Rome is also known as the “Eternal City” and not just for its 3 millennia of History: a certain atmosphere, beauty and uniqueness to this former Capital of the Roman empire has in fact resisted over times. A less distracted and self-centred (or selfie-centred) visitor will have the chance to immerse in this eternity and experience how it feels to be part of it: inspiration from the past centuries, from the long standing ruins of the Roman Forum, the music in the Baroque Churches, the Joy of the Roman Fountains and the busy Squares can only be experienced first-hand and not described. We can accompany you into this journey discovering the eternal and more intimate aspects or Rome, Roma as we call it, in a Unique way that will make you call Rome home too.
Below you will find a Selection of Ready to Book Tours, we will of course follow up with you to personalise your tour and make you enjoy your Unique Guided Tour of Rome with us! Anyway, feel free to contact us to receive a personalised tailored on demand quote and itinerary!
The Eternal City is a place of magnificent ruins, inspiring squares and world-renowned art. Rome attracts millions of visitors every year with the amazing attractions and impressively preserved monuments.
Rome, according to ancient legend, was founded by Romulus on 21st April 753BC. Romulus and Remus were twins and the sons of the god Mars. The small boys were thrown into the river Tiber by their uncle, wanting to drown them. They were rescued and fed by a wolf. The twins were later cared for by Faustulus and Acca Larentia, a shepherd and his wife. When they were adults, the brothers wanted to establish their own city, but were unable to reach a decision and they argued and it resulted in Remus being killed by his brother. Romulus was left to be the sole founder of the new city and gave his name to it, Rome.
Rome became known as the “Eternal City” because there had been a civilisation living there for thousands of years. Rome, during the ancient Roman Empire, was very powerful and there were many enemies. Yet, through all the years the Romans managed to defeat attacks and extend their empire across Europe and into Africa.
During 100BC and 400AD, Rome was the largest city in the world and by 500AD the empire had an estimated population of between 50 to 90 million people, roughly about 20% of the world’s population!
Strolling through the streets of Rome will take you back through the centuries, with Baroque Square and Churches, Renaissance art and Roman ruins. There is plenty to see in the busy streets by the tourist areas, but there is even more ‘off-the-beaten-track’. There is much to discover in Rome.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome was left to decay. The grandeur of the Roman Empire was over, it was the time of the medieval period. It was a time of change for the city, with the creation of the Papal State. The pope, Pope Gregory I had a lot of support from the people of Rome and soon he became a powerful influencer. The papal elections became the main event in Rome and secular buildings were turned into Churches. The Papal State divided into 4 groups, Clergy, Nobility, Soldiers and the lower class.
During the seventeenth century, Rome was the city of Catholic majesty and started to triumph in the arts. Baroque architects were one of the main areas where Rome thrived and made names for many artists, like Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Francesco Borromini and Pietro da Cortona. Bernini had several projects in St Peter’s Basilica, as well as the design for the Ponte Sant’ Angelo, the bridge across in front of the St Angel’s Castle.
Throughout the 17th Century, buildings and churches were modified to be in keeping with the Baroque taste of the time. Borromini designed many churches, using gilding and coloured marble.
Due to its new love of the arts, Rome started to attracted artists from all over Europe. With the energetic, new style came the beautiful artwork of the Baroque period.
Rome’s history spans over 2500 years, making the city a ‘living museum’. There is something interesting to see on every street corner. No other city has been able to combine huge amounts of significant history with contemporary, modern living. Rome is a splendid mix of culture, history and the modern life and it will captivate and charm every visitor.
The Vatican museums are a ‘not to be missed’ attraction on any itinerary, with the spectacular artworks and architecture designed by the best, with names like Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini to name a few. Don’t miss the chance to visit the St Peter’s Basilica, taking over 150 years to complete it is the biggest in the world.
Vatican city is the smallest state in the world, both in population and size and it is the home of the Pope. A little interesting fact, the Vatican has its own post office and its own stamps and is often used by locals, they feel it is faster than the Italian postal service. Stamps are also one of the largest exports and contributes to internal revenue.
It is believed and historical documents show that St Peter was crucified on Vatican hill and was buried at the bottom of the hill, where the main alter in the Basilica now stands. Built on the first foundations, the new basilica took 120 years to complete and the masonry, mosaics and paintings took another 200 years. The done is 400 feet tall and was designed by Michelangelo.
The Sistine Chapel was designed by the architect Giovanni dei Dolci and the decorations by Pier Matteo d’Amelia, Michelangelo and Raphael took 60 years to complete. Most famously, Michelangelo painted the ceiling in 1508 to 1512. Michelangelo also designed the famous uniforms of the Swiss guard, still used today.
The Colosseum is one of the most iconic symbols of Rome, and an impressive ancient structure that is well maintained, even with the large amounts of visitors it receives every day.
Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD, it was completed by his son Titus. The iconic structure has 80 arched entrances to let in the 55,000 spectators to watch the entertainment, they would sit in their social rank. It is was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman World and quite an impressive design. Other large amphitheatres were usually build into the side of a hill for structure, the colosseum was a free standing structure. There used to be awnings, unfurled by 400 sailors to protect spectators from the sun.
There are many attractions in Rome, all with their own history and stories. The numerous Churches, with beautiful art and designs by the famous artists. Visit the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and the beautiful piazzas.
Discover the old streets of Trastevere, a busy area of Rome where the locals can be found at the bars and restaurants. It is one of the most picturesque areas of Rome and worth the visit, with plenty to see and do.
Tours of Rome are a great way to delve into Rome and learn the stories, histories and food! Stroll through the areas with the most important monuments and impressive ruins. Explore the Piazzas and narrow streets and discover the hills with amazing views of this inspiring city.
The Grand Tour Europe Ltd
Unique Guided Tours
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Head Office 2 White Friars, Chester, CH11NZ, UK
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