This statue is the only female representation of Rome's "talking statues."

The meaning behind this triumphal Roman arch was a mystery until the early 20th century.

This basilica is dedicated to two saints, one of which is known more for his famous quote.

Plaques on its facade commemorate the Tiber's most destructive deluges.

A fortified medieval basilica on the Caelian Hill preserves extraordinary frescoes and one of Rome's most beautiful hidden cloisters.

Its interior is adorned with some of the best examples of early Christian mosaics.

Italy's third-largest Roman arena gives a peek into the underground operations beneath the ancient spectacles.

A rather vulgar example of the transition from Latin to the Italian vernacular.

More than 450 years ago, an Italian nun became the first woman to paint the iconic subject.

The only visible reminders of an elaborate engineering project that kept the tower from reaching the tipping point.

This Italian stadium makes liberal use of fascist statuary to evoke classical sporting arenas.

One of Catholicism's four major basilicas has a series of papal portraits that are said to predict the end of the world.

This amazingly well-preserved villa just outside Pompeii boasts rare examples of ancient Roman paintings.

The first botanical garden, a feather in the cap of the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Largest necropolis in the Mediterranean.

The walls and streets of the ancient city are peppered with penises.

A slightly creepy gallery of plaster cast models in the same museum as Michelangelo's David.

This strange bovine gargoyle is said to have been put in as a passive aggressive form of revenge.

A sulfuric hellscape in southern Italy.

Ancient snack bar of the Roman Empire re-opened.

Erotic art covers the walls of the largest ancient pleasure palace.

The Pope’s secret escape route.

This immaculate and historic water garden culminates in a massive stone dining table with an inset fountain for chilling the wine of the Cardinal's guests.

The last moments of the ill-fated Pompeiians, frozen forever in plaster.