When in Rome

The Coliseum

I am a second year Art History student and last week I visisted Rome with my University. For my first blog post I thoughtI'd give some advice on my top three places that I recommend for anyone travelling to Rome. I hope you find it interesting and useful!
The Coliseum is without a doubt the most notorious emblem of ancient Rome’s legacy, and with good reason.  You cannot grasp the sheer enormity of this incredible building from reproductions and it really does need to be seen to be believed. Although sadly parts are now ruined, this in fact helps you understand the logistics of how gladiator battles and events were carried out. It was built using typically Roman bricks which are incredibly thin, more like slates than bricks, which makes you question how it was ever completed. If you get the chance, it is definitely worth venturing inside as it really gives you a sense of scale and is guaranteed to leave you in awe.  

Part of the Forum

If you buy a pass for the Coliseum the Forum next to it is included which is well worth taking advantage of, although both the Coliseum and Forum can be seen partially from outside. A guided tour of this part may be best for understanding the layout of the place, but even without the tour, these grounds are incredible and leave you wondering just how the ancient Romans managed to create such large, impressive structures. European citizens under 25 receive a discount so make you sure bring your passport with you!  

St Peter's Basilica

 Another must see is the Vatican City, although do bear in mind it’s closed to the public on all Sundays except for the last of the month when it is free.  Another thing to note is that the Vatican is obviously a Holy place, so dress accordingly or else you may be turned away! There are several museums within the Vatican and each is filled to the brim with ancient remains, frescoes and sculptures. The Sistine Chapel is the most popular haunt, and to make the most of it is definitely worth doing some basic research on the main elements which include Michelangelo’s portrayal of himself as St Bartholomew within The Last Judgement, and a disagreement he had with Cardinal Carafa over the nudity which resulted in Michelangelo painting Carafa in as Minos, God of the Underworld.  The Chapel is rather small and usually crowded, but try and take advantage of the seating around the edges, especially when viewing the frescoed ceiling and Michelangelo’s renowned The Creation of Adam.

Raphael was working at the same time to fresco other parts of the Vatican, resulting in the four Raphael Rooms. This is home to the famous The School of Athens; again research beforehand so you can correctly identify the figures would enhance this experience.

The School of Athens

Last on my very short and brief list is the Capitoline Hill.  An equestrian sculpture of Marcus Aurelius has been moved to the centre, a symbol of government and its survival is due to it misidentification as Constantine. The oval courtyard was designed by Michelangelo, and the path up to it is guarded by two marble men, influenced by the classical heritage to try and authenticate the government’s regime. It is interesting to note that they face directly to the Vatican, showing they are not afraid of its power. Parts of the Capitoline Hill were torn down to make way for the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, (nicknamed the wedding cake) which is the imposing, startling white building next to the hill.  The Capitoline Museums contain some wonderful artifacts, including the remains of an enormous sculpture Constantine’s foot.  The iconic symbol of Rome, Romulus and Remus suckling from a wolf, is also located here, but you do not need to enter the museums to view it.

Marcus Aurelius, Capitoline Hill

Obviously there is plenty more to see in Rome, including the Bocca Della Verita (the mouth of truth), the Medici Villa (a hugely influential family in Renaissance Italy) and the Circus Maximus (an ancient chariot track). If you do get the opportunity to visit Rome I highly recommend you give yourself a minimum of four days to fit everything in, as long as you’re prepared for early starts and plenty of walking to squeeze it all in.  And whilst you’re there remember to throw a penny backwards into the world famous Trevi Fountain to ensure you return to Rome soon!