ROME (AP) — Visitors to the Eternal City have a new way of seeing Rome as the ancient Romans did thanks to the opening of a spectacular, seven-level ramp leading from the Roman Forum up to the Palatine Hill.
The 1st-century ramp connecting the Forum to the hilltop Imperial Palace was first discovered in 1900. But restorations only began in earnest in 2009 and finished with the official opening to the public on Tuesday.
Forum Superintendent Francesco Prosperetti said the ramp linked two very different areas: The public areas of the Forum, where day-to-day business was conducted, and the more private residential area up on the hill.
The ramp boasts seven levels connected by six hairpin turns and empties on a hilltop terrace offering stunning views of the Forum and Rome beyond.
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