Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano

Erected in 113 to immortalize the very successful Emperor Trajan. The carvings, all 600 feet long wind up the 125 foot hollow column, tell the story of the conquest and capture of the gold rich Romanian based Dacian people. On top is a statue of St Peter ( added in 1588 after the gold covered one of Trajan was lost). Hard to get up to closely with traffic bustling around it. Originally the column stood between two tall libraries (one Greek, one Latin) so you could see the engravings from their upper stories. Now, go to the Museum of Roman history, or to London's Victoria and Albert Museum to study the plaster replicas up close.

One of a few memorable Roman columns, Trajan's towering monument is as impressive as his wartime victories. It's hard to miss when you're walking along the Via dei Fori Imperiali as it's located between Piazza Venezia and the Foro Romano.

This incredible column is inscribed with a spiralling bas-relief which recounts the story of the Emperor Trajan's Dacian wars. Funnily, a statue of St. Peter was plunked atop it in the 16th Century. What I really enjoy about this column is its absolute giant grandeur, as well as the knowledge that you could actually climb up all the way inside it, were you to find the right person to let you in.

Trajan's Column is not just a monument towering over the streets around the Piazza Venezia, it's also a historic source. Trajan's exploits--his victories in the Dacian Wars and his conquests in Mesopotamia--are told in the reliefs along the column. Much of what is known about the Emperor Trajan comes from this work of art and architecture. Trajan's Column also represents the Roman Empire at its greatest extent geographically and at the apex of its power.

very close to the apartment, it is impressive

The column sitting in Piazza Venezia is a copy of the original. The scroll that winds its way up the column telling the story of Trajan's victory is a much copied design.

Made a detour especially to see this after watching a TV documentary about the carvings. Sadly it was not possible to view them closely but it is a stunning monument

Located in the center of the piazza his column has intricate details and stands tall

Awesome. Not sure it deserves its own entry, but sure is cool. Will make you want to crack out your old Latin book! And yes, do take a picture. Everyone does. But still.

If you're interested in Roman History this column is fascinating as it details Trajan's exploits. It's fascinating to just watch the images spiral up.