ROME
A city that lives and breathes art, architecture, design and history - this is Rome, the capital of Italy, where years of history unfold, which the hand of time has not been able to touch. It has museums and galleries, antiques and contemporary art, music and fashion, urban landscapes and spacious green gardens, and Italian cuisine that will keep you going for many days after you return home.
Rome is one of the most exciting cities in the world and one that you have to visit at least once in your life.
The history of Rome
Roman mythology tells that the city was founded by Romulus, sun of the war god Mars. Founded on the Tiber River, Romulus and his twin Remus were suckled by a she-wolf before being raised by a shepherd family. The brothers decided to establish a new town but an argument between them ended by Romulus murdering Remus. Romulus established the town on the Palatine Hill and named it after himself.
Rome, founded according to legend in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus, grew over the years from a collection of small villages along the banks of the Tiber River into a city that became the heart of the mighty Roman Empire. Initially, it was a kingdom that controlled a small region, but in 509 BCE it transformed into a republic, and later, under the rule of Emperor Augustus in 27 BCE, it evolved into the Roman Empire. At the height of its power, Rome dominated vast areas across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It was a center of law, culture, and military strength, symbolizing the birth of the modern Western world.
During the imperial period, magnificent structures such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon were built. Rome became the cultural and religious focal point of the empire, and it remained a vital city until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. The collapse of the empire led to significant economic and social decline, and Rome sank into the Middle Ages.
However, during the Renaissance, between the 15th and 16th centuries, Rome experienced a revival, largely thanks to the power of the popes. They invested heavily in art and architecture, commissioning famous artists like Michelangelo and Raphael to create magnificent works that influenced the city's and the world's artistic history. Rome once again became an important cultural and religious center, particularly as the heart of the Catholic Church.
In the 19th century, following the unification of Italy, Rome became the capital of the Italian Kingdom and continued to grow as a major city in Italy. Today, Rome is the capital of Italy and its largest city, with a rich historical heritage that blends the remains of the Roman Empire with modern cultural centers.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the center of ancient Roman life, home to temples, markets, and government buildings. It was once the bustling heart of the Roman Empire, where political, religious, and social activities took place. Walking among the ruins today, Visitors can trace the steps of Julius Caesar, Augustus, and other figures from Roman history while walking among the ruins today. One can imagine the grandeur of the empire in its heyday. Dating back to the 7th century BC, the Forum’s development spanned several centuries. It is an archaeological treasure trove of temples, basilicas, and monuments such as the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Titus.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. it is still the largest standing in the world.
The Flavian Amphitheater was built by the emperor Vespasian and his sons: Titus and Domitian Flavii, in the 1st century. One of Vespasian first acts was the construction of a monumental amphitheater to entertain the masses. The architect of the Colosseum is unknown. It was the first permanent stone amphitheater in Rome and was composed of a double Greek theatre. The Colosseum seated 65,000 spectators. Admission was free. The entertainment include: hunting of animals, execution of criminals and slaves, gladiatorial games. Today only one third of the monument remains standing. In recent years it has undergone extensive restoration and consolidation.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is an architectural marvel ! It was a Roman temple that now serves as a church. Its massive dome, is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The oculus at the top, which provides natural light. Theses both are defining features of Roman engineering. The Pantheon was originally built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa. It was rebuilt around 126 AD by Emperor Hadrian. Its perfect proportions and stunning preservation have made it a model of architectural beauty that has inspired countless buildings over the centuries. The Pantheon’s transformation into a Christian church in the 7th century has ensured its continuous use, making it one of the best-preserved monuments from ancient Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest and most important churches in the world. It features incredible Renaissance architecture and Michelangelo’s Pietà. St. Peter’s Basilica is located in the Vatican City and is a major pilgrimage site. From its dome one has panoramic views of the city. The basilica’s vast interior, with its soaring dome and intricate mosaics, serves as both a place of worship and a museum of Renaissance art.
Churches were built over the burial sites of several Roman martyrs by the 1rst Christian emperor, Constantine (early 4th century). The Vatican hill is the site where Peter was believed to have been buried. The basilica, consisting of a nave and four side aisles, stood for more than a millennium.
Construction of a new basilica began in 1506 under Pope Julius II. It took over a century to complete, with contributions from architectural giants such as Donato Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Maderno. The basilica’s blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, along with its monumental dome, designed by Michelangelo, makes it one of the most celebrated architectural achievements in history.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a stunning Baroque masterpiece. It is famous for the tradition of tossing a coin into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome. The grand fountain, featuring Neptune and other mythological figures, is a symbol of Rome’s relationship with water. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, the fountain stands at the terminus of the Aqua Virgo, one of Rome’s ancient aqueducts, dating back to 19 BC. Its intricate sculptures, representing abundance and health, combined with its strategic location, make the Trevi Fountain one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. The fountain’s grandeur, especially when illuminated at night, continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
