In Rome, there are 2 airports used for civil aviation.
1- Leonardo Da Vinci Fiumicino Airport: This airport is located approximately 45 minutes away from Rome on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You can reach Rome Termini (Train Station) from this airport using both the railway and shuttles operated by major airlines. Turkish Airlines usually uses Terminal 3 (T3).
An alternative for the railway is the Leonardo Express. This train runs directly between Rome Termini and Fiumicino Airport every half an hour, with no intermediate stops, and costs €14. The train journey takes 35 minutes.
The second alternative is shuttle services. After approximately 45 minutes of travel time (subject to traffic conditions), shuttles can reach the airport/Termini. Shuttle prices may vary depending on the period, starting from €6 and going up to €9-10.
2- Ciampino Airport: This airport is used by more budget airlines compared to Fiumicino Airport. Although there is no direct rail system to the airport, it can be easily reached by shuttle services.
When you reach Rome Termini (Main Train Station), you are now in the city center and can start exploring. If you wish, you can get a city map and Roma Pass from the Tourist Information Center (http://www.romapass.it/p.aspx?l=en&tid=2). The Roma Pass card provides price advantages for museum entry and public transportation. But in my opinion, the best way to explore a city is to get lost in its streets.
You can start your tour from wherever you want, but I prefer a route starting from the Colosseum. After leaving Termini, you can reach the Colosseum by walking approximately 15-20 minutes along Via Cavour street. The Palatine Hill, where Rome was originally founded, the Colosseum, and the Arch of Constantine are just a few of the monuments you will see here.
COLOSSEUM (Colosseo):
In AD 68, despite warnings from the senators, Nero increased the tax burden on the people. The money collected was spent on the construction of a palace with a colossal bronze statue, 36.5 meters high, of Nero. High taxes were met with resistance in every region of the empire, leading to unrest in the region of Jerusalem.
To suppress the rebellion, Nero appointed Vespanius, a retired general who had conquered England. Vespanius was chosen by Nero because he was humble, altruistic, and not considered a potential threat to the throne.
One year later, Nero lost his power. Knowing that he would receive support from the people, the Senate declared Nero a traitor. Not wanting to be executed, Nero committed suicide.
After Nero, Rome fell into crisis. There were internal conflicts, and three emperors came and went without success. A strong leader was needed. The powerful legions in Italy indicated that Vespanius was suitable. At that time, Vespanius, who was in Jerusalem and had no desire to be emperor, listened to this call and came to Rome. He was declared emperor by the Senate. Vespanius decided to build a sports arena in the place where Nero’s golden terrace was, which would be a palace for the people and visible from all parts of the city. At that time, the population of Rome was one million. If one out of every 20 people liked sports, an arena for 50,000 people was needed.
The Colosseum was not only built for the people but also to establish a new dynasty for the Flavian family. This monument would also be a symbol of the dynasty. The emperor had already decided on the name to be given at that time. Flavian Amphitheatre.
To lay the foundation, the emperor needed 2.5 hectares of land. There was an artificial lake in the most suitable area for construction. It was decided to eliminate the lake, which was larger than 5 football fields. A giant trench, 50 meters in circumference, was opened around the lake. This trench would go 6 meters deep into the lake bed. They reinforced the trench with 3-meter-thick stone walls and filled the space between them with waterproof concrete. They drained the lake using a canal that flowed 1 km away into the Tiber River.
Although the lake disappeared, they still needed to prevent rainwater from filling the arena. For this reason, during construction, they opened a series of rainwater channels to keep the water away from the building. For efficient drainage, the gutters had to slope at 2.5%. A rain gutter system exceeding 3 km in length was created. This system collected all the water in the Colosseum into four large drains originating from the center. Pipes were installed to collect water from all parts of the Colosseum. The water drained so quickly that 175 liters per second flowed. These waters then reached the great sewers of Rome.
Two things were needed to start construction: manpower and money. But Nero was so extravagant that there was no money in the treasury. In AD 70, Titus besieged and took Jerusalem. The legendary treasures of Jerusalem were taken to Rome. Soldiers brought tens of thousands of Jews to Rome as slaves. They were used as both labor in the construction of the Colosseum and as a source of significant income by being sold in slave markets. Because slavery was a part of society at that time. There were slaves in almost every household.
In one way or another, the labor of a quarter of Rome’s population was involved in the construction of the Colosseum.
For a theater for 50,000 people, a system that could also support its own weight was needed. Three new systems were invented architecturally. The first was arches. Arches are an ideal and very simple design for carrying heavy loads. The weight of the structure is distributed equally to the columns through the keystone. Additionally, because there is space between the columns, the weight of the building is further reduced. The 80 arches on the outer facade form a huge ring (a total of 240 arches). Moreover, since the arch was repeated continuously, it was easy for the workers to develop a habit. Thus, there was no need for highly skilled workers.
For the inside of the Colosseum, six concentric rings extending to the center were also constructed. The space between these six rings was closed with hard blocks made of volcanic limestone, a lightweight but strong building material.
Despite being made up of arches, the Colosseum still required a large amount of stone. More than 200,000 limestone blocks were used in the construction. There was a limestone bed in Tivoli near Rome. It took 6 years to transport the stones to the construction site using about 200 carts.
If the arena were made only of stone, it could collapse under its own weight. The old mortar was vulnerable to external factors. This problem was overcome with a mortar mixture obtained from volcanic sand and lime. This mixture was called opus signinum, which we call concrete. Fluid and capable of taking different shapes, concrete revolutionized architecture. Concrete was much stronger, lighter than stone, and more durable than traditional mortar. It allowed for lighter construction of arches and aided in adjusting the slope of the seating areas. The lower tiers had a slope of 30 degrees, while the upper tiers had a slope of 35 degrees.
The discovery of red brick in the structure is another important aspect. Being lighter than stone is an advantage. More than a million bricks were used. They started mass production by establishing brick factories all over the city. They built massive cranes powered by mill wheels to bring materials up. With a lever system, large blocks were lifted to the top of the construction.
In 79 AD, Vespanius dies. His wooden son Titus takes over and says the construction will be completed in a year. When the opening took place, the 4th floor was not completed.
The 5 large gates (stone) next to the Colosseum were for organizing the entry and exit of tens of thousands of people. Tickets called “Tavella” were given at that time. The numbers on the Tavella indicated which gate of the stadium would be used from Gate 76. The numbers written on the entrances can still be seen today. The emperor would enter from the well-decorated southern gate. This entrance later turned into a tunnel leading to the palace. People would go only to the seats through each corridor. The poor had to climb 138 steps to reach the wooden seats at the top. A crowd of 50,000 could exit within 1.5 hours. It has served as an example for many stadiums today. The walls inside were painted in vivid colors to provide brightness and freshness at that time.
Almost all of the marble and slabs on the outside of the Colosseum were removed from the building to be used in the construction of the Saint Peter’s Basilica.
During the Second World War, the western part of the Colosseum was damaged by a bomb and left unrepaired.
TRIUMPHAL ARCH:
Triumphal Arch and the Colosseum
Located right next to the Colosseum. The Triumphal Arch was built in 317 AD by Emperor Constantine to commemorate his victory over his enemy Aksenyus, who wanted to destroy him from within. The reliefs on the arch depict ancient victories of Roman soldiers and previous emperors.
Feature: It is one of the most replicated works in the world. Because: similar ones were built in many parts of the world in subsequent periods.
Triumphal Arch: It is a practice initiated by emperors after various victories they won and is used only during the entry of the army into the city after the victory. In other words, it was used for one or two days and then left as a souvenir.
The reliefs on the arch facade are taken from Marcus Aurelius’ Victory Monument, dating back to 174 AD. The statues among the decorations were made to celebrate one of Trajan’s victories and date back to the early 2nd century, while the circular reliefs were taken from a monument of Hadrian.
VENICE SQUARE:
During the Roman period, it was the most important square and intersection of the city. It was the place where Via Flaminia (the ancient road connecting Rome to the Adriatic), Porta Fontinalis (one of the important gates of Rome), and the Servian Walls were located.
In the late 15th century, Pietro Barbo, who later became Pope (2nd Paul), had his palace built on the west side of the square. (Embassy building) For this reason, it is called Venice Square. In 1660, Misciatelli Palace, known today as the Bonaparte Palace, was built to the north (the starting point of Via Del Corso street). Because Napoleon’s mother (Laetitia Ramolino) spent her last days here. During the Fascist era, Mussolini used his palace here as his office and made many speeches from the balcony. For example, on June 10, 1940, Benito Mussolini officially announced Italy’s entry into World War II by declaring war on England and France with his people in this square. (Stay on the left when facing the Victor Emmanuel monument).
VICTOR EMMANUEL MONUMENT:
Victor Emmanuel Monument
Victorio Emanuele II Monument or Altare della Patria (Altar of the Nation) or Il Vittoriano, the famous building located in Venice Square in the capital of Italy, Rome. The monument was built between 1885-1911 by Giuseppe Sacconi to honor the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.
The statue of Victor Emmanuel on horseback, the four horse statues on the top corners, and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier are the structures located here. The entrance of the building also hosts the Museum of Unified Italy. It was decided to be built due to the death of Vittorio Emanuele in 1878. It was opened in 1911 on the 50th anniversary of Italy’s unification. But the real opening is in 1927.
The flames symbolizing eternal fire are guarded day and night by two soldiers with spears. The architecture is sometimes likened to the Pergamon Altar or by the People to a wedding cake or typewriter.
For the construction of this monument, many buildings in the vicinity were demolished. Among the demolished structures were the Tower of Paul III, the bridge connecting Palazzo Venezia, and several other buildings at the foot of the hill.
The monument is 135 meters wide and 70 meters high. In 2007, a panoramic elevator was added to the monument. Thus, visitors can climb up here and see Rome from a 360-degree angle. (You can go up to the observation terrace by elevator, the fee is € 7)
VIA DEL CORSO:
This street, about 1.6 km long, is one of the most famous streets in the ancient city of Rome. The street connects Venice Square to Popolo Square. The street was built in 220 BC by Gaius Flaminius to connect Rome to Rimini (a city on the Adriatic coast).
This street, which was expanded again by Pope 2nd Paul in 1467, was named Via Del Corso because horse races were organized here. For many years, the elites watched these races from the balconies of houses overlooking the street. In 1944, the street was named after Italy’s kings, 1st Corso Umberto.
Places like the Galeria shopping center and Colon Square can be seen on the street. It also intersects with famous shopping streets like Via Condotti.
FOUNTAIN OF LOVE:
Although the Turkish word means ‘Three Way Fountain’, it is known as the ‘Fountain of Love’ in our country. According to a belief, the name comes from the fact that it is at the intersection of three roads and because three underground sources pass through here from the word “Tre” (three). According to another belief, the fountain got its name from a girl named “Trivia” who first showed this water source to Roman soldiers.
The fountain, 26 m high and 50 m wide, has statues of Poseidon in the middle, Demeter on the left, and Hygieia on the right.
In 19 BC, Consul Marcus Agrippa had a water aqueduct (Aqua Virgo) built from a source in the Sabine Mountains to supply the water needs of the bath complex he built next to the Pantheon (Pantheon). With this 26 km long aqueduct, water was brought to the city from a spring in the Sabine Mountains.
In the 12th century, water flowed into the pool on Via Del Corso from three different sources. Also, this area was the intersection of three important trade routes. It is said that the name “Trevi” comes from these three water sources or the three important streets intersecting in this area.
In 1453, Pope 5th Nicholas determined a new location for the fountain and Leon Battista Alberti built the fountain at its new location with a square planned pool where water flowed, adorned with inscriptions and papal coats of arms.
Between 1561-1570, Pope 4th Pius ensured the renewal of the entire infrastructure from the water source (fountain) to the city.
In 1640, Gian Lorenzo Bernini built the fountain at its current location at the behest of Pope 7th Urban. However, due to economic difficulties, only the square was expanded and a large pool was added in front of the fountain.
In the 18th century, a project competition was held by Pope 12th Clement. Nicola Salvi, who was not well known at that time, was given the project. Salvi started working in 1732. The fountain was officially opened by Pope 7th Clemens in 1735, although the work was not completed. After the death of 7th Clemens in 1740, the work was continued by Pope 14th Benedict.
The construction process took longer than expected not only because of economic difficulties but also because of Salvi’s meticulous work. For example, Salvi demolished and rebuilt some parts ten times because he was not satisfied. Also, Salvi’s deteriorating health as of 1744 also contributed to the extension of the work. After Salvi’s death in 1751, Giuseppe Pannini completed the work in 1762. In later years, the fountain was restored in 1872, 1989, and 199 years.
In 2007, structural damage occurred to the fountain and the aqueduct that feeds the fountain, Acqua Vergine, was broken. Since 2007, tap water has been pumped to the fountain with a circulation pump replaced every two weeks.
Tivoli Travertine and Carrara marble were used in the construction of the fountain. This fountain is the third in Rome to resemble the Victory Monument.
Movies shot in the fountain:
La Dolce Vita, 1960 Anita Ekberg, Marcello Mastrojanni
Tree Coins in the Fountain, 1954 This film, which was shot, marks the beginning of the habit of throwing money into the fountain. Approximately € 1,000,000 per year is donated to Caritas (an international association that helps refugees, migrants, and the poor).
Tototruffa 62, (It deals with a man trying to sell the fountain to tourists.)
PANTHEON:
Pantheon
The Pantheon, which is formed by the combination of the words ‘pan’, meaning ‘all’, and ‘theoi’, meaning ‘gods’, can be translated into Turkish as “temple dedicated to all gods”. While it was used as a pagan temple, the masterpiece, which was later converted into a church, is located in a square called Piazza Della Rotanda. It was built as the Temple of Venus and Mars in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa.
In the early 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the temple was restored.
The bronze gate weighs 20 tons. The thickness of its walls is incredible, ranging from 6 to 8 meters.
While it was built as a pagan temple, the religious structure was converted into a church in the 7th century (in 609 AD). Today, it still preserves the features of the Hadrian period. It is one of the most famous and best-preserved structures in the city of Rome.
On its front facade, there is an inscription in large letters: “magrippalfcostertivmfecit” (Lucius’ son, Marcus Agrippa, made it in his 3rd consulship). This monument tomb, which is seen today, is the successor of a temple built by friends and Agustus in honor of Agrippa’s victory in the Actium war. However, this structure was destroyed in a fire in 80 AD and was rebuilt by Domitian. With a lightning strike that caused a fire in the structure (in 110 AD), the structure seen today was started to be built in 114 AD in the time of Trajan, but it was completed by Hadrian in 118 AD. For 1700 years, the Pantheon had the largest dome in the world and was known as the best-preserved structure of ancient Rome.
The architect is unknown, but there are uncertain views that Apollodorus of Damascus might have been the architect.
NAVONA SQUARE:
One of the most important squares in Rome, Navona Square was originally built by Julius Caesar in 46 BC as a stadium for Greek games. Emperor Domitian later expanded it to its current dimensions (275*106 meters) with a capacity of approximately 30,000 spectators. These games, known as “agon,” were typically bloodless events like athletics competitions and were encouraged by many emperors. The name of the square, “agon,” from which the later pronunciation “n’agone” derives, comes from these games and continues today as the name of a church in the square, Sant’Agnese in Agone.
The first structure built inside the stadium was the church of Sant’Agnese, marking the place where Agnes was tortured. According to legend, Agnes, who did not want to marry and wanted to dedicate herself to God, was pursued by a nobleman’s son. Despite pressure to marry, Agnes refused, and she was stripped and violated by the nobleman’s son at the site where the church now stands. At that moment, a white light descended from the sky, covering and protecting Agnes’ body. Later, she was killed by a soldier with a sword.
Especially in the 17th century, buildings such as Palazzo Pamphili, S. Agnese in Agone, Palazzo Braschi, Palazzo Lancelotti-Torres, and Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore began to be constructed around the stadium.
Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore (Rome):
A church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was built in the 12th century, but the structure seen today was commissioned by Heinrich Castellien, son of Ferdinand III, in 1450. It has been continuously renovated by Spanish popes.
In 1506, it was used as the Spanish National Church by Spanish pilgrims and the Spanish court. Later, this duty was taken over by Santa Maria in Monserrato degli Spagnoli. Many important works of art were transferred to this church.
Palazzo Braschi:
Construction began on the building in the 18th century. The Braschi family, who had served as mayors for a period, never completed the building due to economic difficulties. Therefore, they sold the building to the Italian state. During Mussolini’s era, the Ministry of the Interior was located in this building. After World War II, it was used as a shelter for refugee families. In 1952, it was converted into the City Museum of Rome.
Palazzo Lancelotti-Torres:
The building was commissioned by Ludovico de Torres, Archbishop of Salerno and of Spanish (Malaga) origin. Together with Nostra Signore, it forms the Spanish peninsula in Navona.
