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Interesting Facts
- Dionysius Exiguus, a sixth century Scythian monk living in Rome, introduced the chronology based on the birth of Jesus – Anno Domini (AD)
- If you stand in the perfect spot in St. Peter's Square, not only do the columns in the surrounding portico line up, but 2000 years of history come together also. In ancient times, the land underneath the portico was part of a popular racetrack. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the area was transformed into a necropolis. Ancient Romans and early Christians are buried here and, even though no actual proof has been found, it is believed that the Apostle Peter is buried here also.
- It is quite possible that the world's greatest collection of Renaissance art is housed at St. Peter's and in the Vatican Galleries and Museum. The museum and the basilica are the only buildings in Vatican City that are open to the public. Be aware that the museums are also crowded but traffic does seem better in the early morning and at lunchtime!
- The home of the Pope! Vatican City, covering about 108 acres and professing a population of just over 500 (including the Holy Father), is one of the youngest and smallest of all European states. However, Vatican City does have a grocery store, drug store, post office and a train station. The Pope, the religious leader of some 900 million Catholics worldwide, is its governing sovereign ruler.
- The Pietà, a marble statue of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ, is located in the first chapel on the right in St. Peters Basilica. The statue, carved by Michelangelo when he was only 25, is the only piece of work that he ever signed. His name is on a band across Mary's breast. In 1972, a deranged visitor struck the Pietà in 15 places, breaking off the tip of the Virgin's nose. The restorations are barely visible, and the statue has been enclosed in protective glass ever since.
- The Sistine Chapel, built toward the end of the fifteenth century, is now used only when the College of Cardinals meets to elect a new Pope. Be sure to bring along binoculars and patience to view the 10,000 square feet of ceiling painted by Michelangelo. In the summer approximately 1600 people visit the chapel every hour! Leave your cameras behind. No pictures are permitted.
- At any time of day or night, one of the most crowded areas in Rome is around the Trevi Fountain. Trevi is short for "tre vie" or three streets, which converge on the small square containing one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions. The custom of tossing a coin into the fountain, as in the movie "Three Coins in a Fountain," assures one's return to Rome.
- The Colosseum is a former stadium that is 150 feet high. During its heyday, the 80 entrances allowed 50,000 spectators to take their seats within 10 minutes. In 249AD, 2000 gladiators fought and killed 32 elephants, 10 tigers, 60 lions, 10 giraffes, 40 horses, and 6 hippos!
- Roman cooking came out of the cucina povera – the cooking of the common people. This type of cooking still exists and is responsible for the abundance of brains, intestines and other organ meats found in Roman dishes. Worried? Don't fret! You can end your meal with a digestivo, an alcoholic concoction that relieves a full stomach!
- Rome's main river, the Tiber, has always had an important role in the history of the city. Rivers were gods to the ancient Romans as they were the major means of transport for most imports. The Tiber with all of its gifts had it costs, too – regular flooding! After two devastating floods in 1853 and 1870, high stone embankments were built for protection.
