Text: turismoroma.it
Photography: Ivan Andrejic
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The magic of Rome It is said that a city can also be described through its panorama, colours, perfumes, objects, or even an idea. It is precisely those nuances, intangible and temporary, that sometimes turn into unforgettable memories. Over the centuries, the magic of Rome has been masterly told by poets and writers and wonderfully depicted in the works of great artists. Eternal and mysterious, the Capital envelops those who arrive in a pleasant “sickness of Rome” that does not abandon. It is no coincidence that millions of tourists hurry to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain with the hope of returning to visit it: because in Rome, remembering Goethe’s words, everything is as we imagined it, and everything is new. Legend has it that the birth of Rome is due to Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of Rhea Silvia and the god Mars, abandoned and nursed by a She-wolf and finally adopted by the shepherd Faustolo and Acca Larentia, his wife. Once they grew up, the twins decided to found a city: to determine who should govern, they entrusted themselves to the will of the gods through the flight of augural birds. From the Aventine Hill, Remus saw six vultures, while Romulus, from the Palatine, sighted twelve, becoming the first King of Rome in 753 BC. From the Palatine Hill, the city would extend over the seven hills we all know: Palatine, Aventine, Campidoglio, Quirinale, Viminale, Esquilino and Celio.
Colosseum Anfiteatro Flavio is the most famous, large and important amphitheatre in the world, better known as the Colosseum, because of a colossal statue that stood nearby. It was built in the first century AD at the behest of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty and hosted, until the end of the ancient age, shows of great popular appeal, such as hunts and gladiator games. The spectators were offered surprising scenographies using ingenious machines, as well as various services. The Arch of Constantine, located along the route taken by the triumphs, in the stretch between the Circus Maximus and the Arch of Titus, is the largest honorary arch that has come down to us and represents a synthesis of the ideological propaganda of the Constantinian era. The arch in fact celebrates the triumph of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius, which took place on 28th October 312 A.D. following the battle of the Milvian bridge. The inscription on the central archway narrates that the monument was solemnly dedicated by the Senate to the emperor in memory of that triumph and on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the empire at the beginning of the tenth year of its reign, on 25 July 315 AD.
Roman Forum Formerly a swampy area, only from the end of the seventh century BC with the reclamation of the valley, the Roman Forum slowly began to become the centre of public life for over a millennium. Over the centuries, the various monuments were built: at first, the buildings for political, religious and commercial activities, then the civil basilicas where judicial activities took place, during the second century BC. At the end of the Republican age, the ancient Roman Forum had become insufficient to perform the function of the administrative and representative centre of the city. The various dynasties of emperors added only prestigious monuments: the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina, dedicated to the memory of the deified emperors, and the monumental Arch of Septimius Severus, built in 203 AD. at the western end of the square, to celebrate the emperor’s victories over the Parti. The last major intervention was carried out by the emperor Maxentius in the early 4th century AD with the construction of the temple dedicated to the memory of his son Romulus and the imposing Basilica on the Velia. The last monument built in the Forum was the Column erected in 608 AD in honour of the Byzantine emperor Phocas. In the Aeneid, Virgil tells of the amazing adventure of the Greeks who, having immigrated from Arcadia under the guidance of the Minor Deity Evander and his son Pallas, are lead to settle on one of the seven hills of Rome, the Palatine.
Trevi Fountain The terminal part of the Vergine aqueduct, the only one of the ancient aqueducts continuously in use to this day, the Trevi Fountain it is the best known of the Roman fountains. Its name derives from a toponym in use in the area since the mid-20th century, Regio Trivii, referring to the confluence of three streets in the square, or from the triple outlet of the water of the original fountain. The construction of the current Trevi fountain is due to Pope Clement XII who, in 1732, launched a competition in which the major artists of the time participated. Among the various projects presented, that of the architect Nicola Salvi was chosen. Leaning against Palazzo Poli, the fountain is divided into a wide basin with a large cliff enlivened by the sculptural representation of numerous plants and the spectacular flow of water. In the center dominates the statue of god Ocean driving the shell-shaped chariot, pulled by the angry horse and the placid horse, both held back by two tritons.
Navona Square Navona Square is one of the most spectacular and characteristic squares of Baroque Rome, built on the remains of the Stadium of Domitian. The shape of the current square reproduces precisely the perimeter of the ancient stadium that the emperor built in 86 AD for athletics competitions and horse racing. The remains of the ancient structure are located 5-6 meters underneath today’s road level and are still visible under a modern building in Piazza di Tor Sanguigna and the basements of the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. The modern name of the square derives from the Latin term Agones, meaning “Games”. Over the centuries, Piazza Navona has been the scene of popular festivals, races and rides. From the 17th until the mid 19th century, on Saturdays and Sundays in August, Piazza Navona, which at the time had a concave bottom, was partially flooded to offer refreshment and entertainment to the Romans. The square is dominated by the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, begun by Carlo and Girolamo Rainaldi and completed by Borromini, who modified it considerably making it one of the most magnificent Baroque architecture in Rome.
The Pantheon “The most beautiful relic of ancient Rome, a temple so well preserved that it appears as the Romans must have seen it in their times,” so described it the French writer Stendhal in the 19th century. A source of inspiration for the greatest architects of all ages, its beauty, the harmony of the lines and the perfect geometries have always struck people both in the past and the present. The story of one of the best preserved examples of Roman monumental architecture begins in 27 BC, when Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a close friend, son-in-law, and lieutenant to Augustus, commissioned a temple in this area dedicated to “all the gods”. The present building is, however, the result of the radical reconstruction by Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD, who expanded it, reversing its orientation and opening a large square with a portico in front of the new temple. Fallen into a state of neglect and subsequently sacked by barbarians, in 609 AD it was donated by the Byzantine emperor Phocas to Pope Boniface IV who consecrated it dedicating it to Santa Maria ad Martyres and thus preserving it from the spoliation that affected many other ancient monuments in medieval times. The Basilica houses the ancient Byzantine Icon of the Virgin and Child that Emperor Phocas donated to Pope St. Boniface IV in 609, on the occasion of the dedication of the ancient pagan temple to Christian worship.
Vatican St. Peter’s Square, owes its characteristic elliptical shape to the imposing colonnade by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which, commissioned by Pope Alexander VII Chigi, consists of 284 columns arranged radially in four rows. The construction took eleven years of work (1656-1667), more than 40 thousand cubic meters of travertine transported from Tivoli by land or pulled by horses along the river banks. With its colonnaded arcades, this famous square symbolizes the Church’s universal embrace towards believers but also towards ‘heretics [...] and agnostics to enlighten them with the true faith.’ In designing the colonnade, Gian Lorenzo Bernini played with optical illusions, obtaining a spectacular and scenic result. If you cross the square, you can see the columns come together and move apart, with a feeling of movement and alternation between full and empty. If you look at the columns from the center of the square and place yourself on the point indicated by one of the two marble disks on the pavement marking the ellipse foci, the colonnade seems composed of a single row. The outer columns disappear behind those of the inner row.
Dominated by the majestic St. Peter Basilica built over about two hundred years, the square is towered by the 16th-century dome designed by Michelangelo and completed by Giacomo Della Porta and Domenico Fontana. The interior of the Basilica houses masterpieces created by the greatest artists in history - including Bernini, Maderno, Borromini, Canova, Cavalier d’Arpino - and places of immense historical and spiritual value, such as the Vatican Grottoes and the pre-Constantine Necropolis, where you can visit the tomb of Peter.
Historic Anantara Palazzo Naiadi In the heart of Rome Immersed in the splendour of ancient Rome, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome sits at the heart of Piazza della Repubblica and has a fascinating architectural history with original elements commissioned by Pope Clement XI for the Vatican in 1705. The building is suspended over the ancient Diocletian Thermal Baths, whose excavated foundations, pools and mosaics can be seen through the lower ground floor. The hotel is also home to one of the largest rooftop terraces in the city, affording stunning views over the skyline. The 238 guest rooms and suites of this luxury five-star property blend old-world glamour and elegant comfort with the ease of modern amenities. Interior design ranges from contemporary to neoclassical creating the perfect relaxing ambience and base from which to explore the charms of Rome. Accommodation options offer varying configurations and styles with panoramic city views and spacious terraces.
The 11 Duplex Suites boast stunning views over the Piazza and the Fountain of the Naiads. The three Executive Suites offer unique features including a treadmill, Jacuzzi, a steam bath or an intimate terrace for relaxation. Perfect for business or leisure, the two Presidential Suites feature double-height French windows, marble bathrooms and a living room with dining area and kitchenette for intimate celebrations and private dining. The hotel is home to five unique dining experiences, with both indoor and al fresco venues honouring Italy’s most authentic culinary traditions with contemporary flair. The Lobby Bar is the beating heart of the hotel, and the intimate Ristorante Tazio serves Roman delights paired with Italy’s finest wines. Guests can raise a glass of fizz at Champagnerie overlooking the Fountain of the Naiads, or drink and dine against the backdrop of the iconic skyline at the Posh Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Bar, a truly romantic spot. La Frusta is the choice location for breakfast overlooking the Piazza della Repubblica. Dining is led by Chef Niko Sinisgalli who explores the flavours of Italy with exquisite tasting menus.
Additions to the hotel’s dining will include a new bar with its exquisite original Art Nouveau décor taking elegance to the next level, an innovative rooftop space with unrivalled panoramic views and a healthy corner to meet the new luxuries that modern affluent guests want to enjoy. Eclectic cuisine and exciting mixology will ensure the hotel becomes one of Rome’s uncontested hotspots. The hotel’s spa has four treatment rooms and offers a menu of massages and facial treatments. In 2022 a new Anantara Spa will launch on the hotel’s top floor, with facilities to include a steam bath, a Hammam, hydrotherapy, a sauna and relaxation area. Additional leisure services will include a fitness centre with personal training sessions available, yoga classes and the opportunity to exercise in the wonderful gardens of Villa Borghese. Rome is so much more than ancient history, and the Eternal City is full of life. Here, in a destination built on centuries of discovery, a range of Anantara curated experiences will encompass the Vatican’s gravitas to the ultra-hip, bohemian neighbourhoods of Monti, Trastevere, and Campo dei Fiori. Guests will delight in the hidden scenes of the city of cinema or the lush gardens of the private palaces and villas that make up Rome’s many faces. Guests will also learn to make mouth-watering Roman pasta or gelati at cooking classes overlooking the piazza, with fresh ingredients discovered at the market with the Chef. In colder months, zip through cobbled alleys like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, seated in a double sidecar, or in a vintage Fiat 500 for a romantic tour of Rome’s highlights – the perfect mini moon. Live a love story, taste the delicious pastas or pizzas, and experience spiritual moments in the many magical little chiesas. “Eat, Pray, Love Rome” gathers all of these experiences in the same day.