Italian Course in Rome – “The eternal city” or “the city of the seven hills”!
Why not take you Italian course in the Italian capital? With its 2,7 million inhabitants, Rome is the biggest city of Italy. It is often referred to as “the city of the seven hills”or “the eternal city”. The first expression derives from the fact that the ancient city center was built one seven hills which later were surrounded by a city wall, to protect Rome from attacks of rivalling groups. The second expression comes from the believe of the ancient Roman people that, whatever happened in the world, their city would never fall.
And indeed. Although Rome was many time target of mayor attacks, it is still alive, rich in very important monuments and museums and for this a big attraction for tourists. It is a city of churches, palaces, obelisks and big plazas with beautiful fountains.
History
Rome was founded in 753 before Christ by the twins Romulus and Remus and was actually a reunion of a few already existing settlements. There are different opinions about the origin of the name. The most possible conclusion is that the name of the city derives from the Greek word “rum-” which means “female breast” and alludes to the female wolf who breast-fed Romulus and Remus, the founder of the city.
After its foundation, Rome would not stop expanding. In the first century before Christ, it already counted 1 million inhabitants and was the centre of the Roman Empire which was a pioneer in many ways: The empire disposed of a functional water system, a big net of streets and a league of “security men” protecting the city and the empire. But without doubt, the second century after Christ can be considered as the time the Roman Empire and its capital were at their peak. By that time, a new second city wall was built, because Rome did not fit into the old one anymore.
In the 4th and 5th century after Christ, the city slowly lost its political importance. First reason: The emperors prefered other cities like Konstantinopel, Milano, Trier etc. as their seat. Second reason: Rome was attacked many times. In the 5th century, the whole Roman Empire fell because of internal (the Empire simply got too big and could not be organised and supplied anymore) and external reasons (the amount of attacks grew and grew).
While Rome had about 1,5 million inhabitants in the 3rd century, the number went back to 100.000 in the 6th century. In the Middle Ages, it even shrank to 20.000. Italian Course in Rome. Italian Course in Rome.
But it was at that time that Rome became the capital of the Papal States and an important place of pilgrimage next to Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostela. And still in the Renaissance, Rome had an important role until the Sacco di Roma 1527, when it got plundered and destroyed by troups of Karl V.
After the end of the Papal State, Rome was electeted capital of the Italian National State in 1871. A big conflict between church and state started which was ended in 1929, when the Vatican City was created.
In 1944, Rome was attacked by the Allies. The Pope refused to leave the city and declared the Rome an “open city”, which means that it was not defended and could therefore not be attacked. This saved hundreds of buildings and monuments and helped Rome keeping its nowadays face. Italian Course in Rome. Italian Course in Rome. Italian Course in Rome.
Districts
The city of Rome is divided in 19 administrative districts: Centro Storico (Altstadt), Parioli, Nomentano – San Lorenzo, Monte Sacro, Tiburtina, Prenestino, Centocelle, delle Torri, San Giovanni, Cinecitta, Appia Antica, EUR, Ostia, Arvalia Portuense, Monte Verde, Prati, Aurelia, Monte Mario, Cassia Flaminia.
The actual city center is the part of the city surrounded by the Aurelian Wall, which was built around the area of the seven hills in the 3rd century. The historical center is set at the left riverbank of the river Tiber. Here you find most of the antique buildings. Most of the Christian buildings, St. Peter´s Basilica, are on the right side of the river.
The historical center in more detail:
The most important points of interest in the historical center of Rome:
An internationally renown Barock waterspout fountain.
Most beautiful stairs in the whole of Rome and popular meeting point.
A plaza in the middle of Rome whose fruit and vegetable market attracts tourists as well as Romans.
Former Roman center of power. You can still visit the old impressive ruins.
Other important points of interest outside the historical center of Rome:
- Vatican and Sistine Chapel
Seat of the Pope, place of pilgrimage and smalles state of the world. The Sistine chapel houses some of the most important art works worldwide including the most important fresco of Michelangelo.
- St. Peter´s Basilica
The cathedral of the Vatican is the biggest church of Christendom.
A district right of the river Tiber which is famous for its bars and nightlife.
Means of transport
Pleaaaaase don´t go to Rome by car. The traffic situation in Rome is a big chaos as its streets are built in a star shape, still coming from the times of the Roman Empire, when Rome was connected with all the parts of the empire. Nowadays it means that all the cars have to go through the city center to reach their destination or they have to take the ring road circle around the city which is helplessly crowded. But fortunately, there are alternatives:
You find a vast net of busses, 6 tram-lines, and 2 subway-lines (Only two because there is always the fear of damaging archeological sites…).
For exact prices and schedules visit: www.atac.roma.it
As the center of communication in Italy, Rome provides six train station. The main station Roma Termini is one of the biggest in whole Europe!
www.grandistazioni.it/
Rome provides three airports. The most important one is the intercontinental Leonardo da Vinci International airport. Or as well “Aeropuerto di Roma-Fiumicino”.
Climate
Rome enjoys a meditteranean climate which means hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters.
Must-Dos
Pantheon: The only preserved Antique dome structure. Impressive if you imagine that it has been built in the 2nd century!
Forum of the Roman Empire: Visit the place where the ancient Roman emperors made their politics.
Fontana di Trevi: Save some coins, make a wish and throw them into the font.
Piazza di Spagna: Have a nice glass of wine and observe this melting point in the middle of the Italian capital.
Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel: Have a look at the beautiful frescoes of Michelangelo!
St. Peter´s Basilica: Visit the place where thousands of Christians come together every Eastern when the Pope speaks its “Obi et orbi”.
Colloseum: Biggest Antique amphitheater, where the famous Gladiator fights took place. Did you know that the Colloseum has turnt into a monument of peace? Everytime that a country in this world abolishes the death sentence, the Colloseum is lit up for 48 hours.
Conclusion
Rome is the “eternal city” – You will never get bored!
You have no idea for a holiday trip? I invite you to English Course in London.
