Rome the eternal city

Monument of Vittorio Emanuele Rome - Photo by Elijah Lovkoff from Pixabay
Monument of Vittorio Emanuele Rome - Photo by Elijah Lovkoff from Pixabay

Rome and its origins

Rome : the eternal city, the capital of the Roman Empire, founded in 753 BC. C. from Romulus, first king of Rome and developed on the famous 7 hills around the Tiber river. Over the course of its 3 millennia of history it was the first metropolis in the world, from which the Roman emperors extended their dominion over the entire Mediterranean, and it is also the heart of Christianity as it is the capital of the Vatican City and the papal seat.
First governed by the 7 kings handed down by tradition, then the scene of civil wars and dictatorships up to the most famous one of Julius Caesar and, finally, capital of the largest empire (in terms of size and prestige) that the world has ever had. Starting from 410, and until the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Rome was sacked several times by the Barbarians (the Visigoths led by Alaric were the first). Then with the help of the Popes, among whom we remember Pope Leo I, famous for having convinced Attila not to attack Rome, the city was slowly brought back to its splendor, becoming the capital of the Papal State and then, the religious center of the Holy Roman Empire, after his father crowned Charlemagne, emperor.
In the Middle Ages, however, struggles began between the pro-papal and pro-imperial noble families, which culminated in the transfer of Pope Clement V to Avignon. It was then with the sack of Rome by Charles V's mercenaries that a turning point occurred.
After it was sacked for the umpteenth time, Rome was invaded by the renewal of the Baroque era which brought major changes to the urban layout of the city. In 1626, St. Peter's Basilica, as we know it today, was inaugurated. Then there was the domination of the French, with Napoleon Bonaparte, who gave his son the title of King of Rome. During the Napoleonic reign, Rome was renovated by Antonio Canova and it is in this period that archaeological excavations began to bring the Roman Forum to light. Once Napoleon fell, the Pope was "put back" in his place by the Congress of Vienna, but after a few decades he was ousted again as Italy was now uniting and had chosen to do so, choosing Rome as its capital. It was with the Lateran Pacts of 1929 that the Pope obtained recognition of the Vatican City as an autonomous state, as we know it today.
Rome does not have a historic center, Rome is the historic center, then incorporated into the modern city which, despite being one of the largest in Italy and Europe, does not have a very high population density as, among buildings and monuments, there are gardens and parks that make it the greenest municipality in Europe. There are many places to visit, as Rome has monuments and historical testimonies that are unique in the world. It is a city that spans history in every corner. It is a magical city and at night or at sunset it allows you to imagine what it used to be. Walking along Via dei Fori Imperiali you can almost see ancient Romans walking among the remains of the ancient Roman forum or, at the Circus Maximus, you hear the noise of the chariots pulled by the horses that run. Every tourist who comes to Italy cannot leave without first passing through the Caput Mundi and together with us you will discover the many secrets that the eternal city holds.

What see

It would be really too simplistic to list 10 monuments of Rome to see. So, more than anything else, we want to advise you on the routes to take, along which you will encounter such a large number of monuments, to lose count.
Roma Colosseo - Image from Pixabay
Roma Colosseo - Image from Pixabay

Coliseum

1) The first thing to do when you arrive in Rome is to go to the Colosseum . The Colosseum is one of the most famous monuments in the world. The Venerable Bede , a Christian monk who lived in the eighth century, said, "As long as the Colosseum exists, Rome will also exist; when the Colosseum falls, Rome will also fall; when Rome falls, the world will also fall » . So, you will understand for yourself the historical importance of this monument. It is certainly the largest existing amphitheater and in 2007 it became part of the new 7 wonders of the world. The beginning of the construction of the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater , dates back to 72 AD, under the empire of Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD, when Emperor of Rome was Titus. Inside, the Gladiators' shows were held, but also representations of classical mythology. The Colosseum, along with the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill , which are found along Via dei Fori Imperiali , form the largest Archaeological Park in Europe.
Rome - monument of the Victorian Piazza Venezia <br> Image by Gianni Ceccano from Pixabay
Rome - monument of the Victorian Piazza Venezia
Image by Gianni Ceccano from Pixabay

Via Fori Imperiali

2) If you have traveled along Via dei Fori Imperiali, you will find yourself in Piazza Venezia, where the Vittoriano Monument is located, a monumental complex, behind the Capitol (where the Rome City Hall is located), designed and built in honor of the King Vittorio Emanuele II, who completed the process of the Unification of Italy. The monument is also considered the Altar of the Fatherland, as well as the burial place of the Unknown Soldier, an unknown victim of World War I and symbol of all the Italian soldiers who died during the wars. His tomb is always guarded by a guard of honor and two eternal flames.
3) Leaving the Vittoriano behind, continue along Via Del Corso, Rome's main street, which connects Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo. Along its path, 1.6 km long, it hosts numerous palaces, such as the Palazzo Doria-Pamphilj, Palazzo Chigi (seat of the Government of the Italian Republic), and many churches, such as Santa Maria in Via, on the corner with Via del Tritone. Along Via del Corso, you will also find the Galleria Alberto Sordi, Piazza Colonna and the intersection with Via dei Condotti, the street of the large high-fashion boutiques. From Via dei Condotti, you arrive in the magnificent Piazza di Spagna.
Piazza di Spagna Trinità dei Monti Photo by Anastasia Dav from Pexels
Piazza di Spagna Trinità dei Monti Photo by Anastasia Dav from Pexels

Via del Corso

4) Piazza di Spagna is the most famous Roman square and owes its name to the Palace of Spain, seat of the Spanish embassy, to the Holy See. Piazza di Spagna is famous for the many high fashion shows that took place along the steps of Trinità dei Monti, (UNESCO heritage) that connects the square to the church of the Holy Trinity, through its 136 steps, on which, up to at some months it was also possible to sit. Also famous is the Barcaccia, Bernini's fountain, which is located in the center of the square, right in front of the staircase. From Piazza di Spagna you can move in many directions. We advise you to go through the alleys (Via del Nazareno and Via della Stamperia and that will lead you to another symbol of Rome, Trevi Fountain).

Roma Fontana di Trevi<br>Photo by Michael Giugliano from Pexels
Roma Fontana di Trevi
Photo by Michael Giugliano from Pexels

The Trevi Fountain

5) The Trevi Fountain is the largest and most famous fountain in Rome. It is a fountain of Late Baroque, built by Nicola Salvi, following a competition held by Pope Clement XII, in 1731. According to tradition, those who want to return to Rome soon, must throw a coin into the fountain, turning their backs towards the fountain and keeping your eyes closed. From the Trevi Fountain, following Via del Lavatore and Via delle Scuderie, you will arrive at the Palazzo del Quirinale, the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. It is a historic building, built starting in 1573 and was also the residence of the Popes, before the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican City was built. The Quirinale can be visited by booking a visit on the official website.
6) From the Quirinale you can continue towards Piazza Barberini and towards Via Vittorio Veneto , the road of the Dolce Vita of Federico Fellini. In the lower part, there are the oldest monuments: the Api fountain and the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata with the famous Capuchin crypt. Walking along Via Vittorio Veneto you will arrive at Porta Pinciana, one of the entrances to Villa Borghese. Walk through the fantastic garden, the fourth largest in Rome, and arrive at the Terrazza del Pincio to enjoy a fantastic view of the city. At your feet, Piazza del Popolo. Get off the Rampe del Pincio to get to Piazza del Popolo, surrounded by 3 churches, of which the most important is Santa Maria del Popolo.
Castel Sant Angelo Rome - Photo of neufal54 by Pixabay
Castel Sant Angelo Rome - Photo of neufal54 by Pixabay

Castel Sant'Angelo

7) From Piazza del Popolo you can cross the Tiber crossing the Regina Margherita Bridge and, along the Lungotevere, you can reach Castel Sant'Angelo , and then, along Via della Conciliazione, you will find yourself in Piazza San Pietro , surrounded by the fantastic Bernini colonnade and there, in front of you, the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. On your right, there is the Apostolic Palace, where the papal apartment is located and behind it there are the Vatican Museums with the beautiful Sistine Chapel frescoed by Michelangelo and Raphael. If you plan to spend Sunday in Rome, at noon, the Pope appears at the penultimate window of the top floor to celebrate the Angelus, do not miss the papal blessing.
8) Another nerve center of Rome is Piazza della Rotonda, where the oldest church in Rome is located, the Pantheon (temple of all the gods) which was built by Emperor Hadrian, between 120 and 124 AD. inside the Pantheon there are the tombs of Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I, the first two Italian sovereigns. A few steps from the Pantheon, passing in front of Palazzo Madama, home of the Italian Senate, you will arrive in the beautiful Piazza Navona, symbol of Baroque Rome, where there is another famous work by Bernini, the Fountain of the Four Rivers. The fountain represents the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube and the Rio De La Plata, the rivers that are found at the four corners of our planet. If you are in Rome at Christmas time, Piazza Navona becomes a great Christmas market, very characteristic. The markets are held throughout the Christmas period, until 6 January. Shows, rides and stalls of artisans who sell many special products.
St. Peter's Basilica Photo by Javon Swaby from Pexels
St. Peter's Basilica Photo by Javon Swaby from Pexels

Campo de Fiori

9) Leaving Piazza Navona and crossing Corso Vittorio Emanuele you will arrive in Campo de Fiori, where there is the lively and colorful market, made famous by the film with Anna Magnani, which is called Campo De 'Fiori. Campo de 'Fiori is also famous because Giordano Bruno was burned alive here, the Dominican friar accused of heresy by the papacy, of which a statue was erected. Leaving Campo de 'Fiori, we advise you to approach the lungotevere and cross it to get lost in Trastevere.
10) Trastevere is one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of Rome, which still retains its character thanks to the characteristic streets of Sanpietrini on which overlook the popular houses dating back to the Middle Ages. It is here that Alberto Sordi was born in 1920. Today, that house in Via San Cosimato, 7 no longer exists; in its place there is a commemorative plaque. It is here that we advise you to try true Roman cuisine, linked to the classic Roman tradition.
Rome Fiat 500 Limousine - GM Photo
Rome Fiat 500 Limousine - GM Photo

Movida and entertainment

Trastevere is very popular with tourists who want to experience Rome even at night and is one of the richest neighborhoods of characteristic restaurants, pubs, wine bars and small bars suitable for aperitifs. We recommend you try the 3 most representative first courses in Rome, in one of the many restaurants in the district: Cacio e pepe, Amatriciana and Carbonara ... you won't regret it. If you want to drink excellent beer, we suggest you go to Campo de Fiori; if, on the other hand, you are closer to the university world, we recommend the District of San Lorenzo, a true meeting place for all university students, Romans and off-campus, who gather here already from late afternoon, for an aperitif or for dinner. If you prefer to go wild at the disco, the best places are in the Testaccio and Ostiense districts, where you can find all kinds of music. But if you prefer other types of entertainment, in the evening, we recommend a tour of the wax museum, or you could go to the Porta Portese market, the most famous flea and antique market in Rome, which you can visit every Sunday morning from 6 to 14. If you have more days available, you can also go to one of the playgrounds that are near the capital: the nearest one is Cinecittà World, the brand new amusement park for cinema and TV, where there are numerous attractions, shows and many events. If you have the possibility to move, you can go to Zoomarine or Rainbow Magicland, which are about an hour away by car, but you can also take the shuttle that leaves every morning from Rome Termini. If, on the other hand, you are the kind of tourist who loves to get lost in finding the hidden corners of the city, we suggest you move to the Circus Maximus area, where in addition to seeing the ancient Roman circus, where the horse races took place, you can continue going up the Aventine Hill, near the Giardino degli Aranci, there are the beautiful medieval churches dedicated to Santa Sabina, Sant'Alessio and Sant'Anselmo. Proceeding towards the square (Piazza Cavalieri di Malta) there is the palace of the Priory of Malta, whose door, closed, has a lock from which looking, you will see the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, in a fantastic perspective. Staying in the area, but getting closer to the lungotevere, you will find the famous church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, not so much as a church, but because in the pronaos wall, the mask known as the Mouth of Truth is set.
If instead and you are armed with a lot of patience, you can face the line to enter the Vatican Museums and visit the old papal apartments and the most famous cultural treasure of the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, where on the bottom, there is the Universal Judgment of Michelangelo Buonarroti.
If, on the other hand, you are sporting, walking or cycling enthusiasts, we advise you to take the Ancient Roman Road Via Appia, completely surrounded by greenery. Along the way, you can't do everything, because it starts from Rome to get to Brindisi, you'll find the mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the villa of Maxentius.
Dome Basilica San Pietro Rome - Photo by vassilis738 by Pixabay
Dome Basilica San Pietro Rome - Photo by vassilis738 by Pixabay
Climate, curiosity and advice
Climate: The Roman climate is Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and hot, sunny summers, with torrid days in July and August. The wettest season is autumn, and November is the wettest month ever. Spring is instead a cool season until mid-April, then it becomes warmer from the first days of May.
Autumn and spring are the best seasons to visit Rome: from mid-April to mid-June, when the days are warm, but not as hot as in midsummer, and late September - October, which are cool months, with possible rain, but not cold like the winter months instead.

Trivia: But do you know that Rome is the city with the most fountains in the world? In Rome there are more than 2,000 fountains, of various shapes and sizes and from many of these drinking water flows, in fact in Rome you do not need to buy water bottles, but you can fill them, during your walks, with fountains or "noses".
Rome - Tevere San Pietro Photo by Julius Silver from Pexels
Rome - Tevere San Pietro Photo by Julius Silver from Pexels
Tips: If you decide to visit Rome in the summer, remember to have adequate clothing, as if you decide to enter the churches (San Pietro, Santa Maria del Popolo, etc.), you will receive a refusal from the experts if you wear shorts that are too short or tank tops and tops too skimpy. Be careful of those restaurants and bars where tourist menus are offered at reasonable prices. Usually the price is just a lark mirror. In Rome, in typical restaurants, very, good and little is spent, so avoid places for tourists, even if you are.
Try the coffee at Caffè Sant'Eustachio, in Piazza Sant 'Eustachio, near the Pantheon, you won't regret it! And if you are a fan of Tiramisu, the popular national dessert, you can't miss that of Pompi, the kingdom of tiramisu. Another sweet not to be missed is the famous Maritozzi with cream and, in Piazza Vittorio, there is Regoli, which is certainly the most famous rump in Rome.
In short, the greatest advice we can give you is to let yourself be carried away by Rome, by its magic that will surely capture you, taking you back in time, from Ancient Rome to the Dolce Vita, up to the present day.
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