6.7 An Amazing Roman Holiday: Circa 2019

I love it when two of my passions collide….movies and history. When I first watched the 1953 movie Roman Holiday on Turner Movie Classics with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, I fell in love with romantic comedies. The fascinating architecture, art, and culture depicted in the movie tapped my natural curiosity about the world around me.

Thinking about people who lived before me and how they were able to live without modern technologies I enjoy every day. You know….running water, indoor plumbing, HVAC system, Amazon.

One of the most enthralling periods of time for me is the first century. Specifically living under the control of the Roman Empire, one of the top five most powerful empires in the world. The vastest of their territory…much of Europe, Western Asian, Middle East, and Northern Africa… created a cornucopia of diversity.

Rome was the epicenter of power and control, and the city I would love to travel to if money was no object. There is so much to see and do, but here are my top five.

1. The Colosseum

The Colosseum also called Flavian Amphitheater

The Colosseum was as popular to the Romans as Lambeau Field is to Wisconsinites. It was a place for theatrical performances, festivals, circuses, and gladiator games.

Finished in 80 AD by Emperor Titus, it has survived damage by fire, earthquake, and neglect, and is the largest structure surviving from ancient Rome.

2. Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican City at dusk

One of the most revered locations of Christians around the world and the seat of the Catholic Church. The Vatican City is an independent city-state ruled by the papal court and defended by the famous Swiss Guard.

Construction for St. Peter’s Basilica began over St. Peter’s grave by Emperor Constantine I in 324 AD, but the basilica you see today was the result of attacks by Saracen pirates and construction projects by various popes.

You will be in awe of the talent of Michelangelo as you gaze on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and inspired when you view a treasure trove of classical and historical artwork in the Vatican Museums.  

3. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the center of religious, political and social activities in ancient Rome. Want-to-be politicians made political speeches of empty promises, shook hands, and kissed babies along the streets of the forum (now we know where our current-day politicians got their playbook).

Make sure you have your walking shoes on, this historic site is over two football fields in length and over three football fields in width. But this walking tour will reward you as you observed the number of gods the Romans worshipped.

Ancient Romans visited and sacrificed at the Temple of Saturn to ensure a bountiful harvest, the Temple of Vesta to guarantee good hearth, home and family, and the Temple of Castor and Pollus taught young Roman males about the victory at Lake Regillus.

As you tour the ruins, try to find the spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated by the Senate (hint: look for the “Curia”).

4. Trevi Fountain

 Trevi Fountain built by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa

Located in the Quirinal district of Rome, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. It was built over an Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC by the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus, to bring water into Rome from the Salone Springs.

As one of the oldest water sources in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is home to one of the most popular rituals of all tourists. That’s right. With your back to the fountain, toss a coin into the fountain’s water basin with your right hand over your left shoulder. By doing so, legend has it, you will return to Rome one day.

5. The Pantheon

 The Pantheon

The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple dedicated to “All of the Gods” and one of the best-preserved monuments of the time.

It was constructed around 25 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa to celebrate Emperor Augustus’ victory over Anthony and Cleopatra in Egypt.

Many famous monuments all over the world modeled the design of the Pantheon. The US Capitol Building and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. is two just two of the many.

There are so many great spots to explore when in Rome.

Let us know when you plan to take your Roman Holiday. Comment below with some of your favorite places.