Rome and Lazio
Rome: beautiful a ton!
We admit it, and we apologize: we are a little challenged by trying to tell you what to do, admire, touch, taste, eat, and be amazed by in Rome; a whole book (or website) wouldn’t be enough. Because Rome, the Italian capital, boasts nearly 3,000 years of history (even if it doesn’t show them! And indeed, calling it eternal is considered a compliment…). Having been the first great metropolis of humanity, it is mentioned in all periods and chapters of the history books. Rome carries within the indelible traces of its primacy as caput mundi (capital of the world): in the arts, in literature, in law, in philosophy, in religion, in politics, and in history. It even carries within it a foreign state (the Vatican). Today as in the past, its streets are crowded with languages and cultures from every corner of the globe; millions of citizens of the world united by three elements: comfortable shoes, a camera, and wide-eyed wonder in the face of this endless series of marvels. They do not know where to start taking photos and selfies! Among its primacies, Rome is also unique in the Western world for the vastness of the countryside that not only forms its perimeter but also extends into its urban area. This green incursion is clearly visible when traversing its seven hills upon which AMOR (Roma spelled backward) was built. Palatine Hill, according to legend, was where the she-wolf nursed Romulus and Remus and later where the emperors chose to build their residences. The Capitoline Hill offers a spectacular view of the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, the Tiber River, the Arch of Titus, the Jewish Ghetto, Trastevere, and the Janiculum Hill.
Rome is also home to one of the most important, vast, and fascinating archaeological areas in the world. Everywhere you turn is a discovery, but one of its iconic symbols is, naturally, the Colosseum, or the Flavian Amphitheatre, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It dominates the Roman skyline in all its colossal grandeur. A journey into the past is also granted by the Imperial Forums, the ruins of five monumental squares. The squares in Rome are charms of stone and beauty, true treasure chests of art and life, where centuries-old history intertwines with everyday stories in a timeless embrace. Piazza di Spagna stands out as an art stage, where the evocative Spanish Steps lead to an atmosphere of beauty and contemplation. As the pulsating heart of Christianity, St. Peter’s Square welcomes believers from every corner of the globe; the dramatic embrace of the colonnade of 284 columns arranged in a perfect ellipse creates a play of optical illusions that enchant and surprise. Piazza del Popolo, with its oval shape and timeless elegance, stands out as a gem in the heart of Rome. Continuing the succession of masterpieces and wonders, Piazza Navona casts its spell with its Baroque elegance. Here, among its celebrated fountains, life unfolds in a whirlwind of colors and sounds, paying tribute to art and human creativity. Dominating Piazza Venezia is the majestic Altar of the Fatherland (Il Vittoriano) built at the end of the 19th century and symbolizing the Risorgimento and national unity. Adjacent to Piazza dei Crociferi, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most famous and photographed monuments in the capital. This symbol of Italy and the Eternal City was also immortalized by the iconic scene featuring Anita Ekberg’s bath in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Lastly, Campo dei Fiori, is a square with a dual soul: popular during the day with its market where not only flowers but also vegetables, fruits, and street food are sold, and then youthful in the evening when it comes alive with young people.
As mentioned above, Rome is the only city in the world to host within its boundaries a foreign state (the Vatican City), effectively making it the capital of two nations simultaneously. Symbolizing power and serving as a worldwide focal point for the Christian faith, the Basilica of St. Peter is considered the largest basilica in the world. Inside, you can admire masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s bronze baldachin and the tomb of Pope John Paul II. As well, you can visit the Vatican Grottoes which house the tombs of numerous other popes while the Vatican is the residence of the Pope, it is also a realm of world art. The Vatican Museums, an epitome of artistic magnificence, house one of the most extensive collections in the world: over 70,000 works of art, archaeology, and ethno-anthropology, with only 20,000 of them on display for your viewing pleasure. And of course, at the heart of this artistic sanctuary, the Sistine Chapel reigns majestically, home to Michelangelo’s renowned frescoes on its ceiling and the Last Judgment. In the present day, Eternal Rome lives on with a vibrant mix of diverse cultures within its neighborhoods. Trastevere, with its picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful facades, humble medieval churches, and small craft shops, is truly a treasure to discover. It is teeming with life thanks to markets and traditional trattorias, where you don’t want to miss the tastes of pizza by the slice, a plate of spaghetti cacio e pepe, and porchetta. Testaccio, with its popular roots, embodies the Roman spirit. Inhabited by true Romans, here you can enjoy local specialties such as pasta and beans, tripe Roman-style, or oxtail stew. The Ghetto, with its narrow alleys and the Great Synagogue, is one of the hidden gems of the city. It is not only a cultural landmark for the Jewish community, but also rich in archaeological-cultural testimonies and culinary delights like artichokes “alla giudia”, tart fresh sour cherry jam and ricotta, and anchovy and endive tarts. The Monti district, with its charming squares and artisan shops, represents the most bohemian and international face of the city. Here you can stroll among vintage shops and art galleries, explore ancient churches, and savor the famous maritozzo with cream or the exquisite supplì.
How vast is Lazio!
“Latus “means wide in Latin. This is where Lazio gets its name from. And truly vast it is, this region has mountainous areas, hills, and coastlines overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Island of Ponza shines with its crystal-clear sea, sandy shores, and fascinating caves. Also extensive are Lazio’s agricultural estates cultivated with olive trees and vines, especially in the Viterbo area. You can even find the “dying city”: the Civita di Bagnoregio, a place as enchanting as it is precarious, perched on a tuff outcrop that is constantly eroding. Inhabited by many ancient peoples later conquered by the Romans, Lazio is a treasure trove of archaeological sites. These include the Monterozzi Necropolis in Tarquinia or the Banditaccia Necropolis, the main burial site of ancient Caere, now Cerveteri, one of the iconic places of Etruscan culture. An immersion in nature is guaranteed at Lake Bracciano, of volcanic origins, with a picturesque landscape of forests, historic villages, gentle hills, and farmhouses. The Castelli Romani are a favorite destination for the city’s residents seeking fresh air and good wine, to be enjoyed in the “fraschette,” typical taverns in the area. Here on the hills, there is one of the most beautiful small (2,000 inhabitants) villages in Italy. Nemi, known for its strawberries and Roman ships, is perched on a cliff overlooking the eponymous lake. For a revitalizing experience, the most renowned spa towns include Fiuggi; Viterbo; Tivoli, famous for Villa d’Este with its magnificent water features, and Villa Adriana, showcasing the Roman architectural genius. Viterbo, where the first and longest papal conclave in Church history took place, is still rich in interesting churches, medieval palaces, towers, and most beautiful squares. Lastly, Rieti, on the ancient Salt Road at the border between Lazio and Umbria, is a place to be slowly explored and is especially notable for its underground treasures.
