity. Founded as a temple to all gods by Marcus Agrippa, son in law of Augustus in 17BC, the Pantheon was destroyed by fire in AD 80 and then was completely redesigned and rebuilt around 125 by Emperor Hadrian, however he (Hadrian) generously choose to keep the original inscription. It was converted into a Christian church in 609 which ensured it preservation even after damaging earthquakes and floods.

Images in this gallery are of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls. Rome, Italy. Erected during the 4th century AD, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was built on the site where St. Paul was entombed. It was restored after a fire severely damaged it in 1823. The Papal Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls is one of Rome's four ancient, papal major basilicas, along with the Basilicas of St. John in the Lateran, St. Peter's, and St. Mary Major.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Piazza del Popolo, a large oval shaped urban square adorned with churches, fountains and an authentic ancient Egyptian obelisk.

Images in this gallery are of the Piazza Navona, one of Rome's liveliest and most famous squares which is adorned with flamboyant fountains, historical churches, street vendors, buskers and many outdoor cafes and restaurants to relax at and people watch. The Piazza Navona as seen today was laid out in the 17th century; however, it occupies the site of the 86 AD Circus of Domitian, a former stadium used for games and sporting events that could seat 35000 people. 

Images in this gallery are of the eccentric Rome neighbourhood known as Quartiere Coppede, Italy. The architect and sculptor Gino Coppede (1886-1927) was responsible for the dazzlingly entrance and the 20 other architecturally Art Nouveau style and eclectic buildings in the exclusive Quartiere Coppede.

Images in this gallery are of the neighbourhood of Quirinal Hill (Quirinale), the highest and northernmost of the Seven Hills of Rome. Highlights include: The 17th century Palazzo della Consulta is the home of the Constitutional Court of the Italian Republic and is located at the Piazza del Quirinale. The Chiesa di Sant'Andrea al Quirinale, considered a jewel of Baroque art. The church (St Andrew's at the Quirinal) was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII and Cardinal Camillo Pamphilj and designed by the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 16th century. The Elaborate Art Nouveau courtyard of Palazzo Sciarra Galleria Sciarra The 16th century Triton Fountain (Fontana del Tritone) built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and is in the Piazza Barberini. The Baroque 17th century Palazzo Barberini on Via Barberini in Quirinale. The Palazzo was the combined efforts of three great architects, Maderno, Borromini and Bernini. The restored palace now houses the Gallery of Arte Antica (National Gallery of Ancient Art). The Four Fountains (Quattro Fontane) that grace the corners of the junction of Via delle Quattro Fontane, Via Quirinale, and Via XX Settembre. The fountains were built during the pontificate of Sixtus V (1585 to 1590) to decorate the famous "Crossing" created by himself and his architect Domenico Fontana.

Images in this photo gallery are of the Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) which was the centre of political, commercial and judicial life in ancient Rome.

Images in this gallery are of the San Carlo al Corso (Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso) a Basilica church dedicated to Saints Ambrose and Charles Borromeus of Milan. It is located on the Via del Corso near the Piazza del Popolo in Rome Italy.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Basilica of St. Clement (Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano) in Southern Rome, very near the Roman Colosseum. Dedicated to Pope Saint Clement I (died in 99 AD), the Basilica comprises three different layers of historical periods. The upper Basilica dates from the 12th century; underneath it is a 4th century church, and the basement was a 2nd-century Mithraic Temple which was built in a nobleman’s courtyard on the foundations of a Roman Republic building burned in the great fire in 64AD.

Images in this gallery are of the San Giacomo in Augusta, a Church dedicated to St James the Great. It is located in the Via del Corso near the Piazza del Popolo in Rome Italy.

Images in this photo gallery are of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Basilica di San di Giovanni in Laterano) in Southern Rome. The Basilica is dedicated to Jesus Christ and Saint John the Evangelist and John the Baptist. Constantine the Great commissioned it in the 4th century and is the oldest Church in Rome.  The Catholic Church has referred it to as “The Mother of all Churches’ and is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope.

Images in this gallery are of San Nicola in Carcere church, dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra the Greek patron saint of sailors. Originally dating from the Byzantine period, and rebuilt in 1599, the church has embedded columns in its walls and incorporates elements elsewhere from three different Republican era Roman temples which originally stood on the site.

Images in this gallery are of the elegant Renaissance 15th century Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio, the church dedicated to Saint Peter in the Gianicolo or Janiculum Hill. The church was built on the foundations of a 9th century chapel, where according to legend the spot of Saint Peters martyrdom. The courtyard of the church contains the celebrated Tempietto, a small elegant circular Doric columned temple tomb.

Images in this gallery are from the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (Church of Saint Peter in Chains). Founded in the 5th century and restored and changed over time, the church houses the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter in prison and is home to Michelangelo's magnificent unfinished statue of Moses. The church is in the neighbourhood of Esquiline, one of the largest of Rome's seven fabled Hills and covers a large area of east central Rome and extends from the Colosseum to the Stazione Termini. 

Images in this photo gallery are from the Santa Cecilia in Trastevere was (Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere). According to legend, the church was built in the 5th century over the house of Saint Cecilia and her husband, St. Valerian. Cecilia suffered martyrdom under Emperor Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161-180). In the 9th century Pope Paschal I renovated the building, had the body of the Saint Cecilia and her husband moved there from the Catacombe di San Callisto. The Apse mosaics date from this period and the Portico and the five-storey campanile were added in the 12th century. The facade and interior of the church were renovated in the 18th century. Remains of several Roman houses extend under the whole of the Church.

Images in this gallery are of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin (Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin or de Schola Graeca). The church was originally built in the 6th century over the remains of an ancient building. In the 8th century Pope Hadrian transformed the church and consigned it to the Greeks who had fled the persecution in the East Roman Empire and found refuge in the nearby area. The church has been renovated and restored a number of times since that period.

Images in this gallery are from one of Rome’s oldest churches, the Santa Maria in Trastevere (Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere). Also known as the Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere, the church is dedicated to the virgin and was founded in the 4th century on the site where a miracle spring of oil sprouted the day Christ was born. The current 12th century church has 13th century mosaics, a splendid Cosmatesque floor and the 22 granite columns topped by Ionic and Corinthian Capitals lining the aisle were originally from the Baths of Caracalla.The Basilica is on the delightful Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which has an octagonal fountain in its centre and lined by cafes and restaurants.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore (Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major). The Basilica is one of the seven pilgrimage churches and the largest and most important shrine to the Virgin Mary in Rome. Founded in the 5th century during the time of Pope Sixtus III, the church was built around the foundations of a smaller church and has various enlargements additions and embellishments made to the building over the centuries. The church is in the neighbourhood of Esquiline, one of the largest of Rome's seven fabled Hills and covers a large area of east central Rome and extends from the Colosseum to the Stazione Termini.

Images in this gallery are of the Chiesa Della SS Trinita Degli Spagnoli, a 18th century Church located on the Via del Corso. Rome Italy. Also known as Santissima Trinità a Via Condotti or Santissima Trinità degli Spagnoli.

Images in this gallery are from the Piazza di Spagna and the monumental Spanish Steps (Scalinata) which is the widest staircase in Europe and one of the most famous and popular sites in Rome. At the top of the elegant staircase is the 16th century Church of Trinita dei Monti with its twin bell towers and the small scale copy of the obelisk to Pharaoh Rameses II, found in the nearby Piazza del Popolo. At the base of the Piazza di Spagna piazza is the 17th century Fountain of the Old Boat (Fontana della Barcaccia) designed by either Gian Lorenzo Bernini or possibly his father Pietro. Several elegant streets converge to the square, including the Via Condotti, the fashionable street facing the Spanish Steps, which is lined with some of Rome’s chicest shops and fashion boutiques of top name designers. This gallery also has images of: The Embassy to the kingdom to Spain, Fountain statue of Silenus and the Colonna dell'Immacolata at the Piazza Mignanelli.

Images in this gallery are of the southern neighbourhood of Testaccio. It is a traditional working-class area, home to old-fashioned and inexpensive eateries. It is famous for Egyptian like landmark Pyramid of Caius Cestius. The Pyramid (Piramide di Caio Cestio) was built by Caius Cestius a senior 1st century BC Roman magistrate as a tomb or burial place for himself. Made of white marble the pyramid rises to a height of 36 metres and took one year to build. Two hundred years later it was incorporated into the Aurelian fortification walls as part of the defence against barbarian attacks. It is located near the Porta San Paolo, a city gate named after Saint Paul.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Trastevere district or neighbourhood of Rome. The Trastevere district- the name means ‘on the other side of the Tiber’, is a melting pot of cultures, cuisine and customs. Originally a poor neighbourhood, the quarter thrived in the Middle Ages and the thick network of narrow cobbled alleys and twisting streets with little squares that now make Trastevere so interesting evolved. Walking through the quarter will typically reveal many fine historical churches, charming piazzas, authentic restaurants and trattorias and laundry hanging to dry on clotheslines stretched out between buildings over narrow cobbled alleyways.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) which is Rome’s largest and most famous fountain and is in the Quirinal quarter or neighbourhood of Rome.  Constructed between 1732 and 1762 by a little known Roman architect and poet, Niccolo Salvi, the fountain was the end point of an ancient Roman aqueduct built by Emperor Augustus' son-in-law Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa to supply water to the baths named after him in 19BC. Commissioned by Pope Clement XII, the fountain incorporates as a background the neo-classical facade of the Palazzo Poli. In the central niche, the Roman Sea God Neptune stands in a winged chariot pulled by two seahorses driven by tritons. The side niches contain statues of Abundance (left) and Healing (right) by Filippo Valle.  The reliefs on the 2nd level show Agrippa agreeing to the building of the Aqua Virgo and the story of its creation. Capping the fountain facade is the gigantic coat of arms of Pope Clement XII who commissioned the build.

Images in this photo gallery are from the breathtaking Saint Peter’s Basilica and monumental Saint Peters Square (Piazza San Pietro). The Basilica and Square are part of the Vatican City State or territory, which is the residence of the Pope, and the world's smallest country.  Completed and consecrated in 1626, the Basilica of Saint Peter (Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican) is a late renaissance church and one of the largest churches in the world. It occupies the site where Saint Peter was martyred and buried and draws millions of Roman Catholics pilgrims and tourists worldwide. Its sights are many and some of the greatest artists of all time have helped design its buildings and sculptures, including Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Maderno.  The monumental Saint Peters Square (Piazza San Pietro) is the masterpiece of Bernini, who designed and built it between 1656 and 1667. Embracing the square are the Tuscan colonnades, which are crowned by statutes of 140 Saints. In the middle of the Square is the granite obelisk which dates from the 13th century BC, originally erected in Heliopolis, Egypt.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Villa Borghese Gardens, which is the second largest public park in Rome.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Villa Doria Pamphili on Janiculum Hill or Gianicolo in Rome, Italy. Laid out under the direction of Alessandro Algardi in the 17th century for Prince Camillo Pamphili nephew of Pope Innocent X, the villas architectural centrepiece is the Baroque block tower Casino del Bel Respiro which has on its lower terrace a hidden secret parterre garden with low clipped hedges arranged in geometric forms and contains statues and ancient sarcophaguses. The building facade and garden outside walls were once richly embellished with ancient statues, sculptures and reliefs and other works of art. Known as the green lung of Rome, the villa and its vast surrounding grounds form Rome’s largest landscaped Public Park and is a haven for joggers, dog walkers and picnickers.

Images in this photo gallery are from the Villa Giulia, a splendid example of 16th century Renaissance and Mannerism (or Late Renaissance) architecture in northern Rome. Since 1889, the Villa has been the location of the Museo Nazionale Etrusco (National Etruscan Museum) which has an impressive collection of Etruscan art and artefacts from Latium, Umbria and Tuscany.