Circo Massimo

The Circus Maximus is the Circus dedicated to horse racing. Situated in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills, it is remembered as the site of games since the beginning of the history of the city, and is still considered the largest structure built by man for shows. The first installations in wood date back at the time of Tarquin the Elder (sixth century BC); the construction of the first facilities stable, at 329 BC, when they were built the first carceres; whereas, the first masonry structures related to equipment for the races, there were only in the second century BC, when Julius Caesar built the first stone seats, giving the final shape of the building. After a major fire under Domitian, the reconstruction was completed by Trajan, in 103: at that date most of the remains preserved. The size of the Circus were brilliant and could accommodate about 250.000 spectators. In the Arena were held chariot races, with twelve chariots that performed seven laps around the central spina, between the two destinations. The spina was richly decorated with statues, shrines and temples. The exterior facade has three orders, the auditorium was based on masonry structures that housed the steps and stairs to reach the different sectors of the seats. On the south side is currently a Medieval tower, called "Moletta", it belonged to the Frangipane family. Today, the Circus Maximus is chosen more and more often as a venue for large mass events: concerts, shows, jubilees and events are here the ideal space.