“Tutte Le Strade Portano a Roma”
All Roads Lead to Rome
“All roads lead to Rome” is an ancient saying from the 1100’s referring to the Roman Empire when it was one of the largest and most powerful empires in the world. Rome had a leading influence in economics, culture, religion, politics, military forces, art, literature, inventions, philosophy, architecture, and more.
Rome’s road system resembled spokes of a wheel, with Rome as the central point, and all of its roads radiating from it. All roads literally did lead to Rome since it was the major hub of its time. But the proverb of this meaning is “different methods will yield the same result.” I’ll let you interpret that! 😉
So what should one do when one is in Rome? Lot’s to choose from, and you really can’t go wrong. Everything is pretty amazing the museums are all history rich, and you’ll find beautiful markets lining the cobblestone streets. Just remember there are large crowds during the high seasons (June-mid September). But regardless, you’ll have a good time. Here are a few must-sees for your visit!
1. COLOSSEUM-Gladiatorial Arena
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world, located in the center of Rome, Italy. It was built in AD 80 and has the capacity to hold an audience of 80,000. It has a bloody history of gladiatorial combats, wild animal fights, and executions for entertainment. Dramas and famous battle reenactments were also performed here. Today, the Colosseum has remained intact after damages from earthquakes, stone-robbers and time. It’s globally recognized as a symbol of Rome and a popular tourist attraction.
2. ROMAN FORUM- Ancient Ruins
The Forum (Plaza/Townsquare) has several important ancient government buildings and was the center of day-to-day life for citizens of Rome. It is where they held elections, military ceremonies and celebrations, religious ordeals, the market, and business and commercial affairs.
The huge archeological site gives you a glimpse of one of the most celebrated meeting places in the world, and many of the oldest and most important structures of ancient Rome. And it’s right next door to the Colosseum.
3. TREVI FOUNTAIN
Any trip to Rome would be incomplete without a visit to the Trevi Fountain. The marble statue of Neptune surrounded by tritons is a huge fountain masterpiece designed by Nicola Salvi’. Legend has it that anyone who throws a coin in the fountain will return to Rome. Hence, I’ll be back of course! 😉
4. VATICAN
You can spend an entire day trying to see everything here. Start at the St. Peter’s Square where you will see an Egyptian Obelisk in the center and you’ll be at the feet of St. Peter’s Basilica. Don’t forget to see the Vatican Museums that contains masterpieces of painting, sculpture and other works of art collected by the popes through the centuries. Oh, and it has the famous work of Michelangelo’s, Sistine Chapel. Lines can be an hour long wait, so buy tickets ahead of time or you can find nearby tour groups that can skip the long lines and let you in quickly, for a fee.
If you have some extra time, you can also make your way just south of Vatican City and find the Castel Sant’Angelo, which was originally a burial chamber to the Roman Emporer Hadrian and his family and then became a castle and fortress where popes sought solace during sieges. Today it is a museum where you can experience the history, and get a panoramic view of Vatican City and the Tiber.
5. THE PANTHEON-Temple of the Gods
The cool thing about the Pantheon is that it is one of the best-preserved structures of all Ancient Roman buildings, and has been in continuous use throughout time, since the 7th century. The inside and outside of the building have maintained its look from nearly 2,000 years ago. The marble floors are still there from the beginning of its time, as well as many other things. You’ll see why Michaelangelo studied it’s dome before he started working on the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Unlike the ruins, you’re given a clear representation of ancient Rome.
Happy Travel!
xx,
Kadi