Buildings

• The Colosseum is among the most iconic monuments of Rome.Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  While there are many monumental buildings in Rome, only a limited number are open for visitors as a tourist attraction. Topping the list is the Colosseum, largely considered Rome's most famous monument. Built in 80 A.D., the Colosseum was host to the execution of prisoners, usually torn to death by wild animals, as well as the bloody gladiator fights made famous in Hollywood movies. Another popular arena of ancient Rome was the Circus Maximus, which featured chariot races among other forms of sport. Also worth visiting are the Castel Sant'Angelo, built in 123 A.D. and later taken over by the Vatican, and the Domus Area palace, which was built by Nero in 64 A.D..
  
  

Burial Sites

• Romans were influenced by Egyptian burial styles.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Burial sites are one of the most common types of monuments in Rome. Like most ancient cities, Rome has no shortage of impressive burial grounds, including many ornate tombs. One site usually overlooked as a burial site is the Pantheon. One of the best preserved buildings of ancient Rome, the Pantheon also serves as the burial site of Raffaello, Vittorio Emanuel II and Umberto I. In addition, the Pyramid of Gauis Cestius, wealthy nobleman in the 1st Century B.C., is also a popular site to visit. Cestius' tomb is a haven for stray cats and a nearby shelter has been erected for them. The women who run the shelter offer tours of the shelter and the tomb. Finally, just outside the city walls lies the Catacombs, an early burial grounds for Roman Christians. The Catacombs are an important site in the history of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity.
  
  

Arches

• The Arch of Constantine in Rome is symbolic of the rise of Chrisitanity.Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  Arches were a popular form of commemorative architecture for the ancient Romans. The Romans invented the triumphal arch and used them to commemorate battles, public figures and achievements such as claiming new territories or completing public works projects. While many arches adorn the city in varying degrees of preservation, one of the most-visited of the Roman arches is the Arch of Constantine. The arch was built in 312 A.D. in honor of victory in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, the battle victory that led Constantine to allow the practice of Christianity by his subjects. Other arches of note include the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Arch of Janus, the Arch of Titus in the Roman Forum, and the Arch of Claudius. The arches were meant to promote the rule and law of the state by serving as a reminder of the triumph they commemorated.
  
  

Columns

• Roman columns provide a visually striking landmark.Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Another popular form of commemorating victory in Roman times was a triumphal column. The triumphal column was a newer version of the triumphal arch and also meant to reiterate the value of the state. While a column may not be overly impressive by modern-day standards, visitors to the columns should keep in mind these structures represented a huge architectural feat at the time. The first column to be built was Trajan's Column in 113 A.D.. The column is located in Trajan's Forum, west of the main Roman Forum. Other famous columns include the Column of Marcus Aurelius, modeled after Trajan's column and placed in the Piazza Colonna and the Column of Phocas which was the last piece of architecture added to the Roman Forum.