Are monuments of rome . With a rich cultural heritage and centuries-old history, this city enjoys undeniable popularity. The monumentality of architecture, its unique features, history of creation and age - all this simply cannot but attract and arouse admiration. Hundreds of thousands of people in different periods of time invested their strength and applied their own professional skills so that even today ancient Rome could delight us with its splendor, without sinking into oblivion on the pages of history textbooks.
What is it, this unknown world? The monuments of Rome provide an opportunity to make a real journey through time. They open for us amazing historical events of the past, provide an opportunity to learn about the merits of the greatest rulers. The life of the ordinary population of Rome does not stand aside, which is also an integral part of its former identity. We invite you to find out with us what they are, the monuments of Rome, what their history and features are. But, before moving on to a direct review of them, let's pay a little attention to the history of development.
The history of the development of architecture of ancient Rome
It is rather strange to realize that building materials familiar to us, such as cement, tuff and brick, were previously used to create masterpieces of the architecture of Ancient Rome. Colonnades, temples, triumphal arches, palaces - these materials were successfully used for all this. And if it were not for the destruction, which, oddly enough, also arose under the influence of the people themselves, we could see the buildings of antiquity today in much greater numbers. The most surprising thing would be that these monuments of Rome would be able to preserve their own originality, if they managed to save themselves. The thing is that for most of these architectural monuments, the strongest Roman cement was used. Its composition included a mixture of lime in combination with the products of volcanic eruptions, which made it possible to achieve excellent fortress structures.
The components are elements of two main cultures - Greek and Etruscan. The very same history of the development of architecture in Rome is divided into several main stages. For example, the first stage includes the most ancient monuments of Rome and refers to the period from the founding of the Eternal City to the 2nd century BC. BC. Such structures are characterized by a pronounced influence of Etruscan culture. The main monuments of this period include the famous Appian Way, the Mamertine Prison, the Cloaca of Maximus, some catacombs, pagan temples, etc. As for the buildings erected later, the influence of Greek architecture is already clearly indicated in them. In this case, examples are such architectural monuments as the temples of Hercules and Portun, which have survived to this day and are located on the Bull Forum.
Monuments of Rome: Castle and Bridge of the Holy Angel
The main and most important stage in the development of ancient Roman architecture fell on the period of the dawn of the Empire. It is with him that the creation of the most famous monuments in Rome is connected. The iconic and majestic, the main attraction for Rome, the Colosseum, belongs to this period, and even now its size is amazing. Among the no less impressive monuments of that time is the Mausoleum of Hadrian. It is better known under a different name -. Add here the Pantheon, as the brightest implementation of engineering, as well as thermal complexes - and you can get a complete picture of the scale and grandeur of the architectural monuments of ancient Rome.
Architectural Monuments of Ancient Rome
The Romans in the past did not have their own highly artistic taste, so they simply borrowed ideas from the Greeks. But if it was about engineering abilities, then here the Romans should be given their due - they had no equal in this. Most of the designs of architects at that time included the presence of an arch. Although this element itself is uncomplicated, it was with its help that it was possible to build truly colossal structures.
Roman theater
In the past, when the same Greeks, creating a stepped amphitheater, resorted to cutting down rock in the hillsides, the Romans were already creating full-fledged arched structures with might and main. Brick was used for their construction, which endowed them with excellent strength, capable of withstanding the load in the form of bulky stone elements. Arches, as a structural element, acted as a base for a wide variety of buildings in Rome, including theaters.
Majestic buildings were faced, and travertine was used for their decoration. Built on a flat surface, the theater in those days in the city became its most important decoration.
The most famous monument of Rome, and, concurrently, the most magnificent example of the architecture of ancient times is the Colosseum, or the Flavian Amphitheater. - the next, no less interesting monument of past architectural research, it can be seen not far from Piazza Venezia.
aqueducts
The monuments of Rome simply cannot be considered without aqueducts. The water supply system, which is not only a component of the architectural heritage of the Eternal City, but also a vital element for its development. Massive conduits, the basis of which, again, is the arch, still function today, representing one of the oldest monuments of Rome. The first aqueduct in Rome appeared in the 4th century. BC, the last - in 226, under Alexander Severus. Researchers have calculated that by the end of the 1st c. the volumes of drinking water that entered Rome every day could be one million cubic meters. In other words, each inhabitant had about 1000 liters of water, which, you see, is impressive.
Permanent residential areas, which began to appear for the first time in Rome, were concentrated along the Tiber River, near the island of Tiberinus. Even today, here you can see the ancient bridges - the unique monuments of Rome.
For example, the Ponte Fabricio bridge, built in 62 AD, it connects the left bank of the Tiber River and the island. Another bridge, which appeared a year later, connected the island with the right bank of the Tiber, and this is the Ponte Cestio bridge. Not far from these two bridges, ruins can be found, formerly the Ponte Emilio bridge. Now the remains of the former building have a different name, "Ponte Rotto", which reflects its true state and translates as "destroyed bridge".
Aliev Bridge also belongs to the heritage of the architecture of Ancient Rome, it is known to the general public as the Bridge of Sant'Angelo. This architectural monument is located opposite the castle of the same name. This crossing over the Tiber River was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. In the future, it went through a major reconstruction, which happened already in the period of the Renaissance.
Another ancient bridge in Rome is Ponte Milvio. This architectural monument has also survived to this day. Initially, the bridge was located outside the city. In its direction there were three main highways, these are the streets of Clodia, Cassia and Flaminia, they connected the northern cities with the center of the empire.
Order link a dinner cruise along the canals of Rome and enjoy watching the bridges in a pleasant atmosphere.
Few of the rulers of the Roman Empire deprive themselves of the pleasure of perpetuating their own merits in the struggle for its power and expansion. As a result - the appearance of related monuments in the form of triumphal arches. Such monuments of Rome in honor of the emperor glorified him, at the same time perpetuating the memory of conquests and victories. This is a kind of symbol of political dominance and military power.
Triumphal arches were installed throughout the Empire, while being a kind of demonstration of a combination of artistic tastes of the inhabitants of Rome and engineering and technological progress. This trend has spread to territories from Germany and Spain to Asia Minor and North America. As for Rome itself, here today you can see several variations of the monuments of glory at the same time, which, by the way, have been preserved in their perfect condition. In particular, these are the following monuments of Rome:
- Triumphal Arch of Titus;
- Triumphal Arch of Constantine;
- Triumphal Arch of the North.
Also in the Eternal City on the territory there are pedestals from the triumphal arches erected under the rulers Augustus and Trajan.
Thermal complexes
Public baths also played an important role in the everyday life of the inhabitants of Rome. Thermal complexes in ancient times were built everywhere, even in small towns. By the 1st century BC. the number of public baths was already 170. The terminal complexes, without exaggeration, could be called huge. Basically, there was no charge for their visits. In addition, the influential families of Rome built bath complexes directly on their lands.
At its core, the terms acted not only as an integral part of the city's infrastructure. It was also a full-fledged social institution. It is not surprising, because their visitors, gathering here, rested, had fun and just talked, simultaneously discussing the latest city events and news.
Ruins of Ancient Rome.
In the first millennium BC. e. a state arose around the city of Rome, which began to expand its possessions at the expense of neighboring peoples. This world power lasted for about a thousand years and lived off the exploitation of slave labor and conquered countries. Rome owned all the lands adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, both in Europe and in Asia and Africa. Therefore, art, especially architecture, was called upon to show the whole world the power of state power. Endless wars, the thirst for conquest, in which Rome matured and grew, demanded the exertion of all forces, therefore the basis of Roman society was firm discipline in the army, firm laws in the state and firm power in the family. Above all, the Romans put the ability to rule over the world. Virgil stated:
You rule the peoples powerfully, Roman, remember!
Behold, your arts will be: the conditions to impose the world,
Spare the downtrodden and overthrow the proud!
("Aeneid")
The Romans subjugated the entire Mediterranean, including Hellas, but Greece itself captivated Rome, because it had a strong influence on the entire culture of Rome - in religion and philosophy, in literature and art.
Etruscan she-wolf who, according to legend, brought up Romulus and Remus (Etruscan casting)
The legend says that the usurper Amulius seized the throne of his brother, the king of Alba Longa, Numitor, the grandfather of the twins Romulus and Remus, and ordered the babies to be thrown into the Tiber. The father of the twins, Mars, saved his sons, and they were fed by a she-wolf sent by God. The boys were then brought up by the shepherd Faustul and his wife, Akka Larentia. When the brothers grew up, they killed Amulius, returned power to their grandfather, and founded the city in the place where the she-wolf found them. During the construction of the walls of the new city, a quarrel broke out between the brothers, and Romulus killed Remus. The city was built and named after Romulus by Rome, and Romulus himself became its first king. Part of the culture was borrowed by the Romans from other peoples. Much - among the Etruscans, but most of all - among the Greeks. The Romans borrowed from the Etruscans gladiator fights, stage games, the nature of sacrifices, faith in good and evil demons. The Romans, like the Etruscans, preferred sculpture from the arts, and not sculpture, but modeling - from clay, wax, bronze.
Building decorated with semi-columns
However, the main predecessor of Roman art was still Greece. Even the Romans took many of their beliefs and myths from the Greeks. The Romans learned to build arches, simple vaults and domes from stone.
They learned to build more diverse structures, for example, the round Pantheon building - the temple of all the gods, it had a diameter of more than 40 meters. The Pantheon was covered with a giant dome. which has been a model for builders and architects for centuries.
From the Greeks, the Romans adopted the ability to build columns. In honor of the generals, the Romans built triumphal arches.
Buildings intended for the entertainment of the Roman nobility were distinguished by special magnificence. The largest Roman circus - Coliseum, accommodated 50,000 spectators. It was an amphitheater - in a similar way and now they build circuses and stadiums.
Roman baths, which were called baths, were also original places of recreation and entertainment. There were washrooms, changing rooms, swimming pools, exercise rooms, sports fields, and even libraries. The spacious halls were covered with vaults and domes, the walls were lined with marble.
On the edge of the squares, large judicial and commercial buildings were often built - b a z and l and k. In Rome, both the palaces of the rulers and multi-storey houses for the poor were created. Romans with average incomes lived in separate houses, which surrounded an open courtyard - and there was a pool for rainwater in the middle of the atrium. Behind the house was a courtyard with columns, a garden, a fountain.
Triumphal Arch of Emperor Titus
In 81, in honor of Emperor Titus and his victory over Judea, a single-span, 5.33 m wide, Triumphal Arch was erected on the sacred road leading to the Capitoline Hill. The marble arch was 20 meters high. An inscription dedicated to Titus was carved above the span, and the arch was also decorated with reliefs depicting the victorious procession of the Romans, made in complex turns and movements.
Pantheon - inside view
The Pantheon was erected under the emperor Hadrian (117-138). The temple is built of stone, brick and concrete. The round building has a height of 42.7 m and is covered by a dome 43.2 m in diameter. From the outside, the building is quite modest, it is decorated only with a portico with Corinthian columns made of red granite. But the interior was a model of technical excellence and luxury. The floor of the temple is paved with marble slabs. The wall is divided in height into two tiers. In the lower tier there were deep niches, in which there were statues of the gods. The upper part is dissected by pilasters (rectangular ledges) made of colored marble. The lighting of the temple is solved by a hole in the dome, a "window" with a diameter of 9 m, the so-called eye of the Pantheon. The floor under this "eye" has a barely visible slope for water to drain.
Pantheon outside
The name of the building speaks for itself - "pantheon", a temple to the pantheon of the ancient Roman gods. It should be noted that the building that still stands today is not the first temple on this site. Under Emperor Augustus, the first temple was built, but then it burned down in a fire in ancient Rome. In memory of the first builder, an associate of the Emperor Augustus, Mark Agrippa, the inscription “M. Agrippa l f cos tertium fecit.
Colosseum outside
Under the emperors Vespasian and Titus, in 75-82. a huge amphitheater for gladiator fights was built - the Colosseum (from the Latin "colosseum" - colossal). In plan, it was an ellipse, 188 m long, 156 m wide, 50 m high. The wall is divided into three tiers. At the top they pulled an awning from rain and sun. Below were statues. The arena could accommodate up to 3,000 pairs of gladiators. The arena could be flooded with water and then naval battles were played out.
Colosseum inside
Aqueduct
The Roman Aqueduct is an aqueduct, but at the same time functional and elaborate, perfect art. Above there was a channel, separated by a cornice, below - arches, even lower - visually isolated from the arches of the support. Long, uninterrupted horizontal lines hid the height and emphasized the infinity of the aqueduct that stretched into the distance.
Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome
Sculpture was first imported from Greece. Then they began to copy it from Greek. However, there was also an independent, Roman sculpture. These were sculptural portraits and relief images, monuments to emperors and generals.
Portrait of a Roman
Portrait of a young man
relief sculpture
Statue of Emperor Augustus from Prima Port.
The period of the reign of Octavian Augustus is called by ancient historians the "golden age" of the Roman state. The established "Roman world" stimulated a high rise in art and culture. The emperor is depicted in a calm, majestic pose, his hand is raised in an inviting gesture; he seemed to appear in the garb of a general before his legions. Augustus is depicted bare-headed and bare-legged, a tradition in Greek art depicting gods and heroes naked or semi-naked. The face of Augustus bears portrait features, but is nonetheless somewhat idealized. The whole figure embodies the idea of greatness and power of the empire.
Trajan's Column in Rome
A column built by the architect Apollodorus in honor of Emperor Trajan has survived to this day. The height of the column is more than 30 meters, it is composed of 17 drums of Carrara marble. A spiral staircase runs inside the column. The column ended with a bronze figure of Trajan, which in the 16th century was replaced by a statue of the Apostle Peter. The column is lined with slabs of Parian marble, along which a bas-relief stretches in a spiral of 200 meters, depicting in historical sequence the main events of Trajan's campaign against the Dacians (101-107): the construction of a bridge across the Danube, the crossing, the battle with the Dacians, their camp, the siege fortresses, the suicide of the leader of the Dacians, the procession of prisoners, the triumphant return of Trajan to Rome.
Fragment of Trajan's Column
At the end of the 4th and in the 5th century, the "great migration of peoples" took place - a large tribe of Goths settled on the territory of the Roman Empire, they were ardently supported by the rebellious slaves and the peoples enslaved by Rome. Hordes of nomadic Huns sweep through the empire like a destructive whirlwind. The Visigoths, then the Vandals capture and sack Rome itself. The Roman Empire is falling apart. And in 476 the final blow was dealt to Rome and power passed to the barbarian squads. The Roman Empire fell, but its culture left an indelible mark on human history.
To fully enjoy the impressions of the sights of Rome, one week is clearly not enough. Do not despair and give up your La dolce vita if you are in Rome for a few days.
In the review, we will talk about both world-famous attractions and those that are not listed in the guidebooks, but studying the history of Rome without visiting them will not be complete.
You just have to choose places in the city, lay the route to your taste. For example, first visit historical sites (Colosseum, Roman Forum), the top of St. Peter's Basilica. Then walk to the Protestant cemetery, the architectural quarter Quartiere Coppedè, test yourself in the Mouth of Pravda. And after completing the journey, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain in order to return to Rome someday.
Next to the descriptions of some attractions there are links to buying tickets through the official service in Russian.
Brief information about Rome:
| One of the oldest cities in the world, founded, according to one of the historical versions, April 21, 753 BC. It was the capital of the Roman Empire. The city has two more names: The area of urban development is only a quarter of the territory of Rome within the city limits. Whereas in most European cities, building occupies most of the territory. |
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So, stock up on a cup of coffee and time, because. in our review of more than 70 sights of Rome.
Transfer from airport Rome with a Russian-speaking driver.
Trevi Fountain
One of the most visited tourist attractions. Not only because of its historical significance, but also because of its location.
Located on the square of the same name, the Trevi Fountain is surrounded by numerous restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Built in the mid 1700s, di Trevi is a baroque example with a mythological twist - the god of the sea, Neptune, emerges from the water surrounded by faithful Tritons.
Not so long ago, a large restoration of the attraction was carried out. Rome spent 2,000,000 euros on it. In 2015 the fountain was reopened to the public.
Why throw coins into the fountain?
According to Roman legend, throwing one or more coins with your right hand over your left shoulder can result in:
- Return again to Rome.
- You will fall in love with an attractive Roman or a local beauty.
- You will marry this Roman or this beauty.
Address: Piazza di Trevi.
Nearest metro: Barberini.
Basilica (Cathedral) of St. Peter (Basilica di San Pietro)
The basilica is located in the Vatican on St. Peter's Square. The attraction is open daily and free for visitors.
We recommend climbing to the roof - you will be delighted with the opened landscapes of Rome. If for some reason you cannot overcome 323 steps, the elevator will take you up for an additional fee.
Note!
The cathedral is a working church, so be aware of the dress code when visiting:
- No short skirts.
- No headwear.
- Shoulders should be covered.
Please respect these rules.
Because St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main attractions of the city - often you have to stand in a long queue to enter it.
During the tour you will visit the naves, chapels, see works of art by Michelangelo, Bernini, Raphael.
Video about the Cathedral:
Address: Piazza San Pietro.
Before becoming the museum we can visit today, the Castellum Sancti Angeli went through many different uses. It was originally built as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian and his family in 123 AD.
In 403, it was rebuilt into a fortified military post. At the beginning of the 11th century, the castle housed a prison. In the 14th century, Castellum Sancti Angeli, after several changes of owners, acquired ecclesiastical status. In the 19th century, the building again became a prison and, only in 1906, was converted into a museum.
Open from 9.00 to 19.30.
Day off: Monday, January 1, December 25, May 1.
The exterior and interiors of the castle make an indelible impression on tourists.
We recommend this attraction in Rome to visit.
Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50.
Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
Located near the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is not as popular with tourists, but no less interesting.
This attraction shows the structure of Ancient Rome with its shrines, government houses and monuments. Most of the complex is in ruins, but even looking at them you can imagine the former grandeur of the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
Opening hours: from 8.30 to sunset.
Address: Via in Miranda.
National Museum of Rome
What is the value of the National Museum of Rome for the visitor? It houses one of the largest archaeological collections in the world.
It is clear that such a volume of exhibits would not fit in one building. To see this attraction you need to visit 4 buildings: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, Baths of Diocletian and Crypt Balba.
Palazzo Altemps
As one of the centers of the museum, Altemps Palace has been since 1997. It is one of the brightest examples of Renaissance architecture.
Palazzo Massimo
The palace houses one of the world's greatest collections of ancient art. Paintings, mosaics, sculptures of the Roman period are exhibited.
Crypt Balba
The crypt gives an idea of the development of Roman society and urban landscapes from the ancient period to the present day.
Baths of Diocletian
Extensive bath complex.
The ticket allows you to visit all the buildings of the museum.
Opening hours: 9.00 to 19.45. Closed on Monday.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is open to the public every day. Sunday opening hours are reduced.
Built in 120 AD, it impresses with its ideal proportions. If you are an architect, you will surely find new ideas for your creativity after the inspection.
The pantheon contains the burial places of Kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I. This attraction is listed in many guidebooks as a must see.
By the way, Piazza Della Rotonda has several cozy cafes where you can relax with a cup of coffee, pizza or ice cream.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda.
Metro station: Barberini.
Colosseum
Built on a swampy site, the Colosseum was completed in 80 AD. The stands could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. It is an engineering marvel.
Today, this complex is one of the most visited of all Roman sites.
There are long queues at the entrance, almost at any time. It is recommended to buy tickets online - they give the right to skip the line.
The Colosseum can be visited during the day and at night (with a special ticket). Open from morning until sunset.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo.
Metro station: Colosseo.
Baths of Caracalla
How did the ancient Romans visit public baths? You have a great opportunity to see it with your own eyes. Baths is one of the largest and well-preserved examples of the life of ancient Rome.
Built by the emperor Caracalla in the form of a rectangle. SPA was not only a place for water procedures, residents gathered here for sports, recreation, and study.
The different parts of the spa are in this order: "Calidarium", "Tepidarium", "Frigidarium" and "Natatio". There are other zones and areas to be found around the two gymnasiums.
Buying tickets to Therme online gives you access to the Tomb of Caecilia Metellus and Villa Quintili.
The tomb was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus in honor of the daughter of the Roman consul. Made in the form of a circular mausoleum.
In ancient times, Villa Quintili was the most luxurious and largest. In 151 AD, after the villa became imperial property, the territory was expanded, the buildings were enlarged. From the territory of the villa offers a magnificent view of the rural surroundings.
Opening hours: from 9.00 to sunset (entrance closes in an hour).
On some dates, access to three attractions ends earlier.
Address:
Baths of Caracalla: Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 52 (Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 52)
Tomb of Caecilia Metella: Via Appia Antica, 161
Quintili in Villa: Via Appia Nuova , 1092
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Within the walls of this attraction is one of the most famous sights of the Vatican - the Sistine Chapel (and the famous frescoes of Michelangelo). A tour of the Vatican Museums gives access to various sections of the palaces, including the Sistine Chapel.
But don't overlook the treasures housed in the museums themselves, including the spiral staircase and the Raphael Rooms. The Vatican Museums are so huge that a guided tour is highly recommended. If the cost of a guide seems high to you, take a ticket with an audio guide - it's much cheaper.
Most visitors to museums are on Saturday, Monday, the last Sunday of the month, holidays and rainy days.
Pay attention to the rules in dress and behavior when visiting:
- No short skirts.
- Shorts are prohibited.
- Off-the-shoulder clothing is prohibited.
- It is forbidden to talk and take pictures in the Sistine Chapel.
Video about the Sistine Chapel:
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Tickets for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel (skip the line): Entrance to the museum with the first group+ audio guide in Russian (map and dvd as a gift). VIP ticket for the morning visit with audio guide. Visiting the museum after sunset(on Fridays). Standard ticket to the Vatican Museums. Standard ticket with audio guide in Russian language. |
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Set aside half a day for this sightseeing.
Address: Viale Vaticano, 97.
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
If you are a fan of Caravaggio, be sure to include a visit to this attraction in your Rome itinerary.
The church houses three baroque canvases by this artist, including The Calling of St. Matthew, The Martyrdom of Matthew.
Entrance to the church is free. But it closes for lunch from 12.30 to 15.00.
Thursday visiting hours only until lunch.
You can find it in the Navona area of Rome. Nearest metro station: Barberini.
Address: Via Santa Giovanna d'Arco 5.
Vatican Gardens by Bus + Museum & Sistine Chapel
A unique opportunity to improve the beauty of the famous Vatican gardens. For a long time they were closed to the public. According to tourists, gardens bring peace, tranquility and enjoyment of nature to a person.
You will find yourself surrounded by the beauties of nature and the works of many talented artists inspired by their faith, love and care for the space around them. You can almost taste the sweet smell of flowers and Mediterranean plants that grow here next to exotic spices. Be enchanted by the beautiful green lawns, trees, a small forest and a rock replica in the heart of Rome.
The audio guide is available in several languages, including Russian.
Duration:
approximately 40 minutes + 1 hour 30 minutes to visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel
Departure:
From 01.01. to 02.04 and from 31.10 to 31.12
Monday-Saturday (except religious holidays) at 10:30
From 03.04 to 28.10
Monday - Saturday (except religious holidays) at 11:15 and 12:15
Departure point:
ORP. PIAZZA PIO XII, N°9
Note:
Entrance to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel is included in the price
Personal documents are required
This attraction is currently not accessible to people in wheelchairs or to children under 6 years of age.
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria
After the mention of this church by Dan Brown in his "Angels and Demons", fans of the writer's work were added to the usual tourists.
But true fans of baroque art go to the church to admire the chapel of Cornaro Gianlorenzo Bernini, which houses the statue of "Ecstasy of Saint Teresa".
According to the tourists who visited it, the church and the statue leave a stunning impression.
The church is located about a kilometer west of the Barberini station.
Open daily with a lunch break.
Allow about 1 hour for the visit.
Address: Via XX Settembre 17.
Trastevere area
If you are tired of the crowds of tourists and want to see the real Rome, head to the Trastevere area, which is the home of St. Mary.
The area is located south of the Vatican and rarely visited by the average tourist. A leisurely stroll through Trastevere will help you more fully experience the authenticity of the capital of Italy.
There are many non-tourist cafes and restaurants in the area, as a result, the food in them is of higher quality and the prices are lower.
Address: Trastevere.
Basilica of Saint Clement
St Clement's Basilica is ideal for archeology lovers - a second-century pagan temple sits under a fourth-century church, which in turn sits under a 12th-century church.
Entrance from the street at the level of the building of the 12th century, down the stairs to the level of the 4th century, and at the end you will find the sanctuary of Mithras, a god who was popular in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
Judging by the rave reviews on the web, the basilica is a unique attraction, a visit to which will provide useful knowledge about the history of Rome.
Attention!
Around the church we can meet beggars and beggars. Some of them pose as volunteers of the Church of St. Clement and require an entrance fee in the form of donations.
Entrance to the church is free! You only need to pay to visit the lower levels of the basilica.
Open daily with a lunch break.
Address: Via Labicana 95.
Metro station: Colosseo.
Navona Square (Piazza Navona)
One of the most famous squares in Rome, built at the end of the 15th century. Today it is the tourist center of the city. In addition to the many cafes and restaurants located on it, you can see both the work of modern street artists and famous historical monuments.
Piazza Navona is located one kilometer west of the Barberini metro station.
Gianicolo Hill (Passeggiata del Gianicolo)
To the west of the Tiber River (next to another attraction - the Trastevere area) is this hill.
At the top of it offers an amazing view of the Eternal Rome. The landscaped area is conducive to walks and a relaxing pastime.
According to travelers, the best time to visit Gianicolo Hill is at dawn or during sunset.
The hill can be reached along Trastevere via Garibaldi.
Address: Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Campo de' Fiori
One of the unusual sights. The Campo dei Fiori is worth visiting twice. During the day, as in the 1800s, there is a trade in fish and vegetables. The building around the square has not changed and today it is just as striking in its disorderliness. The houses are interspersed with hotels, cafes, malls, houses of merchants.
As the sun sets, Rome's nightlife begins to boil in the bars in the market square.
Giordano Bruno was burned in the square - a monument has been erected at this place. In ancient times, public executions were held at the Campo dei Fiori.
Address: Piazza Campo de' Fiori.
Swap meet
Porta Portese comes to life on Sunday at 6 am and closes at 2 pm. For fashionistas and lovers of antiques, this landmark of Rome is a must-see.
Everything is sold on the market, from books to candlesticks, but the bulk of the goods are clothes, both new and used.
The flea market is not often mentioned in guidebooks. If you want to bring back a cute original souvenir from Rome, make time for this part of the modern history of the city.
September 25, 2018
One of the most popular tourist routes for a great many travelers is visiting the Eternal City - majestic, with a long history and a huge cultural heritage. The architecture of Ancient Rome amazes with its monumentality, surprises with its age and simply delights. Thanks to the work of hundreds of thousands of people of various professions, today for us ancient Rome is not only illustrations in a history textbook, but a whole unknown world.
aqueducts
Another important component of the architecture of Ancient Rome and a vital element, without which the development of the city would not have been possible, is the water supply system. Impressive in size water conduits, which are based on the same arch, are still functioning.
The Eliev Bridge, better known as the “Sant Angelo Bridge”, located opposite the castle of the same name, can also be attributed to similar architectural monuments of Ancient Rome. This crossing over the Tiber, first built under the emperor Hadrian, was completely overhauled only in the Renaissance.
Ponte Mulvio is another ancient bridge in Rome that has survived to this day. In ancient times, it was located outside the city. The streets of Flaminia, Cassia and Clodia led to it - the main highways that connected the northern cities of the Empire with its center.
triumphal arches
Many rulers of Rome, who fought for the expansion and power of the Empire, did not hesitate to erect monumental triumphal arches in honor of their own merits. In ancient Rome, such structures glorified the emperor as a commander and defender of the homeland, perpetuated the memory of his grandiose victories and conquests, served as symbols of military power and political dominance.
Triumphal arches, demonstrating the engineering progress and artistic tastes of the Romans, were installed throughout the Empire: from Germany and Spain to North Africa and Asia Minor. In Rome itself, you can see several monuments of glory that have survived to this day, which are still in excellent condition today.
Until the 20th century, the history of ancient sculpture was built in chronological order - first Greece (the heyday of art in the 5th-4th centuries BC), then Rome (the peak of the rise in the 1st-2nd centuries AD). Art (Roma) was considered a late expression of Greek cultural traditions, the completion of the creativity of the period of antiquity.
After the publication of works by art historians Ranuccio Bianchi-Bandinelli and Otto Brendel, antiquities recognized Roman art as an original and unique phenomenon. Sculpture of ancient Rome came to be seen as a school of classical craftsmanship whose history has yet to be written.
In the 8th century BC e. Ancient Roman masters pushed off the traditions of the Hellenic sculptors and began to master independent creativity.
The history of ancient Roman art is divided into four stages:
- The oldest era (VIII-V centuries BC)
- Republican era, the period of formation (V - I centuries BC)
- Rise of Roman imperial art (1st - 2nd centuries AD)
- The era of crisis (III - IV centuries AD)
The origins of ancient Roman sculpture are the art of the Italics and Etruscans, who created original cultural monuments. The most famous artifact is the warrior from Capestrano (Guerriero di Capestrano).
Sculptors of the most ancient era created portrait images, stone bas-reliefs, which differed from Greek works by an average quality of execution.
Temple terracotta sculpture with decorative and cult functions was developed. Large statues of gods appeared, exceeding the size of Greek statues. In 1916, on the territory of the ancient Etruscan city of Veii, magnificent terracotta statues of Apollo, Hermes, Venus were found, which were created for the exterior decoration of the temple of Apollo (550 - 520 BC).
Features of ancient Roman sculpture
The authors of scientific studies (Oscar Waldgauer, Grant Michael, V.D. Blavatsky) believe that the sculpture of ancient Rome cannot be called a blind imitation of Hellenic images, because. cultural monuments are distinguished by features characteristic of each era of development.
Roman masters departed from the traditions of Greek sculptors and did not create images of an ideal person. Individuality runs through the entire history of the Roman portrait, which is based on the religious custom of creating death masks.
The patricians had the right to keep the image of the deceased ancestor in their houses. The more portraits, the more noble the family. This explains the characteristic features of Roman sculpture: realism, concreteness, knowledge of facial expressions and muscles of the face.
The Greek sculptor, inspired by the ideas of humanism, sang of his gods in marble in the image of a perfect human body. Ancient Roman craftsmen preferred to work with stone, clay and bronze. Their gods had an unpredictable character, instilled fear of becoming a victim of the wrath of higher powers. The sculpture is dominated by allegory and symbolism. Only in the 1st century BC. Rome began to use marble.
The works are distinguished by emotional coldness and detachment. The open plasticity of Greek sculptures is contrasted with the image of a Roman who covered his head with a hem of clothing while praying.
Hellenic masters saw the type of person: an athlete, a philosopher, a commander. Roman sculptors created portraits in the spirit of extreme naturalism, concretized the qualities of a person's character, his individual characteristics.
To the Greek examples of plastic art (statue, herme), the sculptors of Rome add a new form of portraiture - the bust.
The Greek sculptor associated creativity with poetic myth. The Roman sculptor perceives the world in distinct forms.
Unlike the Greeks, during the period of the Late Republic (264 - 27 BC), the Romans did little in monumental sculpture. Preference was given to bronze figurines of prominent figures and gods.
Resolutions of the Senate regulated the size, material, character of the statue. An equestrian and armored portrait could only be installed in the event of a military triumph. The task of the sculptors was to capture the family, tribal traits, social rank and status of a Roman.
Many works are identified or have an inscription on the pedestal with information about the model, but the names of ancient Roman portrait painters have not survived.
Types and genres
The sculpture of ancient Rome consists of two types:
- Relief ("high" - high relief; "low" - bas-relief).
- Round sculpture (statue, bust, composition, figurine)
Scientists of the complex science of antiquity identified the main genres of Roman sculpture:
- historical;
- mythological;
- allegorical;
- symbolic;
- battle;
- portrait.
One of the main types of fine art in Rome is relief. Masters are inclined to analysis, detailed depiction of images, reliably record historical events. The front fence of the Altar of Peace in Rome (13-9 BC), the reliefs of the imperial period - the arches of Trajan in Benevento (114-117) are recognized as a masterpiece of the time of the early principate.
Features of the sculpture of the heyday
The change of imperial dynasties influenced the stylistic features of ancient Roman sculpture.
Time of the Principate Augustus
Ancient scholars call the time of reign, nicknamed Augustus (Octavianus Augustus), the "golden age" of the Roman state (27 BC - 14 AD).
Greek sculpture of the classical period with strict forms serves as an example for the ruler in creating a majestic empire. In portrait sculpture, individual features are smoothed out. A typical standard is the general appearance pleasing to the principate.
The established norm is manifested in the portrait busts of Octavian himself, who demanded to portray himself as a young, athletic ruler.
The idealization of the image is clearly visible in the statues installed in the forum, in front of (Panthevm), the Roman temple of Mars the avenger (Tempio di Marte Ultore nel Foro di Roma). In 1863, a two-meter bronze statue was found near Prima Porta, commissioned by the Roman Senate.
August is represented by a majestic descendant of the gods, at whose feet Cupid is located on a dolphin. The relief on the shell tells the people about the victories of the emperor in numerous battles. (Museum Chiaramonti - Museo Chiaramonti - Vatican).
Masters create independent female portraits. For the first time, sculptural images of children appear. Depicted on the left relief of the Altar of Peace (Ara Pacis), the beautiful Goddess of the Earth Tellus (Tellus) holds two babies on her knees, surrounded by figures of well-fed animals.
Art is meant to glorify the prosperity of Rome under the first emperor.
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Time Julius - Claudius (27 - 68 BC) and Flavius (69 - 96 BC)
During the reign of Julius - Claudius and Flavius, monumental sculpture comes to the fore. The chanting of power led the masters to give even the gods the characteristic features of emperors.
For the first time, realism appears in portraits. For example, the statue of Claudius (Tiberius Claudius Augustus Germanicus) consists of two different parts: a head with a realistic depiction of the aging face of the great pontiff and an ideal figure of the Greek god Jupiter.
The appearance of the ruler is shown using three-dimensional modeling: a wide forehead with wrinkles, a flabby face, protruding ears.
The new style replaced the flatness of the individual features of the portrait busts with a realistic depiction of Roman emperors. In marble portraits, paints are used to tint lips, eyeballs are tinted with ivory. In bronze busts, semi-precious stones are inserted into the pupils to add shine to the eyes (portrait of the cunning usurer of Pompeii Caecilius Yukunda).
The genre of the female portrait is developing in two directions: classic and "veristic". Ruthless truthfulness is reflected in the portrait of an elderly Roman woman (Vatican Museums, Gregorian Secular Museum - Museo Gregoriano Profano).
A thin, restless face, a wrinkled forehead, bags under watery eyes speak of impending old age. The female image is presented in a different way in the statue of a stranger found at the ancient gates of St. Sebastian (Porta San Sebastiano).
A half-naked Roman woman is depicted by Aphrodite. The woman proudly arched her waist, akimbo, put forward her leg, covered with a fixed cloth. The portrait head of an elderly, imperious Roman woman does not correspond much to the ideal figure of the goddess (Vatican. Capitoline Museums - Musei Capitolini).
Time of Trajan (98-117) and Hadrian (117 - 138)
During the reigns of Emperor Trajan and Hadrian, sculpture continues to express the greatness of the Empire. The use of different forms determined two stages of artistic development: Trajan and Hadrian.
Laocoön and sons
The marble sculptural composition depicts the mortal struggle of Laocoon (Laocoon), the priest of the god Apollo, and his sons with snakes.
The work was created in 50 of the 1st century BC. e., is a copy of a non-preserved bronze monument of Greek sculptors (Pergamon, 200 BC). (Michelangelo Buonarroti), sent by Pope Julius II to evaluate the find, confirmed the authenticity of the work and noted the incredible dynamism and plasticity of the creation of the ancient Roman sculptor. One of the most famous sculptures of ancient Rome is kept in (Museo Pio-Clementino), Vatican.
Earthenware urn from the 6th century BC is an example of the monuments of the funeral cult.
The lid is made in the form of a human head, decorated with a bronze mask (Canopus Chiusi). The Etruscan master tried to preserve the appearance of the deceased: large facial features, a large nose, narrow lips, straight hair traced in clay. Portrait resemblance was the key to otherworldly immortality. The handles of the ritual vessel are made in the form of human hands. The desire to create a reliable image became the basis for the emergence of the Etruscan portrait (Paris, Louvre Museum - Musee du Louvre).
Warrior from Capestrano
Antique statue of the 6th century BC (found in 1934) depicts a calmly standing warrior (Guerriero di Capestrano) of the Piceni tribe.
The author departs from the characteristic example of ancient Greek plasticity - the kouros (statue of a young athlete), taking a step with his left foot. An unknown sculptor, differently than the Greeks, depicts a figure with exaggerated massive hips, broad shoulders, a mask on his face, and a helmet with fields of incredible size. The construction of a three-dimensional form with side columns, gaps between the calves of the legs and the waist convinces that the statue of a warrior on a pedestal belongs to a round sculpture. The ancient artifact is on display at the National Archaeological Museum (Chieti).
Winged terracotta horses
The decor of the temple of Ara della Regina (Dell'Ara della Regina) in Tarquinia was made in the 4th century BC.
The figures of horses, mounted on the pediment of the religious building, arched their necks, spread their wings, and moved with their feet in readiness to carry the divine horseman up. Fairy-tale creatures are close to real images due to muscle tension and nervousness of movements. Winged horses can be seen at the National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia.
Chimera of Arezzo
Chimera from Arezzo (Arezzo), made in the 5th century BC, is considered the pinnacle of ancient bronze casting.
The fantastic figure of a lion with a goat's head and a tail in the form of a snake is an example of symbolism in sculpture. The animal embodies the triune image of the Great Mother of the Gods: the symbol of birth and feeding is the Goat; the symbol of life is the Lion; death − Snake. Found in the 16th century, a bronze sculpture 79 cm high is on display at the Archaeological Museum of Florence (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze).
Head of a sullen man
The head of a gloomy man (“Malvolta”), 16.2 cm high, was made in the second half of the 5th century. BC e.
The impregnable appearance of the sculptural image is given by the eyes, both old and young, and the capricious mouth. Art critics find a striking resemblance of "Malvolta" with the head of St. George sculpture (Donatello), created by the master after millennia. The sculpture found in Veii is kept in the Roman Museum of Villa Giulia (Museo Villa Giulia).
Marble relief from the Altar of Peace of Augustus
Capitoline Brutus
Part of the bronze sculpture (the head of a man), discovered during excavations in Rome in 1564, made a splash with its safety.
Work done in 300 - 275 years. BC, is considered a masterpiece of Etruscan art in terms of the power of expressiveness of the image and the technique of execution. One of the oldest found sculptures supposedly represents a portrait of the founder of the Roman Republic, Lucius Junius Brutus (Lucius Iunius Brutus, Bruto Capitolino). The face seems alive thanks to the inlay with ivory plates and the colored stone inserted into the pupils. The sculptor conveys the character of an outstanding person. A fighter against tyranny does not retreat in the face of difficulties. (Capitoline Museums, Conservative Palace).
Statue of Aulus Metellus
A bronze statue of the orator Aulus Metellus (Arringatore), created around 100 BC, was found in 1566 at the bottom of Lake Trasimene.
The orator, the Roman master Aulus Metellus, stretched out his hand and calls for attention. The portrait image is devoid of idealization, frankly reproduces nature: a stout figure, a wrinkled face, a crooked mouth. The work is the first example of an early Roman portrait. The inscription on the border of the toga tells in whose honor the statue was erected. (National Archaeological Museum, Florence - Museo archeologico nazionale di Firenze).
Statue of Germanicus
Marble sculpture of the end of the 1st century. BC. represents the heroized figure of the Roman general and statesman Germanicus.
The adopted nephew of Tiberius (the second Roman emperor) was a man of rare beauty and courage. At the age of 34, he became a victim of palace intrigues and was poisoned with a slow-acting poison. The eloquent, capable of science commander enjoyed the well-deserved love of the people. An unknown sculptor conveys the youthful grace of the figure and the idealized image of Germanicus, whose death caused universal grief among the Romans. (Paris, Louvre Museum − Musee du Louvre).
In the 15th century, during excavations of the most ancient trading square in Rome (Bull Forum), a gilded bronze sculpture of Hercules was found.
The 241 cm high figure represents the image of the Greek mythological hero Hercules. The work was done in the II century BC. A slender, muscular athlete defeated Kaka, who stole his cows. In the right hand of the hero is a lowered club, in the left - the golden apples of the Hesperides. The statue stood in the temple of Hercules the Conqueror, built on the Bull Forum, where cattle were previously sold. (Rome, Capitoline Museums −Musei Capitolini).
Female sculptural portrait of the time of the Flavians
The marble portrait of a young Roman woman (1st century AD) reflects the desire of the wives of emperors, their daughters and noble Roman women to show off beauty and fashion.
A high complex hairstyle, almond-shaped eyes, fluffy eyebrows, a long neck, beautifully defined lips give the image a special poetry. The softening of the appearance by smoothing the surface of the marble was achieved by the sculptor using a drill technique. The work, done in a special artistic manner, is on display at the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini), Rome.
The poetic image of youth and beauty is represented by a marble bust made at the end of the 1st century AD.
The individual features of the young man are emphasized by sad eyes, a strong chin, and a beautifully defined mouth. The sculptor skillfully conveys thick hair, the sparkle of the eyes, the elasticity of the skin, but does not idealize the image. The turn of the head, the flexible neck, the athletic turn of the shoulders correspond to the sculptures of Hellenic art. (London, British Museum - British Museum).
Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius
The only surviving equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, the last of the five "good emperors" of Rome, was created in the 2nd century BC. AD The monumental, originally gilded, sculpture represents Marcus Aurelius in the form of a thinker, whom his contemporaries called the philosopher on the throne.
The emperor, who does not have a warlike character, is dressed in a tunic, with sandals on his bare legs. The idealized appearance of the ruler was identified in the 15th century by minted coins: thick curly hair, protruding cheekbones, bulging eyes. The monument of antiquity survived because the Christian church took the form of a horseman for Emperor Constantine. (Capitoline Museums - Musei Capitolini - Palace of the Conservatives).
Hermitage collection
The Roman rooms of The State Hermitage Museum display 120 works by ancient masters. There are no copies in one of the best collections in the world. All exhibits are genuine. The sculptures kept the prototypes of images alive and showed the essence of human nature. It is impossible to confuse the soldierly Emperor Philip the Arab (Marcus Iulius Philippus) with the smug co-ruler of Marcus Aurelius, the handsome Lucius Verus.
The halls display not only portraits of emperors and members of their families, but also sculptures of private individuals. The anonymous masters ideally conveyed the belonging of nature to a social type. The curator of the Roman portrait of the Hermitage, candidate of art criticism A. A. Trofimova calls the bronze bust of an unknown Roman a rare museum exhibit.
The emotional, tragic image of a man with a clever ironic look still causes controversy among experts about the prototype of the hero. Figurines, busts, sculptures of ancient Rome amaze with the variety of plastic forms and richness of characters.
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