The city of Rome
Author: SerenaRome is one of the most known and important cities in the world.
From the historical point of view it represents a real unique case: here you can admire Etruscan graves, republican forums, imperial temples, paleochristian basilicas, medieval bell towers, Renaissance palaces and baroque churches.
In Rome the concentration of history, legend, and monuments coexists with the other important concentration of bureaucracy of the whole Italian state and of thousands of other associations that have here their main offices. Obviously one of the most famous institution placed in Rome is the Vatican. These “three Romes” the imperial one, the medieval one and the republican one coexist in an unique harmony.
Rome is a very wide city but the area that firstly deserves your attention is the historical centre that is relatively small and easily visitable by foot. The great part of the monuments you should visit is always near the main railway station of the city: the Termini station.
All the most important monuments are placed on the west part of the city coming from this station.
The Palatino and the Roman Forum represent the centre of the ancient Rome.
Via del Corso connects the Forum to Piazza del Popolo while to the eastern part of this axis there is the Spanish Steps and the Fountain of Trevi. On the North-west zone of the Forum, on the other side of the Tevere, there is the Vatican.
You can eat very well by even saving money in the inns around Piazza Navona and in the Trastevere district.
If you don’t have enough time to spend in Rome, the main things you should see are: the Coliseum, the Domus Area, the Basilica of S. Giovanni, the Campidoglio, the Capitolini Museums, the Roman Forum, the Fountain of Trevi, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, The Saint Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums.
Only in the historical centre of Rome there are more than 400 churches. Which one of Santa Maria Antiqua is the most ancient church of the Forum. On the Aventino hill there is the Basilica of Santa Sabina (V century) that is considered one of the most beautiful church in Rome thanks to its cypress wood main door made up by 18 carved panels that represent biblical scenes. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore dates back to the Vth century even if it is characterized by a baroque façade and by a Romanic bell tower. San Giovanni in Laterano is the Rome’s cathedral: this monument hedges in the heads of Saint Peter and Paul. Santa Croce in Jerusalem dates back to the IVth century but it was rebuilt according the baroque style, here there are some precious memorabilia considered to be some parts of the real cross of Christ.
The Church of San Giovanni in Laterano
Santa Maria in Cosmedin is one of the most attractive medieval churches in Rome. It is famous even because under its porch there is the “Bocca della verità” (the Mouth of Truth): this is a wide marble disc that represents the face of Triton. According to the legend who says a lie putting his/her right hand in this mouth can be bitten by Triton.
The Mouth of Truth
Squares and meeting points
Rome has a wonderful collection of squares where you can take a rest while visiting the city. The big and beautiful Piazza Navona is surrounded by baroque palaces and hosts three fountains: at the centre of them there is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (the Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Bernini. During the Reinaissance, to celebrate particular events, this square were filled with water in order to simulate false naval combats.
Piazza Navona and its fountain
One of the most loved meeting points of Rome is Piazza di Spagna where you can admire the Spanish Steps of Trinità dei Monti. Observing these Steps you can admire the Keats-Shelley Memorial.
Piazza di Spagna is the fusion of three different elements built in three different historical moments: the church of Trinità dei Monti (XVI century), the famous fountain ( XVII century), and the magnificent steps that date back to the XVIII century and that were built to connect the church with the square.
Piazza di Spagna
On the southern part of the square there is the statue representing the Holy Mary (XIX century) placed on a base characterized by the statues of Moses, David and of the prophets Isaia ed Ezechle.
At the centre of the square you can admire the famous boat shaped fountain by Pietro Bernini. This shape is ornamented with bees and flowers that are part of the armorial bearings of the Pope Urbano VIII who wanted this monument.
The Spanish Steps are ornamented by many garden terraces that in spring are full of flowers.
The Spanish Steps full of flowers
The Church of Trinità dei Monti, placed at the top of the steps, is characterized by a Gothic style and by many important frescos.
From Piazza di Spagna you can go through Via Condotti the most famous street in Rome. Here you can find many boutiques and at the n.86 there is the famous Cafè Greco, the most ancient café in Rome.
One of the most known meeting point of Rome isn’t a square but a fountain: The Fountain of Trevi.
From the Quirinale square you can admire a wonderful view of Rome and of Saint Peter.
Piazza Venezia is dominated by the so-called ” Typewriter“: this is the nickname of the enormous monument dedicated to the king Vittorio Emanuele II and officially called the Vittoriano.
The Vittoriano
Campo de’ Fiori is a pleasant square where everyday (Sunday excepted) there is a picturesque street market of flowers other than of fruits and vegetables.
Beside this square there is a beautiful Renaissance building called Palazzo Farnese.
Enjoy your stay in Rome!
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