The secret beauty of Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as Hadrian’s Mausoleum, lies in Parco Adriano, very close to St. Peter’s Square. Commissioned by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 123AD as a mausoleum for himself and his relatives, it later became a fortress a few hundred years later in 401, under the orders of Emperor Honorius. It underwent intensive looting during…
Navigating the Vatican Museums with children
There is so much to see and do at The Vatican Museums, but there is not enough time in a day. The museums take up an area of 43,000m2 (463,000 sq. ft). It can be a daunting visit for an adult; imagine for a kid! Here are some tips that might make the experience a…
Ancient Roman baths
Although the Greeks invented the bathing regimen, which then became the foundation for modern spa procedures, the ancient Romans elevated it to an art form. Baths became the center of social and cultural life. Thanks to its complicated system of aqueducts, the Romans always had fresh water readily available. The bath structures ranged from pretty…
The Popemobile
When the Pope approaches the pilgrims in St. Peter’s square, during the weekly Wednesday audience, he’s usually riding what most of us now call “the Popemobile”. The Popemobile is, quite literally: a pope-carrying vehicle. Before the Popemobile, there was the sedia gestatoria, which was a chair carried on the shoulders of papal attendants. The sedia…
The Villa of the Mysteries: History untouched
One of the things uncovered in 1909 after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD is The Villa of the Mysteries (Italian: Villa dei Misteri). A well-preserved suburban ancient Roman villa on the outskirts of Pompeii, it is famous for a series of exquisite frescos in one room, which are usually thought to show…
The Colosseum: The ins and outs of the World Wonder
It’s well-known that Rome wasn’t built in a day. However, did you know that the Colosseum was built in just five years? That kind of feat is incredibly impressive, especially since it was the biggest amphitheatre ever built. Its elliptical structure is 189 meters (620 feet) long and 156 meters (512 feet) wide, with a…
10 things you can’t miss at the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are an incredible trove of art, sculpture and architecture. One could go back ten times and still discover new things. Here’s a list of what you should absolutely see. The Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s breathtaking masterpiece is, quite obviously, at the top of this list. You will strain your neck admiring…
What is the Papal audience? Find out what it entails.
Every Wednesday (unless the Pope is busy traveling), Via della Conciliazione closes to traffic and barricades are put up. The whole square becomes a theatre, seats are arranged for the multitudes of people that gather from all parts of the world to participate in the general audience. Tickets are limited and go quickly, and so…