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Overview of Rome
Rome, also known as Roma, stands as the capital and most populous city in Italy. The historical heart of Rome holds a history stretching over 2500 years, serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Rome, Roman Empire, and Roman Republic, dominating power in Western Europe. Today, with continuous development and a rich history of triumphs, Rome has become a globally renowned tourist destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Rome is famous for the saying 'All roads lead to Rome,' symbolizing its influence across Europe, North Africa, and into the Middle East, reigning supreme in both military and cultural aspects. It stands as the brainchild of one of the greatest civilizations in history, leaving a comprehensive and profound impact on society, language, literature, art, architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, philosophy, religion, law, and customs throughout many ensuing centuries.
Discovering Rome means marveling at the remnants of ancient Roman civilization rather than towering modern skyscrapers. Join me in exploring the famous landmarks of Rome.
This Vespa can carry up to 3 people.
Recommendations for Rome Sightseeing
1) Pantheon Temple
Pantheon, also known as the Temple of All Gods, is a famous Roman landmark remarkably preserved for over a millennium. Initially dedicated to Roman gods, Pantheon transformed into a place of worship in 609 and has since served as the resting place for Italian kings.
The temple's exquisite marble floor and grandiose dome, nearly intact after two millennia, stand as a testament to ancient architectural brilliance. Notably, the dome, with a diameter of 43.44m, remains the largest ancient dome without supporting columns or steel reinforcements.
At the top of the dome is an empty circle with an 8.92m diameter, the sole source of natural light inside the temple. On sunny days, visitors can enjoy a mystical light beam streaming down as if the dome itself is a celestial canopy created by the gods.
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Rarely does any ancient architectural marvel endure as remarkably as the Pantheon. Evenings here are bustling and joyous with a lively atmosphere.
The original granite columns stand in pristine splendor.
The inscription on the front of the temple reads “M AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIVM FECIT,” translated as “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, built this temple when he was Consul for the third time.”
2) Trevi Fountain
Trevi is also an architectural marvel of the Baroque art movement and is renowned as the most beautiful fountain in Rome. The name Trevi comes from Tre Vie (three roads) as the fountain marks the intersection of three streets: Via Dei Crocicchi, Via Poli, and Via Delle Muratte.
At the center of the fountain stands the Roman sea god Neptune atop a chariot drawn by two sea horses. The statue on the left side of the archway is named Abundance, symbolizing the wealth and prosperity of Rome. The statue on the right is named Health, representing abundant well-being.
Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece in the Baroque style, celebrated for its beauty, size, and the captivating legends associated with it.
Photo 5 I arrived a little after 8 am, and it was already quite crowded. So, if you want to take pictures without people, you'll need to come really early.
Capture a narrow angle to avoid seeing people.
Here, turn around and toss a coin into the water because according to the local belief
If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome.
If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an Italian.
If you throw three coins: you will marry the person you met.
To achieve the desired effect, toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.
However, due to reading various pieces of information, I mistakenly remembered tossing 2 coins with the hope of returning, so I threw 2 coins. And in early 2023, I returned to Italy once again ^^
3) Spanish Steps
The stone staircase is named so because this area used to be the headquarters of the Spanish Embassy. Built in 1723, this structure consists of 135 steps and plays a significant role in Rome's history. It's always crowded with tourists.
Note that you are not allowed to sit on these steps; you can only walk or sit at the fountain below to admire. When I sat down to take pictures, the police officers quickly signaled me to stand up.
Just a few minutes before, the steps still looked deserted like this.
But just a few minutes later, it was packed with tourists, even though it was still quite early.
This is a view of the street from above the steps.
4) Venezia Square
Venezia Square is the largest square in Rome, located in the city center and formed in the mid-15th century. It still preserves many historic buildings of famous personalities in Rome.
The large roundabout in the middle of the square.
On the right side of the square, you'll find the 'ancient house district.'
Amidst the bustling and noisy tourist center, under the scorching 38-degree heat, finding 'peace' is a personal quest.
5) National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
The monument, located in Venezia Square, is made of white marble, honoring those who contributed to the unification of Italy in the mid-19th century. The grand design of the monument required the demolition of the entire medieval area of Rome to make room for it. While not everyone in Rome appreciates the monument, it's hard to overlook the outstanding work of Italian sculptors commissioned to create it, including Leonardo Bistolfi and Angelo Zanelli.
Behind the colossal equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel, housed in the Centrale del Risorgimento Italiano, lies a captivating display shedding light on Italy's unification journey and pivotal moments in history.
When I visited, entry to the interior was free of charge.
6) Capitoline Museums
Situated just behind the National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, this museum offers direct views of the Roman Forum and even the Colosseum. While these landmarks are close, exploring them takes quite some time.
The museum's history dates back to 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV gifted a significant collection of ancient coins to the people of Rome, placing them on Capitoline Hill. Since then, the museum's collection has expanded, encompassing numerous ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and various artistic creations; a collection of medieval and Renaissance art; and collections of jewelry, coins, and other artifacts. The museum is owned and operated
The imposing statues at the entrance exude grandeur.
I arrived just in time for the museum's free admission day. Despite feeling tired, the complimentary ticket encouraged me to explore.
Palatine Hill is entwined with the ancient Roman legend where twin brothers Romulus and Remus were abandoned and nursed by a she-wolf. Hence, the symbol of Rome features the two infants suckling from the wolf.
7) Sant' Angelo Castle
Castel Sant'Angelo (meaning 'Castle of the Holy Angel' in Italian) has served as a mausoleum, fortress, military prison, and even a residence for popes. Today, it stands as a national museum, an archaeological site, and one of the most significant landmarks in the historic center of Rome, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
This is the bridge leading to the castle, adorned with an angelic statue lying across the bridge so lifelike that I hesitated to capture it.
A couple taking wedding photos. I believe this location would be even more beautiful in the morning.
Eating in Rome
Being the capital and a tourist hub, Rome offers hundreds of dining options that you can't possibly try all. The eateries here are both longstanding and unique. Below are some places I've tried, mostly guided by spontaneity.
This is an age-old gelato shop where many people buy gelato and stand on the opposite side to eat, making me very curious. Upon entering, I discovered that if you sit down, they charge an additional service fee, so many people buy and eat outside. I tried two flavors of gelato, but I haven't felt the exceptional taste yet.
This shop has had very special guests like the U.S. President Barack Obama and Pope John Paul II. The shop is decorated in a classical style. There are many types of pastries and nearly 20 flavors of gelato for you to choose from. You read the items you want to buy at the counter, they print a receipt, and you take the receipt to collect your order.
This dish is a traditional one, and when I tried it, I was overwhelmed with disappointment. It was lukewarm and bland, not fitting my personal taste.
Tiramisu is a bit too sweet for my liking.
While strolling in the evening, I came across the 'best in the area' Tiramisu bakery.
They offer various flavors here, from the traditional one to hazelnut, strawberry, and even peanut butter. Prices range from 2.5e to 3.5e for a small piece.
I tried the hazelnut flavor. The cake here is also sweet for my personal taste.
Photo 28 This is the tiramisu I had at a restaurant near the Vatican. The glass was chilled, and the plate had a classic look that gave me high expectations. However, the texture of this cake turned out to be too soft. It's still not the best tiramisu I've had; the best one was in Luino, northern Italy, my hometown. I will write about that region in the next post!
By dinner time, guests have to stand in long queues to get into the restaurant.
This restaurant even has a pasta kneading table outside, which is very reputable ^^. I found this place super delicious.
In Conclusion
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