THE CATHEDRAL OF ROME
Our accommodation is near St John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome. The Archbasilica SS.mo of the Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, commonly called St. John Lateran, located in the vicinity of Mount Celio. It was built in the fourth century AD Celio hill and destroyed in 1308 by two fires in 1360 and is located in the square. Until 1870, the popes were crowned here, and the nearby latareano palace was the official residence until 1309, the year of the transfer to Avignon. Of this building remain intact the Scala Santa, which tradition says was composed of 28 steps paths Cristgo to go to Pilate (the climb to his knees as a sign of penance) and the Sancta Sanctorum, one of the holiest sites of Christianity, because there is an image of Christ acheropita, ie not made by human hands. A few years before the Jubilee of 1650, Pope Innocent X Pamphili Francesco Borromini relies on the task of restoring the Lateran basilica, which was in a precarious state of conservation. The general appearance of the church dates back to the fourteenth century makeover, with important work carried out between the half of the 500 and 1605: the gilded wooden ceiling frescoes in the nave and the transept. Borromini creates a space solemn and harmonious, the most balanced of his restless and confrontational architecture. In the eighteenth century, continuing the work that gives priority to the completion of the external image, was finally completed the facade of the Basilica with the new report by Alessandro Galilei (who also designed the Corsini Chapel in the Basilica), completed a few years before the Jubilee of 1750. interior of the Basilica are placed in niches Borromini statues of the 12 apostles.
A FANTASTIC WALK
The Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre or simply the Quirinale, is the most famous Roman amphitheater, and is located in the city center of Rome. Able to hold up to 50,000 spectators, is the largest and most important Roman amphitheater, as well as the most imposing monument of ancient Rome that has come down to us. The amphitheater was built on a site just east of the Roman Forum. Its construction was begun by Vespasian in 72 AD and it was inaugurated by Titus in 80 AD, with further modifications being made during Domitian’s reign. No longer in use after the sixth century, the huge structure was reused in various ways over the centuries, as well as quarry material. The name "Colosseum", which is derived from the nearby statue of the Colossus of the Sun God (adaptation of the Colossus of Nero), became widespread only in the Middle Ages. Soon, the building became a symbol of the imperial city, expression of an ideology in which the celebration will come to define models for the entertainment of the people. Today it is a symbol of the city and one of its major tourist attractions. It was used for gladiatorial shows and other public events (hunting shows, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology). Clearly expresses the architectural concepts and construction of the early Roman Empire, based respectively on the line and curve hugging offered by the elliptical and the complexity of building systems. Arches and vaults are linked together in a close structural relationship. The Colosseum, as the entire historical center of Rome, has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.
A MAGNIFICENT WORK
A unique archaeological site in the world scenario of history and culture that few exciting places such as The Baths of Caracalla can give. The rectangular shape is typical of the "great imperial baths." The baths were not just a building for the bathroom, sports, and body care, but also a place for walking and study. The Baths of Caracalla are now used for opera and musical performances. The atmosphere attending Carmina Burana in this place, even for those who are not insiders or enthusiasts of the genre, is truly unique. An evening at the Baths of Caracalla at least once in their life should be spent because it brings with it a feeling and an emotion that few places can give. The 2013 season is full of very important events and unique: until July 19 staged the "Evening Roland Petit: l’Arlesienne, Carmen" where it is expected the participation of Eleanor Abbagnato etoile de L’opera in Rome. In this show dedicated to Roland Petit are represented his most famous work and Carmen Arsienne. On 21 and 22 July will be the turn of Roberto Bolle and Friends to celebrate the greatest ballet dancer of all times, there will be Roberto Bolle and some of the brightest stars of the American Ballet in NY, together for the first time in Italy . On July 25, the big event with a concert by Ennio Moricone accompanied by the Orchestra of the Opera of Roma From August 1 to 6 there will be Tosca by Giacomo Puccini, while 2 to 7 August Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana.
NIGHTLIFE
In just a few steps from Termini Station and you find yourself in Pigneto, retro charm triangle of roads between the main Via and Via Casilina. Shreds of a Roman imperial history coexist with constantly changing. Caught between two important consular roads, the district can not aim high. The culture or rather the different cultures intersect here, champing at the bit, make the news, and experience balances. Brash, cocky and impressively to the hand, is a portrait of Pigneto, a maze of streets that continually attracts creative, lovers of good food, and photographers looking for inspiration. In the premises, low light and good wine; the streets, colorful murals that express the artistic soul of the neighborhood. Long beards, cigarettes, talk on the Two Chief World Systems: Pigneto is lively and scruffy as the wildlife that populates it.
ENJOY YOUR PICNIC
In the heart of ancient Rome, between the Colosseum and the Baths of Caracalla, there is an oasis of greenery and history on top of the Caelian Hill: Villa Celimontana. In the 500 was a vineyard, then became the lavish grounds of a noble villa, now houses the archaeological excavations, the remains of a Gothic temple and also the headquarters of the Italian Geographical Society. The villa is not only idyllic retreat for a getaway from the busy city but also the mecca for all that jazz’s lovers is in Rome in the summer months. Villa Celimontana, in fact, is home from July to September, the most important jazz festivals in the city.
A RELAXING BIKE TOUR
The Appia Antica is the Queen of Roads, a street that has made the history of Rome. An area that runs through the Roman countryside from the city center on the slopes of the Alban Hills. An archaeological which passes through large villas and tombs, the Circus of Maxentius and the impressive Aqueduct a number of areas of great natural value as the Valley of the Caffarella and Tormarancia a catacomb complex that embraces the Jewish and Christian traditions. The Appian Way can be seen at the base of the extraordinary ’monument’ that was the road system of the Roman world. It was in fact the first of the so-called viae publicae, the major artery made by Rome to meet a specific need of technical and based on a clear strategic plan: put directly in connection with the Urbe the most important of its allied cities of Campania , Capua, when the Roman army tronava offensive during the Second Samnite War.
