Whether it was the history lessons that piqued your interest, an iconic scene from La Dolce Vita (1960) at the Trevi Fountain, or Lizzie McGuire's adventures in the capital, we wouldn't be surprised to see Rome in the #1 spot on your travel bucket list. Other than the architectural prowess ancient Romans are trumpeted for, the city's incredible artwork, slow pace of life, and world-class cuisine make visiting Rome a life-changing trip. With so many places and facts about Rome to discover, a lifetime wouldn't be enough to see and learn everything the Eternal City has to offer.
However, since we don't have an eternity, one fact about Rome at a time will have to do for now. So if you are already packing your suitcase or need that final push to get those plane tickets booked, learning some interesting facts about ancient Rome or fun facts about Rome of today can help facilitate the process. As important as memorizing a few Italian words and expressions is, so is learning the local history, culture, and traditions of the city you are visiting. Also, sometimes a lack of knowledge, for example, regarding laws, may cost you money or make your cheeks go red from embarrassment, and we certainly don't want that!
To help with the latter or simply to improve your familiarity with the Eternal City, below, we've compiled a list of interesting facts about ancient Rome and the Rome of today. Were any cool facts about Rome new to you? Make sure to give them an upvote! Also, what's a fun fact about Rome that you know that wasn't mentioned in the list? Let us know in the comments!
#1 Law In Rome Allows Cats To Live Without Disruption In The Place They Were Born
There are rules protecting wild cat colonies since Italians have a strong fondness for cats. Cats are allowed to roam freely anywhere they like, even famous historical sites. Anyone who hurts a cat in Italy may be charged with a crime.
48points
#2 Bruschetta Has Origins In Ancient Rome When Olive Growers Would Sample Their Oil On A Slice Of Bread
It's accepted that bruschetta was created in Italy in the fifteenth century. However, the dish can be traced back to Ancient Rome when olive growers would deliver their olives to a nearby olive press and test a sample of their freshly extracted oil using a slice of bread. Today still, bruschetta is a well-liked antipasto (appetizer) in Rome.
Report
23points
#3 Rome Has Over 2000 Fountains
Rome boasts more fountains than any other city in the world, over 2000 in all, including 50 monumental fountains and hundreds of smaller ones.
Report
19points
#4 Nearly 1.5 Million Euros Worth Of Coins Are Tossed Into Rome’s Trevi Fountain Each Year
You must have heard of the Trevi fountain’s coin tradition: Facing away from the fountain, visitors must throw a coin over their shoulder, hoping it will land in the fountain. According to a legend, dropping one coin into the fountain means you will return to Rome; dropping two coins signifies that you will return and fall in love, and dropping three coins means you will return, fall in love, and get married!
Report
18points
#5 St Peter’s Basilica Inside Vatican City Is The Largest Christian Church Ever Constructed
Although St. Peter’s Basilica is a revered gathering place and a top tourist destination in Vatican City, it also has another purpose. It is claimed to be Saint Peter’s final resting place, whose tomb is said to be situated beneath the Basilica’s high altar.
Report
18points
#6 No Building In Central Rome Is Allowed To Be Taller Than St. Peter’s Basilica (136 Meters) In Vatican City
No building in the central district of Rome, which is bounded by the Aurelian Walls, can be taller than the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, which rises 136 meters. Torre Eurosky (Eurosky Tower), a skyscraper constructed in the EUR neighborhood in 2012 (outside the ban area), is 155 meters high and the only building surpassing this cap.
Report
18points
#7 In Ancient Rome, Only Free-Born Men Were Allowed To Wear Togas, A Sign Of Roman Citizenship
It was difficult, if not burdensome, to put on a toga. The fabric strip was folded lengthwise, with one end tossed over the left shoulder, a toga over the back, the other end slid under the right shoulder, and the other end put over the left shoulder from the front. Wealthier citizens possessed a specialized slave called vestiplicus to facilitate this exceedingly intricate task.
17points
#8 The First Ever Shopping Mall Was Built In Rome Between 107 And 110 AD By Emperor Trajan
It’s believed that Trajan’s Market was the world’s first enclosed shopping center. Apparently, a wide range of products, including groceries, were sold there.
Report
17points
#9 Rome Has A Museum Dedicated Entirely To Pasta
It makes perfect sense that the only pasta museum in the world is situated in Rome, Italy, as the country is known for having perfected the skill of combining flour, water, and salt.
17points
#10 Rome’s Only Official Twin City Is Paris
With the motto “Only Paris is worthy of Rome; only Rome is worthy of Paris,” Rome and Paris have been solely and reciprocally twinned with each other since April 9, 1956.
17points
#11 Cinecittà Studios, The Largest Film Studio In Europe, Is In Rome
A Roman Holiday (1953), Ben Hur (1959), La Dolce Vita (1960), Cleopatra (1963), Romeo and Juliet (1968), and numerous other well-known movies have all been produced in Cinecittà studios. As you can see, the studios are used for both American and Italian film productions. Hence, it is highly likely that a movie you liked was made in these studios!
Report
17points
#12 Rome Became The Capital City Of Unified Italy In 1870, Taking The Title From Florence
Rome was a candidate for capital because of its symbolic significance in Italian history as the site of the former Roman Empire and its even more favorable position. The relocation to Rome was underway when the Franco-Prussian War broke out in 1870.
Report
16points
#13 There Are More Than 900 Churches In Rome
Rome contains more than 900 churches, which is not surprising given that no other city is as closely linked to the Catholic faith.
Report
15points
#14 There Are At Least 40 Ancient Catacombs Below The City Of Rome
While many Romans constructed ornate tombs by the side of the road, Christians interred their deceased in maze-like catacombs. By digging through the pliable tufa stone, miles of underground tunnels were created, providing graves for many ordinary Christians, saints, and martyrs.
Report
15points
#15 The Spanish Steps Aren't Spanish
These Baroque 18th-century steps, which descend from Trinità dei Monti church to Piazza di Spagna below, were created by an Italian architect at the request of a French diplomat. The plaza and the square itself both have the names of the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See.
Report
15points
#16 The Mascot Of Rome Is A She-Wolf That Cared For Brothers Romulus And Remus, The Mythological Founders Of Rome
According to the Roman foundation myth, the twins Romulus and Remus were left in the woods under King Amulius of Alba Longa’s command. A she-wolf (lupa in Italian) nursed and protected them until a shepherd named Faustulus found them.
Report
14points
#17 Women In Ancient Rome Dyed Their Hair With Goat Fat And Beech Wood Ashes
Roman women were very fond of dying their hair. Red, black, and blonde were the most popular colors. Even by law, prostitutes were required to be blonde to set themselves apart from regular Romans. Still, the locals continued to color their hair despite this. Different substances, including goat fat, beech wood ash, henna, saffron, and bleach, were used to create different colors.
Report
14points
#18 Rome Was Founded In 753 BC
Romulus and his twin brother Remus are said to have founded Rome on April 21, 753 B.C., just at the site where they were nursed by a she-wolf as orphaned infants.
Report
14points
#19 There Are About 60 Museums In Rome
Rome is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, and museums are a terrific way to learn about its history and culture. Museums in Rome are also home to masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Cavallini, and many others.
Report
14points
#20 Smoking Is Banned In All Public Indoor Places In Rome
Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places and workplaces, such as those used by the government, healthcare and educational institutions, and facilities frequented by minors. However, smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas in some public places and workplaces, such as bars and nightclubs.
Report
14points