A (very brief) Guide to Rome
No city in the world equals the history of the Eternal City. Founded 2700 years ago, Rome long reigned as Capital of the World. Rome’s history spans two and a half thousand years. It was the capital city of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, which was the dominant power in Western Europe.
Monumental buildings like the Colosseum are reminiscent of the era when emperors like Nero and Trajan ruled the Roman Empire. But today’s Rome owes much of its attractiveness to the Renaissance period when new squares like Campidoglio were created and new buildings were constructed including the world’s largest church, the Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Predominant Architectural Style:
Rome’s architecture over the centuries has greatly developed, especially from the Classical and Imperial Roman styles to modern Fascist architecture. Rome was for a period one of the world’s main epicentres of classical architecture, developing new forms such as the arch, the dome and the vault. The Romanesque style in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries was also widely used in Roman architecture, and later the city became one of the main centers of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Rome’s cityscape is also widely Neoclassical and Fascist in style.
Places to See:
Colosseum: The most famous building of the Roman Empire is probably the Colosseum. The building accommodated more than 55.000 spectators and was home to many games featuring gladiators and wild animals.
Pantheon: The Pantheon was built in 118 AD by emperor Hadrian as a temple for all pagan gods. The building’s immense dome was the largest dome in the world for more than 13 centuries.
Trevi Fountain: Rome’s most spectacular fountain is the Fontana del Trevi or Trevi Fountain. The large 18th century fountain occupies a small square which is usually packed with tourists.
St. Peter’s Basilica: The largest church in the world, this great building with Michelangelo’s impressive dome is the center of christianity. The opulence of its interior bears testimony to the wealth of the catholic church in the 16th century.
Piazza di Spagna: The Piazza di Spagna is one of the most popular tourist locations in Rome. The famous Spanish Steps lead to the Trinita dei monti, a French church with rosy facade.
