The Grandeur of Rome

You have no idea how much I have always wanted to go to Rome, and in Italy in general. As a student who's favorite subject was world history, I have always been fascinated with the Ancient Civilizations, most especially the Ancient Roman Empire. The history, art, culture, architecture, food, and the basically the La Dolce Vita way of life - I could just go on and on about everything that I love about Italy. Being able to go to Rome was definitely a dream come true for me. It felt so surreal to see the grandeur of Rome in real life. 

As Catholics, naturally our first stop had to be The Vatican City. Since we went there without a guide or without doing enough research beforehand, we actually ended up cueing for four hours only to realize we were in line for the Vatican Museum when our priority was really St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica. Despite that unfortunate incident, everything turned out well, and we were even lucky enough to have gotten tickets to enter through the Holy Door which is only opened on a Holy Year (Jubilee) and only happens every twenty five years.

The moment I set sight on St. Peter's Basilica, what caught my attention was how beautifully the sun shines on Rome. The Basilica is enveloped in honey-colored light as if it had a halo around it. When I saw its interior, I honestly couldn't wrap my head around how such a structure could have been built. Every single inch of the Basilica was covered in artwork with such intricacy. I feel like no picture or video could ever do justice to its magnificence. It's something you just really have to see in real life.

After touring the Basilica, we went around St. Peter's Square to buy some souvenirs, and to try some gelato.

I've seen the Trevi Fountain so many times on travel shows and movies, but trust me, there is no show or movie that can ever prepare you for how beautiful it really is in real life. It's a lot bigger than what you would imagine it to be. We went there at night so it was already lit up which makes it look so magical that it's as if your wish when you throw a coin in it would surely be granted. It's one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen.

From the Trevi Fountain, we walked going to the Colosseum and on our way there we passed by the Il Vittoriano which is a monument built in honor of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. We actually didn't know what the structure was (I had to google it) but it's massiveness demands to be noticed.

Right next to it is the Roman Forum where you will find ruins of the ancient city. I was so giddy when I saw this because as I said, I love anything related to Ancient Rome. I'm just so amazed by the fact that these ruins have survived to this day despite being built as early as 7th Century BC. 

We only had a day to tour the city and since we lost a lot of time waiting in line at the Vatican, we didn't have enough time to see the other tourist spots in Rome. However, something I couldn't miss seeing was the Colosseum. I've watched the movie Gladiator too many times that I would be crushed if I didn't see the Colosseum in real life. It's one of the most iconic sites in Rome and much like the gladiatorial games that were held in it before, it truly is a spectacle to see. You just feel like you're transported back in time when you see it, and its presence is truly a testament to the greatness of the Roman Empire. 

Everywhere I looked in Rome, I honestly couldn't help but think "How were they able to build these beautiful grand structures way back when they didn't have the construction technology that we have today?" I'm so glad I have finally ticked Rome off my bucket list, and I really hope I can come back to explore the other cities of Italy as well.

Watch my Rome vlog below to see the grandeur of Rome for yourself!