Built under Emperor Vespasian in A.D. 70-72 and completed by his son Titus 10 years later, the Flavian Amphitheatre, or the Colosseum, is a massive stone arena, which at its peak, could accommodate 80,000 spectators. As in the movie 'Gladiator,' the Colosseum has hosted violent and brutal displays of gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights, all just for the delight of crowds. The inauguration lasted one hundred days, and approximately 9,000 animals and 2,000 gladiators were killed during the event. Today, the Colosseum is Rome's most visited sight, which never fails to leave visitors awe-struck. Be sure to also come here at night when it looks even more magical.

An astonishing 2,000-year-old temple, now a church, the Pantheon is a remarkable building to visit when in Rome. Built as a temple to all gods, the Pantheon is the best-preserved marvel from ancient Rome. Its main and most fascinating feature is the design of the dome and open oculus, the only source of natural light. Tourists from around the world flock here to see what Michelangelo defined as an "angelic and not human design". The Pantheon also houses the tomb of the great painter Raphael. The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda. It is located near Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori, so take the opportunity to stroll around in this area; there is much to see.

Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer, earned international fame for his expeditions across the Pacific Ocean on board the Kon-Tiki and Ra in 1947. And at the Kon-Tiki Museum, you can follow the intriguing events during his expeditions and their significance to world history. See the actual balsa and papyrus rafts, and learn more about Heyerdahl’s travels.