Rome is called the Eternal City because the ancient Romans believed that the city would go on forever. Despite the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome still lives up to its name as the Eternal City, as it is very much alive as one of the world's classic cities. Everywhere you go, there are still signs of the Empire that lasted approximately 500 years - whether it be a crumbling arch, an old date etched in Roman numerals on the side of a wall on a seemingly normal looking street, an aqueduct, or the grand Colosseum itself. The amount of history that Rome holds is both amazing and overwhelming.
We began our city-stay in Rome with a walk to the Fontana di Trevi. Legend has it that if you stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand that you'll return to Rome. Well, I was in Rome in 2005 and performed this coin ritual and 11 years later I found myself doing it again!
Nearly every major European city we've visited has a free walking tour which is a great way to get oriented and learn about the history of the place you're in. We did a free walking tour through Rome's Ultimate and spent several hours walking around the city with a knowledgeable guide who pointed out some interesting things that we would have otherwise walked by, oblivious about their historical significance. For example, we walked by the emperor Augustus' tomb which dates back to 28 BC as well as a plaque marking the level where the Tiber River flooded. Had our guide not pointed out these details, we would have likely walked by them, despite being in plain sight.
One of the most impressive places we visited on our walking tour was the Roman Pantheon. I hadn't previously visited this massive building on my previous trip to Rome, but it's worth a stop on any city visit. This ancient Roman temple dedicated to the gods has a huge dome with an opening (oculus) at the top. It's a bit surreal standing in such a dramatic place, you need to experience it in real life. Photos cannot do it justice. In case you're wondering where rain water goes, in the floor there are tiny holes which allow the water to drain. Actually many features of the ancient Roman drainage system still exist in the city today. Those Romans were pretty smart!
Another new site for me was the brilliant Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) sculpted by Bernini, which is located in Piazza Navona. I'm normally not one to be super impressed by sculptures, but this one is a masterpiece. Our walking tour guide helped us understand the symbolism about the four sections of the fountain representing four major rivers of the world: the Ganges, Nile, Danube, and Rio de la Plata.
No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Colosseum. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built, and it dates back to 70-80 AD. I just enjoyed sitting there, imagining what it would be like to watch a gladiator contest, an animal hunt, or a public execution, just as the ancient Romans did. It was chilling to think of, but in the ancient days that's what people did for entertainment!
Right next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, and luckily you can get a combination ticket for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Forum which is valid for 24 hours. It's better to buy your ticket at the Forum/Palatine Hill window because the line is shorter, then make your way to the Colosseum line for ticket holders. I had never been to the Forum before and wasn't sure what to expect, but wandering around ancient Roman ruins during "golden hour" right before sunset was peaceful. Because we went to the Forum right before closing, the crowds were minimal. Climbing the stairs up Palatine Hill is worth it to get the amazing view over the Forum, and of the nearby Colosseum.
Rome cannot be seen in a few days, or possibly even a few weeks. After two short visits, I feel like I've merely scratched the surface. The city's history is so rich and there are so many extraordinary places to visit. There is no other city that I've visited that can match Rome's historic significance and sheer amount of brilliant attractions, and I haven't even covered the Vatican... that will have to be a separate post! Rome truly is and always will be The Eternal City in my eyes.
We began our city-stay in Rome with a walk to the Fontana di Trevi. Legend has it that if you stand with your back to the fountain and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand that you'll return to Rome. Well, I was in Rome in 2005 and performed this coin ritual and 11 years later I found myself doing it again!
Nearly every major European city we've visited has a free walking tour which is a great way to get oriented and learn about the history of the place you're in. We did a free walking tour through Rome's Ultimate and spent several hours walking around the city with a knowledgeable guide who pointed out some interesting things that we would have otherwise walked by, oblivious about their historical significance. For example, we walked by the emperor Augustus' tomb which dates back to 28 BC as well as a plaque marking the level where the Tiber River flooded. Had our guide not pointed out these details, we would have likely walked by them, despite being in plain sight.
One of the most impressive places we visited on our walking tour was the Roman Pantheon. I hadn't previously visited this massive building on my previous trip to Rome, but it's worth a stop on any city visit. This ancient Roman temple dedicated to the gods has a huge dome with an opening (oculus) at the top. It's a bit surreal standing in such a dramatic place, you need to experience it in real life. Photos cannot do it justice. In case you're wondering where rain water goes, in the floor there are tiny holes which allow the water to drain. Actually many features of the ancient Roman drainage system still exist in the city today. Those Romans were pretty smart!
Another new site for me was the brilliant Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) sculpted by Bernini, which is located in Piazza Navona. I'm normally not one to be super impressed by sculptures, but this one is a masterpiece. Our walking tour guide helped us understand the symbolism about the four sections of the fountain representing four major rivers of the world: the Ganges, Nile, Danube, and Rio de la Plata.
No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Colosseum. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built, and it dates back to 70-80 AD. I just enjoyed sitting there, imagining what it would be like to watch a gladiator contest, an animal hunt, or a public execution, just as the ancient Romans did. It was chilling to think of, but in the ancient days that's what people did for entertainment!
Right next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum, and luckily you can get a combination ticket for the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Forum which is valid for 24 hours. It's better to buy your ticket at the Forum/Palatine Hill window because the line is shorter, then make your way to the Colosseum line for ticket holders. I had never been to the Forum before and wasn't sure what to expect, but wandering around ancient Roman ruins during "golden hour" right before sunset was peaceful. Because we went to the Forum right before closing, the crowds were minimal. Climbing the stairs up Palatine Hill is worth it to get the amazing view over the Forum, and of the nearby Colosseum.
Rome cannot be seen in a few days, or possibly even a few weeks. After two short visits, I feel like I've merely scratched the surface. The city's history is so rich and there are so many extraordinary places to visit. There is no other city that I've visited that can match Rome's historic significance and sheer amount of brilliant attractions, and I haven't even covered the Vatican... that will have to be a separate post! Rome truly is and always will be The Eternal City in my eyes.
