 Roma or Rome is one of the ancient cities of
Europe. The City of Seven Hills was founded by Romulus and Remus roughly about 2,700 years ago. The river Tiber, which meanders through the city, is a witness to innumerable events which occurred in the capital of Italy.
When we read Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', we catch a glimpse of Roman history. One of the oldest civilisations in the world, the Roman civilisation is a storehouse of rich heritage and is steeped in history.
My Roman holiday, which lasted a week, is my most cherished and valuable so far. (Does that sound like a line from the film 'Roman Holiday'? Any likeness to a
movie or book is unintentional and coincidental!)
Rome has a hoary past. It is believed that the evil King Alba threw his baby nephews Romulus and Remus into the Tiber, but they were washed ashore and suckled by a she-wolf. Legend has it that the Trojan hero Aeneas was the grandfather of Romulus and
Remus.
Rome was ruled by kings, consuls and emperors. Shakespeare has immortalised Rome in his classic, 'Julius Caesar'. It is believed that Julius Caesar ruled Italy after Pompey (a king) before being stabbed to death by his bosom friend Brutus.
Rome has a mixture of ancient, medieval and present-day architecture. World renowned painters and architects Michelangelo, Leonardo-da-Vinci, Raphael, Bernini and Baromini were born in Italy and contributed to the architectural splendour of the churches.
We are reminded of the famous 'Vatican' once we talk about Rome. Rome and Vatican City are inseparables and a visit to the Vatican is a must once we visit Rome. Vatican City houses the famous St Peters Cathedral (Vatican Square), the seat of one of the most powerful religion in the world - Christianity.
The Pope, the spiritual leader of Catholics, is considered Christ's representative on earth. I stood speechless viewing this imposing Basilica. It is visually stunning.
Rome abounds in basilicas and churches and Renaissance artists, Michelangelo, Raphael, Bramante, Cellini have exhibited their skill in the construction. The museums and galleries are repositories of rich history and culture. Who can forget the great Colosseum - Rome's greatest amphitheatre was commissioned years ago and has withstood the vicissitudes of nature.
In the 1950s and 1960s Rome was Europe's Hollywood. Classic movies like 'Ben-Hur', 'Quo-Vadis' and 'Cleopatra' were shot in Cinecella Studios.
The Pantheon, also an architectural marvel, was built out of a monolithic stone brought from Egypt centuries ago.
The relics of the Roman Forum and the Senate, which existed aeons ago have been preserved by the Italian government remarkably.
I have listed briefly the important places in Rome. I will attempt to give exhaustive details in my next article.
To be continued...
Usha Raja
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Roman holiday - 1
