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Did you know that the first shopping mall was built in ancient Rome? We are talking about Trajan’s Market.  Built around 110 AD, it was a significant architectural achievement for its time: made of red brick and concrete, it originally had up to 150 different shops, offices, and apartments, spread over six levels. Of course, markets were not new in...

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Rome, known as the Eternal City, offers endless possibilities for unforgettable experiences, especially for couples looking for romance. Between cobbled streets, historical monuments and breathtaking views, this city knows how to enchant. That is precisely why we have come up with a series of romantic things to do in Rome. For those wishing to expl...

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A major restoration project to reconstruct part of the Basilica Ulpia, once the largest basilica in Rome, is currently nearing completion in Trajan's Forum. An architrave topped by a second tier of three columns in green cipollino marble have been added to the ruins using anastylosis, a restoration process which incorporates the original architectu...

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The Colosseum in Rome, originally named the Flavian Amphitheater because it was built by emperors of the Flavian dynasty, opened in 80 C.E. and still holds the Guinness World Record for the largest amphitheater on earth. The Colosseum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, with the number of yearly visitors reaching more than 7 mi...

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In this article, we delve into the 20 best places to retire in Italy for US citizens. Navigating retirement planning involves strategic decision-making, and for numerous US citizens, Italy has emerged as an enchanting destination to retire to. These American retirees are attracted to the richness of the Mediterranean lifestyle, the beauty of stunni...

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What did the Romans ever do for us? Well arguably, they created the most important thing of all. Holidays. Inventing the proper way to vacay, despite the time and expense, citizens of the Roman Empire still managed to create a way for safe travel as they trotted around different continents.  It wasn’t for everyone – it was vastly expensive – but st...

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Emperor Constantine, the 4th century ruler whose embrace of Christianity helped spread the faith throughout the Roman Empire, now has a reconstructed statue befitting his larger-than-life role in history. Rome authorities on Tuesday unveiled a massive, 13-meter (42.6 feet) replica of the statue Constantine commissioned for himself after 312 AD. It...

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Ahead of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year in 2025, restoration plans have been unveiled for Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s soaring Baldacchino (Baldachin), the 17th-century canopy that towers over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, ceremoniously covering the tomb of St. Peter beneath it. The €700,000 (about $762,000) restoration will be funded entir...

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It’s a controversial opinion, but Rome’s major sites are overrated. Crowded, costly and utterly devoid of charm, the city’s most visited landmarks have been cheapened in the age of mass tourism into little more than a box-ticking – or selfie-taking – exercise. Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t go. Everyone should be accosted by a middle-aged Italian...

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A rotating door of tens of thousands of foreign diplomatic staff call Rome home. Italy’s capital city hosts several United Nations and intergovernmental organizations that attract international talent from all sectors, who converge in the Eternal City for a few weeks, months, years–upon arrival, it’s never clear how long you’ll stay. I’m on my 5th...

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