I T A L Y
R O M E
O V E R V I E W
With a history spanning 28 centuries, Rome is often referred to by those who love it as The Eternal City, City of Seven Hills, and Caput Mundi, or capital of the world.
For the modern visitor, it’s worth remembering Rome’s foundational role in the story of Western Civilisation, and marvelling at it as a strangely eclectic mix of architecture ranging from its oldest building still standing, the 2nd Century BC Temple of Hercules, to the constructions of the 20th century.
All of this serves as a constant reminder of the contrast between Rome as an ancient power, and modern Italy as a comparatively young country dating to the 19th Century.
Here's what we think should form the core of your experience:
Ancient Rome
A large part of coming to Rome is to spend some time meditating on the ancient world. Many of our modern problems are in fact the same as the problems that the ancients faced, and in many cases their writings apply as much now as they did 2000 years ago, revealing a look at an earlier human nature not so different than our own.
As Cicero reminds us in On Duties: “The foundation of justice is good faith, that is, truth and fidelity to promises and agreements.”
To reflect on such timeless ideas in the presence of the physical trappings of this once-mighty civilisation is, of course, powerful in a way which requires little in the way of explanation.
Roman Culture & Cuisine
Many of what are often somewhat carelessly described as famous ‘Italian’ dishes, are in fact Roman inventions, and at that – somehow delightfully – not even particularly old ones.
The Carbonara (dating in all likelihood to 1944), cacio e pepe, and amatriciana pasta dishes all hail from Rome, and are iconic representatives of the much-beloved cucina povera, literally poor kitchen, simple dishes made with readily available, hardy, and inexpensive ingredients.
Rome has all of these, and of course incredible quantities of high-end cooking as well, in spades. To understand the Roman way of life is to build a bridge for yourself between the rough-around-the-edges, and the high-life which form the makeup of the Eternal City.
Catholicism & The Vatican
The spiritual center of Catholicism, Rome is home to the Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world and the seat of the Pope.
There’s something delightfully secret and odd about the whole thing, and the way Catholicism permeates daily life in Rome, from religious festivals and rituals to the city's social and cultural fabric.
And of course, St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums are familiar names to nearly everyone, holding works of art by Michelangelo and Raphael.