Rome is a city of eternal beauty and mystery, a place where the past and present blend together to form a unique experience. It is the capital of Italy and also one of the world’s oldest cities, with a rich cultural heritage that spans over two thousand years. But, did you know that Rome is also known as “Caput Mundi”, meaning “head of the world” in Latin? This is only one of the many interesting facts about Rome that make it such a fascinating place to visit.
Rome is a city steeped in history and culture, and is home to many fascinating facts. Here are just some of the interesting facts about Rome:
- Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a recorded history of over 5000 years. It is also a major center of culture and art, and has been a major Christian pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages.
- The mascot of Rome is a she-wolf that cared for the mythological founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. However, archaeological evidence suggests that the city was already in existence long before 753 BCE, the year in which the legend is stated to have occurred.
- Additionally, Rome has several symbols associated with it, such as the she-wolf, eagle, glove, laurel tree, fasces and SPQR, which stands for Senatus Populusque Romanus.
- From 27 BCE to 476 CE, the Roman Empire was ruled by 70 emperors. During this period, the Pantheon, Colosseum and Hadrian’s Wall were built.
- Ancient Rome was home to a 53,000 mile long road network, with each mile marked by a milestone, leading to the saying “All roads lead to Rome”.
- It is sometimes referred to as the “City of Seven Hills” due to its location on seven hills east of the Tiber River. Other titles it has been given are Imperial City, Eternal City, and “Caput Mundi” (Capital of the World).
- Rome was not the first, but the third capital of Italy, after Turin and Florence. Rome was made the capital city of unified Italy in 1870, taking the title from Florence.
- There are over 900 churches in Rome and more than 60 museums, with masterpieces from artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Cavallini and more.
- Every year, an estimated 700,000 euros worth of coins are thrown into Rome’s Trevi Fountain, with the proceeds being donated to Caritas to help those in need.
- Roma has a twin city, Paris, and the two cities share the motto “Only Paris is worthy of Rome, only Rome is worthy of Paris”.
- The Roma Termini Railway Station is the busiest train station in Europe, with over 150 million passengers per year. It takes its name from Termini, a neighborhood which was itself named after the Roman baths which used to be there.
- Cats living in Rome are allowed to live without disruption in the place they were born, often climbing the walls of the Colosseum and sleeping in the ruins of the Forum.
- It is also one of the most environmentally friendly cities in Europe, with a high concentration of parks and green spaces.
In conclusion, Rome is a city bursting with history and culture, and many of its fascinating facts make it a truly unique and captivating destination.
Whether you are a long-time tourist or a first-time traveler, there are some key tips for visiting Rome to make the most of your visit.
