The capital of Italy has millennia of history. This means that there are still many facts about Rome to be discovered – whether related to the city’s monuments, its inhabitants or its culture. So, while we can’t travel there and find out for ourselves, here are 7 interesting facts about the Italian capital. Check out!
Facts about Rome that will blow your mind
1. Strange perspectives
This is one of the facts about Rome that most arouse curiosity among tourists. If you walk towards the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, in the Vatican, from Villa Pamphili, through Via Niccolò Piccolomini, you will realize that the closer you get to the dome, the farther it will appear to be. And the opposite also happens: when you walk in the opposite direction, it will appear to be closer!
2. Views of the city
Talking about the dome of the basilica, at the top of the incredible Monte Aventino, next to the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden), you will find a beautiful surprise. If you look through the keyhole of the gate of the Grand Priory Village of the Military Sovereign Order of Malta, you will be able to enjoy an excellent view of the dome of St. Peter.
3. July and October festivals
Every July, the district of Trastevere hosts the ‘Noantri Party (literally, “Our Festival”), a religious celebration, filled with large parties, concerts and fireworks. In ancient times, on the other hand, to celebrate the end of the grape harvest in October, the Romans invented Ottobrate Romane (“Roman days of October”), a period when people rested after all their hard work. Today, this party is celebrated in the Monti district and is very popular with young people, especially with live performances.
4. The Roman aqueduct
One of the main facts about Rome that we learned at school is about the advanced water transport system that the city had in ancient times. The Aqua Virgo aqueduct is the only one from the times of the ancient Roman Empire that is still in operation today. It was opened in 19 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a consul of the Roman Republic, and supplies the famous Fontana di Trevi.
5. “Tutte le strade portano a Roma”
This famous saying means “All roads lead to Rome”. It has its origins in Ancient Rome, when an efficient “road” system, called Vie Consolari (“Consular Roads”), was created. Some routes, such as Aurelia and Flaminia, are still used today. They were built to create a good transport system within the Empire.
6. The Roman ghetto and its cuisine
According to COUNTRYAAH, the Roman ghetto, created in 1555, was one of the oldest in Western Europe, and also the last to be abolished, so traditions persisted. This district, which today is surrounded by the Portico d’Ottavia, Progresso, Lungotevere dei Cenci and Santa Maria del Pianto routes, has a unique atmosphere. Just walk around the area and enter any of its bakeries or restaurants and try the typical dishes, from bread to artichokes.
7. The Roman “Fla x Flu”
There are some curious facts about Rome for football fans as well. There are two main teams in the city: SS Lazio and AS Roma. The rivalry between the two teams is highly valued there: provoking and mocking the fans of the rival team is a common practice in the days leading up to the match.
