What is Rome? First of all, it is a city that is the capital of Italy and the entire Catholic world. A unique city founded, according to legend, by Romulus and Remus, who were two twins, and they were raised by a she-wolf. The history of Rome has 29 centuries. Now it is one of the largest, most significant and richest cities in sights not only in the country, but in the whole world. It is difficult to find another similar place, which has such a variety of monuments of Antiquity, neoclassicism, and the Renaissance.
General information
The capital is the most populous city in Italy. The population of the city of Rome is 4 million inhabitants, which does not include a large number of tourists.
Rome is located on the Tiber River, in the very center of the Apennine Peninsula. Near it is located the coast of the thermal and beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is not multinational because 95% of its inhabitants are Italians.
This beautiful Italian city is full of different titles. First of all, it is one of the oldest cities in the whole world, since it was founded in 753 BC. e. It is also called the cradle of Christian and European civilization. On the territory of the Vatican is the famous St. Paul's Cathedral, which is the main world shrine of Catholics.
Description of the sights of Rome
You've probably heard that all roads lead to Rome. If once this expression was associated with trade, transport accessibility of some settlements, as well as tax collection, then in our time this saying has a completely different meaning. The Italian capital attracts tourists not just as an interesting European city, but as something more. People come here not just to walk and see the sights. Rome is visited to return to the roots.
Due to its centuries-old history, Rome has become an "eternal" city. It was in ancient Greece and Rome that the foundations of the humanities and technical sciences were laid. For example, the following sciences can be distinguished:
- Geometry.
- Philosophy.
- Physics.
- Rhetoric.
- Medicine.
It is this rich cultural and historical heritage that interests tourists who come here from all over the world.
As a rule, tourists will not have the question "where to go in Rome", because you can always visit one of the museums, of which there are dozens. Each of them surprises visitors with its artifacts and exhibits, which you will not see anywhere else. One trip will definitely not be enough to get acquainted with the museumlegacy of Rome.
There are many architectural monuments in the center of the city, which are very valuable for the world community. In general, the city center is called an open-air museum, in which each building is an exhibit, and a new street is a transition to the next hall. In addition, the capital of Italy is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Therefore, be sure to go on a sightseeing tour of Rome so as not to miss anything interesting.
And since you've already visited the city, then dilute sightseeing with shopping and visiting various institutions. Very tasty food and wine here. In every district of Rome there are shops, shops, shopping centers where you can buy interesting accessories, clothes and shoes.
Roman Vatican
This is the smallest sovereign state known to the whole world, in which the residence of the Pope is located. There is no permanent population here. About 1000 people live in the state. These are mainly church fathers, nuns, as well as civilians who work in the local infrastructure.
The Vatican is the hallmark of Rome. He acquired his political status in 1929. Under his leadership are some institutions and facilities that are located outside the territory of the Vatican. This list also includes individual educational institutions in Italy, land plots, as well as property in Spain.
The budget of a small state is formed from tourism revenues, the sale of postage stamps, church donations, and land leases.
In his territorythere are monuments that are of great historical and artistic value. There is even a whole Vatican Museum, in which a large number of halls and rooms are filled with the legendary creations of ancient sculptors, representatives of the Renaissance, as well as contemporary artists.
St. Peter's Cathedral
Known as the largest temple in the world. This majestic and large building is located on the territory of the Vatican. It is also famous for its art museum. The best creators of the Renaissance took part in the creation of its interior decoration. The cathedral has its own amazing atmosphere, which impresses tourists very much, so you should definitely visit it to feel the greatness of the religious building.
The entrance to the main portal is decorated with a fresco that Giotto worked on. There are five doors in the cathedral, one of which can only be opened by the pope in the years of jubilee after performing certain rituals. The bronze gate is adorned with images of Paul and Peter, and to the right of it is a sculpture by Michelangelo known as the Lamentation of Christ.
Here is a statue of Peter, made of bronze. In his hands he holds the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. The sculpture is a shrine to which pilgrims come to kiss his foot and ask him to open the gates leading to paradise. On holidays, the sculpture is covered with beautiful and elegant robes, so it seems as if it is a living priest.
Majestic Colosseum
You can't visit the city and not visittheater in Rome. This is one of the main attractions of the capital. Another name for the Colosseum is the Flavian Amphitheatre. There is always a long queue for him, and it is made up of representatives of various nationalities.
From the largest ancient amphitheater, which was erected by the emperors Titus and Vespasian, only ruins remained. But, despite its dilapidated state, the landmark is still admired.
You can buy a ticket to the Colosseum in Rome for 12 euros. It's not much, considering several factors. The ticket price also includes a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It is valid for two days.
Trevi Fountain
One of the most interesting melodic objects is the Trevi Fountain. This is an unusual symbol of Rome. A very beautiful building, the sound of which inspired any Italian composer to create a musical masterpiece.
The fountain was created in 1762. The object reaches a height of 26 m and a width of 20 m. It is so large that it occupies almost the entire area on which it is located. Pure water flows from it, which is supplied through the existing old water conduit, and it is taken from springs located outside the city. In front of the building is the beautiful Poli Palace.
The composition is made in the marine theme. Here you will see Neptune, who is seated on a chariot depicted in the form of a sea shell, and sea horses and newts are harnessed to the wagon. Water flows beautifully over the sculpture, and then falls on the stones,therefore, there is an imitation of the noise of the surf. Neptune is also surrounded by other symbolic figures.
At this place you can always meet thousands of travelers who admire the marine composition. You can drink water from the fountain, and it is also customary to throw coins into it to return back.
Arch of Constantine
This is the largest arch that has ever existed in the city. She has really amazing sizes:
- The height of the structure is 21 m.
- Width - 25.7 m.
- Depth - 7.4 m.
The arch was built in honor of Constantine's victory in the battle against Maxentius. The main part of the building is made of marble blocks. The Arch of Constantine is a real story, as it depicts the emperor's military campaign.
Villa and Gallery Borghese
If you do not know what to see on your own in Rome, then be sure to go to Villa Borghese. It is located in the northern part of the city, on a hill called Pincho. In the 17th century, Cardinal Borghese ordered the creation of a landscape park here, where the villa is located. In addition to it, there are a large number of various ancient sculptures, as well as an artificially created lake. Over time, the park became a landmark of Rome, after which not only local residents, but also travelers began to come here. There is also a museum and a theater on its territory.
If you have visited the park, then be sure to go to the gallery, which is made in the classicstyle. It contains interesting sculptures and paintings by famous artists and sculptors:
- Lorenzo Lotto.
- Tizian.
- Monet's treasure.
- Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini.
- Rubens.
- Luigi Valadier.
- Van Gogh.
The Baths of Caracalla
In ancient times, baths were a very important place. Local people came here not only to wash themselves, but also to make useful contacts or just chat. The famous baths of Caracalla, with marble facings, decorated with mosaics and niches, are the most magnificent building of their kind. Even in ancient times, they were recognized as a miracle of the Eternal City.
Now only ruins remain of them. Despite this, performances by opera singers, various theatrical performances, as well as concerts of famous contemporary performers are often arranged here.
Arc de Triomphe of Titus
Among the interesting places in Rome is the triumphal arch of Titus. It would seem, what is so surprising in the arch, which is in many cities? But the very first such structures appeared in this city, and the triumphal arch of Titus is one of them. It was built in 81 AD. The arch is dedicated to the suppression of the popular uprising by Titus, which took place in Jerusalem.
This is a single-span building, the height of which reaches 15.4 m, and the width is 13.4 m. It is made of Pentel marble and is decorated with bas-reliefs, semi-columns and inscriptions.
Piazza Navona
In the past there was a stadium here,which could accommodate 15,000 spectators to watch the athletes compete.
In the Middle Ages, the church of St. Agnes was built on the site of the stadium, as well as the basilica, which was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In those places where there were once stands, the construction of residential buildings began. The only place left empty is the former arena. It is on this territory that Piazza Navona is now located. In addition, here you can look at interesting fountains and at the Palazzo Pamphili.
Pantheon
The temple was built in 126 AD. Over time, it was consecrated as a Christian church, which was dedicated to St. Mary and the martyrs.
The building has interesting architectural features. The structure has absolutely no windows, and light enters through holes in the dome. Previously, it was customary to place niches along the inner perimeter of the structure, in which statues of the gods were installed. It turned out that the rays of the sun, which enter the building through the holes, illuminated some deity.
Palatine Hill
The Palatine is located near the Roman Forum. According to history, the city was founded on the Palatine Hill. During the Republican period, this place was inhabited by the Roman nobility, who built luxurious palaces.
For this reason, there are many ruins of beautiful buildings, among which:
- The House of the Flavians is a palace that was built in 81 AD. The building served as the state and official residence of Emperor Domitian.
- Livia's House -This building is the best preserved. A modest building, from the walls of which the remains of frescoes and mosaics have been preserved.
- House of Augustus - formerly the residence of Octavian Augustus. The house was also decorated with frescoes that have survived to this day.
- Farnese Gardens - were designed on the ruins of the palace of Tiberius. These gardens were among the very first in Europe.
- The Hippodrome of Domitian - it is still unknown what it was used for. Perhaps it was just a garden or a stadium where the races were held.
- Palatine Museum - although it is small in size, it has many interesting rarities that were found as a result of excavations carried out on the hill. There are frescoes, sculptures, mosaics, and other valuable items here.
Roman catacombs
Catacombs - underground burial places of Jews and Christians. They were founded by Christians who did not want to accept the pagan custom of burning bodies. In order to solve this problem, Christians created large underground cemeteries, because there was no other way out, since there was not enough space and money for land in Rome.
The catacombs have a huge number of underground passages, thanks to which real labyrinths are created. Their length can be several kilometers, along the labyrinths there are rows of burial niches.
There are more than 60 catacombs in the city. Each of them consists of hundreds of kilometers of underground passages, and thousands of tombs are located in them. Now only some of them are open to tourists.
Trastevere area
Those who are interested in what Rome is like should visit the atmospheric Italian district. This is the best place for walking around the city. Here you can have a very tasty dinner or lunch. Walking along the streets of the area, you can see modest medieval churches, look at the daily life of the Romans, and visit small shops that have a very interesting assortment.
Altar of the Fatherland
Vittoriano - the Altar of the Fatherland, which is located in Piazza Venezia. The building was erected in the 20th century in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, who was the first king of a united Italy. Inside the building there is a museum called the Risorgimento.
The huge monument reaches a length of 135 m and a height of 70 m. It consists of a large number of Corinthian columns and stairs made of white marble. There is an equestrian bronze sculpture of Victor Emmanuel in the center of the structure.
Spanish Steps
Another must-see place in Rome is Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. A very popular attraction among visitors to the city.
The staircase was built in the 18th century, and at its foot is the beautiful Barcaccia Fountain. It leads to the top of Pincho Hill.
Sistine Chapel
The building, without visiting which it is impossible to imagine what Rome is, is the Sistine Chapel. Once it was a home church in the Vatican. Today, a conclave gathers here, which elects the Pope. This place is famous for its luxurious frescoes by Michelangelo. Buonarotti, as well as other paintings.
Now you know what Rome is. This is an ancient city that is visited by a large number of tourists every year, which is not surprising, because there is something to see here. When visiting Rome, be sure to visit its most popular and famous places to learn about its history, be inspired by the grandeur of architecture, and also touch the origins. A sea of positive emotions and unforgettable impressions is guaranteed!
