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Rome, the historical and political capital of Italy, is a city of layers. Here you will find the grandeur of Ancient Rome, the luxury of the Renaissance, the splendor of the Baroque, the mystique of the Vatican, and a modern Italy that is so in love with life. In its heyday, the word "Rome" meant not just a city, but what the Romans considered the entire civilized world. History is everywhere here, in the city of Caesars. The Colosseum reminds us of ancient spectacles and gladiators. Monuments like Trajan's Column fueled imperial vanity. The statues show how emperors were revered as earthly gods. The Pantheon, the Roman temple to all the gods with my favorite skylight in the dome, inspired future generations to create their own
grand domes. And since antiquity, for 1700 years, pilgrims, believing that Jesus climbed these stairs on the day of his condemnation, have climbed the " Holy Stairs" (Scala Santa) on their knees. Although many of Rome's churches are crowded, they are also full of art. Walk into any church and every inch of it is adorned with lush Baroque decor. Oh, how impressive are the twisted columns framing the scenes that are about to come to life. Cupids that make coups, and ceilings that open the way to heaven. Located in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the spiritual capital of over a billion Roman Catholics. It is built on the memory and tomb of the first Pope, Saint Peter. And its main treasure is
St. Peter's Basilica. This grandest church in Christendom is huge 600 feet (180 meters) long, bathed in sunlight. It can accommodate thousands of believers. Decorative cherubs make an adult look tiny against their background. As a guide, I lost entire groups of tourists here. The nearby Vatican Museums, with their miles of halls lavishly decorated with precious tapestries, dramatic frescoes, and antique statues, lead to the Sistine Chapel with its glorious ceiling by Michelangelo. Rome is a city of neighborhoods and meeting places for the people who call it home, like Campo dei Fiori. Literally "field of flowers", this place has long become a fragrant and bustling
market. The market thrives in the morning hours. Whatever is seasonal during your visit will certainly be chosen by local chefs for their daily menus. We are here in May, so it is the season for puntarella, asparagus and artichokes. Rome takes on a completely different character after dark, and a short walk connects its best nightlife spots. Back to Campo dei Fiori: the artichokes and tomatoes have already been harvested, and the street lamps invite conversation. These characteristic alleys, even late at night, seem safe and welcoming. Nearby Piazza Navona is a real carnival 365 nights a year. Although this elongated square took its shape from a long-vanished ancient stadium, today entertainment here is limited to
strolling and flirting around Bernini's famous fountain. It rises majestically above our 21st century, as if striving to tell its story-2,000 years of Roman history. At the same time, it serves as a respectable backdrop for visitors to summer terraces. And the Trevi Fountain, a turbulent Baroque avalanche of the 1700s, seems to have been created precisely for the modern Roman's ability to enjoy life. With history, art, and people forever celebrating under the stars. It's no wonder that people flock here in droves, believing that a coin thrown over their shoulder guarantees them a return to this eternal city. It may sound silly, but I do this ritual every year and it really works.
