Some curiosities about Rome that (maybe) you didn’t know
Rome is a city full of history and curiosities that are often unknown to tourists and even residents. In this article, we will explore some of Rome’s lesser-known curiosities, from its ancient history to contemporary culture.
The Caput Mundi
Rome is often called the “Caput Mundi” (capital of the world) because during the Roman Empire it was the largest and most powerful city in the world. Its influence extended over much of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
The curious Alchemical Door
In the gardens of Piazza Vittorio, in a hidden corner of the park is the “Alchemic Door”, a mysterious portal built in the 17th century by a French alchemist. The door is decorated with esoteric symbols and its original purpose still remains a mystery.
The Mouth of Truth
The Bocca della Verità is an ancient marble mask located in Piazza della Bocca della Verità. According to legend, if a person puts his hand in the mouth of the mask and tells a lie, the hand will be bitten. It is also said that the mask was used by Roman judges to judge the truth of witnesses.
The Pyramid of Gaius Cestius
In the Testaccio district there is an ancient pyramid, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, which was built in 12 BC. for the Roman official Caius Cestius. The pyramid is built in the Egyptian style and is one of the few examples
of Egyptian architecture in Italy.
The talking statues of Rome
In many squares in Rome, there are statues that seem to speak. These statues are actually people who dress like statues on the street and try to earn some cash. Some of these “living statues” are so good at remaining still that they actually look like statues.
The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica
The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest in the world and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The dome was designed by the famous architect Michelangelo and measures 136 meters high.
The Turtle Fountain
The Turtle Fountain, located in the small Piazza Mattei in the Jewish quarter of Rome, is one of the most picturesque fountains in the city. It was built in the 16th century and features four turtles climbing onto a marble basin.
The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius
The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved ancient statues in Rome. It is located in Piazza del Campidoglio, in front of the Palazzo Senatorio, and represents the emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback.
The Ancient Appian Way
The Via Appia Antica is one of the most important ancient roads in Rome and was built in 312 BC. to connect the city to Brindisi, on the Adriatic Sea. Today, the street is a popular tourist attraction offering the chance to take a walk among ancient ruins.
The Trastevere neighborhood
The Trastevere neighborhood is one of the most picturesque and authentic neighborhoods in Rome, with cobbled streets and traditional restaurants. The neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere and lively nightlife.
The Temple of Vesta
The Temple of Vesta is one of the best preserved ancient temples in Rome. It was built in the 3rd century BC. and dedicated to the Roman goddess of home and family. Today, only part of the temple is visible, but it is still possible to admire the beauty of its architecture.
The Janiculum Hill
The Janiculum Hill offers a panoramic view of the city of Rome and its most famous monuments. The hill was used by the Romans as a military observation point and today is a popular tourist attraction.
The EUR district
The EUR district is a modern neighborhood of Rome built in the 30s and 40s of the 20th century. The neighborhood is known for its monumental architecture and large open spaces. Don’t miss the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, considered the architectural icon of the Roman twentieth century. This imposing building is also known as the “Square Colosseum”; of the famous Roman ancestor it takes up the tight sequence of arches, an architectural element typically representative of Italian and Roman civilization in particular, repeated 216 times in the four equal elevations. Today it houses the headquarters of the Maison Fendi.
The Capuchin crypt
The Capuchin crypt is an unusual attraction in Rome. It is located under the Capuchin church and houses the bones of approximately 4,000 Capuchin friars. The bones were used to decorate the walls of the crypt in an artistic way.
The Passetto di Borgo
The Passetto di Borgo is a secret passage that connects the Vatican to the Sant’Angelo Castle. The passage was built in the 16th century to protect the pope in case of attack.
These are just some of the curiosities of Rome that make this city so fascinating and unique in the world. Rome is a city that deserves to be thoroughly explored, and its streets and monuments offer an infinite amount of things to discover.
And there is no better way to discover the eternal city than by staying in one of our holiday homes in Rome!
