Friends, wanderers and travelers, lend me thy ears! This is the Eternal City, full of life, love and history. This is Rome, Italy. And no other place in the world will awaken one’s passion for life and the majestic wonders of the world other than Rome.
Twins Romulus and Remus, who were sons of the god of war Mars and were raised by a she-wolf, was in a struggle as to who would build and govern an empire. After killing his twin brother Remus, Romulus proceeded to establish and build Rome. But of course, contrary to the mythical belief, Etruscan Kings ruled Rome up to 512 BC. Then it was made into a republic. With the history of glorious emperors, Julius Caesar, Trajan, Hadrian and the unforgettable Nero, the glorious history of Rome lives beyond history books. With its power and formidable armies, Rome was one of the greatest empires of all time. The greatest poets, historians and philosophers are born in this country, further claiming its hold and contribution to the world.
But history and civilization has also molded Rome to become the focal point of religion, the Roman Catholicism. With its religious fervor, the Vatican, the seat of religious and political power of devout Catholics all over the world, oversees the world’s religious affairs as well as its call for peace amidst crises and conflict right in the center of Rome. Every year, during Holy Week, the Catholics manifest their faith as thousands journey to Rome as they make their pilgrimage every year to the numerous basilicas, to celebrate the life and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. During Good Fridays, a Procession of the Cross is held following the route from the Colosseum to the Capitoline Hill. Culminating on the Easter Sunday, the Pope addresses the thousands of devotees at the Vatican.
As it is the Eternal City, the youth and those who are looking for fun and excitement will not be disappointed. The Testacio is the venue for clubbing and partying till dawn. From concerts and parties these can all be found here. Nostalgic and cool jazz music can be also found at the Villa Celimontana. Known as the Estate Romana or Roman Summer, magic and revelry is woven all through the nights from June to September. Coffee-lovers and art enthusiasts will have a blast in September as Rome is on caffeine-high in celebration of the Notte Bianca or White Night. It is when museums, galleries and shops are open from early evening to the next day.
Not only is Rome (Italy) known for it being the center, the seat of the Roman Catholic church leaders but it, too, is the Italy’s largest and most populated metropolitan with about 2 million residents.
The city retained some of its ancient structures, those that were built during the old Roman Empire and still a few years past. One of the structures Rome (Italy) is known for is the Colosseum. Built in between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum was then the largest amphitheatre constructed during the reign of the Roman Empire. Basilicas built years back into Italy’s majestic history are highly attractive to first time visitors of the city.
The city is a significant center of music. Parco della Musica is one of the biggest concert venues in the world that host the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia which was founded back in the year 1585. Italians are notable for their concertos. Many classical singers are educated in the country. Therefore it is not strange to find a theatre for operas in a city like this. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is known to host such concerts which locals and non-locals enjoy.
Rome (Italy) is also known as the center for film. Cinecitta Studios is the largest production facility in the entire continent of Europe. Here is where Italian films and international films are shot and created. The massive film studio was founded by Benito Mussolini in the year 1937.
When in the city, make sure to check into Ostia Antica. It’s said to be Rome’s ‘secret’ Pompeii. The underrated, unexploited little port town is rich with structures of the old Roman Empire. Some of the archeological sites have not yet been completely excavated on.
Because Rome (Italy) is often with visitors, there are restaurants that serve classic Italian dishes and international cuisine aimed to serve the interest of tourists. The city is one you cannot do without visiting when on a trip all over Europe. It is the city rich with history and beauty.
