Trajan's Forum, Rome: Trajan's column with the dome of Santa Maria di Loreto in the background

NOTES: This forum is the largest and best preserved of the Imperial fora. It was built on the order of Emperor Trajan following the conquest of Dacia which ended in 106, and comprised a considerable complex of buildings, including a temple and basilica. The victory column, inaugurated in 113, is decorated with a spiral freize showing Trajan's exploits against the Dacians. The church of Santa Maria di Loreto was started in 1507 by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. It was completed by Giacomo del Duca in 1582 with the addition of the drum, dome, and the unusual lantern.