Impressive facts about Rome you didn't know
You might know all about the Colosseum or a trick or two about an ancient emperor, but there are certainly some impressive facts about Rome you don't know. Guides from tour company Mekomy reveal their secrets about the Italian capital.
You will never go thirsty in Rome, which boasts more drinking fountains than any other city in the world. But how many? Over 2,000, says Mekomy guide Esther Maurini.
Every time you order a cappuccino, you’re making a reference to an order of Roman monks. The word originates from the Italian cappuccio - meaning ‘hood’ - a reference to the dress adopted by Rome’s Capuchin friars. The Capuchin crypt is still decorated with the bones of 4,000 deceased monks from the order, guide Federica Dal Palù says.
You’ve been to the Colosseum, seen the Spanish Steps, but how about the Pyramid? It was built in the first century BC as a tomb for Roman politician Caius Cestius. Restoration work is currently being funded by a Japanese donor.
In addition to this unique site, Rome has eight Egyptians obelisks, Christiaan Santini tells us.
It’s impossible to stroll through Rome without hearing church bells ringing out. But how many churches does the city hold? Over 900, Dal Palù says.
The word ‘palace’ takes its name not from a grand palace or royal residence, but from Rome’s Palatine Hill. In the heart of the ancient city, it’s one of the seven hills of Rome, says Marco Massa, Mekomy’s Italy manager.
The Vatican makes Rome the only city in the world to contain an entire state within its walls, says Santini.
Comments
See Also
You will never go thirsty in Rome, which boasts more drinking fountains than any other city in the world. But how many? Over 2,000, says Mekomy guide Esther Maurini.
Every time you order a cappuccino, you’re making a reference to an order of Roman monks. The word originates from the Italian cappuccio - meaning ‘hood’ - a reference to the dress adopted by Rome’s Capuchin friars. The Capuchin crypt is still decorated with the bones of 4,000 deceased monks from the order, guide Federica Dal Palù says.
You’ve been to the Colosseum, seen the Spanish Steps, but how about the Pyramid? It was built in the first century BC as a tomb for Roman politician Caius Cestius. Restoration work is currently being funded by a Japanese donor.
In addition to this unique site, Rome has eight Egyptians obelisks, Christiaan Santini tells us.
It’s impossible to stroll through Rome without hearing church bells ringing out. But how many churches does the city hold? Over 900, Dal Palù says.
The word ‘palace’ takes its name not from a grand palace or royal residence, but from Rome’s Palatine Hill. In the heart of the ancient city, it’s one of the seven hills of Rome, says Marco Massa, Mekomy’s Italy manager.
The Vatican makes Rome the only city in the world to contain an entire state within its walls, says Santini.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.