The Magic of Rome at Night

Rome is a beautiful city during the day, but during the night some of the archaeological as well as popular sights become illuminated and it creates a completely different atmosphere. During our trip to Rome I was instantly impressed by the city's archaeological centre - it immediately evoked memories of all my Latin studies and the history we studied with it. I tried to imagine how the centre would have been, with all the people wearing different togas to signify their social status (like the senators wearing tunica laticlavi - white tunics with purple stripes - or the women's stola worn over her tunic). I could imagine the bustle in the Trajan market, where tavernas were filled with rowdy drunken men and the tabernas were selling their wares. And I imagined the bustle of hungry Roman citizens getting their share of free wheat dispersed from the forum.

Some of the Ruins around the Trajan Forum

The Trajan Forum - it was once believed that the building was a shopping arcade, but later discoveries indicate that parts could have been offices. 

Then, whilst crossing the street to the old Roman Forums, where orators would try and mould the public's opinion, where Triumphs (triumphal military processions) will be held or where the men will do trade and banking, you see magnificent ruins of what would have been, among other, impressive temples. There is the Temple of Vesta (Vesta being the virgin goddess of the hearth, home and family), the complex or housing where the Vestal Virgins lived (the Vestal Virgins were priestesses to the goddess Vesta, one of their main tasks were to never let the fire of Vesta go out), the temple of Saturn and the Temple of Castor and Pollux .

The temple of Saturn 

The temple of Saturn from a different view

Whilst walking to the Colosseum or the Flavian Circus, I could imagine the incredible cheers of the specatators and the thoughts racing through the slaves and gladiators' minds as they approached the magnificent structure, awaiting their fate.

The Colosseum 

I could imagine how the Romans went to worship at the magnificent Pantheon, which still stands today in all it's architectural wonder!

The Pantheon

The Pantheon

Then there is the more modern part of Rome, which is as beautiful and impressive in night as it is during the day. There is the Vittoriano which is made out of pure white marble and hosts impressive statues which, I feel, adds to the mythical atmosphere of Rome. (When you see the statues on the horizon, almost as if floating in the air, it seems as if there are two chariots flying in the sky, guarding Rome!)

The Vittoriano

The Chariots on the Vittoriano as can be seen from the Colosseum - the mist created an eerie atmosphere! 

There is the famous Piazza del Campidoglio which was designed by Michelangelo. It is as beautiful at night as it is during the day. At the back of the Piazza is the famous statue of Romulus and Remus.

The Piazzo that Michelangelo designed - the Romulus and Remus statue (below) is found when walking through the left passage seen in the photo

Romulus and Remus

Then there is the famous Trevi Fountain - where the traditional belief says if you throw a coin into the fountain you will be granted a return trip to Rome! The fountain tells a wonderful story of how the water of original aqueduct that used to stood at this place was found by a virgin and it depicts the theme of Taming of the Water - where the god of all water, Oceanus, is the central figure in the fountain.

Trevi Fountain 

Last, but not least, there is the Bocca della Verita - the Mouth of Truth. It is thought to be part of a 1st Century fountain which possibly depicts the god Oceanus or the god of the river Tiber. But legend goes that if you lie while your hand is in the mouth of the sculpture, it would be bitten off! Fortunately, both Armand and my hands are still intact!

Bocca della Verita! Will we keep our hands or not?!

Rome is a magnificent place if you appreciate archaeological history and if you can allow your imagination to wander you'll be able to see the history and mythology seeping through every Roman stone and wall. And it really becomes even more beautiful at night! 

Have you ever been to Rome? What is your favourite place in Rome?