Go down fashionable Via Condotti, lined with designer shops, back to Via del Corso and turn left, following the Corso until you reach Piazza Colonna with its 2nd century column to Marcus Aurelius. Behind the square, to the right, is the heavily guarded Palazzo Montecitorio, started by Bernini and finished by Carlo Fontana, today it houses the Parliament. The 6th century BC Egyptian obelisk, like many in the city, was brought to Rome by conquering imperial armies. Follow the road in front of the palazzo which takes you to Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon, the temple of all the gods.
Don't be misled by the inscription on the Pantheon's façade the original 1st century BC building was indeed erected by Agrippa, but this is a 2nd century reconstruction commissioned by Hadrian, after a fire damaged the original. In 608 Emperor Phocas gave it to Pope Boniface IV, making this the first pagan temple to be converted to Christian use. Even those with very little time should go inside to marvel at the magnificent 43-meter semi-circular dome; the hole in its centre is virtually the only source of light. The tombs of Raphael and of King Victor Emanuel are here. Nip down Via Minerva to Piazza Minerva where there is a cute elephant, designed by Bernini to support the 6th century BC obelisk. The (unusual for Rome) Gothic church of Santa Maria di Minerva has frescoes as well as the tomb of Italy's patron saint: Catherine of Siena.
