The City Where Time Stood Still: Rome

Rome, a city that holds its history with unique and timeless architecture, streets paved with cobblestones that renew themselves in an endless flow of time, and the jewel of Italy, one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful countries. The most preferred travel route by travelers from all over the world, a city that visitors wish to return to again and again, with its awe-inspiring architecture and the ability to satisfy all desires of art and gastronomy enthusiasts, Rome. Before embarking on this journey, you should know that you will travel far, see many beautiful things, become very tired, but ultimately have a lot of fun. To speak a little about the city's history, it is worth knowing that it has a past of approximately 2,800 years and has been home to many important civilizations. This historic city has been the center or capital of ancient Rome (Byzantium), the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, the Roman Empire, Papal Rule, the Kingdom of Italy, and the Italian Republic. Rome is not only Italy's most populated city, but also holds the title of Europe's largest city by area. Rome's magnificent historical atmosphere, streets adorned with sculptures, structures where you can witness the architecture of ancient civilizations make it the region that attracts the most tourists in the country. It should also be noted that while every season has a fairy-tale atmosphere, spring months are the most suitable time for travel, and the one thing you will need most of all is comfortable walking shoes. There are many places to visit and see in Rome. For this reason, your first task should be to go to Tourist Information offices to obtain a detailed map of the city for free and to ask them to mark the main places you should see. In this way, you can fully enjoy your travel experience even if it lasts just a few days with a detailed program.

Colosseum (Colosseo)

No one who goes to Rome remains unaffected by its grandeur and history. This colossal stone structure, which served as pilgrimage destination for tourists where gladiator shows, wild animal hunts, and fights between gladiators composed of war captives, slaves and criminals against soldiers took place to entertain the people, is one of Rome's and Italy's most important symbols. The amphitheater-style Colosseum, whose construction was begun by Emperor Vespasian in 70 AD and later completed by Emperor Titus, is a structure that attracts people from dozens of different nations in order to catch even a glimpse of the atmosphere inside, despite the queue stretching several meters at its entrance today. It is as captivating inside as it is outside, and this structure has also been included by UNESCO on the World Heritage list.

Roman Forum

If archaeological sites interest you, the Roman Forum is definitely one of the places you must see with its diversity. Called the center of ancient Rome's political, legal, and commercial life, this forum, another important symbol of the city, allows you to see many architectural works from the period. The most important structures were built here from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD. Some of these include: the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestal Virgins, the Arch of Titus, the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, the Temple of Vespasian, the Temple of Saturn, and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina. This area, where you can see the city's most important works in one place, has the characteristic of being one of the world's largest archaeological sites with its buildings, monuments, and temples.

Trevi Fountain

Can you possibly visit Rome without going to this legendary fountain, where visitors make wishes, turn their backs, and throw coins over their right shoulder from over their left shoulder so they may return here again? This historic fountain, known only in our country as the Fountain of Love, which delights our eyes with its blend of classical and baroque architecture, has the original name "Fontana di Trevi." Relatively new compared to other structures in Rome, construction began in 1732 but was completed over 30 years with the help of many sculptors, commissioned by Pope Clement XII. This fountain is one of the city's iconic structures. Throwing coins into the fountain and making a wish is quite popular among tourists.

Pantheon

The best preserved work of ancient Rome, the Pantheon, also known as the Temple of the Gods, has been damaged for various reasons three times throughout history and has been rebuilt. The structure also draws attention for having the world's largest dome. Sunlight entering through the massive dome above the structure illuminates the interior. The Pantheon, which also contains the tombs of many kings, painters, architects and other important figures, is among the structures that must be seen.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

These steps, which we have come across in many films and novels, where one must sit and chat over a glass of wine, and which take their name from the Spanish Consulate located in the same square, have been constructed since the 1720s. They attract tourists at all hours of the day while maintaining their liveliness. With a romantic atmosphere adorned with flowers, when you reach the top of these steps, the magnificent view that awaits you makes virtually every visitor say in unison "I'm so glad I came!"

Navona Square (Piazza Navona)

This square, which witnessed horse races in its history and was built in the 1st century AD, is adorned with beautiful sculptures and is one of Rome's most important historic squares. The magnificent Sant'Agnese in Agone church is also located in this square. The Fountain of the Four Rivers, created by Bernini in 1651 and located in front of the church, is said to represent the Danube, Ganges, Nile, and Rio de la Plata rivers.

Vatican

The Vatican, which is the world's smallest country by area, is located within Rome's borders and serves as the administrative center of the Catholic faith. It is an autonomous country governed by monarchy. The Vatican has been protected by Swiss guards in traditional uniforms since the 1500s. Although the Vatican and its surroundings are said to be a small area, I would recommend setting aside at least one full day to explore the Vatican alone. The main places to visit in the Vatican include: St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, the legendary Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, and gardens. If you start your Vatican tour from the museum, you will see both the square, the Sistine Chapel, and the basilica, and you won't waste time. However, regardless of the season, I recommend keeping in mind that short skirts, shorts, and sleeveless blouses will not be permitted inside this sacred place, and dress accordingly. The Sistine Chapel is just one of the 54 small museums known as Vatican museums. With its ceiling decorations depicting nine scenes related to the Creation chapter in the Bible, this chapel presents a visual feast that will leave everyone who sees it in awe and cause your neck to ache. Silence is the most important rule to be observed in this chapel, and photography is prohibited. For this reason, you should keep your eyes as wide open as possible and try to imprint this magnificent view in your memory, because no ceiling you will see after this will be so breathtaking. Designed by Bernini, surrounded by columns, and one of the world's largest squares, St. Peter's Basilica in St. Peter's Square was completed by renowned Renaissance artists Bernini, Raphael, and Michelangelo, and is one of the world's largest churches. Although climbing to the top of the basilica requires a difficult climb, considering the extraordinary Vatican view that will appear before you, it is definitely among the things that must be done. If we were to list other things to see in the Vatican: the works of famous artists such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio in the Pinacoteca, Michelangelo's "Pieta," the Statue of Saint Peter, and the Baldachin top the list.

Castel Sant'Angelo

Built in 139 AD as the mausoleum of Hadrian and his family, this structure is the fortress closest to the Vatican and was later used as a residence by the Pope. The fortress and the bridge in front of it, bearing the name Ponte Sant'Angelo and adorned with sculptures, offer a magnificent view both day and night. After satisfying your hunger for history and art, it would not be appropriate to return without trying local delicacies, of course. We hardly think there is need to say that you shouldn't leave Rome without trying the legendary Roman gelato, Lasagna, one of the world's most beloved dishes, or Tiramisu, and of course the delicious pasta and pizzas.