Facts about Rome that you might not know

Rome is one of the oldest and most famous cities in the world with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is known as the “Eternal City” and is the capital of Italy. For thousands of years, Rome has been the center of political, cultural, and religious life, and today it remains a popular tourist destination. Here is a selection of interesting facts about this amazing city.

1. Rome was founded in 753 BC, according to legend, by the brothers Romulus and Remus, who were fed by a she-wolf. This city has over 2700 years of history, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. According to legend, Romulus became the first king of Rome.
2. The Colosseum is one of the most famous monuments in Rome, which was built in 80 AD. This huge amphitheater could accommodate up to 50 thousand spectators and was a place of gladiatorial fights and other spectacles. Today, the Colosseum is a symbol of Rome and a popular tourist attraction.
3. Vatican City is the smallest state in the world located inside Rome. It covers an area of only 44 hectares and is the residence of the Pope. The Vatican is known for its religious and cultural monuments, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
4. The Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world, located in Rome. Built in the 18th century, this baroque fountain attracts millions of tourists every year. There is a tradition of throwing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to get back to Rome.
5. Rome has more than 900 churches, making it the city with the most churches in the world. Each church has its own unique architecture and history. The most famous of them is St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.
6. The Pantheon is one of the best preserved ancient temples in Rome, built in 118-125 AD. Originally dedicated to all the Roman gods, it is now a Christian church. The dome of the Pantheon has a diameter of 43 meters and is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
7. The Roman catacombs are underground cemeteries used in the first centuries AD for the burial of Christians. The catacombs stretch for many kilometers under the city and contain thousands of tombs. They are an important archaeological and historical site.
8. The Forum Romanum is the political, religious, and commercial center of ancient Rome. The ruins of numerous temples, basilicas, and other public buildings are located here. The Forum was the heart of the Roman Empire and a place of important events.
9. The Appian Way is one of the oldest and most famous roads, built in 312 BC. It connected Rome with the southern regions of Italy and was used for military and trade purposes. Today, part of the road has been preserved and is a popular tourist route.
10. Roman baths were public baths that were an important part of Roman life. The most famous of them are the Baths of Caracalla, built in the 3rd century AD. They could accommodate up to 1600 people at a time and had numerous swimming pools, saunas, and gymnasiums.
11. Villa Borghese is one of the largest parks in Rome that includes museums, fountains, and gardens. The park was created in the 17th century and is a popular vacation spot for both locals and tourists. The Borghese Gallery, located in the park, contains an impressive collection of artworks.
12. Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome, known for its baroque fountains and architecture. The square was built on the site of the ancient stadium of Domitian and has the shape of an oval. The centerpiece of the square is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, created by Bernini.
13. Leaning Tower of Pisa – although located in another city, many tourists mistakenly think that this tower is located in Rome. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy due to its tilted position. In fact, the tower is located in the city of Pisa, which is several hundred kilometers from Rome.
14. The Circus Maximus is one of the oldest and largest stadiums in Rome, which was used for chariot racing. It could accommodate up to 250 thousand spectators and was a venue for large public events. Today, only ruins remain on the site of the circus, but it still impresses with its size.
15. Palazzo Venezia is one of the most famous palaces in Rome, which served as the residence of Pope Paul II in the 15th century. Today, the palace houses a museum with a large collection of art and historical artifacts. The palace is also known for the fact that Mussolini addressed the nation from its balcony during World War II.
16. Trastevere is a historic district of Rome known for its narrow streets, old houses, and lively atmosphere. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can taste traditional Italian cuisine. Trastevere is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike due to its special flavor.
17. Angel’s Castle (Castel Sant’Angelo) is a monumental fortress located on the banks of the Tiber. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, the castle was later used as a fortress and residence of the popes. Now it houses a museum with a magnificent view of the city.
18. The Barcaccia Fountain is a boat-shaped fountain located on the Piazza della Spezia. It was created in 1627-1629 by Pietro Bernini and his son Lorenzo Bernini. The fountain is a popular meeting and relaxation spot for both tourists and locals.
19. The Capitoline Museum is one of the oldest public museums in the world, founded in 1471. The museum contains a large collection of ancient sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts that reflect the rich history of Rome. Located on the Capitoline Hill, the museum is an important cultural center of the city.
20. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four main basilicas in Rome, built in the 5th century AD. The basilica is known for its mosaics depicting scenes from the Bible, as well as beautiful frescoes and architectural details. It is one of the most important religious and historical monuments in the city.

Rome is a city with a rich history, majestic architectural monuments and cultural heritage that attracts millions of tourists every year. Its numerous sights, museums, and monuments make it one of the most interesting cities in the world. Studying Rome allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture not only of Italy, but of the entire humanity.