Thoughts on Rome: A Traveler’s Perspective

Rome is a magnificent city. The greatest treasures of art are found here. A traveler who is attempting to appreciate or study these fantastic works of art may find Rome a little oppressive due to the constriction of these exhilarating works. For example, there is breathtaking art with tons of history behind it such as the Colloseum and the Forum; however, these exhibits can only be visited through purchase of tickets, which translates, to an allotted time of free reign within these sights. In addition, many tourists flock to these sights hindering the true beauty of them.

Some of these exhilarating pieces of history are even unjustly placed in unwanted places. Specifically, the Ara Pacis Augustae has been placed in an ugly glass building. The fact that it is being preserved and is still intact is amazing but how can its beauty and breath taking presence be felt if it is not how it originally was presented? This is a big issue within Rome. Many Romans are offened by this piece of ‘art’ and the fact that it cost a small fortune does nothing to help its cause. They are currently working to get rid of it all together due to the way it disrupts the city’s beauty. Also there are exhibits that take place in the glass structure itself that don’t belong there such as fashion exhibits be Valentino which demean the true intent of the structure

The examples of how Rome is oppressive are greatly overshadowed by its open museum construction. What do I mean by this? Inspiration can be found everywhere in Rome. During a simple stroll through Rome, one will notice the great architecture of the buildings or a beautiful random fountain. Fountains are everywhere! Not to mention its’ the only place a Pyramid and cemetery can be found next to each other and easily accessible.

Rome is a great place to visit as a tourist because it does have remarkable sights and historical buildings. However, what makes Rome special is that it has a vast surplus of culture and art that can only be found here. Italy is the best place in the world. Everything is designed cohesively. This is probably because it is so old and great minds are behind it.

First Impressions and Visits in Italy

Shock and awe… These two words are often used throughout cathoclism to describe the feeling of a person when being blessed with the Lord’s presence. I cannot help but be reminded of these words as I travel throughout Italy. Since I have arrived, I have been incapable of fully absorbing he truly amazing experiences because it is so overwhelming that fully taking in everything is impossible.

I woke up Monday feeling as at “home” as I ever have in my life. I walked down to the dining hall and was presented with fresh fruit, yogurt, nutella, cappuccino and more. Once I finished eating my breakfast. I walked up stairs into my art history class where Dr. Selby enlightened me that once the hour class was completed, the group would be traveling to the Colloseum and Forum in Rome! Instantly, I became too excited to sit still. I wanted class to be over so we could begin our journey. I was just flabbergasted with the fact I would actually be in the Colloseum in hours. I wasn’t going to be watching Gladiator or visiting some convention; I was going to the actual Colloseum. The same one built by Nero where the people of the Roman Empire gathered for entertainment. Only one day in Italy, and already I would soon be surpassing any experience I ever had.

The group traveled by metro to Rome where we met our guide Laura. We were given a tour of the Colloseum and of the Forum. Throughout the tour, I attempted to look at everything I could from every angle and of course take as many pictures as possible. I felt like if I did not do this then I would not be fully experiencing this great place where so much history had occurred. The Colloseum was difficult to envision during the ancient time due to the fact all the marble was removed long ago from the structure and the lack of sections that were destroyed such as the battlefield. Thanks to pictures by our guide, I was able to see what the people of Rome saw during the peak of the empire. This tour was really cool but my heart did not race as I expected. The realness of the situation did not come until we were being showed the Forum. I realized I was standing where Julius Ceasar was cornered and killed. Images started running through my mind like a movie. This was the first time since arriving where I felt the full greatness and uniqueness of visiting this country.

Luigi Barzini talks of a minority in his book The Italians who “… avoid the heat and dust” and “… go at convenient hours”; luckily, Danilo Mori’s experience and the Walsh global learning program place us in this minority. Of course, I have had times where I felt nervous or more like a tourist rather than a traveler but it is undoubtedly awesome to not have to walk around without any destination or wisdom. Plus, as every day passes the culture is becoming easier to grasp and excel in.