rome |
|||
image : ALAMY |
Above : The Temple of Venus and
Rome , as seen from the Colosseum
|
EXCURSIONS
Around 37 miles north of Rome , surrounded by hazelnut orchards and shepherd caves dating to the Etruscan period , is the hilltop village of Vignanello . Here sits Castello Ruspoli — a 16th-century medieval fortress complete with drawbridge that ’ s been the ancestral home of the Ruspoli family since 847 . Claudia Ruspoli is the current residentowner and gives tours of her home and its grounds — one of the finest examples of a Renaissance garden in Europe , which includes a family tree painted on an interior wall . Using it for reference , Claudia relates the tale of influential female forebear Vittoria Ruspoli who ordered a chapel to be constructed with the intention of attracting a visit from the Pope . The expensive renovations paid off and her husband was ultimately awarded the title of ‘ prince ’ by the pontiff . On another branch on the family tree is Ottavia Orsini who built the first garden here , in 1611 .
|
DON ’ T MISS
Journey through the Forum of Caesar , a new , immersive multimedia display that transports visitors to the Rome of 2,000 years ago . Films and reconstructions projected onto the historic ruins accompanied by narration make it easy to visualize the role of the Forum in the daily lives of ancient Romans . This space was first excavated in 1803 , and it took over a century to be fully uncovered . It once hosted a mix of government officials , military leaders and civilians among its gardens , public toilets , senatorial offices and food markets . Digital reconstructions show how the Curia , the headquarters of the Roman Senate — once located on this site — might have looked back then . There are two shows ; the Forum of Augustus Light Show , which tells the story of the first Emperor ; and the Forum of Caesar Light Show , which depicts Julius Caesar and his infamous role in Ancient Rome . Check online for tickets and showtimes .
|
spring 2025 • 83 |