Otherwise known as the Eternal City, 2,700 year-old Rome has been present at
and played a role in countless historical events.
Modern Rome boasts cutting-edge fashions housed in centuries-old buildings.
The streets stream with Fiats, Alfa Romeos and Maseratis, dented and scratched
to show their traffic mettle, whizzing by ancient monuments seemingly without
a thought, and squares teem with people, life and energy so palpable most don't
bother to sit to sip their cappuccinos.
The capital of Italy, Rome has a population of 2.5 million proud citizens whose
ancestors have invested in maintaining their city's reputation as a centre for
culture. Hotels, shops and restaurants have been passed down through the years,
with each new generation adding their own influence while carefully safeguarding
the secrets of the family business.
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Outside of St. Peter's Basilica |
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A trip to Rome requires a bit of research. The number of sights are positively
mind-boggling, and the pace sometimes hectic. Without planning ahead it's easy
to wander past some of the lesser-known sights without a hint of their significance.
Attractions range from hundreds of fountains fed by ancient aqueducts, to
several museums including the Vatican,
which has been argued to hold the most comprehensive art collection in the world
and is home to the magnificent St.
Peter's Basilica. Dozens of smaller, but equally ornate churches pepper
the city, as do palaces, gardens, statues and stadiums — all signs of
the great artists that have been inspired by Rome's energy.
Orientation
Located in the belly of Italy, Rome's host region, Latium,
has a landscape comprised of hills and lakes, and a west coast that lies along
the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Rome is a large city, but its historic centre is relatively small and easily
walkable. Most of the city's major attractions lie within this area, defined
by the 406 km (252 mi) River Tiber to the west, the gardens of the Villa
Borghese to the north, Stazione
Termini (Rome's central train station) to the east and the Roman
Forum to the south.
HISTORY OF ROME
Ancient Rome: 600-27 BC
The area where Rome now lies was initially populated by Latins and Etruscans,
and arguments over who would control the region began early. The Etruscans,
originally from Mesopotamia, conquered Latin-held Rome around 600 BC.
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Romans kneel before Caesar |
A small portion of Etruscans reigned the newly-founded Roman Republic until
its citizens began attempting to oust their government from power, succeeding
somewhere around 250 BC. After such a long battle, the Roman military did not
simply stop there. It continued to spread its influence with one decisive military
victory after another, and, by 49 BC, the resulting empire spanned the continent
of Europe, parts of southeast Asia and some of northern Africa.
From 59 BC on, the army had been led by the charismatic military expert Julius
Caesar, whose exploits in the field captured imaginations and became the stuff
of legend. Caesar's talents further extended Rome's empire as far north as Belgium
and included the entirety of modern-day France.
By 49 BC, Caesar's term as general was up. He had been assured a position of
power after retirement, but his original cohorts in government had since been
removed from their lofty circumstances. After having been far away from the
decision-makings of Rome for so many years, he was concerned about his reception
upon returning.
This predicament would lead Caesar to make his legendary crossing of the Rubicon
and march on his own city, forcing a civil war that would last until 43 BC,
eventually being decided in his favour and thus crowning Caesar the undisputed
leader of the Roman Empire. He pardoned all those who had fought against him,
but his peace was short-lived. Only one year later Caesar was murdered by Marcus
Junius Brutus and other conspirators in the Senate.
War continued for 14 more years until a stable government was established.
In 27 BC, Augustus, a great-nephew of Caesar's, became Rome's first emperor.
The Roman Empire & the Growth of Christianity: 27-500 AD
Augustus is touted as the greatest Roman emperor, one who brought order and
stability to his people. He embarked on a period of social reform for Romans,
emphasizing the arts and education. He also focused his efforts towards the
reconstruction of Rome, instigating the foundations of many buildings so grandiose
they would not be completed until long after his death in the year 14 AD.
By 100 AD, the city of Rome had 1.5 million citizens. Christianity began gaining
popularity and several underground churches were established. Meanwhile, the
Roman military started to lose ground and the Empire began to slowly shrink.
Rome's numerous emperors passed on war to their successors for centuries, also
battling amongst themselves and with the church, creating instability and lasciviousness
in a recently well-behaved Rome.
After losing serious ground to Germanic soldiers in 476 AD, the last of the
Roman emperors, Augustulus Romulus, was defeated. By 500 AD, the Lombards, originally
from eastern Germany, invaded the city of Rome. It is widely believed if not
for the leadership of Pope Gregory I, Rome would have perished. Gregory I negotiated
with the Lombards for peace when the temporal leader (the exarch) of Rome would
not. Thus, the church took its initial steps to separate itself from the state
and retain the right to make its own decisions. Four of Rome's greatest basilicas
were built during Gregory's reign, and he sent missionaries as far as what is
now the United Kingdom.
Medieval Rome - 500-1400 AD
Rome suffered through battles between the Lombards and the powerful Byzantines
for almost 1,000 years. Plumbing and drainage systems were destroyed, disease
spread, and by 500 AD the population had dwindled to between 50,000 and 70,000.
And still, there was a constant struggle for power between the popes and the
exarchs.
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A temple at the Roman Forum |
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As a result, the Papal States emerged. Areas where the popes could exercise
both theological and temporal power, the Papal States existed in Italy, France
(namely Avignon) and northern
Africa. Religious leaders began to abandon Rome for less violent, more pious,
lands.
The city fell to the hands of the wealthy, who would battle other families
for control of the government, and the city began to fall to ruin. Aqueducts
had been vandalized or fell into disrepair, and the grounds of the
Roman Forum, once the home of the Senate and a centre of trade and
commerce, became a field for grazing cattle.
Renaissance Rome -1400-1600 AD
The primary Papal State, called the Vatican or "Holy See", had Rome as
its capital and included the regions of Latium,
Umbria and Marche.
Pontiffs were beginning to return from France to the Vatican, starting with
Pope Gregory XI in 1377. They wished to spread their influence as both moral
and governmental leaders. They understood the most effective way to gain and
retain the support of the people, thus maintaining a position of authority,
would be to rebuild the city and improve its infrastructure. The leading artists
and architects in the world, at the height of their talents, were summoned to
inject their influence into projects like the Sistine
Chapel and St.
Peter's Basilica. The likes of Michelangelo (Michelangelo di Lodovico
Buonarroti Simoni), Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) and Sandro Botticelli, were to
spend some of their most creative moments in Rome, thus characterizing the Renaissance
movement for the rest of the world.
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Bernini's Trevi
Fountain |
Baroque Rome - 1600-1750 AD
Three busy popes, Urban VIII (Maffeo Barberini, r. 1623–44), Innocent
X (G. B. Pamphilj, r. 1644–55), and Alexander VII (Fabio Chigi, r. 1655–67)
commissioned several works from sculptors and painters during the Baroque Period
that are both theatrical and wondrous. The names Bernini (Gian Lorenzo) and
Borromini (Francesco) are repeated over and over as their endless influence
on the creation of fountains, piazzas, palaces and the Vatican State is evident
from one end of the city centre to the other. Baroque art is typically bold,
curving and elaborate, satiating the hungry eyes of an art lover.
Modern Rome - 1750 AD -Present
Continuous conflicts had left Italy divided into 10 scattered and individual
states. The Napoleanic Wars had transfered power in Lombardy
to the French and the Austrians, but what represents modern-day Sardinia,
Sicily, Tuscany,
Veneto, Piedmont
and Emilia-Romagna
(mainly Parma)
existed free from outside control.
A push was made for unification, beginning with Veneto, Piemonte and Sardinia
teaming with France to defeat the Austrians 1859. The north was united again,
to be followed by the Parma, Modena, Naples and, the reluctant Sicily.
In 1870, Italy became whole again.
The 20th century would bring more struggle and strife to Rome, starting with
the First World War. Italy, although in an alliance with Germany and Austria
since 1882, refused to honour its pact and declared war against Austria-Hungary
in 1915, and against Germany in 1916. Rome remained relatively untouched as
Italy's armies held their ground at the Paive River, which ends near Venice.
The ensuing depression, caused by returning troops, high unemployment and weakened
global trade, left Italy stunned, dispirited and susceptible to the advances
of smooth-talker Benito Mussolini. A section of revolutionaries had broken with
the Socialists over the issue of Italy's entry into the First World War, and
also touted Italy's need to bring industry under the control of labour unions.
Mussolini agreed with them, and joined Milan's wing of their group, termed the
Fascio. A newspaper editor who had once been expelled from school for stabbing
a fellow classmate, in 1914 Mussolini began publishing the Il Popolo d'Italia
(The Italian People). He exploited fears of instability instigated by the depression
with relentless propaganda, gaining enough support so that, five years later,
he was able to form his own political party, the Fasci di Combattimento.
Mussolini was elected to Parliament in 1921. Italy became a fascist state in
1922, when the King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III, invited Mussolini to form
a new government after liberal groups failed to retain hold of their influence.
Mussolini created the Fascisti, a type of special police force consisting of
groups of armed veterans who would terrorize any outspoken critics. Italy entered
the Second World War on the side of Nazi Germany, leaving it prey to many allied
attacks. Facism had been maintained for more than 20 years until 1943, when
Mussolini overstrained his military attempting to annex Albania. He lost the
support of his colleagues and was stripped of his power. A few months later
he was rescued during a dangerous coup by the German military, and set up a
rogue government in Gargnano
(northern Italy). Shortly after that, however, he was recaptured by the Allieds
and put to death, along with his mistress Claretta Petacci, in the spring of
1945.
During the Second World War Rome suffered considerable damage, particularly
to San
Lorenzo fuori le Mura, a 1,600 year-old church where the revered St.
Lawrence is entombed, and fell to the allies in 1944. Before that, Mussolini
had been arrested, imprisoned and stripped of his powers. After a short liberation
by the Germans, he was captured and executed in 1945.
The Rome of the 21st century has been adapted to support its main industry
— tourism. Rome's Jubilee Year in 2000 attracted 16 million Catholic pilgrims,
and billions were spent transforming the city. Churches and squares were cleaned,
roads improved and the tourist board refurbished. Never before had Rome's amenities
been so accessible and informative.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Ancient Rome
The Roman
Forum was the political and economic centre of Rome from its inception
around 600 BC, to its abandonment due to disuse around 400 AD. Ruins from edifices
built and torn down are jumbled together in a microcosm of Rome's earliest history.
In a valley between four of Rome's famous seven hills, the Forum still houses
the Curia,
which was a meeting place for the senate, and the Imperial
Rostra, where great orators addressed the public. There are also the
Temples
of Saturn and Vesta,
among others, and two remaining basilicas, the Julia
and the Aemilia,
were both completed by Augustus as part of his push for cultural restoration.
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The Pantheon's
ancient facade |
Originally built as a Roman temple and later acting out the role of a church,
the Pantheon,
which literally means, "All the Gods", remains entirely intact more than 2,000
years after its erection, the only great Roman building to do so. Marcus Agrippa
designed the structure in 27 BC, and before the 20th century, it had required
more concrete to construct than any other building in the world.
The exact construction date of Circus
Maximus isn't known, but has been narrowed down to around 600 BC. Able
to seat as many as 250,000 spectators, its 620 m (2,037 ft) track held charging
chariots and wild animal exhibitions to the delight of the crowd. Laps were
originally counted by tilting wooden eggs, which were later substituted, by
Agrippa with bronze dolphins in 33 BC.
The Roman Empire
Romans spent much of their time improving roads and building aqueducts for irrigation
and hygiene, and much of their work remains in operation today. Many of the
fountains in the city's centre are still fed through these ancient pipe systems.
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The inside of the Colosseum |
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The aptly-named Colosseum
is probably most recognizable and impressive structure remaining from the days
of gladiators who dueled each other, the odd lion, or, other, equally deadly
beasts. Built between 70 and 80 AD, the architect(s) are unknown. The Colosseum
held 50,000 people, had 80 entrances and exits, and could, amazingly, be flooded
in order to stage elaborate naval battles.
It was also during this time that the ornate, carved, marble Arches
of Titus ( 81 AD), and Severus
(205 AD), were added at the Roman Forum, erected to commemorate the achievements
of past emperors during times of both war and of peace.
Renaissance Rome
Much of what is synonymous with Roman art was created during the Renaissance.
Designed by Giacomo della Porta, St.
Peter's Basilica covers an area of 23,000 sq. m (247,480 sq. ft.) Construction
began in 1506 and was not completed until 1626. Michelangelo became the chief
architect in 1546, designing the massive cupola and leaving behind several priceless
works like la Pieta, a sculpture of the Madonna cradling her son after the crucifixion,
and the fabulous Sistine
Chapel, which is accessible from inside the Vatican
Museums. The square out front of the basilica was designed by Bernini
and was constructed between 1656 and 1667. Among other features, like the Doric
colonnades topped with representations of former religious leaders that frame
the oval "square", the centre of the piazza holds a 3,300 year-old Egyptian
obelisk
that stretches to the sky.
Other examples of Renaissance Rome are the Farnese
Palace. Erected in 1534, the palace was designed by Antonio da Sangello
and modified by Michelangelo in 1546. Its arched windows, frescoes and cornice
are all examples of high Renaissance design. The elegant Palazzo
Massimo (1536) is proportionate to its surroundings, and curves along
what was the Papal Way, now the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. A relatively simple
facade belies architect Baldassare Peruzzi's richly decorated inner rooms.
Baroque Rome
Trevi
Fountain celebrates the end of Rome's still-functioning aqueducts. Originally
commissioned in 1629 to Bernini, the project was abandoned because of Pope Urban
VIII's death and not completed until 1762 by Nicola Salvi. The theme is "taming
of the waters", and depicts Neptune valiantly attempting to tame wild seahorses.
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The popular Spanish
Steps |
Built between 1721 and 1725 with French funds, the 135 Spanish
Steps lead down to one of the chicest shopping districts in the world,
Piazza
di Spagna, and up to the church Trinità
dei Monti.
Bernini's Piazza
Navona, near the Pantheon, boasts three exceptional fountains, with
one of which has been deemed his best work, the Fontana dei Fiumi (1651). The
Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone also stands in the square, where, in the third
century AD, 12-year-old St. Agnes refused to marry a pagan and was beheaded,
thus making her a martyr.
Modern Rome
There are several examples of what is termed fascist architecture, as Mussolini
did his best to leave his handprint on Rome. Myriads of engravings of DVCE (meaning
Il Duce or "the leader", Mussolini's nickname for himself) around the city have
been since scratched out, but Rome's southern suburb of EUR (short for Esposizione
Universale Romana) still bears evidence of the days of fascism. A mass of apartments
and offices now use buildings originally meant for a pet project of Mussolini's
— the 1941 World Exhibition, celebrating Fascist Italy and the 20th anniversary
of the Fascist regime. Eventually usurped by the dirty business of the Second
World War, the enterprise was abandoned.
The huge and leaky Museum
of Roman Civilization was commissioned by Mussolini during this time,
as well as the now mostly unused Palazzo
della Civiltà di Lavoro, or, as unaffectionately termed by locals, the
"Square Colosseum."
Later on in the 20th century the buildings of architect Pier Luigi Nervi also
appear in this area, with the domed Palazzeto
dello Sport, built for the 1960 Olympics, and the 82,000 seat Stadio
Olimpico, home to both the Roma
and Lazio
football teams.
Museums
Aside from the world-famous Vatican
Museums, Rome has several other houses of history to visit. The Museum
of Roman Civilization features a scale model of Rome at the height of
its power near the end of the Empire. The National
Etruscan Museum is where one will find several artefacts from the ancient
times of the Etruscans, with one of the most valued treasures in the museum
being a bride and groom's coffin dating back to 600 BC.
Housed in the 15th century palace of Princess Cornelia Costanza Barberini and
Prince Giulio Cesare Colonna di Sciarra, the National
Gallery of Ancient Art's first floor has paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio
(Michelangelo Merisi), and the second floor has rococo apartments retained in
their original glory and featuring silk linens, artful frescoes and canopied
beds.
The Municipal
Gallery of Modern Art's collection is comprised of 19th and 20th century
works by Italian artists the likes of Boccioni, and international artists such
as Degas, Monet, Van Gogh and even Jackson Pollock.
Finally, the National
Museum of Palazzo Venezia pays homage to its roots. The Palazzo Venezia
played the role of the Austrian Embassy until the end of the First World War,
and shortly after became home to Mussolini's fascist regime and the seat of
the Italian government.
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Faithful gather at Piazza di
San Pietro |
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TRANSPORTATION
Rome largest airport, Leonardo
da Vinci, is 26 km (16 mi) from the city's centre. The easiest and most
economical way to get to the city is to take the Stazione
Termini direct train, which ends at Rome's main train station. From
there, the city is accessible through public transit. Single ride, daily and
weekly passes are available for both the metros and buses. Most buses run from
5:30 to 12 am, and the metro runs from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm every day except
for Saturday, when the hours are extended to 12:30 am.
The metro system in Rome is safe, simple to navigate and the best way to tour
the city without a guide or a taxi driver. Taxis are notoriously expensive,
however, and the meter is turned on the moment the call is made, not when the
fare is picked up. Taxis will have to be called, as drivers will not respond
to hailing from a sidewalk. Licenced taxis are all white or all yellow. Unlicenced
cabbies are rife at the train stations and airports and will often charge the
unknowing tourist extra.
Pickpockets operate in Rome just like in any other major tourist city. They
come in all shapes and sizes and have all kinds of tricks. On crowded metros,
most carry backpacks and bags in front of themselves so as to have eye-contact
with and access to its contents at all times. A back pocket is not a secure
place for a wallet. Currency and other important, non-replacable items are usually
kept underneath clothes in a moneybelt or locked in a safe at a hotel.
Most of central Rome is closed to traffic other than residential, so bringing
a vehicle would require trying to find a way to park legally for the day and
include a fair jaunt to the attractions. Driving is not recommended unless a
day trip outside of the city is planned.
Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are popular, but simply strolling the streets will
certainly result in stumbling across most major sites, and, perhaps, an intimate
restaurant or cozy café.
|
Month |
Avg.
Daily Temperature |
Average
Rainfall |
|
Min |
Max |
| Jan
|
1°C
(34°F) |
12°C
(54°F) |
81
mm |
| Feb |
2°C
(36°F) |
13°C
(55°F) |
63
mm |
| Mar
|
5°C
(41°F) |
17°C
(32°F) |
70
mm |
| Apr |
8°C
(46°F) |
20°C
(68°F) |
56
mm |
| May
|
11°C
(52°F) |
25°C
(77°F) |
53
mm |
| Jun
|
15°C
(59°F) |
29°C
(84°F) |
36
mm |
| Jul |
17°C
(63°F) |
33°C
(91°F) |
17
mm |
|
Aug |
15°C
(59°F) |
32°C
(90°F) |
27
mm |
|
Sep |
11°C
(52°F) |
29°C
(84°F) |
61
mm |
|
Oct |
6°C
(43°F) |
23°C
(73°F) |
118
mm |
|
Nov |
4°C
(39°F) |
17°C
(63°F) |
111
mm |
|
Dec |
2°C
(36°F) |
15°C
(59°F) |
98
mm |
|
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| Average
Daily Temperatures and Climate Data for Rome from www.worldclimate.com |
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CLIMATE
Seasons in Italy follow the same pattern of those in western Europe and North
America. Spring begins in March and is quite pleasant, although early in the
season can be rainy. By the end of the month of May, however, the city averages
about ten hours of sunshine each day.
The summer months of July and August are when most native Romans abandon their
hometown for cooler climes. It can become unbearably hot, but, thankfully, Rome's
evenings tend to be cooler. Tourists abound in the city, and there can be lengthy
line-ups for attractions.
September remains warm, and the temperature remains mild right until October's
end. Vineyards bloom before autumn's grape-harvesting season begins, there are
fewer tourists and the weather is perfect for walking from attraction to attraction.
Bring an umbrella, though — October and November are Rome's wettest months.
The winter months from January to February are cold and windy at times, but
accommodation is easy to find and it's sometimes possible to strike a deal with
the proprietor. Overall, the weather is more sunny than not, and attractions
are far less crowded.
