This aerial panorama of Rome was taken by James Blakeway. The Coliseum, Rome''s most important monument from ancient times, is seen centered in the panorama. To its left are the ruins of the Roman Forum. The white stone building up the road from the Coliseum is The Vittoriano, a monument to King Victor Emmanuel II. Further left is the Tiber River. Up the Tiber in the distance is Saint Peter''s Basilica, which stands in the independent papal state of Vatican City. Vatican City is the seat of the central government of the Catholic Church and includes the papal palace, the Sistine Chapel, and many museums housing some of the world''s finest art treasures.