Our Eternal City: Rome

Rome was founded on the seven hills. The most important one is definitely the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio), where the legendary Romulus founded the ancient nucleus of the city.

At this point stands the statue of Marcus Aurelius (by the way, the statue is a copy; the original is found inside the Palazzo Nuovo, the museum to the left.)

To get off the beaten path we recommend that you walk to the back of the square and look to your left. You will see some steps that go to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven. If you then take the next flight of stairs you will step out onto a broad terrace. To your right you will see the world-famous Coliseum with the Imperial Fora below and Piazza Venezia to your left. Here you will find a bar, and we suggest you stop and have a coffee or a cocktail on the beautiful terrace.

Continue walking around the terrace and you will suddenly find yourself standing on top of the imposing “Vittoriano” where the tomb of the unknown soldier is found. Look straight ahead across the square and along the narrow Via del Corso to the obelisk framed at the end of the street. This is one of the few true obelisks found outside of Egypt. It stands in Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome’s most beautiful places.

Walking down the imposing steps of this monument you will see the guards who are at their post 24 hours a day every day of the year. It is quite interesting to watch the daily changing of the guard.

Continue down the steps and you will find yourself at the top of Piazza Venezia with Rome at your feet.