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Basilica of Saint-Mary-Major |
Al Centro Storico di Roma is a pretty Guest House in Rome set in the heart of the city very close to the Basilica of Saint-Mary-Major, and to St. John in Laterano Basilica, at a short walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and from most of the best historical spots of the Eternal City.
The name “Laterano” is taken from the Laterani Family who was the owner of a wealthy property in this area. In the district there many historical sites such as: the beautiful circular temple of the Minerva Medica; the holy steps of Santa Sanctorum (Holy Holies); the amphitheatre Castrense; the Porta Maggiore and the imponent Church of Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. In Piazza San Giovanni, created in the 16th C, are located both the Basilica and the Lateran Palace. In the centre of the square there is an Egyptian obelisk made of granite.
Across the square, is the building housing the above mentionned “Scala Santa” (The Holy Staircase), destination of many pilgrims. The Church of St. John in Laterano is the first Christian Basilic to be built in Rome by Emperor Constantin. It symbolised the triumph of Christianity over paganism and it is considered the Cathedral of Rome. The dedication to S. Giovanni came later. It was destroyed by fire twice and rebuilt several times. Borromini rebuilt the interior in the 17C. The well balanced 18C façade is the major work of Alessandro Galilei (1691-1736). The other wonderful roman landscape of the area is of course, St. Mary Major: it was a private house where Christians services were held in antiquity. The present building was put up by Paschal I in 822 and it was built to the basilical plan.
Colosseum |
In a 10 minutes walk you can reach the most famous monument of Rome: the Colosseum. In 72 AD, Emperor Vespasian decided to devote part of the area occupied by
the Nero's Domus Aurea to public entertainment, and built the biggest Roman amphitheatre in the world: the Colosseum. This Flavian amphitheatre took its name either because it stood near the statue of Nero, the "Colosseum", or because of its own colossal dimension. Three types of columns support the arcades and the walls are made of brick and volcanic tufa faced with marble blocks. Colosseum is well-known for the spectacles organised in it, consisting in duels between gladiators and wild animals. These spectacles went on for centuries and were banned only in 404. From the Colosseum starts the enchanting Roman Forum: it was the civic and political hearth of Roman Empire, tracing nowadays, with its few columns and ruined walls, 12 centuries of history.
Spanish Steps |
The Forum had many functions: it was in the same time the reference for daily life, politics and religion. In about 550 BC this valley became a real square at the centre of a town. The last Etruscan king, Tarquin the Proud, was thrown out in 509BC and the Consulate was instituted. The Republican era had begun: Rome began to develop into an Empire. In a short run by subway or bus, you can reach other symbols of Rome: the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
The first is a Baroque masterpiece: it has a scenographical effect, guaranteed by the restricted space of the surrounding, which presents itself as a theatre. The central niche depicts Neptune riding a chariot driven by sea horses and the water flows over rocks before collecting in a pool below. According to legend, if you throw a coin into the water by expressing a wish, the wish will become true and you will certainly return to Rome.
The Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna are some of Rome’s most famous sights, due to their popularity as meeting point and to the position at the heart of the city’s shopping area. From the upper terrace there is an excellent view of the city.
Thanks to the excellent public transport all around, you will reach all the major sights of Rome in a few minutes. The Vatican, St. Peter’s and Castel Sant’Angelo seem to be just around the corner.
So, let’s start visiting Rome from “Al Centro Storico di Roma” and have a nice holiday!
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