10 Fun Facts About Rome
Welcome to Rome, where history comes alive at every corner, and surprises hide beneath every cobblestone. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Eternal City has more up its sleeve than just ancient ruins and delicious gelato.
Ready to uncover some quirky, delightful, and downright fascinating tidbits about Rome? Keep reading to discover 10 fun facts to make your Roman adventure even more memorable:
The Mouth of Truth // Pexels
1. Rome has a statue that will judge your character (and maybe bite off your hand).
When you visit Rome, don't miss the chance to test your fate at the Bocca della Verità, or the Mouth of Truth. This marble face, located at the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, is said to bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie while their hand is in its mouth.
2. Like Paris, Rome also has famous underground catacombs.
Looking for things to do in Rome that are off the beaten path? Head underground to explore the catacombs, a vast network of burial tunnels dating back to early Christianity. Also known as the Cemetery of Callixtus, these eerie passageways once contained the tombs of several popes.
3. Rome is home to an Egyptian-style pyramid.
Built between 18 and 12 BC, The Pyramid of Caius Cestius blends Egyptian and Roman styles and stands 37 meters tall (121 ft). Initially created as a tomb for Caius Cestius, a member of one of Rome's four great religious corporations, the structure is a must-see for history buffs.
The Talking Statues of Rome // Wikipedia
4. The earliest form of a bulletin board originated here.
Among the fun facts about Rome, one of the quirkiest is the tradition of the "talking statues." While they may not look like much, these statues have a lot to say. Pieces like the famous Pasquino near Piazza Navona were used by locals to anonymously post commentary, satire, and even messages of political dissent.
5. Rome is home to one of the most famous fountains in the world.
A visit to the Trevi Fountain is essential when in Rome. Legend has it that tossing a coin into the fountain over your left shoulder ensures a future return to the city. Just be sure to resist the urge to retrieve any existing coins, which is illegal. Instead, leave the roughly €3,000 tossed daily for the city to collect and donate to local charitable organizations.
Roman Forum // Pexels
6. Rome is built on layers.
Two thousand years ago, the ground level in Rome was much lower than it is today. Many of Rome's early ruins have been covered over time, but luckily, there are several well-preserved spots to get a glimpse of what life was like long ago:
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Teatro di Pompeo: The first permanent theater in Rome, built by Pompey in 55 BC, where Julius Caesar was famously assassinated.
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Pantheon: A remarkably well-preserved ancient Roman temple, now a church, known for its massive dome and oculus.
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Septimius Severus Arch: A triumphal arch in the Roman Forum, erected in 203 AD to commemorate the victories of Emperor Septimius Severus in Parthia.
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Basilica Julia: A large public building in the Roman Forum, used for law courts and official business during the Roman Republic.
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Curia Julia: The official meeting place of the Roman Senate, built by Julius Caesar and still standing within the Roman Forum.
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Roman Forum: The heart of ancient Rome, a sprawling complex of ruins that was once the center of political, religious, and social life.
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Colosseum: You can't make a list about visiting Rome without at least one mention of its most famous landmark! Located just east of the Roman Forum, this iconic amphitheater is known for its massive size and as the site of gladiatorial games.
7. Cannon fire can be heard daily.
Hear that boom? It must be noon! Another fun fact about Rome is the daily cannon fire from Gianicolo Hill. This tradition began in 1847 to ensure that all the church bells rang in unison, precisely at 12 p.m. noon.
8. There's a secret passageway to the Vatican.
The Passetto di Borgo is ant 800-metre-long (2,600 ft) elevated passageway connecting the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo. Built in 1277, this passage allowed popes to escape safely during times of danger.
9. Skulls of past friars are used as crypt decorations.
Don't miss the Capuchin Crypt at the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini when visiting Rome. Adorned with the bones of over 4,000 friars, this crypt is a macabre reminder of life's impermanence and one of the most unique things you’ll see in Rome.
Vatican City // Pexels
10. Rome is the only city that has a country inside it.
Yes, you read that right. Rome is the only city in the world with an independent country inside its borders: Vatican City. This tiny state, home to the Pope, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel, is the spiritual heart of the Roman Catholic Church and a global cultural treasure.
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