Where slaves became prey for lions, where the Roman Empire continued to grow, where the center of Catholicism emerged, where Julius Caesar commanded army troops and where all the gods gathered in the Pantheon, there is now the most vibrant city in the West. Europe. Rome offers tourists the opportunity to go back in time. At the same time, the Romans do their best to pass on as much of their culture as possible: Nato, vivi la tua vita, morire felice. Before reading this article it is important to know that Vatican City is an independent state and Rome is a capital. The two are therefore separate from each other. People often think that Vatican City is a specific area or neighborhood in Rome. This is incorrect and therefore Rome and Vatican City will be discussed separately in this article.
History of Rome
The origins of Rome have quite a few stories, each of which is different. For example, there are stories that Rome was once a ‘drowned’ city or that gods each had a hand full of stones that they threw over the seven hills, from which Rome ultimately emerged. However, according to archaeologists, there is only one correct story:
- Some small settlements of Latins are built on two hills of Rome. These settlements were probably built at the end of the tenth century BC.
- Some peoples formed an alliance called Roma Quadrata . Another settlement on the third hill was connected to the other two by a wall. In this way the settlements became stronger and they were able to persuade more peoples to join.
- More and more new settlements were built, but during this period (sixth century BC) the Etruscans conquered the whole and united the settlements on the three hills into a city. At that time, this was already one of the largest cities in the region.
- There were still four hills that were not built on. In the early fourth century B.C. Settlements were also built here and this gave Rome a considerable size. The seven settlements were connected by a wall. The seven hills would later become the historic center of Rome.
The Etruscans held until the end of the first century BC. stand. After this, the Roman Empire gained power, making it an empire. During this period, Rome became the capital of the Roman Empire, which ruled over almost all of Europe at the time. From the third century onwards it began to decline. Rome shrank to an average provincial city, but remained strong and an important city, as the Pope resided here.
Italian unification took place in 1860. However, Rome remained in the hands of the Pope with the support of the French Empire. Ten years later, the Italians managed to prove themselves by finally conquering Rome. The Pope only resigned himself to this in 1929, after the Lateran Treaty (the treaty that established Vatican City) had entered into force.
In 1890 the city grew remarkably quickly and once again became a leading city in size and population.
This is just a general and small selection of the history of Rome. The city has a much larger and more extensive history.
Sights
Many of the immense structures built by the Romans are still visited by hundreds of thousands of people today. Some neighborhoods of Rome are also worth a visit. Some sights are described below.
Source: Flanghoff, Pixabay The Colosseum
Emperor Vespasian gave in 72 AD. the order to build the Colosseum. It took about ten years for the 188 meter long, 156 meter wide and fifty meter high structure to be completed. The Colosseum could accommodate more than 50,000 men. Many Greek influences can be found on the outside. The columns are decorated with images of Greek gods. The inside of the Colosseum is completely Roman.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is nothing more than history exposing itself. The Roman Forum used to be the center of Rome, politically, commercially, legally and religiously. Entire temples, churches and homes have been excavated. Some date back to the second century AD. At least one day should be allowed to visit the Forum. A combination ticket with the Colosseum is possible.
The Trevi Fountain
The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and, according to many, also the most beautiful fountain in Rome. The impressive monument completely dominates the small Trevi Square, which is almost constantly packed with the many tourists who come to admire the fountain. The central figure of the fountain, standing in a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. At his side are the gods of abundance and beneficence.
The Castel Sant’Angelo
The Castel Sant’Angelo is also called Castel Sant’angelo . Before the building became the castle as we know it today, it housed many popes over the years. Sant’Angelo is connected to the Vatican by a wall. This way the Pope could quickly flee in an emergency. Today it serves as a museum and viewpoint.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is the best preserved ancient remains of Rome. No other building has had so much influence on Christian architecture. The Pantheon radiates power and prestige from the outside. Inside you are inspired by the impressive interior that symbolizes heaven. The enormous dome was the largest free-standing dome in the world until 1960.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Rome cannot be compared to the Dutch nightlife. While we leave for the city around 00:00, the nightlife of the young residents of Rome already starts during dinner. They sit at the table with as many people as possible until about ten o’clock. Then they go to the many bars and terraces that Rome has. For enthusiasts there are also a number of discos and clubs. Keep in mind that Romans are very fashionable and may give a disapproving look when a tourist sits down on a terrace wearing shorts and slippers.
Trastevere
Trastevere is located on the west side of the Tiber River, below the Vatican City. The district is within walking distance of Rome. In the streets and squares of Trastevere there seems to be an ambiance that summarizes the past centuries. Hidden in the maze of picturesque streets you will find the real Italian trattorias. During the day there is a sleepy atmosphere, which quickly changes when the neighborhood is flooded with people who come for the vibrant nightlife.
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a quite large park in Rome. It was created as a private park in the 17th century. Today it is open to the public. Just like the rest of Rome, this park is full of fountains, statues and temples. Villa Borghese offers beautiful views over Rome and Vatican City.
Public transport
The question is always how transport is organized in an unknown city. in Rome it is quite simple, as there is only one card for metro, tram and bus. These cards can be purchased in tobacconists, kiosks and at metro stations. A ticket can be purchased for one day (4.00), three days (11.00) or seven days (16.00). Public transport goes almost everywhere in Rome. The main station is Termini station. The metro is perhaps the simplest organized of all major cities: line A and line B.
General information and tips
- Official name: Rome
- Continent: Europe
- Area: 1285 km²
- Population: 2,781,692 (2011)
- Flight time: approximately 3 hours
Weather and climate
Rome has a Mediterranean climate. Temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees are quickly reached in July and August. The most pleasant temperature is from April to June. It can freeze in winter, but snow in Rome is considered rare.
Language
In Rome, Italian is the first language spoken. English or German is only spoken by the youth. The older Romans knew little about this and stuck to their own language.
Travel documents
You must have a valid identity card or passport. A visa is not required.
Money
In Rome you pay with the Euro. In general, everything is quite affordable and comparable to the Netherlands.
Time difference
There is no time difference.
Electricity
The same plugs and sockets are used in Rome as in the Netherlands.
Emergency services
If help is needed from the police, fire brigade and/or ambulance in an emergency, you can use the emergency numbers below.
- Police: 112
- Fire brigade: 115 or 112
- Ambulance: 118 or 112
Source: Giraffew, Pixabay
Vatican CITY
Vatican City is the smallest state in the world and is ruled by the Pope. About 826 people live there. Vatican City has its own political government, currency, flag and anthem. There are many myths and stories about the Vatican. For example, dark demons are said to be held in the dungeons of the Vatican. The Vatican, with all its treasures, churches, statues and the like, has an estimated value of 3.8 billion euros. That amounts to nine million euros per square meter. To visit Vatican City, you should allow at least one day for the highlights (not even everything).
History of the Vatican
The Pope was once so powerful as a state that it owned a large territory in central and eastern Italy. The Vatican began as an independent state when Pope Mussolini signed the Lateran Treaty. He ensured that Catholicism was given a special status.
Sights in Vatican City
There is a huge amount to visit in the Vatican City. What many people don’t know is that there is also a tour of the crypts of Vatican City. This tour costs approximately 90.00 and must be booked at least four months in advance. This tour takes you past the grave of the very first pope. His grave is located exactly sixty meters below the center point of St. Peter’s Basilica. This point is ‘pointed out’ by light rays from the sun
throughout the day . Source: Martineci999, Pixabay St. Peter’s Basilica
The Basillica di San Pietro is a Catholic church built between 1506 and 1625. The basilica was the largest church in the world until 1989. A visit to the basilica can easily take five to six hours when it is busy or with a long tour.
St. Peter’s Square
This square was built between 1656 and 1667. The square is 240 meters wide and 340 meters in length. No fewer than 284 Doric columns and 88 pillars surround the square, arranged in four rows. Statues of no fewer than 140 saints have been built on these rows. In the middle of the square stands an Egyptian obelisk that is forty meters high and weighs 340 tons. How it was transported from Egypt to Rome at that time is still a mystery.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is the most famous chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the Pope’s residence in Vatican City and can only be visited in combination with a visit to the Vatican Museums. It is the most famous indoor space in the world, because of the famous frescoes by Michelangelo and because the space is used to elect a new pope.
General tips
- There is no pin at the entrance to the basilica. So make sure you have cash, otherwise you might stand in line for hours for nothing.
- Beware of pickpockets.
- Provide clothing that covers the shoulders, feet and knees. Access may not be granted if these conditions are not met.
- Talking is not allowed in the Sistine Chapel. If you do this, you may be expelled from the Vatican by security.
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