In between burying my nose in Rick Steve’s Rome guide book (btw I am never traveling anywhere without him again – Godsend!) to dish the facts about this, that and the other ruin we were standing in front of, Ben and I took the time to appreciate how unique the city of Rome really is.
Take for instance, its doors.
Yes, Rome’s doors! Ben still doesn’t quite understand my fascination with these babies, but I found it utterly fascinating that every door in Rome – whether it led to an apartment building, a bank, or other business – is completely different… and BEAUTIFUL!
Some doors are new, while others are old.
Some are HUGE,
while others are small. ;)
Many channel other continents and time periods,
but no matter what, each one has its own identity.
I never saw a single one that looked like the other!
Come on – you think it’s interesting…don’t ya’?! ;)
Whenever we’d see someone about to head in, we’d hang back to catch a peek of what was inside. A lot of times they’d reveal a lovely courtyard…
while other times they’d open up to the most wonderful sights in the city!
The thing that charmed us the most about Rome was that behind each door, and around each corner, there was a new and interesting view.
There was no shortage of “what the??” exclamations as practically every other turn produced a massive and intricately carved building!
No clue as to what these buildings are used for, but they’re HUGE and they’re EVERYWHERE!
We assume that many are used by the government – but who knows?!
Arguably the most impressive buildings we stumbled upon were the hundreds of basilicas created over dozens or hundreds of years, sprinkled generously throughout the city.
Each one was absolutely breathtaking,
and filled with so many details it’d take you YEARS to pick them all out.
Other times the shout was “ohhh!” as the beautiful street views never failed to wow us.
I think the reason I kept feeling like I was on a movie set, as we walked through the streets of Rome, is because everything I’ve ever seen on tv or in the movies about Italy – the crumbling brick,
the romantic street lights,
and the hidden trattorias, are REAL!
Another thing that is evident no matter where you are in the city, is the ruins.
If Rome cashed in a mere fraction of the thousands of marble columns from hundreds and thousands of years ago, scattered ALL over the city, they’d be the next Dubai…before the bust…
The city has truly built itself up around the ruins – which is so incredible.
Seriously – this building was over 1,000 years old and I walked next to it. I TOUCHED IT!
How’d you like to live across the street from Cesar’s old palace?!
The great thing about the ruins is that they’re accessible. If this were in America, there’d be armed guards, men in lab coats and a DO NOT TOUCH perma signs over the entire city.
The people in Rome though, respect the ruins. They’re allowed to enjoy and live amongst them without restriction. I think that’s AWESOME.
Hope you enjoyed a peek into the unique city of Rome! :D
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Great post. I too am from Iowa, but lived in Rome. You mention being so excited to have touched a building that is 1,000 years old…are you aware that Rome is much, MUCH more ancient than that?! The Pantheon alone is almost 2,000 years old! I’m sure you walked next to, and touched many, much more ancient, pieces of Roman history without even being aware!
I just got back from a trip to Italy and we visited Rome, Florence and Venice. Those weird and different doors don’t stop in Rome!! I noticed them a lot in Florence. Tiny little doors fit for children. I saw one guy wheeling his bicycle through one. Italy is so different and amazing!! I can’t wait to go back and I only came back to the states a week ago!
First, I love your blog. I’m just starting my senior year of highschool and I want to travel more because of you! I went to Europe this summer for an EF tours trip, and it was quite literally the trip of a lifetime. I went from London, to Paris, to Lucerne, to all parts of Italy, and Finally Greece. All in a matter of 21 days! I would highly recommend that if you go to Greece, check out the Greek islands of Mykonos, Patmos and Santorini. They were my favorite out of all the places I went to; breathtaking and beautiful.
Love your blog!! I’m studying in Rome for this semester and have a fascination with the doors as well! People think I’m crazy but I think they’re very cool. Keep up the great website, it rocks!
Ciao =)
I really enjoyed your thoughts about your travels in Rome. The doors, the streets, the ruins. I have never really wanted to travel much out of the country, there is still so much I want to see and do here, but seeing your photos and hearing your point of view I have now changed my mind. The one thought that comes to mind after reading and seeing your experience is…wow.
Peace,
Anne WF
Do you have a travel book suggestion for Japan???
So glad you enjoyed your trip!
Wow – I love these photos. Unfortunately I went to Rome before architecture school, so my appreciation of it now is much greater. I love the door photos. Building everything back when most of the things pictured were built was a skill. Every detail was carefully thought out and planned. Unfortunately those skills are hard to find these days – especially in the U.S.
I heart Rome too! I’m a big fan of Italy in general. It’s all so beautiful and the people are lovely.
Those pics were amazing! I’m not kidding when I say that I am definitely going to Italy now that I’ve seen what I’m missing! I agree w/ you about the doors. Very cool.