Rom
Throughout much of its long, noble history Rome was a city-state unto itself, developing and basking in its own grandeur and uniqueness. Built on seven hills, halfway between the country’s fertile, industrious north and balmy, Mediterranean south, Rome has been at the center of Italy’s empire building as well as her inspiring cultural and artistic expressions.
It is hard to believe that the Dark or Middle Ages ever existed in a city so steeped in light and littered with magnificent white marble ruins. The ancient Romans bequeathed such famous monuments as the Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus, Pantheon, Baths of Caracalla and Catacombs. From the Renaissance came the Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square & Basilica and a priceless array of art treasures commissioned by the incomparably wealthy trade dynasties.
Over the centuries, numerous piazzas, palaces, fountains and churches have congregated, in Rome, to form one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
The view from the Villa Medici shows the many domes and churches in the ancient city of Rome. For over 2000 years, Rome has been an urban center and the city’s architecture reflects its many historical changes.
The Roman Forum was originally an open section of Rome for public gatherings. Shops and temples were eventually built there, and it became the center of government. In the center is the speakers’ platform; to the left is the Arch of Septimius Severus. The Temple of Concord can be seen in the background.
Rome 04.10.2005 12:00Our trip in complete:
From “Piazza del Campidoglio” to trainstation “Ostiense”.
From trainstation “Ostiense” to “Basilica di San Paolo” and University of “Roma Tre”.
12:00 Start at the “Piazza del Campidoglio” (Capitoline Hill) the seat of the city’s municipal government. The “Piazza” in front of the building was designed by Michelangelo in 1538.
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Next to the Piazza three flags: one of Europe, one of Italy and one of Rome.
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Behind the town hall the famous “Foro Romano” (Roman Forum). The ancient Roman commercial, political and religious centre. In the back: the “Colosseo”.
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Back part of the town hall. In the sky: helicopter controlling the zone, because of terrorism. (Yesterday the 03/10/2005 there was a terrorist-attack-simulation in Rome)
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Protection. Here we met the Danish student Jakob, who took part at the same Erasmus-italian language course in Perugia like me (Isabelle, German). Erasmus is the European exchange program for students.
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Car sign.
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Parkometro (parchimetro).
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Telephone box.
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Roman bin with the famous wolf (la lupa), the symbol of Rome.
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12:21. The famous “Piazza della bocca della verità”.
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In the front of the “Piazza” is the “Tempio delle vestali”, where some young virgins lived forever to dedicate their life to the Roman divinity.
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The buses in Rome do not have a timetable.
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Lots of nuns, priests and monks live in Rome or visit the town.
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This official building
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also has put out the flag of Europe, Italy and Rome, like every official building we passed.
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12:24 Somebody offers English lessons.
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“Circo Massimo”. During the antic epoch a place for competitions. Today young people meet there at night, for example to play the guitar.
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Graffiti.
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12:30. A roman car with an “I love London” stamp.
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Moving away from the centre, turning into a part of the town with less noise and beautiful houses called “Aventino”
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which has many churches.
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There can also be found a convent
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as well as the “Giardino degli aranci” (Garden of oranges).
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from which you have a beautiful view over the historical centre of Rome.
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Cats in the “Giardino degli aranci”. They are protected by Roman law, because they are typical for the capital.
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A travel-bus with a “Europe”-stamp.
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Love (amore).
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The church “S. Alessio”. Just one example for Roman churches.
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Primary school in “Aventino”.
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“Gardinio dei cavalieri di Malta” (Garden of the knights of Malta).
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Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. One of Romes most beautiful and famous places.
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A beautiful hotel in “Aventino”
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Letter-box in “Aventino”.
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Sign
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12:58 Changing the district the architecture changes.
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Traffic everywhere. In the back: building of the fireguard.
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In a kiosk.
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Post-box, the red one only for Italy and the blue one only for foreign countries.
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People waiting for the bus.
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Waste.
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13:13. Train Station Ostiense.
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The “Pyramide Cestia” and an old entrance trough the old town wall.
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Selling books on the street.
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Fotobox.
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13:24 A bin with the offer for Spanish lessons.
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Toilet for workers.
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Taking the bus for 3 stops.
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Arrival at the “Basilica di San Paolo”. One of the most important and impressive churches of Rome i.e. for important ceremonies. (Forbidden to take pictures inside.)
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Also in the periphery ruins of antic roman buildings exist.
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13:55. Turning into the street leading to one of the many university-buildings.
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Finding a flyer for an Erasmus-party. Erasmus is the European exchange program for students.
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University of “Roma Tre”.
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Arrival at the University of “Roma Tre” at 14 h.
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