HAPPY 2,764th BIRTHDAY ROMA!

They call it “the Eternal City” and it almost is. Founded on April 21st 753 B.C., Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world and we would like you to join us in celebrating its birthday today! We call it “Natale di Roma” which means “Birth of Rome.” Both citizens and tourists are invited to the fest.
What to do? Last Sunday we already had a professional swimming tournament, ancient Roman dance exibition and a Roman poetry contest. Plus today the 21st, all the public museums will be free. The MACRO, Villa Torlonia Museum, Fori Imperiali, Ara Pacis and the Napoleonic Museum are just a few examples to mention.

What’s a birthday party without some music? Of course we are going to have it! The army bands will play in the Campidoglio and other 6 historical plazas, and the night at the Augusto Foro will be lit by the opera, orchestra and video performances.

 

Arts, music, culture and fun looks like the proper way to wish Rome a happy birthday. Just come to the party, your presence will be your present!

Nero the Hero

If Nero is recognized as one of the most famous Roman emperors, it is thanks to his weird behaviors. You know, things like beheading Saint Paul, crucifying Saint Peter and burn the whole city down. Although most of these acts are still to be confirmed, there is no doubt that Nero lived an extravagant lifestyle. Which by the way, ended with suicide at the age of 30.

Back in 64 A.D., this little rascal tried to burn Rome to a crisp. Good thing Rome is as friendly as its citizens and didn’t hold a grudge against Nero. On contrary, it is celebrating the emperor with an exposition lasting until September 18th. Visitors will witness the places where Nero lived and worked: from the Roman Forum to the Curia Lulia, passing by the Palatine hill all the way to the Colosseum. 

The Walks Inside Rome Team will cover parts of these exhibits during the following tours: Ancient & Christian Rome, Small Group Ancient Rome, Rome Highlights, and Classic Ancient Rome Walking Tour.

You will get the chance to see in person what’s left of his residences and watch a 3D reconstruction of how they looked like 2000 years ago. Yes, they were partly destroyed by the fire he set!

There is even a movie session at the Romulus Temple. You will be impressed to find how many movies Nero starred on, starting from 1900 to now!

Here's an example of one of those films...