Por Expedia Team, el November 11, 2016

10 datos curiosos de Roma que no conocías

As if the simple fact that it is the Italian capital and that is known par excellence as the Eternal City was not enough, this is a destination desired by almost all travelers. I share with you 10 curious facts about Rome that you did not have in mind and that will make you cheer up once and for all to visit, it just needs a good push.

1.- Do not leave without making a wish at The Trevi Fountain, undoubtedly one of the first places to see in Rome, but be careful that they have their trick! Do not toss the coin just like that, remember that to return to Rome you will have to throw a coin on your back and with your right hand on the left shoulder. They say that if you throw a second coin you will have love and a third one ensures marriage. Don’t go poor!

2.- There is a country within Rome: The Vatican. The smallest country in the world is an enclave of approximately 900 inhabitants. They say that so many works of art are preserved in its facilities and museums that it would take you four years to see them all.

3.- Surely knowing the Roman Coliseum is on your priority list. Before you go it is important that you know that you will be in front of one of the seven wonders of the modern world, that its inauguration lasted 100 days! And that it was in operation for 500 years. Impressive and cruel. That is why every time the death penalty is removed somewhere in the world, the Colosseum is illuminated for four hours.

4.- Do not drink cappuccino after 10 am. The Romans and all Italians in general are addicted to coffee and very respectful of its rules. The cappuccino in particular is exclusive to breakfast and it is frowned upon to order it after lunch or dinner. Remember the saying: wherever you go, do what you see.

5.- His soccer team is known as “La Loba”. If you recall, according to Greek tradition, Romulus and Remus were the founders of the city of Rome. A fundamental part of the legend is that they were suckled by a she-wolf named Luperca when they were ordered to be killed by King Amulio.

Cappuccino in Rome
Cappuccino in Rome

6.- For Mexicans it is not very common but in Rome, drinking water from public sources known as nasones (more than 2000!) Is totally normal and of course, healthy. If you want to see yourself as a local there is a trick that you must know. The drinkers have two holes, watch out! don’t bend over to drink from the stream. Cover the hole below so that the water runs out of the one at the top. It will be much easier for you.

7.- Visit Rome on your birthday! Legend has it that the city was founded on April 21, 753 BC by Romulus (the twin!) For this reason, every April 21 at noon the bell of the capitol is rung to celebrate his birthday.

8.- When exploring Rome you will find the inscription SPQR instead of the word Rome everywhere. From the city coat of arms, public buildings, mailboxes and even monuments. What does it mean? it is an acronym for the Latin “Senatus Populusque Romanus” which means “The Senate and the Roman People”.

9.- The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is the highest in the world. 136.57 meters are those that emerge from the imposing work of Michelangelo.

10.- The European tour is usually in the summer, and the summer in Rome is… hellish. The heat will force you to eat a lot of ice cream, take advantage and go to the oldest ice cream parlor in Rome, Giolitti, open since 1890. The Italian gelato is wonderful! Take advantage and try the flavor that was made exclusively for Pope John Paul II in a frosty brown flavor. Taking advantage of the heat theme, remember that to enter the churches you must be covered by the shoulders, without necklines or short skirts. Nothing that a great pashmina cannot solve.

So now you know, with these curious facts about Rome your trip will be more than complete, don’t miss out on getting to know a great part of world history.

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