The curiosities about Rome show us the other side of a city that very few know. The Eternal City or City of 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 has. More than enough elements to seduce and enchant visitors from all over the world.
Therefore, if you plan to travel to Rome or simply get to know it. We invite you to discover some curiosities about Rome, which will help you 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 briefly passed to Florence in the period from 1865 to 1870, which preceded the definitive and current one, which is Rome.
2. Fundraising of the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most romantic and most visited monuments in Rome. So it is not surprising that thousands of tourists from all over the world perform the same ritual daily. Stand on your back and toss a coin into the fountain, 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 is 1.4 million euros per year. All of which are donated to Caritas, a non-profit organization that uses the money to help families in need.
3. What is its nickname “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 empires of the world, the Roman empire would last forever. Another popular name by which it is usually called is “the City of Seven Hills.” Well, Rome is located on 7 hills: Aventino, Capitolino, Celio, Esquino, Palatino, Quirinal y 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 this may be. Therefore, 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 also a whole record, but the best of the case 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 old building standing
The Pantheon of Agrippa or Pantheon of Rome is an ancient temple built in the 27th century BC. 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. Another 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 there is one of the seven wonders of the modern world
The Roman Colosseum located in the centre 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 to be found in Europe.
However, one of the saddest curiosities about Rome is related to the Colosseum. And it is that according to an estimate more than 500,000 people and more than a million wild animals lost their lives during the battles that took place there.
8. The twin churches of Rome
Plaza 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; so at first glance it will seem that they are the same, but if we look closely we will notice that they are not.
9. The acronym SPQR
Throughout the city of Rome, we will repeatedly find the acronym SPQR. Whose meaning is “Senatus Populusque Romanus” that could be translated into English 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 about the Vatican, a city-state located within Rome. Which is, in turn, the smallest country in population and in size 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 Plaza 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 Fabricio Bridge, this 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 than we have discussed.
ALFA