"Eternal Charm: The Timeless Allure of Rome."
Dubbed the “Eternal City”, Rome is a testament to the grandeur of ancient civilizations and the enduring allure of history. Steeped in a rich tapestry of culture, art, and architecture, it seamlessly blends the old and the new.
A legend dating back to about the 4th century BC holds that twin brothers named Romulus and Remus founded the city. After a fight, Romulus killed Remus. Romulus then ruled Rome for about 40 years before being elevated to the status of a god. Rome is said to be named in his honour. From the architectural marvels of the Colosseum and the Pantheon to the sacred grounds of the Vatican City, every corner of Rome tells a story that has left an indelible mark on the world.
One cannot delve into the history of Rome without acknowledging the iconic Roman Forum, a sprawling archaeological site that once served as the beating heart of the ancient city. This was the political, religious, and commercial hub where emperors, senators, and citizens gathered to discuss matters of state, worship their gods, and trade goods. As you wander among the towering columns and remnants of ancient temples, you can almost feel the pulse of the bygone era.
The Colosseum, Rome's most iconic landmark - a testament to the grandeur of Roman engineering and the brutal entertainment that once captivated the masses. This is where gladiators fought for glory and emperors sought to appease the populace, stands as a haunting reminder of the city's tumultuous past. Visiting the Colosseum allows you to step into the shoes of spectators who once cheered for their favourite warriors, making history come alive in a tangible and immersive way. For more details, go here: https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en/experience-the-basilica/visits.html
Venturing further into the heart of Rome, the Pantheon awaits with its majestic dome and perfectly preserved architecture. Originally built as a temple dedicated to all the gods, the Pantheon is a marvel of ancient engineering. Its dome, a feat of architectural ingenuity, remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.
No exploration of Rome's history would be complete without a visit to the Vatican City, an independent city-state surrounded by the Italian capital. Home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, this sacred enclave offers a profound encounter with art, religion, and the papal legacy. Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and the imposing presence of the Basilica serve as timeless tributes to Renaissance mastery.
Places to Visit
St. Peters & The Vatican: You can’t go to Rome and not see St. Peter’s and the Vatican): An entry ticket with the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel starts at about £25 per person. An official guided tour is about £35/36 per person. Do it early – do so – before the crowds descend.
Prati Area: A short walk to the east of the Vatican will bring you to Rome’s Prati neighbourhood. Here you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and gelato stands. The Vatican will take some time, so this is a good place for lunch. Find a Rosticceria, typically a hole-in-the-wall style spot with buffet-style food behind the counter. You’ll find lasagne, roasted meats and vegetables, often paid for by weight and often made according to age-old family recipes — it’s one of the most authentic ways to eat in the city.
Castel Sant’Angelo (Hadrian’s Tomb): South of Prati along the Via Virgilio, you’ll reach Piazza Adriana. From here, it’s a short stroll to Castel Sant’Angelo on the River Tiber. Completed in 139 CE, it was originally intended as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian but became a military building. A guided tour is the best way to understand the history of this ancient castle. While you’re there, walk the length of the 2000-year-old St Angelo Bridge — it holds the history of Rome in its sturdy arches and has views over the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Tiber. Spanish Steps & Trevi Fountains: Worth getting here early – before the crowds! The area has loads of top-end shops – so if you like window shopping…. Apart from being probably the most fountains in the world, there is more underneath the fountains. You can do a tour that delves deeper into the myths and legends behind the famed Fontana di Trevi, before visiting the ruins of the ancient aqueduct below.
Villa Borghese: Head north to the Piazza del Popolo you’ll get to the Villa Borghese, one of the largest parks in Rome. An ideal break from a bustling city. You can also visit the Borghese Gallery with its collection of masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio.
The Colosseum: Il Colosseo, is a must. It’s a very popular site, so get up early to visit, before the crowds descend. I would suggest booking a guided tour. There’s a lot of history here and a lot to take in, so I would suggest, to get the most out of this, let an expert guide you through. Make sure you choose a ticket that allows you to enter the underground passages, as well as through the Gladiators’ Gate to stand on the Arena floor — it’s pretty special to see from the gladiators’ point of view. From here, it’s only a short walk to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the birthplace of the city, and access is included in all Colosseum tickets.
Circus Maximus: If you take a southeasterly route from the Jewish quarter (The Jewish ghetto of Rome is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of the city). You’ll find it by the Tiber River (on one side) and by Venice Square on the other), strolling along Lungotevere dei Pierleoni against the traffic. You’ll pass by Rome’s original city gates, the Foro Boario — the old cattle market - the site of the first gladiatorial contest and the site of the religious temples of Hercules, Victor, and Portunus. If you pride yourself on honesty, stick your hand in the Bocca della Verita, (The Mouth of Truth). Myth has it that liars will have their hands bitten off. Finally, you’ll come to the ancient Circus Maximus, where the Romans once held their chariot races in a stadium that is said to have accommodated up to 250,000 people.
If you’re looking to spend a few nights in one of the most important historical cities in Europe, give me a call or drop me an e-mail:
Tel: 01234 581066 E-mail: marco.williams@myTC.com