Roma - Circo Massimo

The Circus Maximus ("Circo Massimo") is a Roman chariot racing stadium. Now a public park, it once measured 621 m in length and 118 m in width. It could accommodate up to 250.000 spectators.

The most famous race, that ever took place here, was won by Ben Hur, told about by American author Lew Wallace, in his novel "Ben-Hur: A tale of the Christ" in 1880. The race got worldwide known, when the American film came out in 1959, starring Charlton Heston. The film won a record 11 Academy Awards - and the race is breathtaking!

Seen in the backdrop is (on the left) the dome of the St. Peter's Basilica and in the center Santa Maria in Cosmedin´s campanile. The smaller dome to the right is probably Sant'Agnese in Agone´s at Piazza Navona.