Roaming around Rome
ITALY
Rome - the capital of Italy boasts historical value, being home to some of the most recognised monuments - the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, only to name a few as well as the State - Vatican City, wrapped by the city of Rome.
The landscape of the city from every angle is gorgeously stunning, oozing Roman architectural opulence, from large stone ancient structures to multi-level earthly coloured homes, with potted plants hanging from window sills. All giving Rome it's welcoming look of warmth and magnetic sun-kissed charm.
5th September 2014
Roughly in the centre of Rome, a monumental structure stands - the Colosseum. Once an amphitheatre, which inspired future stadiums. Built entirely of stone and steel clamps, used for gladiator battles, animal battles and executions. Capable of seating thousands upon thousands of people on differing levels, according to class and social status back in the days.
The outer perspective of the Colosseum is incredible, with endless arch windows encircling the amphitheatre, with parts of the upper floor walls missing. The inside panorama is also staggering, having once being able to seat up to 80,000 spectators for the showcasing of outrageous games, that one today can only imagine. In the center of the amphitheatre, the walls are closer together, once being the enclosures where gladiators and animals were held before being hulled up in a cage to ground level, for their fight of survival. A magnificent ancient structure, once bearing gory battles one must truly see.
The Roman Forum, once the central district for the Romans during the middle ages, is now an open air museum. Located close to the Colosseum, that can be seen from the footpaths. However, to get a historical sense and detailed background, a guided tour will immerse your knowledge with some interesting facts.
During excavations, it was discovered that the Romans simply built over what once stood, if no longer needed. So they would use pieces of unused buildings that included marble statues or columns, along with dirt to fill in the ground and build on top of abandoned buildings. A staircase ending 3 meters below a door can be seen, not because it wasn't completely built, but because the ground was simply built up and up, burying everything that once previously stood in its place. So layer upon layer, lies ruins from previous times.
The Trevi Fountain or in Italian the 'Fontana di Trevi' is the most famous fountain of them all. A popular destination at all hours of everyday. The fountain is scattered with tourist tossing coins over their shoulders into the waters for a wish - they say the correct way is by tossing the coin from your right hand, over your left shoulder, so I guess 'do as the Romans do.'
The background setting of the fountain consists of a large stone building, called the Palazzo Poli with statues of muscled men, delicate angels and rambunctious horses. Making this fountain possibly the most attractive in the world, easy to see why the fountain was the chosen location for scenes in several movies.
A short distance from the Trevi Fountain, you can find a Roman temple called the Pantheon. Built around 127 AD. Unlike many temples, or in fact any buildings, this temple was strangely constructed with no windows. However it does have a gapping hole, measuring about 9 metres across, positioned in the center of the dome ceiling. This was to allow sunlight to penetrate into the temple, which also meant the rain. A visit to the Pantheon is free, so if you're in the area, it's a nice to see, especially if it's raining.
Engulfed by the city of Rome is the 'Vatican City State.' With the most recognisable face being St Peter's Square, directly in front of St Peter's Basilica. The square (more like a semi-circle) is surrounded by countless columns called the colonnades, being four columns deep with a number of effortlessly elegant statues standing above, overlooking the area.
The entry into St Peter's Basilica is free and if you can endure the lengthy lines, you'll get a glimpse inside one of the largest churches in the world. The Church encapsulates great works of art from the interior design to paintings and sculptures. Amongst these is an acclaimed marble sculpture, crafted by Michelangelo, of a sorrowfully pained mother (Virgin Mary) clutching her dead child (Jesus) called the 'Pieta.'
The church was designed by a few Roman architects, that included Michelangelo, who was considered to be one of the greatest artists of his time. And hence with the contribution of Michelangelo's artistic eye for detail St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most intriguingly beautiful churches ever built.
The Vatican Museum is a must see for those who have an appreciation for fine art. The museum is like a palace vault, housing some of the greatest art collections in the world. Containing the treasures of many precious statues and paintings, from widely known artists such Raffaello and Michelangelo.
One of the most famous and distinct known paintings is 'The Creation of Adam' by the Michelangelo, on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In this room, a collection of delicately hand painted masterpieces cover all four walls and ceiling. The museum is absolutely remarkable, in every way. A wondrous tour from room to room, corridor to corridor the finest works can be seen by simply looking up.
Photo Credit: Si Creative Photography
All the buzz in Rome is at the the piazza's and the most popular one is the 'Piazza Navona.' Surrounded by restaurants and home to the 'Fountain of Four Rivers' (Fiumi Fountain). Within the square, buskers energise the atmosphere with entertainment and street artists taking strokes to paper, creating works of Italian backdrops. If you're feeling peckish, no matter which Italian restaurant you choose, the bets are the food's going to be good.
Nearby is another piazza called the 'Piazza Campo de Fiori'. Also a square wreathed by restaurants, and also comprised of a daily market, offering all sorts of packaged pasta, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables. Both squares sparkle with life, making either ideal locations for a sit down, a spot of people watching and perhaps some pizza or pasta.
Many people love Rome and it's easy to see why. It's a city with enchanting views at every turn of the head. Particularly on a glorious day, at a time when the sun descends and the sunlight hits the city walls. Rome makes you feel like you're standing in a painting, stroked by the Michelangelo himself. A city of absolute beauty and a must visit, not only for the many renown historical sites, but also the cured meats, pasta, pizza and gelato! Seeing most of Rome, can easily done on the 'City Sightseeing' buses, that allow you to get on and off where your journey desires. Otherwise if you prefer to walk, all the top destinations are a stroll from one another, so there's no reason not roam Rome like the Romans did.