As we have already spent the big holidays, and there is still a long way to go until summer, we may have a gap with a bridge or a weekend to make a quick getaway to a city that interests us. One of the trips that I have in mind, and that if I am lucky I will do this year, is that of Roma, a city full of history with a charm that attracts anyone.
Obviously, we all imagine ourselves in the typical story in which we move around Rome on a Vespa seeing the most beautiful places under a great sun. But hey, removing those images that they sell us in the movies, this is a city that has a lot to see, so yes you can only go one weekendIt is recommended that you be very clear about what things you are going to see, without missing the most interesting.
Rome Coliseum
We have talked at length about this great monument in the post about the Colosseum, and it is the number one visit that must be made when arriving in Rome. It is a monument that has been standing since the 80s and that has survived looting, earthquakes and even wars, and is still standing and surprising architects and visitors. It could hold up to 50.000 people, and we all know the gladiator and lion shows, but it is even said that they got to do mock naval battles, filling the bottom with water. Today the part of the arena is gone and you can see the area where there were cages and where the gladiators lived. There were also tarps to protect the public from the sun. As we have said, a tour of it is essential.
Trevi Fountain
This is the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome, a real monument 26 meters high. Its history begins in 19 AD, when this fountain was the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. However, its current appearance dates back to 1762, when it was completed by Giuseppe Pannini. If there is something we must do when going to the Trevi Fountain, it is throw coins at her, since there is a whole tradition. It must be pulled with the right hand on the left shoulder, and it is said that if you throw one you will return to Rome, if you throw two you will meet an Italian or Italian, and if you throw three you will marry that person you met in Rome. Every year about a million euros are withdrawn and used for charitable purposes.
Roman forum
This is another of the areas where it is best manifests the life of ancient Rome and the golden years of the Roman Empire. In this part of the city is where religious and public life was carried out. In its beginnings, in the XNUMXth century BC, this was a marshy place that was drained thanks to the Cloaca Máxima, one of the first known sewage systems. When the Empire collapsed this area fell into oblivion and abandonment, being gradually buried by the city. However, although its existence and location were already known in the XNUMXth century, excavations to recover this important part of Roman history did not begin until the XNUMXth century.
Pantheon of Agrippa
This monument is better known as the Pantheon simply. Its construction was carried out by the mandate of Hadrian, in the year 126 AD, and it is the building of ancient Rome that is best preserved. On the outside we see a facade with granite columns.
However, the most spectacular thing is its interior, with a huge dome with an oculus at the top that lets in natural light. In addition, there are tombs of kings and works of art, so it will be a very complete visit. On the other hand, in the square there are countless restaurants to have a typical Italian meal while we admire the Pantheon.
Villa Borghese
If you want to get away from urban life a bit, you can go to Villa Borghese, one of the largest urban gardens in Europe, in which nature is also combined with monuments, buildings and fountains that speak of the history of Rome. In it you can go to the Borghese Museum, where there are works by Titian, Caravaggio or Raphael. You can also see the zoo and enjoy such beautiful buildings as the Temple of Aesculapius. In addition, it is open 24 hours a day and is completely free.
Catacombs
The catacombs of Rome make up a whole world under the city, and they date back to the second century, when Christians, not believing in the pagan rite of cremating corpses, buried their dead. The high value of the land led to the excavation of these catacombs with rectangular niches. At present there are more than sixty catacombs with kilometers of galleries, but there are only five that are open to the public, that of San Sebastián, San Calixto, Priscila, Domitila and Santa Inés. Obviously, you can book a tour through them so as not to miss any details.