Rome, Italy

 Spotlight: ROME - the Eternal City! The name evokes images of centurions, gladiators, senators dressed in togas, and of course the Colosseum. Of all the capitals of Europe, only Athens rivals Rome in historical grandeur. Rome's mythical beginnings date to 753 BC, when the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus (children of Princess Rhea Silvia and Mars - the Roman god of war), founded the city. When the king ordered the babes to be drowned in the Tiber River, they were placed in a basket which eventually washed up on shore. A wild she-wolf nursed and cared for them until they were discovered by a shepherd. The shepherd and his wife raised them as their own. The boys eventually grew up and overthrew the king who'd ordered their death. They wanted to build a city at the site of their rescue, but during an argument about where it should be, Romulus slew his brother. Romulus chose Palatine Hill - one of seven hills along the Tiber - as the site of his city, which he ruled over as king for the remainder of his days. In 509 BC, after a line of seven kings, the Romans expelled the last king and established an oligarchic republic led by two consuls, who were elected annually. Another legend, set down by Virgil, tells of the Trojan refugee Aeneas, whose son Iulus is the ancestor of the Romans. Of course, archaeology evidence finds indications of pastoral settlements as far back as 14,000 years ago. Regardless of ambiguity of its beginnings, Rome rose to the forefront of Europe in 27 BC, when Octavian, grand-nephew and posthumous heir of Julius Caesar, changed his name to Augustus, took the title of Caesar, and founded the Roman Empire. This empire would expand to span parts of three continents (southern Europe, western Asia and northern Africa), encircling the Mediterranean Sea and covering more than 5 million square kilometers of land, and govern between 50-90 million inhabitants - roughly 20% of the world's population at the time. The Roman Empire eventually became too large for one Emperor to govern, and split into two parts, East and West. The Western Roman Empire finally collapsed after 503 years, in 476 AD, after Rome was sacked by Vandals (455 AD), signaling the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe. The Empire's impact continues to be felt today, through it's lasting influences on languages, government, religion, calendars and engineering.

When the various states of the Italian peninsula were united in the mid-1800's, Rome was again chosen as its capital. Rome is the third most-populous city in the European Union when counting those within the city limits. It is also the only city in the world with an entire country (the Vatican - the independent capital of the Roman Catholic Church) within its municipal boundaries. The Papacy controlled the city for more than a millennium, controlling the state from the 8th century until the unification of Italy. It was also one of the leading centers of the Renaissance, and was the birthplace of the Baroque style and Neoclassism. 

Today, Rome continues to be one of the cultural capitals of the world, and is the fourth most-visited city in the world - attracting approximately 23 million tourists every year. It hosted the Summer Olympics in 1960, hosts several specialized agencies of the United Nations (the World Food Programme, the Food and Agricultural Organization, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development), hosts the Secretariat for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, and is the headquarters for many international renowned companies in both business and fashion sectors. UNESCO has named 61 World Heritage Sites in Italy - more than any country in the world. That number would be much higher if many of Rome's historical sites were named separately rather than grouped under two umbrellas: the Historic Centre of Rome (containing thousands of individual historic marvels) and Via Appia (the historic Appian Way that starts within Rome's city limits). Throughout the old city, there are statues, plazas, monuments, or ruins at every turn, so have your camera ready.

The Piazza del Popolo as seen from the Terrazza del Pincio

When I visited the Trevi Fountain in 2016, I threw a coin into the fountain (right hand over left shoulder), guaranteeing another visit to Rome. It worked! I was able to return with my wife and daughter.

Trevi Fountain

Activities: The Roman Colosseum is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. This massive amphitheater was constructed during the reign of Emperor Vespasian (between 70-72 AD), just east of the Palatine Hill. Unlike earlier amphitheaters, which were invariably built into hillsides for additional support, the Roman Colosseum was free-standing work of stone and concrete, an engineering masterpiece measuring 156 by 188 meters, with a height of 57 meters. It was officially dedicated by Emperor Titus in 80 AD with 100 days of games. A fourth story was added by Emperor Domitian in 82 AD. The amphitheater seated 50,000 spectators, who were shielded from the sun by a giant, retractable velarium. The "games" were usually death duels between two gladiators, contests between men and animals, or even mock naval battles. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum no longer hosted the gladiator bouts for which it is famous. Instead it served as a giant church, a fortress, and even a quarry for a period of 1,000 years. Efforts to preserve the Colosseum for its cultural value began in earnest during the 19th century, including a massive restoration project during the 1990's. Today an average of almost 7 million visitors visit the site annually.

Outer walls of the Colosseum

The Amphitheater in the Colosseum

A view of the old basement under the Arena floor

- Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma

- Hours: The Colosseum opens at 8:30 am daily, and closes about an hour before sunset (3:30 pm during the winter months, 6:15 pm during the summer months, with fluctuating hours during the spring and fall). The ticket office closes one hour before closing time. The Colosseum is closed on Jan. 1 and Dec. 25.

- Cost: adults: 18 euros (standard 24-hour ticket) or 24 euros (full experience 2-day ticket that allows access to underground levels, arena and attic); children under 18 are free; European Union students (18-25) cost 2 euros. However, if you choose to take a guided tour, the cost can range anywhere from $28 to in excess of $2,000 depending on the size of group, level of access, etc. 

- Things You Should Know: Summer temperatures usually range in the upper 80's (Fahrenheit), and often surpass 90, and occasionally reach 100 degrees. Be prepared with extra water and sun protection.

- Up to 20,000 visitors visit the Colosseum daily (particularly during the summer), with extremely long lines forming well before 8:30. Guided tours often charge much more than the official ticket price with the promise to "skip the line." Of course, this means meeting your guide at a specific time and waiting for 30+ minutes until the guide has assembled his/her entire group. Regardless of guided tour status, all visitors must pass through the security checkpoint.

- Rating: 5 stars

Activities: Located between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills the  Roman Forum was the hub of political, social and religious life in ancient Rome - the heart of the Roman Empire. However, when the Roman Empire fell, the population of Rome dropped from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands. Without an empire to run, many of the buildings in the Forum became obsolete, and fell into disrepair. As the building were abandoned, useful materials were scavenged and carted elsewhere, and the mighty Forum was gradually swallowed up by the earth.

    In the 20th Century, archaeologists began excavating the ancient Forum, searching for treasures and greater understanding of this historical landmark. Today, visitors can stroll the streets where victorious generals greeted the roaring masses as they returned from their triumphant military campaigns; enter places of worship, where emperors sought the approbation of their gods; and explore the ruins where senators once stuck deals of political intrigue. Some of the highlights of the excavated Forum include: The Via Sacra (the main street that linked the Piazza del Campidoglio with the Colosseum), The Arch of Titus (commemorating Rome's victory over Jerusalem), The Arch of Septimius Severus (honoring the anniversary of his ascension to the throne), The Temple of Antoninus & Faustina (this second century temple is the best preserved temple in the Forum), The Temple of Vesta (housed Vesta's holy fire, symbolizing Rome's safety and prosperity), The House of the Vestal Virgins (the site of the three story, 50-room palace of the sacred order of virgins that curated the Temple of Vesta), The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine (one of the largest buildings in the Forum), The Curia (where Senators met to debate decisions concerning the government), The Comitium (the original open-air public meeting space of ancient Rome), The Rostra (where Marc Antony gave his famous funeral oration of Julius Caesar), The Temple to the Deified Caesar (shrine built by Caesar Octavius at the site of Caesar's funeral pyre so that pilgrim's could pay him homage), and The Column of Phocas (a 13-meter column erected in 608 AD to honor the emperor of Byzantium - one of the few to remain standing over the centuries). On the other side of Palatine Hill, you can see the remains of Circus Maximus, where the famous chariot races took place as seen in Ben-Hur.

The Forum (view from Palatine Hill)

Excavated ruins in the Forum

Domus Tiberiana - Imperial Palace in the Forum

The Stadium of Domitian (Palatine Hill)

Circus Maximus

- Location: Between the Piazza del Campidoglio and the Colosseum

- Hours: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

- Cost: adults: 18 euros (combined ticket for the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine Hill); European Union Students (18-25): 2 euros; Children under 17, and seniors over 65 are free. Guided tours of the Colosseum, the Forum and Palatine Hill: 58.65 euros.

- Things You Should Know: The ground is somewhat rough, with uneven steps, so wear appropriate footwear.

- Most of the ancient "buildings" in the Forum are piles of rubble with a couple of free-standing walls or columns. There are very few actual buildings that you can enter, and thus very little shade. During the summer, the best time to visit the Forum is early morning, well before the beating sun reaches its zenith.

- Rating: 4 stars

- Activities: The Vittoriano (Victor Emmanuel II National Monument) was built between 1885 - 1935 in honor of King Victor Emannuel II - considered the Father of the Fatherland due to role as the first king of a united Italy. The monument was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi as a sort of modern Forum, with three levels. The monument's most famous artifact is the Altare della Patria (Alter of the Fatherland) - originally an altar of the Goddess Roma, but now functions as Italy's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The monument is located on the Capitoline Hill, the symbolic center of ancient Rome, near the Piazza Venezia. With its neoclassical design, the monument features massive stairways linking the three levels, Corinthian columns, fountains, two statues of the goddess Victoria, and an equestrian statue of King Victor Emmanuel II. In 2007, a lift was added, granting visitors access to the roof, and its 360-degree views of Rome. The entire structure measures 135 meters, by 130 meters, by 70 meters in height. Although the monument is mostly made of marble, there are plants which represent various virtues that the artist wished to attribute the Rome: the palm (victory), the oak (strength), the laurel (victorious peace), the myrtle (sacrifice), and the olive tree (concord). Today, it serves as a meeting place to celebrate important national holidays, such as: Liberation Day (April 25), Republic Day (June 2), and Armed Forces Day (November 4). Inside the Vittoriano are some museums dedicated to the History of Italy, especially the Unification of Italy ("Risorgimento"), with an adjoining study institute, and the Flag of Italy Memorial.

Victor Emmanuel II National Monument

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Italy)

Museum inside the Vittoriano

- Location: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma

- Hours: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm

- Cost: Visiting the lower exterior areas and the grand staircase of the Victor Emmanuel II Monument is Free; However, if you desire to access the panoramic terrace, glass elevator and museum, the cost is: adults: 18 euros; European Union Students (18-25): 5 euros; Children under 17, and those with disabilities are free.

- Things You Should Know: Admission to state-owned sites and the elevator is free on the first Sunday of every month.

- The museums were okay, but are geared toward Italian citizens.

- Rating: 3 stars

- Activities: Castel Sant'Angelo, built on the northern bank of the Tiber River, was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 134 AD as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The ashes of succeeding emperors were also ensconced there. The tomb was desecrated by Visigoth looters during Alaric's sacking of Rome in 410 AD, and the ashes of the emperors scattered. According to legend, Saint Michael, the Archangel, appeared atop the mausoleum, once the tallest building in Rome, to end the plague of 590. The mausoleum was converted into a castle, and used as a fortress by the popes to control the Tiber and the Pons Aelius (the bridge connected the city center of Rome with the northern shore, which was now home to the Vatican). They dedicated both the castle and the bridge to Saint Michael, renaming them with appellation Sant'Angelo. A covered, fortified passage, the Passetto di Borgo, was built, connecting the castle with St. Peter's Basilica. At least two Popes used it as an escape route from the Vatican. The castle was decommissioned in 1901, and is now a public museum.

Climbing the circular ramp in the Castelo

A model of the Castle

A view of Sant'Angelo Bridge and Tiber River
from the castle's ramparts

- Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, Rome

- Hours: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm  Tuesday to Sunday; closed Mondays, Dec. 25 & Jan. 1

- Cost: adults: 19 euros

- Things You Should Know: The closest metro station to Castel Sant'Angelo is 1.3 kilometers away, so be prepared to walk.

- The castle appears prominently in the movie Angels & Demons, being the secret location of the Church of Illumination, and the site of the movie's climax.

- Rating: 3 stars

- Activities: The Mouth of Truth is located in the portico of the Basilica Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. The sculpture is dedicated to the God of the Sea, and represents his likeness. This enormous marble mask (1.75 meters in diameter, and weighing about 2,900 lbs.) is said to bite the hand of those that lied. According to legend, a suspicious man brought his wife to the statue to test her faithfulness. The woman pretended to swoon, falling into the arms of her lover. After recovering, she swore that she had only been in the arms of her husband - and of course the man who had just caught her. She then passed the test by inserting her hand into the mouth of the statue without suffering injury. The sculpture, which appeared in the 1953 Hollywood blockbuster Roman Holiday (featuring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn), remains popular among tourists today.

Basilica Santa Maria

The Mouth of Truth

- Location: Piazza della Boca della Verita, 18, 00186 Rome

- Hours: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm - 5:50 pm daily 

- Cost: adults: 2 euros

- Things You Should Know: The basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was first constructed in the sixth century to serve the needs of a large Greek immigrant population. The church currently performs rites for the Melkite Greek Catholic community of Rome.

- Rating: 2.5 stars

Nearby: The Vatican, officially the smallest country in the world, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It is located within the city limits of Rome. Within it's walls is the most famous Christian church in the world - St. Peter's Basilica (the burial site of Saint Peter). It is also home to the Sistine Chapel - Michelangelo's masterpiece. In addition two those international treasures, the Vatican houses approximately 70,000 original works of art, of which 20,000 pieces are on display at any given time.

A view of the dome inside St. Peter's Basilica

The Swiss Guard at the Vatican

One of the many paintings (this one by Rafael)
that adorn the walls inside the Vatican

One of the long corridors filled with works of art
in the Vatican

- On the northern outskirts of Rome sits the Rome Italy Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (V. di Settebagni, 376, 00139 Roma RM, Italy). Although the temple can only be entered by members of that church who hold a temple recommend, the Visitor's Center is absolutely amazing. The Christus Room features life-sized marble replicas of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Christus and the twelve ancient apostles. A gorgeous multi-panel stained-glass wall by Tom Holdman depicts over 100 scenes from the New Testament, and is embedded by authentic artifacts such as a widow's mite, a Roman denarii, and salt from the Dead Sea. There is also a replica cut-away model showing the interior rooms of the adjacent temple, and docents who can explain their functions. The 15-acre complex, with manicured gardens, a reflection pool, and Family Search center is free to visit.

The Rome, Italy Temple

The Christus Room

The Stain Glass Wall in LDS Visitors Center