By Rafa A. Ramadhan
Visiting Rome, with its historical and monumental sights, reignites your imagination of living a life thousands of years ago when the Roman Empire reigned
Rome’s history stretches back to April 21, 753 BC, when Romulus, along with his twin brother Remus, founded the city and became its first king. Over the centuries, Rome has witnessed countless wars and conquests, culminating in the establishment of the Roman Empire in 27 BC. During the Renaissance, Rome became the cultural epicenter of the world, home to legendary figures like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. Their masterpieces now adorn landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately, several Renaissance buildings were demolished during the Fascist rule in the 1900s. However, following the end of World War II, Rome was declared the capital of the Italian Republic in 1946 and began to flourish once more.
While in Rome, take a leisurely stroll through the city’s remarkable sights and be captivated by the breathtaking landmarks at every corner—from fountains and bridges to hidden alleys and, most notably, the ancient Roman ruins. Indulge your taste buds with the abundant Roman gastronomy, where each dish tells a story of the city’s rich history and culture.
Historic Sites
The Colosseum is synonymous with Rome. Built between 70 and 80 AD, it is renowned for hosting gladiator fights, a history famously depicted in the 2000 film Gladiator. The Colosseum was also the venue for various public spectacles, including animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, dramas based on Roman mythology, and even mock sea battles. Located at the heart of the city, this ancient site stands as the largest amphitheater ever built, constructed from travertine limestone, tuff, and brick-faced concrete, with a capacity to host up to 50,000 spectators.
Adjacent to the Colosseum lies the Roman Forum, or Foro Romano, the ancient ruins that once served as the hub of daily life in Rome. The Forum was the site of triumphal processions, elections, public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiator matches. You can access the Forum via the Palatine Hill, which is one of Rome’s seven hills and home to the Palatine Museum, housing numerous artifacts from ancient Italian excavations.
The Vatican
Imagine a country nestled within the capital of another country—this is Vatican City, a landlocked ecclesiastical state situated in the heart of Rome on the west bank of the Tiber River. Known as the smallest country in the world, Vatican City covers an area of only 49 hectares and has a population of 764 people as of 2023, dubbed the world’s smallest city. It is also referred to as the Holy See, the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church, and is the residence of the Pope. The Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church, also serves as the head of Vatican City State. Despite its small size, Vatican City has its own telephone system, post office, gardens, astronomical observatory, radio station, banking system, pharmacy, and a contingent of Swiss Guards who have been responsible for the Pope’s safety since 1506. Remarkably, Vatican City does not collect income tax nor restrict the import or export of funds. Instead, the Holy See is financially supported by contributions from over a billion Roman Catholics worldwide, along with revenue from investments and the sale of stamps, coins, and publications.
Gastronomy
As the capital of Italy, Rome is also the heart of signature and traditional Italian cuisine, reflecting its rich history and culture. One of the most iconic Roman dishes is Pasta Carbonara, made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Cacio e Pepe, similar to Pasta Carbonara, is another must-try Roman dish, offering a simple yet flavorful combination of Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper. Delight your palate with Saltimbocca alla Romana, a popular Roman dish made with veal, prosciutto, and sage, cooked in white wine. For vegetarians, Roman-style artichokes (Carciofi alla Romana) and Jewish-style artichokes (Carciofi alla Giudia) showcase the city’s diverse culinary influences.
Rome’s streets are also lined with stalls offering various street foods, including Supplì, deep-fried rice balls filled with mozzarella, and Trapizzino, a modern twist on traditional pizza. Complete your culinary adventure with a sweet treat like Maritozzo, a traditional sweet bread roll filled with fluffy panna, similar to whipped cream.
Originally published on 3S Magazine
