25 Fun Facts About Rome Italy

Rome is known as the “Eternal City” because it is over 2,700 years old and has been continuously inhabited since its founding in 753 BC.
The Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, was completed in 80 AD and could hold up to 50,000 spectators.
Rome is home to Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Trevi Fountain is a famous attraction in Rome where visitors can toss a coin over their shoulder into the fountain to ensure their return to the city.
Rome has more than 900 churches, including the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica, which is the largest church in the world.
The city is built on seven hills: Aventine Hill, Caelian Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Palatine Hill, Quirinal Hill, and Viminal Hill.
The Roman Forum was the center of political, commercial, and social life in ancient Rome and is now a fascinating archaeological site.
Rome has a secret keyhole on the Aventine Hill that offers a unique view of St. Peter’s Basilica through a perfectly framed garden.
The Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple, is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.
Rome has a “Mouth of Truth” located in the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, which is said to bite off the hand of liars.
The Spanish Steps, a famous staircase in Rome, were built in the 18th century and are a popular meeting place for locals and tourists.
Rome has a cat sanctuary called Torre Argentina, where hundreds of stray cats are cared for and roam freely among the ancient ruins.
The city is known for its delicious cuisine, including traditional dishes like pasta carbonara, pizza, and gelato.
Rome has a unique tradition called “La Befana,” where an old woman delivers gifts to children on the night of January 5th, similar to Christmas.
The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican Museums, is famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo, including the iconic “Creation of Adam.”
Rome has a pyramid, known as the Pyramid of Cestius, which was built as a tomb for a Roman magistrate in the 1st century BC.
The Mouth of Truth, made famous in the movie “Roman Holiday,” is a large marble mask located in the portico of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
Rome has a unique tradition called “Nasoni,” which means “big noses.” These are public drinking fountains scattered throughout the city where locals and tourists can quench their thirst for free.
The city is home to the largest catacombs in the world, with over 60 different underground burial sites.
One of the most iconic paintings in the world, the Sistine Chapel ceiling holds Michaelangelo’s finest masterpiece—343 figures across 12,000 square feet, painted over 4 years of intense labor and near-surrender.
The city has a tradition called “Pasquetta,” which means “Little Easter.” It is a public holiday celebrated the day after Easter, where families and friends gather for picnics and outdoor activities.
Rome has a unique tradition called “Sagra,” which are local food festivals held throughout the year, celebrating specific regional dishes and ingredients.
The iconic scene from the movie “Roman Holiday” where Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck ride a scooter together was not actually filmed on the streets of Rome. Due to safety concerns, the scene was shot on a closed set in the studio, with a backdrop of projected footage of Rome’s famous landmarks. However, the movie beautifully captures the essence and charm of the city, making it a beloved classic that showcases the beauty of Rome.
The first ever pasta Alfredo was cooked in Rome, Italy. It was created by a Roman restaurateur named Alfredo di Lelio in the early 20th century. Alfredo di Lelio invented the dish as a variation of fettuccine al burro, a simple pasta dish with butter and Parmesan cheese.
Rome is home to Via dei Condotti, one of the most exclusive and luxurious shopping streets in the world. This street is known for housing high-end designer boutiques, including famous brands like Gucci, Prada, Bulgari, and Valentino. It is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts and luxury shoppers, offering a unique shopping experience in the heart of Rome.