Rome. Just the name conjures images of a city of immense beauty, fallen ruins, and old guys in little white hats. Even the city’s nickname, the ‘Eternal City’, describes a city that has seen it all; a succession of Caesars, popes, raging mobs, fascists and, of course, raging hordes of tourists. Rome is one of the most visited cities on the planet, let alone Europe. Rightfully so.
A Little Bit of Roman History
The actual founding of Rome is cloaked in mystery. According to legend, Romulus founded the city on April 21, 753 BCE. Some experts argue that the city could have been founded in the 8th century BCE, while others say maybe not. The controversy continues. Anyhow, the city grew from its origins on the Palatine Hill, encompassing the other seven hills of Rome. The city was ruled by a succession of kings, until the Senate took over in 510 BCE, which was mostly kicked to the curb in 27 BCE by Augustus Caesar.
The Roman Forum as seen from the Palatine Hill.
The Principate (age of the Caesars) started a grand rebuilding of Rome. Most of the ruins date to after the 1st century BCE. The city survived the emperors, even Nero (who probably burnt down a big section of the city) until the sacking of Rome in 410 CE. Beforehand, the city of Rome, along with the Empire, took a turn for the worse. The state began losing money (no longer fueled by conquests) and the empire split in two. The city itself lost importance when the capital was moved to Milan in Northern Italy.
After the sacking in 410 CE and the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE, the Pope became one of the most important people in the city, essentially, he was in charge. During the Middle Ages, Rome was part of the Papal States, of whom the Pope was the monarch. Rome, although sacked numerous times, remained the capital of the Papal States until 1870, when it was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy in 1870.
A succession of Popes constructed and maintained the city of Rome. Over the centuries, Rome remained a ‘Holy City,’ a destination for millions of pilgrims. Countless churches were constructed and renovated to cater to the influx of people. A big leap in construction started in the latter half of the 15th century. Rome at this time was not the prettiest city in Italy, and the popes decided to change that. More extravagant churches, including St. Peter’s Basilica, bridges, squares, and other public places were constructed. Famous artists were recruited from all over Italy. The popes essentially transformed the city of Rome from a backwater to the city we love today.
You can’t go to Rome without seeing the famous Trevi Fountain. This is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and the most visited.
In the 19th century, Rome became the focus of the Italians who wanted the whole of Italy once again united. The Kingdom of Italy declared Rome its capital in 1861, even though the pope was still in control. It was not until the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 that the Italians could capture Rome from the pope and the capital of Italy was moved from Florence to Rome.
Not long after World War I, fascism became very popular in Italy. Benito Mussolini marched on the city in 1922, securing his spot at the head of the government. Rome escaped major damage from World War II due to the presence of the Vatican. Rome grew immensely after the war and is now one of the largest cities in Europe.
Must-See Attractions
These are the places I have been in Rome and recommend for other visitors.
Tips
Don’t know Italian? No problem. Most employees in service businesses (i.e., restaurants, information booths, stores) in the center of Rome know passing English. However, learning a bit of Italian will go a long way. (Plus, the locals love it.)
Roma Pass: One down payment gives you two free museum entries, discounts on the rest, an ability to skip long lines, and free metro and bus rides. Available at the information center near the Colosseum metro exit. Great for a short visit, 3 days or less.
Eat away! Avoid chain fast food restaurants. Even a decent sit-down meal is affordable in Rome. Some restaurants do not open for dinner until 7pm. If it’s after dark, grab a snack and hit a museum while you are waiting.
Italians tend to take their time at meals. You will have to ask for a check. Don’t get frustrated with the servers, its custom.
There is no need to tip at restaurants. It is already including in your bill under service fee and/or sitting fee. It is often a €2 charge.
More time for museums. Museums tend to be open later than in most cities, often to 6 or 7pm and many open really early. So museum away.
Explore! Sometimes it’s just best to wander through the winding streets. You never know what you will uncover in this ancient city.
Rome is the perfect city for finding amazing sights in out-of-the-way places. Rome has a lot more to offer than just the main tourist attractions. Start planning your trip early and you will not be disappointed.
Looking for affordable accommodation? Check out hostels and guest houses. It is highly unlikely that you are going to be spending a lot of time in your room so why pay top coin for it? (However, avoid hostels around Termini station if you want to get some peace and quiet.) Accommodation is even cheaper in the off season.
Avoid the long lines all together, travel in the off season. While Rome is packed to the brim in late spring and early summer (also stifling hot), October through March offers short lines and less crowds, even around the winter holidays.
