Rome, Italy

Said to be Rome's only Gothic church, this 13th-century basilica was built over a temple to Minerva. It contains many art treasures and the venerated tomb of St. Catherine of Siena.

Although best known for the “Mouth of Truth” in its porch, Santa Maria in Cosmedin is one of the most interesting churches in Rome, with an atmosphere of antiquity and some important early medieval art.

This magnificent ancient temple was built by Emperor Hadrian in 125 and converted into a church in 609. It is the oldest intact ancient building in Rome.

Built in 80 CE to host gladiatorial combats and other entertainment, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman world. Although much damaged and plundered over the centuries, it remains an imposing presence in the heart of Rome.

This lovely 12th-century basilica stands over two previous sacred buildings: a church built in 392 and a 2nd-century Mithraic cave temple.

On this ancient bridge over the Tiber River in 312 CE, Constantine the Great defeated Maxentius to become the sole Roman emperor of the West.

Designed by Borromini, this impressive Baroque church is dedicated to St. Yves of Britanny, a lawyer who became a monk and fought for justice.

Completed in 1651, this monumental fountain supporting an obelisk in the center of the Piazza Navona is one of Bernini's most famous works.

Built on the site of a miraculous August snowfall, this major basilica dates from the early 5th century. The huge church is lined with Byzantine mosaics and contains many important relics.