It looks like a lot for one day, but these are only SOME of the things that you can see with us in a couple of days of luxury Rome touring!
The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)
The Mouth of Truth is an iconic and mysterious monument located near the Circus Maximus and the bend in the Tiber river where Rome first developed.
Carved from pure Carrara marble, this mask is said to tell whether or not a person is lying, and for centuries it has been a popular tourist attraction for its unique history and legend.
The Mouth of Truth was discovered in 1620 at the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. While its exact origins remain unknown, it is believed to have been part of an ancient Roman fountain. The legend surrounding the Mouth of Truth claims that if a person places their hand inside the mouth and tells a lie, it will bite their hand off! This story was popularized by the 1953 movie Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Although this legend is most likely not true, it adds to the allure of the monument.
Today, you can still put your hand in the mouth and experience the mysterious legend for yourself. It’s a great way to explore ancient Roman culture and beliefs, while also having a bit of fun with friends or family.
The Pyramid of Cestius
The Pyramid of Cestius is an iconic monument that stands immediately outside the St Paul/Ostia gate in the Aurelian walls. Built in 12 BC, this pyramid-shaped tomb is a testament to the grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire.
Built as a funerary monument for Gaius Cestius Epulone, a magistrate of Rome, the Pyramid of Cestius stands at an impressive 36 meters tall and is constructed from concrete and brick. Its exact purpose remains shrouded in mystery, but many believe it was intended to serve as a grand memorial for the magistrate and his family.
The pyramid features a number of intriguing carvings and inscriptions, including images of the gods Apollo and Dionysus, as well as symbols of death and sorrow. Inside, there are two chambers where the ashes of Gaius Cestius were placed.
The walls of the chamber also feature a number of frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Fascinatingly, the Pyramid of Cestius has withstood the test of time—while other ancient monuments have been destroyed or ruined by natural disasters or human intervention, this incredible monument still stands tall after nearly 2,000 years. It’s a reminder of the grandeur and power of the ancient Roman Empire, and pairs well with a visit to the following site:
The Protestant Cemetery
The Protestant Cemetery in Rome is one of the city’s most haunting and beautiful sites. Located just outside of the Aurelian Walls near the modern train to Ostia, this cemetery is the final resting place for some of Rome’s most famous residents, as well as those who died young and far away from home.
The cemetery was founded in 1738 and was originally used to bury non-Catholics and foreigners who had died in Rome. It soon became a haven for poets and writers, who were drawn to its peaceful atmosphere. Some of the most famous names buried here include John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Antonio Gramsci — founder of the Italian Communist party and vocal critic of Benito Mussolini.
Today, the cemetery is a tranquil oasis of greenery and imposing monuments. The tombs are adorned with epitaphs, mementos and inscriptions, which offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of those who have been laid to rest here. The cemetery is also home to a variety of trees and plants, including cypress and laurel trees, which create a beautiful natural landscape.
The Protestant Cemetery in Rome is a unique and thought-provoking destination. Its peaceful atmosphere and fascinating monuments offer an insight into the lives of those who have passed away, while its natural beauty provides a perfect setting for contemplation and reflection.
The Baths of Diocletian
The Baths of Diocletian in Rome are an amazing example of ancient Roman architecture. Built between 298 and 306 AD, they were the largest and most luxurious baths of the era, and today they remain one of the best-preserved monuments in Rome.
At the time of their construction, the Baths of Diocletian covered an incredible 13 acres. They featured three distinct areas: a frigidarium (cold baths), a tepidarium (warm baths), and a caldarium (hot baths). Each area was decorated with beautiful frescoes, statues and mosaics. The Baths also featured a number of other amenities, including libraries, meeting rooms, gardens, and even a gymnasium. There was even an amphitheater where visitors could enjoy plays and musical performances. Today, visitors can still explore the ruins of these incredible baths.
Although much of the structure has been destroyed over time, there are still plenty of interesting features to discover. The galleries and courtyard are especially impressive, as they feature intricate mosaics, frescoes and sculptures.
The Meridian of Santa Maria degli Angeli
The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e Martiri in Rome is home to one of the most fascinating astronomical artifacts in the world – a sun dial known as the Meridiano di Roma, or the Meridian of Rome.
This unique timepiece was laid down by the Jesuits in 1702 and has since become an important landmark in the history of astrology and astronomy. The Meridiano di Roma was laid down with the purpose of recording and measuring solar time for scientific research. It was designed by Father Ignazio Danti, an astronomer and mathematician who was part of the Jesuit order at the time.
The Meridiano is a long line that runs across the floor of the church, with lines that represent both solar hours and degrees of declination. At one end of the meridian is a brass globe with four iron supports that represent all four directions of the compass. This globe is known as “The Sphere” and is meant to represent the Earth. On either side of The Sphere are two curved lines that resemble horns, which are meant to symbolize the horns of Aries – a sign that represents the beginning of spring in astrology.
The meridian also contains four markers that denote different points in time – the equinoxes, the solstices and the two cross-quarter days. On the equinoxes, the sun passes directly overhead and the meridian is divided into twelve equal parts. On the solstices, the sun is at its highest point in the sky and only six of the twelve parts of the meridian are illuminated.
The Meridiano di Roma was originally created to help with astrological research, but it has since become an important site for both scientific study and historical preservation. It has been featured in numerous books and articles about astronomy and astrology, and even played a role in the movie Angels & Demons. The meridian is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Jesuits and their dedication to science and exploration in the 18th century.
The Jewish Quarter (Ghetto)
The Jewish Ghetto of Rome is a fascinating and historically significant part of the city. It has been home to the city’s Jewish population since the 16th century, and is filled with interesting monuments, synagogues, and museums.
The Ghetto was established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV, who issued a papal bull forcing all Jews living in Rome to move into the area. It remained the only place in Rome where Jews were allowed to live until 1870, when Italian unification abolished the ghetto.
Today, the Jewish Ghetto is home to some of Rome’s most fascinating attractions. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with beautiful buildings and monuments, including the Great Synagogue of Rome and the Monumento ai Martiri di Roma ebraici (Monument to the Jewish Martyrs of Rome). There are also several museums that offer an in-depth look at Jewish life in Rome, such as the Museo Ebraico di Roma an the Muso della Sinagoga.
The neighborhood is also home to numerous restaurants and cafes that serve traditional Roman-Jewish cuisine. Dishes like carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes) contine and add 300 words and carciofi alla romana (artichokes with garlic, parsley and olive oil) are popular among visitors. Our favorites include the upscale Piperno, the always-crowded Giggetto, and the tucked-away Il Pompiere, on the second floor of a historic building.
There’s also a vibrant arts scene in the Jewish Ghetto, with galleries and performance spaces showcasing the work of both local and international artists. The Jewish quarter is an important part of Rome’s history, and it’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the city’s Jewish past. Visiting the Jewish Ghetto is an opportunity to explore one of Rome’s most unique neighborhoods, and to gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage.
“Sicily is the key to Everything.”
Goethe
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