For the architectural layman seeking inspiration, the eternal city of Rome is a pretty good place to start.

CNN: A Quest to build

This 530-mile rail trip sets out from the waterworld of Venice, journeys across northern Italy to the rugged Cinque Terre region, continues to Tuscany for the treasures of Florence and Cortona, then heads south to the Eternal City, Rome.

BBC: The perfect trip: Italy

To do this I have in the past 24 hours I have taken the opportunity to examine what has become of previous Olympic Stadia, dating back to 1960 when the summer games were held in the eternal city, Rome.

FORBES: Olympic Meddle