Did You Know?

Rome has an extraordinary history spanning almost 3,000 years. Here are some interesting facts to give you an insight into the city, its history and treasures.

The birth of the Eternal City, Rome, which was founded in 753BC, is celebrated every year by Romans on the 21st of April. Celebrations include fireworks, gladiator shows, traditional Roman banquets and parades.
In 850 AD, Paris was a fortified town. At this time, Rome had been a city for around 1500 years.
The Pantheon which was built in 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa is the only monument belonging to ancient Rome that still remains intact. What is even lesser known, is that it entombs Italy's king Vittorio Emanuele II, and his successor, Umberto I.
The Baths of Caracalla although in a bad state now, were once in their prime days spread across 27 acres and could handle 1,600 bathers at any given time. Built in the 3rd century, they are the largest survivors of Rome's imperial era.
The ancient Romans invented the first form of central heating. They also created the first urban sewage system which dates back to the 5th century BC.
The Papacy moved in a town called Avignon in the South of France for over 70 years in the 14th century as Rome was too dangerous a place to reside. This period was known as the Babylonian Captivity and the Papal Palace that they lived in is still in Avignon to this day.
Rome's Coliseum, a huge amphitheatre which could seat 50,000 people is one among the Seven Wonders of the World.
There is a Capuchin Church in central Rome that has over 4,000 skeletons dating from the medieval period arranged as art.
The Vatican Museums are a huge museum complex with over 1,000 museums and galleries full of masterpieces collected by the successive popes. It is the world's largest museum complex.
St. Peter's Basilica was a structure that stood for almost 1,000 years until it neared collapse and was rebuilt by 1500s and 1600s. It has almost 90 popes buried inside it. It is so big that it can hold 60,000 people.
Michelangelo died a multi - millionaire (in the context of the time). This is known as a result of his many bank accounts that he kept. He still lived his live frugally and rarely even washed himself unlike the stylish Rapheal. No wonder he didn't do great with the girls....
Pope Alexander VI was hated so much for his time as Pope that he was buried outside of the walls of Rome and only two Vatican officials attended the service.
There is a myth that an Irish missionary monk called St. Brendan actually discovered America 400 years before Columbus set sail from Portugal. Ask one of tour guides about this. He will most likely try and persuade you that this is true.

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During your stay in Rome you should also check out this food great tour created by friends of ours.
Eating Italy Food Tours takes you off the beaten path and into historic, non-touristy neighborhoods to taste the best foods in Rome. Includes 9 mouth-watering food tastings (a hearty meal).

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The Official Vatican Tour Guide