ROMA - Caput Mundi

Through the passages of time, Rome has left its mark. From the start of the Roman Empire, throughout the development of Christianity through to the present day, over 2,500 years of history have turned Rome into an archaeological and anthropological archive of Western culture.

Rome is all about ruins dating from early Roman times, the art of Michelangelo, Bernini sculptures, ivy clad palazzi - which although now most probably housing offices still offer the visitor a sense of grandeur, refreshing fountains such as the largest fountain in Rome - Trevi which represents the moods of the sea, cobbled streets and perfectly formed piazzas full of coffee shops and restaurants.


The moods of the sea, represented here in the Fontana di Trevi



Piazza Campo dei Fiori - vegetable market by day, entertainment area by night

Since ancient times Rome has been fertile ground for architectural and artistic creativity. The Romans perfected existing engineering and construction techniques which were put into good use servicing the needs of the mighty Roman Empire. Traces of these constructions, such as the Colosseo, can still be seen to this day proving the great expertise of the Romans at that time.



Roman, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Counter Reformation, Baroque until the 20th century Rome has seen a wild flurry of creativity and artistic activity be it in architecture or the arts. Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini and his magnificent design for the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in the centre of Piazza Navona. The story goes that Bernini’s figure of the Nile shielding his eyes from the sight of the church of Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone, which was built by rival architect Francesco Borromini.

Scalinata di Spagna or The Spanish Steps built between 1723 and 1726 where the focal point of Europe’s elite during their Grand Tour (those days’ equivalent of the Gap Year taken by many foreign youths) to discover and savour Rome’s classical past. Famed Romantic poet and author John Keats, died at the age of 25 in a house overlooking the Spanish Steps.

No matter what religion or faith you embrace a visit to the Vatican is a must – Bernini’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) is considered to be one of the world’s largest spaces laid out in the 17th century for congregating Christians. Bernini once described the columns as symbolising the open arms of the Church. St. Peter’s Basilica amazes and is the product of the many artistic geniuses that lived and worked in Rome.

The basilica took over 150 to complete, a project taken over by Michelangelo at the age of 72. Contributors towards the majestic beauty of this building include Bramante, Raphael, Carlo Maderno, Antonio di Sangallo and of course Michelangelo. No visit to the Vatican would be complete without absorbing the beauty of Michelangelo’s Pieta, the Sistine Chapel, Bernini’s Baldacchino and the view of Rome from the top of the basilica.


Rome was not built in a day and cannot be seen in a day – it's beauty needs to be absorbed slowly and its vibe experienced throughout a number of visits