When we think of Italy, we immediately think of Rome. The city of Rome is not just the capital of Italy, but it is also one of the most remarkable cities in the world, with a rich history that has transcended even the farthest boundaries. Millions of tourists visit this city every year, driven by the curiosity to discover and understand, through their own experiences, the meaning of the famous quote: “All roads lead to Rome.”
With a history of over 2000 years, Rome is one of the most visited cities in all of Europe. Tourists declare without hesitation that they would return anytime to the capital of Italy, and the enthusiasm would be, every time, at its highest. This is because Rome is a city with a history and a culture that are at least interesting, which is why we have gathered 15 curiosities and lesser-known things about it.
1. Rome was founded before Italy
Italy as a national state was founded in 1861, under the rule of the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. Rome, on the other hand, was founded before the formation of Italy as a unified state. The founding of Rome is traditionally dated around 753 BC, meaning that Rome was founded approximately 1,614 years before the formation of modern Italy.
2. Rome is also called “The Eternal City”
Rome is known by many nicknames, but “The Eternal City” or “La Città Eterna” is the most popular, owing to the city’s ancient history and lasting cultural influence. It has been a major center of Western civilization for over two millennia, and its impact on art, architecture, law, and governance is among the greatest in Europe.
3. Fontana di Trevi actually makes a lot of money
On average, €3000 is thrown in the form of coins into the Trevi Fountain every day by tourists, money that the government redirects to various charitable organizations.
4. Rome became the capital of Italy in 1870
The first capital of the Kingdom of Italy was Turin, from 1861 to 1865 when it was moved to Florence. Eventually, a few years later, Rome was granted the title of Italy’s capital. This happened in 1871, and Rome has remained the capital of Italy since then.
5. Ancient Rome had 1 million inhabitants
Estimates of the population of Ancient Rome are not exact. However, during the 2nd century BC and the early 2nd century AD, considered the peak period of the city, Rome is estimated to have had a population of around 1 million inhabitants. It was one of the largest and most populous cities in the ancient world.
6. The Seven Hills of Rome
Rome is geographically situated on seven hills, which played a significant role in the city’s development, especially in shaping its historical identity. These hills are Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Palatine Hill, Quirinal Hill, and Viminal Hill.
7. Rome hosts the Vatican City
One of the most interesting facts about Rome is that the Vatican City is entirely hosted by the capital of Italy. The Vatican is located on the western bank of the Tiber River and is the smallest independent state in the world, easily visited during a vacation in Rome.
8. Rome is considered the birthplace of Western civilization
This is due to the fact that the Roman Republic, followed by the Roman Empire, played an essential role in shaping political structures, legal systems, and cultural norms that significantly influenced the entire Western world.
9. Rome has the most churches in the world
There are over 900 churches in Rome, more than in any other city in the world, largely due to the prevalence of the Catholic religion, which is more pronounced here than anywhere else.
10. Rome is the city of fountains
The association of Rome with some of the most beautiful fountains in the world is no longer a mystery. There are over 2,000 fountains in Rome of all sizes, and the most famous among them is the Trevi Fountain.
11. The Roman Colosseum
The Colosseum was one of the most precious gifts to the people of Ancient Rome, an amphitheater that could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators. It was mainly used for gladiator fights and public shows, showcasing the grandeur and entertainment of Rome.
12. Romans were the first civilization to use concrete
The Roman Empire was a meeting point for philosophers, writers, architects, and famous artists who shared a common passion for architecture. Because of this, it is believed that Rome was the first place where concrete was used as the primary material for the amazing constructions that emerged during that period. One of the most eloquent examples is the Pantheon, a significant tourist attraction in Rome.
13. Rome’s mascot is a she-wolf
According to legend, the she-wolf cared for the two twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, who are said to have founded Rome. The she-wolf was named “Lupa Capitolina,” and its image was transposed into a statue depicting the she-wolf nursing the two children. This statue can be seen at the Capitoline Museums.
14. The first shopping mall in the world was built in Rome
Roman Emperor Trajan built the first known shopping mall in Ancient Rome, called “Trajan’s Market” or “Mercato di Traiano,” which featured over 150 rooms selling various products. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction in Rome.
15. The largest university in Europe is located in Rome
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