With the tourist season upon us, wouldn’t you like to know a little more about Rome the Eternal City? In case you find yourself here in the boot in the future!
Rome is often referred to as the Eternal City or Caput Mundi, Latin for capital of the world. This comes from the long-held Roman belief that their city was the capital of the world. During the Roman Empire, Rome was indeed the capital of the world. Since 1871, it has been the capital of Italy.
6 Fun Facts About Rome
1. Rome’s birthday
Rome celebrates its birthday on April 21st. This year Rome is 2,776 years old! Legend has it that it was founded in 753 BC. The Etruscan ruins in Italy date back to the 8th century BC (700 BC). That makes it about 2800 years old. And Rome is, in fact, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe.
2. The Trevi fountain
Throw into a coin into the Trevi Fountain, and you’ll visit Rome again. At least that’s the popular belief, that’s what will happen. This belief is so popular that about 3,000 Euro are thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day! But beware of taking this money because it belongs to the city. And there is a heavy fine for doing so!
3. Rome’s catacombs
The catacombs of Rome are 13 km (8 miles) long and contain about 40,000 tombs. Contrary to popular belief, they say the catacombs were not used as hiding places. But as burial grounds, because Roman law forbade burials within the city limits. Christians didn’t follow the pagan tradition of cremation, and land was expensive. So they buried their dead in these huge underground cemeteries.
4. The seven hills of Rome
Tradition says that Romulus (the founder of Rome) founded the city on the Palatine Hill. But Rome began out as seven separate settlements on the seven hills of Rome. Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal. It was only when these communities met for a series of sporting events that they began to unite. Then acting together, they drained the surrounding marshes and turned them into marketplaces. And voilà Rome was born!
5. Rome: a Unesco site
The historic center of Rome is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. So is the Holy See (the Vatican and St. Paul’s Basilica). Rome is home to the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum. It is the 14th most visited city in the world and the 3rd in the European Union. It is also the most popular tourist destination in Italy.
6. The Eternal City?
Rome is known as the Eternal City because of the ancient Roman belief that the city would last forever. No matter how many empires would rise and fall, Rome would remain. A flawed theory, because the Roman Empire did fall. But the Eternal City still stands and awaits your visit. It’s a beautiful and special place, so come on over!
📷 Image credits: all images by our Roman friend Maurizio; all rights reserved
Signora Sheila 
21 responses to “Rome, the Eternal City”
Read this again and I STILL want to visit this delightful-sounding city. It would be fun to sit with you in person over a cup of coffee and time to just talk.
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I wish you could come over, Dayle. Rome, and Italy, are so delightful! But they’re also dangerous because once doesn’t seem to be enough. Especially if you toss money into the Trevi fountain!!
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That’s not a totally bad thing, coming back. I’m still hoping I can make it over once. Promise me a cup of coffee with you if we do!
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Certainly!! And a pizza!!
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The closest I’ve been to Italy was flying over it on our way to Israel. The sky was clear and I could actually see the boot! That trip was a dream God brought to pass quite miraculously. He could provide a trip to Europe just as easily…who knows?!
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Well then, I hope he does allow you to actually land on the boot… and perhaps here in Abruzzo. Would love to meet you! And Italy is, well, it’s just a special place to visit!!!
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Wouldn’t that be fun?! To have a cup of coffee together in a little sidewalk cafe?
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It would be meraviglioso!! Hope it can come about!!
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We visited Rome in 2017 (a second visit for me), and my son was absolutely enthralled. I suspect we will visit again as soon as we are able :-) Beautiful post! I loved reading more about this beautiful city! <3
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Well Lynn, if you do make it over, consider coming to Abruzzo too! But Rome, yes you must see it again. It never grows old (in more ways than one)! It is indeed special!!
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Oh how I loved Rome! (I’ve missed your posts and guess I have to click onto something so I get them again.) Anyway, I’ve nominated you for the Light of the World award because you are such an inspiration to me as you shine your light over in Italy. (yeah, yeah, twist your arm, :) ) Feel free to post anytime in the future. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your strength of character in presenting your testimony to the world! Blessings back my friend,
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Rome… what’s NOT to love, right? And thank you, that is so sweet of you to nominate me for that award. But I’m afraid I will have to decline. I simply don’t have the time to deal with all that’s required for the awards. I can sometimes barely keep up with responding to comments!! But I do appreciate the thought and your warm words of encouragement, thank you!!
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I understand Sheila, just know that I believe you demonstrate that light throughout the world because of what you do. <3
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Thanks Ellie! You are such a blessing and encouragement!
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Fascinating. Love the facts about this great city–especially how the settlements on the seven hills came together to become one, working together. Unity is still the way to go!
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Thanks Dayle, I found it fascinating too. History has so much to teach us. And I have the privilege of living in a museum land!!
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Bucket list location!!!!
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Good for you Jeff! Rome is special, our favorite city. And if you do make it over, try swinging by Abruzzo too!! Mario and I would love to meet you!
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Thank you, Sheila!
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Thank you for the lovely tour, Sheila. Italy is one of my favorite places. Not sure I will get to visit, but I do enjoy visiting your blog! Thanks for sharing your home with us.
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You are more than welcome Gail! I do hope you will one day get to visit this beautiful nation. But until then, I’m more than glad to share Our Italy with you!!
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