The Basilica of Saint Mary Major (La Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Italian) is one of four Papal basilicas in Rome. The status of a Papal basilica means that these churches have a papal altar, special privileges and the Pope himself sometimes serves mass there. This Basilica is the largest Catholic Marian Church in Rome, what means that it the largest of all those dedicated to Saint Mary. 
The Basilica is situated very close to the central railway station Termini on the Esquiline Hill and is famous for its Sistine Chapel, not to be confused with the Vatican Basilica. 
The legend tells how Pope Sixtus III erected the church on the Esquilline Hill according to a dream he had. In that dream, the Madonna told him to build a church in the place where snow fell the next day. On the 5th of August, snow miraculously fell exactly where the Basilica stands today. That is why it has another name, Our Lady of the Snows, and every year on 5th August there is held a celebration with white petals falling down from the cupola. 
The Basilica was built in the Vth century over the preexisting church of the Nicene Creed. Pope Sixtus III built the new Basilica with three naves divided by 21 columns, and today we see it in its almost original structure with some small changes after the earthquake of 1348. The façade was realized in the XIIth century, with several later reconstructions. The XIVth century bell tower is the highest in Rome now, at 75m tall. 
The interior of the Basilica amazes visitors with its beauty. The first thing to notice is its rich mosaics of Late Antique Vth century Art. The mosaics on the triumphal arch and nave represent scenes of Christ and the Virgin Mary, as well as Old Testament events. 
Under the Basilica’s altar is the Crypt of the Nativity containing wood from the Holy Crib. There is also a tomb of Saint Jerome who was the first to translate the Bible into Latin. 
On the right transept of the church the Sistine Chapel is situated, named after Pope Sixtus V, while the most famous Vatican Sistine Chapel was named after Sixtus IV. The Chapel was decorated in the XVIth century with marble and bronze gilded statues, with frescoes and paintings. 
The Sforza Chapel of the church was realized according to the drawing of Michelangelo Buonarotti. 
In the XXth century, to solve the humidity problems, excavations began under the church’s pavement. During this work, the quarters of the IInd and IIIrd centuries were found, and today it is possible to visit these via the Basilica’s museum.

Image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Maria_Maggiore_Front.JPG">"Santa Maria Maggiore Front" </a>by&nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Martin_Falbisoner" title="User:Martin Falbisoner">Martin Falbisoner</a>&nbsp;is licensed under&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>&nbsp;/ crop and filters applied to the original

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

If you walk through the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II gardens, you will come across a mysterious monument located near the corner of the square adjacent to the church of Saint Eusebius. This monument is a heavily carved marble frame to the sides of which stand two statues. This monument is the main Italian epigraphic testimonial to one of the most ancient sciences: Alchemy. The door in question is the so-called Porta Magica (Magic Door), the entry to the home of the alchemist Massimiliano Palombaro. 
 
The Porta Magica, also known as the Porta Alchemica, Porta Ermetica or Porta dei Cieli (Alchemy Door, Hermetic Door or Door to the Skies) is a monument built between 1655 and 1680 by Massimiliano Palombaro in his home, the Villa Palombara, in a position corresponding to the current Piazza Vittorio, where it is located today. 
The Porta Alchemica is the only surviving door of the villa’s original five. 
 
The Porta Magica. According to legend, a pilgrim was given hospitality in the villa for the night. The pilgrim, who can be identified as an alchemist, set himself up in the villa’s gardens for the night to search for a mysterious gold-producing herb. The following morning, he was seen disappearing through the door, but he had left behind some flakes of gold resulting from a successful transmutation, and a mysterious paper covered in enigmas and magical symbols that held the secret of the Philosophers’ Stone. 
The marquis had the manuscript’s content, with all its symbols and enigmas, carved on the five doors of the Villa Palombara, in the hope that, one day, someone would be able to decipher them. The symbols carved on the door can be found in the illustrations of the books on alchemy and esoteric philosophy that circulated during the second half of the 17th century. 
The symbols of some planets, some Latin inscriptions and some mysterious symbols can be made out. 
On the door’s front can be seen a Latin carving that translates into: “There are three marvels: God and man, mother and virgin, triune and one.” 
On the architrave are carved an invocation in Hebrew (Divine Spirit) and one in Latin (“The dragon Hesperios guards the entrance of the magic garden”). 
 
Along the jambs, we find more Latin inscriptions, with symbols of planets or, according to the alchemists’ symbolism, of metals. 
 
Thus, the door presents a bounty of mysterious symbols and inscriptions. The interesting thing is that, since being carved into the door in 1680, no one has been able to decipher them. 
The feeling of magic of this corner has remained a true gem that is, to this day, a city secret for the whole world.

Image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Piazza_vittorio_emanuele_II,_porta_magica.JPG">"Piazza vittorio emanuele II, porta magica"</a> by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sailko">Sailko</a> is licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>

Porta Magica

Here we are standing in front of the magnificent Coliseum. We could not have missed a visit to this magical and awe inspiring place. 
If you wish to go inside to visit the interior of this spectacular amphitheatre, ask for a combined ticket for the Coliseum and the Roman Forum, to get a discount and have the chance to visit both. 
 
Located at the heart of Rome’s historic centre and part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list since 1980, it has been declared to be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a survey made by the Swiss filmmaker Bernard Weber, in which 100 million people from all continents took part. 
 
It was built in the 1st century A.D. and its name derives from a colossal bronze statue of Nero that stood nearby. 
It is 170 feet tall, the equivalent of a 17 storey building, and not many people know that it is also known as the Anfiteatro Flavio (the Flavian Amphitheatre). It is the largest amphitheatre in the world, capable of holding between 50,000 and 75,000 spectators, and is the most imposing ancient Roman monument, known globally as a symbol of the city and of Italy, capable of providing surprising scenographic backdrops. 
The Coliseum used to be the venue for amphitheatre games, which included fights between animals, executions of condemned criminals by fierce beasts, and gladiatorial fights. In the morning there would be fights between animals or between gladiators and animals, at lunchtime the executions were carried out and only in the afternoon the gladiatorial combats were held. 
With the decline of the Empire, the Coliseum fell into disuse and its walls then housed fraternities, hospitals, hermits and even a cemetery. 
It was declared a sacred monument and dedicated to the passion of Jesus Christ by Pope Benedict the 14th, who placed a cross on a pedestal inside it as a symbol of the suffering of all the martyrs of the Christian faith. To this day, the cross is the departure point for Good Friday’s Via Crucis. 
Since then, the Coliseum became an object of veneration for the Christian faithful too, and was preserved from further depredation and destruction; quite the opposite, subsequent popes restored it and consolidated it. 
The marble from the façade and from some parts of the interior was used in the construction of the Basilica of Saint Peter and even for some secular buildings, such as the Palazzo Barberini. 
As it fell into neglect, the amphitheatre served for a long time as a source of building materials. It has been estimated that, over time, only one third of the original edifice has remained. 
Over the centuries, the amphitheatre has changed in appearance and in function. Today, it houses temporary exhibitions linked to antiquity themes. 
Indeed, admiring the Coliseum means gaining an in-depth understanding of the mores, customs and traditions of a people and, for art lovers, it is an absolutely compulsory destination. 
It is a wonderful and truly romantic edifice. It is difficult to describe the emotional impact that this colossal amphitheatre has on those who see it at night, lit up by the floodlights. It is simply a memorable sight. 
You just need to sit on the grassy verges that surround it and admire it. It is truly a breath-taking spectacle, a beautiful and unforgettable memory that will surely remain etched into your mind for a very, very long time. A rare diamond to carry with you in your memories and in your heart.

Photo <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Il_Colosseo.jpg" target="_blank">Il Colosseo</a>&nbsp;by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Roma1314&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1" target="_blank">Roma1314</a>&nbsp;is licensed under&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en" target="_blank">3.0</a>

Colosseum

Our tour of Rome could not leave out the Roman Forum. It was the heart of ancient Rome and is one of most important archaeological sites in the world. 
In Roman civilisation, the forum represented the centre of the known world; it was the meeting point for citizens from all the territories of the Republic, and, later, the Empire. This is where you went to watch or take part in the political debate. Here is where most political, administrative and economic activities took place. 
 
The Forum bore witness to pivotal historical events and was adorned with monuments of exceptional beauty that can still be admired today. 
Following the barbarian invasions and the fall of the Roman Empire, the Forum went through a slow process of decline and, in 1084, most monuments were destroyed in a raging fire. 
 
With the advent of Christianity, some of the monuments were transformed into churches, others were left unused and, over time, the whole area fell into a state of disrepair neglect, even being used as grazing land under the name of “Campo Vaccino” 
 
However, at the beginning of the 17th century, the first excavations took place and, to this day, the digging has never stopped. Even today, when it would appear that all that is left of the Roman Forum has been excavated, the archaeologists keep on investigating, providing us with an ever more detailed picture of what once was the heart of ancient Rome. 
 
The Forum is traversed by the Via Sacra, along which the Roman Generals held their Triumphs. The main buildings are the Curia Julia, which was the site of the Roman Senate, the Basilica Aemilia, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Temple of Saturn, the Basilica Julia and the Temple of Vesta. 
 
The Forum ends at the foot of the Capitol, with the massive Basilica of Maxentius. 
 
Since the 30th of December 2010, half an hour after sunset all year round, switches are flicked and 40 floodlights are turned on, picking out nine of the main monuments of the area until 2am. To see these monuments lit up by the beams of the floodlights is also an extraordinary sensation. The night view of the Forum is an unforgettable experience. 
 
With every step you take among these monuments, you breathe in the history of Rome, an eternal city that continues to thrill and provide unique views to tourists from all over the world.

The Roman Forum

You will probably have seen this wonderful sculpture on TV, in newspapers or in books. It’s the globally famous and intriguing Mouth of Truth. It is the marble head of a river god that, since 1632, has been set in one of the walls of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin. 
The name “Mouth of Truth” was first given to the sculpture in 1485; it has since remained one of the most significant symbols of Rome. 
The sculpture has a diameter of about 5 feet 9 inches and its weight has been calculated to be of roughly 2,850 pounds. It represents a bearded male face in which the eyes, nose and mouth are bored through and hollowed out. Its original function is still unclear today: was it a fountain, a drain or even a sewer cover? 
The large mask was famed in antiquity and legend. In the middle ages, it was believed that the mouth had powers of clairvoyance. 
An 11th century text tells the story of King Julian being tempted by the devil, who was hiding behind the mask. The devil had thought up this deception to bring about the restoration of paganism. 
Other legends tell that the Mouth of Truth was built by Virgil, to be used by any husband or wife who doubted their spouse’s fidelity. 
Legend has it that, should a person make a statement after placing a hand inside the Mouth, he or she would only be able to retrieve it unscathed if they had spoken the truth. 
However, had the statement been a falsehood, the hand would be chopped off. 
A story that originated in popular folklore tells of an unfaithful wife who, having been brought to the Mouth of Truth to be tested by her rightly suspicious husband, succeeded in saving her hand by means of a trick. She had instructed her lover to turn up at the location on the day of the test and, pretending to be insane, to hug her in full view of all the onlookers. The lover duly obliged and so the woman, having inserted her hand into the Mouth, could swear that the only men to have ever embraced her in her whole life had been her husband and the madman that everyone had seen doing so a few moments earlier. Having spoken the truth, the woman, although guilty, was able to retrieve her hand from the terrible Mouth unharmed. 
 
In popular lore, the Mouth of Truth had also become a means to check the truthfulness of any words spoken and to play tricks on friends; indeed, in many games and fun fairs, toy copies of the Mouth have been placed to entertain and awe children and to have fun with the legend. 
 
The film Roman Holiday, starring the unforgettable Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, brought the Mouth of Truth to global fame. That was 1953 and, since then, it has been known to tourists from all over the world for the legend that is associated to it.

Photo <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rom,_Bocca_della_Verit%C3%A0.JPG" target="_blank">Rom, Bocca della Verità</a>&nbsp;by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dnalor_01" target="_blank">Dnalor 01</a>&nbsp;is licensed under&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en" target="_blank">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>

Mouth of Truth

The Isola Tiberina (the Tiber Island) is one of the most evocative locations in Rome. 
It is a very small island, some say the smallest inhabited island in the world, emerging from the waters of the river Tiber. 
 
It is little more than 330 yards long and no more than 100 yards wide; it is linked to the banks of the Tiber by two bridges: the Ponte Cestio and the Ponte Fabricio. 
The Island is connected to the cult of Aesculapius, the god of medicine. This explains the ever present link between this island and medical care. 
 
Legend has it that, during a plague, a ship was sent from Epidaurus, in Greece, where the Temple of Aesculapius was located. One of the serpents sacred to the god was being carried to Rome and, when the ship reached this point of the river, the snake leapt onto the island, which, since then, has been dedicated to the god and to medical practice. 
In 289 B.C., a temple was dedicated to Aesculapius here, which was destroyed during the middle ages. It stood at the south end of the island, on the spot that is today occupied by the church of Saint Bartholomew. 
 
The medical tradition that started then has not abated with time. During the middle ages, the island became a hospice run by monks, who still do so to this day. The island is, in fact, home to the “Fatebenefratelli” hospital, instituted in 1584 and still in operation today. 
 
Today, the Tiber Island is one of the most romantic locations of the city, providing splendid views of the river. In summer, it comes to life and is lit up by the “Estate Romana” (Roman Summer) festivals. 
 
In its small restaurant areas, you can dine or enjoy an aperitif, while admiring the ancient architecture of the island or of the bridge. It is a highly evocative place, always very lively and providing a wealth of very interesting places, like the Basilica of Saint Bartholomew. The island also hosts various festivals the whole year round, such as the “Isola del Cinema” and the “L’isola che c’è”.

The Tiber Island

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, situated in Trastevere quarter. This quarter is a very famous old district on the west bank of the Tiber. Literally, its name means “beyond the Tiber,” which is the case if you arrive here from the city centre. The narrow streets of Trastevere in the evenings attract many Romans to promenade, attend street concerts, visit small shops and, of course, dine on traditional Roman cuisine in one of the numerous restaurants. The famous Italian film director, Sergio Leone, grew up in Viale Glorioso in Trastevere, and a marble plaque on the wall of his house commemorates this fact. 
The main square is the one where the Basilica of Santa Maria stands, this being the real ‘heart’ of Trastevere. The church was founded in the IIIrd century by Pope Callixtus I and renovated in the XIIth century during the rule of Pope Innocent I. 
The upper side of the façade contains XIIIth century mosaics depicting the Virgin Mary on a throne with her Child. The portico under the mosaics was realized in the XVIIIth century by Carlo Fontana. 
In the upper part of the niche of the bell tower is also a mosaic portrait of the Madonna and Child. 
Inside the church, you can see three naves with columns of different styles. The capitals for the naves were taken from the Baths of Caracalla as well as 22 granite columns. The wooden ceiling was painted by Domenichino in the XVIIth century. Another valuable artwork is a VIth century icon called “Madonna Theotokos”. 
The most ancient mosaic in the church, from the XIIth century, is placed in the apse and represents the Virgin Mary with Christ on the throne. 
Inside the Basilica are also kept a holy relic of Saint Apollonia and a part of the Holy Sponge.

Image: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Maria_in_Trastevere_1_BW.JPG">"Santa Maria in Trastevere 1 BW"</a> by&nbsp;Berthold Werner is licensed under&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Villa Farnesina is a historic villa in the Trastevere quarter of Rome with famous frescoes by Raphael. This villa is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece of architecture and painting combined. It was planned by the architect, Baldassare Peruzzi, being a prototype of a Roman suburban villa. Built in the early XVIth century for a rich Sienese banker, Agostino Chigi, who was also a patron of the arts and the Papal treasurer, it was immediately copied and imitated by others. 
In 1580, the villa was bought by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and received its modern name. Extended restoration works took place in different years, but the largest happened in 1884. At that time, in Rome, allies and boulevards were built all along the Tiber, which caused the partial destruction of the villa’s garden and the loggia facing the river, probably projected by Raphael. 
To decorate the villa, Agostino Chigi called in the most notable artists of that time: Peruzzi, Sebastiano del Piombo, Raphael and Il Sodoma. 
Every room in the villa is covered with their frescoes. The Loggia of Psyche contains outstanding works by Raphael – the cycle of Stories of Cupid and Psyche. The artist did not work alone; his pupils helped him a lot, especially Giulio Romano. Some sources say that Psyche on the frescoes looks like Francesca Ordeaschi, a lover of Agostino Chigi. The Loggia hosts more than ten scenes with Venus, Psyche, Cupid and other characters. 
The room of Fregio contains the works of Peruzzi, also based on the myth. 
Another room is called the Room of Galatea and hosts another fresco by Raphael. The work was completed by the artist in 1512. The fresco “The Triumph of Galatea” shows the apotheosis of the nymph who is saddling up the shell drawn by dolphins. Raphael at that time was also working in the Vatican and promised Chigi to return and draw another fresco for him, but he never did. In the same room are also a great works by Sebastiano del Piombo, including “Polyphemus”. 
Sebastiano del Piombo was a friend of Michelangelo who often came to the villa to visit his friend. In the same Room of Galatea is a monochrome drawing in lunette that people say is by Michelangelo. He drew a head as an example for his rival Raphael who was working there, but historians disagree and refer this drawing to Peruzzi. The rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo is also demonstrated by the fact that the criticism of Raphael’s frescoes in Villa Farnesina delighted Michelangelo. And Michelangelo also proposed the building of a private bridge linking the villa with the Palazzo Farnese on the other side of the Tiber where he was working at that time. The project was started but was never completed, and today it is possible to see some initial arches of that bridge at the back of Palazzo Farnese.

Villa Farnesina

Welcome to Piazzale Guiseppe Garibaldi! 
After this strenuous hike you are now standing on top of the Gianicolo Hill. Here, at this square, away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below you can enjoy one of the greatest views of Rome. If you are here at sunset you will surely take photos that provoke an avalanche of envious comments amongst your friends. At that time this is the perfect spot for a romantic tête-a-tête, or to relax after a hectic day full of sightseeing. 
 
If you are here mid-day you will share the space with families, children playing or riding the carousel, and you can relax for a bit, having a snack or an ice cream from some of the kiosks up here. You can also go visit the puppet theatre behind the kiosk to catch the Napolitan Pulcinella show put on here every half hour on weekends. Listen up for the everyday salute, fired at noon, to commemorate the Italian Republic. Now let’s go visit the man that gave name to this square; Guiseppe Gaibaldi. His statue dominates this hilltop, and he deserves a mentioning, since he was the general of the revolutionary troops that helped unifying the Italian Kingdom in the late 19th century. And now, last but not least, the views! That is actually the main reason why we are here.

Image: '<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faceme/6499631751" target="_blank">'Garibaldi' Rome</a>''&nbsp;by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/faceme/" target="_blank">FaceMePLS</a>&nbsp;is licensed under&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/" target="_newtab">CC BY 2.0</a>

Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

Here we are in one of the most beautiful and famous cities in the world: Rome. 
Few are the people unfamiliar with the saying; “when in Rome, do as the Romans!” And even if you are new to the expression, today is the day to walk in the footsteps of the Romans, to learn about ancient life here in this historic and exiting city, and to let your imagination take you back to the times of the Roman Empire. 
 
This tour will take you to various ancient landmarks as well as less-known places, where you will be amazed how little has changed since its glory days 2000 years ago! See where the Romans used to hold the famous gladiator games, where the Senate was once ruling the entire Roman Empire that was at its peak included all the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. 
 
You will hear lots of mysterious legends: from magical alchemy door to serpents and Roman gods. You will take a look at&nbsp;the smallest island in the world, learn more about the rivalry between Raphael and Michelangelo, and visit places that are both,&nbsp;picturesque and loved&nbsp;by locals.&nbsp;

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Rome: Travel Back to the Past

Rome

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Rome

Rome: Travel Back to the Past

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