Few civilizations have left as indelible an imprint on Europe as ancient Rome has. Take a tour of its most iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum to experience how this flourishing city shaped modern life.
The Pantheon, once an ancient temple to all gods, remains one of Rome’s best-preserved monuments today. Herculaneum boasts some of the world’s best-preserved Doric temples that can be seen today.
Capua
Italy is a treasure trove of notable historic places, ranging from Greek and Roman temples, Renaissance churches and medieval castles, as well as Greek, Roman temples. Visitors to these historic locations gain a deeper understanding of Italy’s long and complex cultural history and may even visit some UNESCO listed landmarks!
Capua is one of the special places along the Via Appia that deserves special consideration, with significant archaeological sites like Capuan Amphitheatre being second only to Rome’s Colosseum during its peak years.
Since Capua’s foundation in the seventh century BCE, its population has seen periods of occupation by Lucanians, Greeks and Romans – as well as Lombards who conquered it and made part of Benevento Duchy under an official known as gastald – at different points during history. The cathedral dates from 9th Century but underwent renovation during Baroque periods; its namesake St Prisco is housed here.
Pompeii
Pompeii was an impressive city before it was devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79, boasting beautiful homes and public buildings like an amphitheater with well-preserved frescoes and murals, not to mention an active theater culture that included theatre performances and musical events.
Once, it was believed that Vesuvius erupted on August 24th; however, recent discoveries including market stalls selling typical autumn foods like chestnuts and unripe pomegranates suggest it was likely later than this date. Furthermore, thermopolia (inns where hot meals and drinks were sold) with Fourth Style wall paintings depicting disaster scenes as well as numerous votive offerings indicate it likely occurred around October or November.
As Pompeii and Herculaneum can become extremely hot and crowded, it is wise to bring along a water bottle as temperatures can become extremely high. Also make sure not to be fooled into purchasing tickets or guidebooks from people trying to sell them as this is illegal; the official entrance can easily be found by taking the Circumvesuviana train stop route.
Ravenna
Ravenna is inextricably tied to Italy’s history. Once known as Rome West, Ravenna became one of eight places across Europe where you can view mosaics dating from that era as well as being a center for early Christian art.
Conflict and turmoil were also present here; Dante Alighieri met his beloved Virgilia here during his youth and was later laid to rest here; there is even a neoclassical monument dedicated to him here, although this does not serve as his tomb.
The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia may seem modest at first glance, yet its oldest mosaics in the city can be found within. Light filtering through alabaster panels adds luminescence that illuminates early Christian symbols like Mark’s Lion, Luke’s Ox and John’s Eagle – these must-see mausolea are also home to marble sarcophagi that belonged to bishops who once governed Galla Placidia at its prime.
Villa Adriana
One of Rome’s most interesting archaeological sites is an impressive complex in Tivoli that was chosen by Hadrian as his summer residence. Although disused after his death, this villa played an invaluable role in reinvigorating elements of classical architecture for Renaissance and Baroque architects.
Hadrian was an ardent traveller, and this can be seen in his fascination with foreign cultures through their buildings that make up the complex. Instead of adhering to traditional Greek canons, Hadrian embraced curved forms and colourful marbles as design features in these structures.
Visit Villa Adriana is an inspiring experience. As you stroll the complex, it’s easy to imagine Emperor Hadrian walking past and admiring his creation; from its curvilinear cenatio and pecile elements reminiscent of ancient architecture to dramatic theatre constructions with irregular symmetries like its theatre or nymphaeum and spa facilities reminiscent of what might have happened during one of his travels abroad – Villa Adriana leaves no stone unturned when it comes to beauty!
