The Eternal City

Rome, the ancient city that is still alive. Founded approximately 2,700 years ago on seven hills along the banks of the Tiber River along Italy's central western coast. The Roman Empire slowly grew to encompass most of the known world until it was sacked in the mid- fifth century.
Having already been the seat of the Catholic Church, the Popes continued to reside there even after the Great Schism which established both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church. Th papacy kept Rome from total obscurity during the Dark Ages. The Renaissance began in Florence and quickly spread to Rome. Many spectacular churches, palaces, monuments, etc still hold prominence on the cityscape.
My favorite building is the Pantheon. Built around the year 250, it stand a testament to Rome's engineering ability. The inside is the same height, width and depth. The soaring dome with its oculist is a single piece of concrete that was pour in one continuous job. The base of the dome is thicker and as it reaches it summit, the walls thin and lighter aggregate is used. The coffers also decrease its weight as it climbs. There is also a drainage system in the floor for rainwater.
The Vatican's St. Peter's Cathedral is breath taking. The soaring apse, with the Bernini designed Baldacchino, and the Michelangelo designed dome along with the artwork is phenomenal. The colonnade surrounding the square's symmetry and adornment attest to the skills if the craftsmen.
Walking through the Forum to the Coliseum brings you back to the time of the Caesars. When people's fates were decided by wild animals. Though in ruins, the form still possesses a certain majesty and awe. Though stripped of its marble exterior, it was used for later works, the Coliseum still impresses. With its planned entrance and exits to the layers of seating based on social status, is unsurpassed today, the fact that gravity is the only thing holding it together for centuries is no small feat.
There is an active gay scene in modern day Rome. Most of it is towards the main train station. Check out Damron Vacations to get you to this mesmerizing city and the Damron Guide once you are there.