The curiosities about Rome They show us the other face of a city that very few know. The eternal city or city of the Seven Hills as it is known, is one of the 10 most visited cities in Europe. Something that is not surprising due to the large number of monuments, museums, art, gastronomy and history that it possesses. More than enough elements to seduce and enchant visitors from all over the world.
Therefore, if you plan to travel to Rome or just get to know it. We invite you to discover some curiosities about Rome, that will help him broaden the horizons of a city unknown to many.
1. Rome was not always the capital of Italy
Italy has had three capitals and the first of them was Turin in the period from 1861 to 1865. This title passed briefly to Florence in the period from 1865 to 1870, which preceded the definitive and current one, which is Rome.
2. Trevi Fountain Collection
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most romantic and most visited monuments in Rome. So it is not strange that thousands of tourists from all over the world perform the same ritual daily. Stand on your back and throw a coin into the fountain, with your eyes closed while making a wish. Something that became a tradition and that they say brings good luck.
But beyond tradition, an average of 3,000 euros are collected every day, which means 1.4 million euros a year. Which are donated to Caritas, a non-profit organization that uses the money to help families in need.
3. What is its nickname of «the eternal city»?
Rome is also known as «the eternal city», in reference to its longevity. Since the Romans thought in ancient times, that no matter what happened to the rest of the world’s empires, the Roman empire would last forever. Another popular name by which it is often called is «the City of Seven Hills». Well, Rome is located on 7 hills: Aventino, Capitolino, Celio, Esquina, Palatino, Quirinal and Viminal.
4. In Rome cats have special rights
Since 1991 there is a law that protects cats and according to which they are allowed to live in the place where they were born, whatever that may be. For this reason, it is common to see stray cats throughout the city, even living in the ruins of the Roman coliseum.
5. Rome has more fountains than any other city in the world
In this city we will find 50 monumental fountains and more than 2000 smaller fountains. Without a doubt, more than any other city in the world and a record, but the best part is that many of them have drinking water. So forget about buying bottles of water, because being thirsty in this city will not be a problem.
6. The pantheon is the only ancient building still standing
The Pantheon of Agrippa or Pantheon of Rome is an ancient temple built in the 27th century BC. C. And it is currently the only building that has stood the test of time since then. The secret is that it is made with a highly resistant type of concrete based on lime and volcanic ash.
But in addition to that, it has enjoyed protection over time. After being converted from the year 608 into a Christian church, by Pope Boniface IV. Other curiosity about rome and specifically about the Roman Pantheon is the dimension of its dome, since it measures exactly 43.44 meters in diameter. Which makes it the largest concrete dome in the world.
7. In Rome is one of the seven wonders of the modern world
The Roman Coliseum located in the center of the Italian capital, is one of the icons of this city in the world. But, it is also the most visited monument and also one of the seven wonders of the modern world, recognized in 2007. Being the only one of the seven wonders of the world that is located in Europe.
However, one of the saddest curiosities about Rome, It is related to the Colosseum. And it is that according to estimates more than 500,000 people and more than a million wild animals lost their lives during the battles that were held there.
8. The twin churches of Rome
Piazza del Popolo is one of the most famous squares in Rome and it is also the place where we will find the famous twin churches. These are the churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli, located next to each other. At first glance, it may seem that they are the same, but if we look carefully we will notice that they are not.
9. The acronym SPQR
Throughout the city of Rome, we will recurrently find the acronym SPQR. Whose meaning is «Senatus Populusque Romanus» which could be translated into Spanish as «The Senate and the people of Rome». This is a reference to the ancient Roman Empire and is currently used as the official emblem of the city.
10. In Rome there is a whole country
It is the Vatican, a city-state located within Rome. Which is in turn the smallest country in population and extension in the world. With 900 inhabitants and an area of 0.44 km² or 44 hectares. So technically, it is also the capital of two countries.
Another curious fact is that the Vatican is the only country in the world that has Latin as its official language.
Other curiosities about Rome that very few know
- The city has more than 900 churches.
- In addition to its own, Rome is also full of Egyptian monuments. Among them 8 obelisks, the Flaminio in the Piazza del Popolo, and the Macuteo, in the Piazza della Rotonda.
- It is the city with the most obelisks in the world with 13 in total, 8 of Egyptian origin and 5 that were built during the time of the Roman Empire.
- The oldest bridge in Rome is the Ponte Fabricio, this one is more than 2000 years old.
Rome is a city of more than three thousand years that hides many facets and elements that are worth knowing. So it is possible that on your next trip to this city, you will discover many more curiosities about Rome of which we have discussed.