Perhaps one of the most impacting trips I have taken in my life was to the stunning and historical city of Rome. In fact, I really had many reservations about making this trip, as it wasn't one of those cities I had planned to go to recently. This visit, however, became very meaningful to me, as I am an architect, and the rich history Rome has in architecture was just an added reason to be there. It is the cornerstone of architectural history, and Roman architecture in the city is a foundational element of it. Every student of architecture learns about the influence of Roman design, and landmarks found right in Rome itself. It's fascinating how Roman architecture like the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, and many fountains was built in that era and still exists in the present timeline. They still get admiration because of their beauty and innovation by a lot of tourists. These landmarks built several centuries ago, still stand today, and continue to display the innovative insight of ancient architects.

In my opinion, books and lectures may have their place for such construction work, but actually seeing these buildings is an entirely different proposition. There is a deep-seated difference between reading about the various principles and history that monumental structures were based on and standing in their physical presence. While being in Rome for more than 36 hours, I felt like I was taken back in the past. The walk in the city streets, lined with the leftovers of civilization from long ago, was something that simply took my breath away in terms of craftsmanship and the cultural messages built into the architecture. It wasn't just a drive across town; it was somehow like a journey into times past, relating to the past in the most powerful and moving of architecture. All in all, the experience in Rome left a mark on my mind, and it deepened my passion for architecture, inspiring me to take a look at my work from another perspective.

That's why today I will give you a tour of Rome's streets before taking you to the historical Landmarks.

Rome, Italy

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^{Largo di Torre Argentina, Rome}

^{Mercati di Traiano Museo dei Fori Imperiali, Rome}

Rome is the most popular tourist city in Italy and is also very crowded. People from around the world come here to explore the ruination of Roman Architecture as well as Italian Cuisine. I remember someone told me before, "When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do". I never forgot that phrase in life. Anyway, the Rome trip was also my sister's idea and I booked my flight ticket at the very last moment because I was not so sure about my trip. As a result, my direct flight ticket was really expensive but it is what it is. Was it worth paying a lot of money just to see Rome for 36 hours? Yes, for me it was worth it. Because after the trip, I never thought about the money I spent there.

Anyway from the Netherlands, the flight was smooth with a one-hour delay but after reaching Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport I was looking for a taxi to reach Airbnb. The airport is outside Rome city and I prefer Taxi instead of taking the train. Uber didn't work so I was trying to find a Taxi stand and I asked a person about the Taxi. He completely sent me to the wrong direction which I didn't know before but when I figured it out that he intentionally gave me the wrong direction of the taxi stand, I was kinda furious. Basically, he was standing in the Taxi stand waiting queue and he intentionally sent me in a different direction. In Rome, taxis are run by the government and they have a specific fare price to reach the city. Later, an Italian person who helped me figure out the details of Rome. He also mentioned to me that Old Rome and New Rome are divided by a wall. Inside the wall is the old Rome where all the tourists go and outside of the wall is known as the new Rome with recent developments. His information helped me a lot later to figure out Rome city.

Later, taxi drivers also helped me to acknowledge the culture and transport system of Rome, and how to be careful not to get scammed. Only on the airport route, you have to follow a fixed price for taking the taxis but when you are in Rome, inside the wall; all the taxis follow the meter price. This piece of information later helped me a lot.

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We stayed near the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) location and our Airbnb was 9 minutes walk from the Trevi Fountain. My sister intentionally chose this crowded location for our stay because she had some specific things in her mind and also we wanted to explore many landmarks by walking. Rome is famous for a lot of narrow streets and when you see the map of old Rome, you will only see narrow streets, alleys, and buildings, a very compact area especially the Trevi Fountain location and surrounding. But the infrastructure you will see around you will never disappoint you. Colorful buildings, infrastructure, and fascinating architectural structures never bored me for a single moment even though it was crowded. Before exploration, we marked our desired locations and also figured out how to reach those landmarks using narrow streets. We were able to figure out a lot of shortcut streets to reach The Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Spanish Stairs, and the Victor Emmanuel II Monument in a very short time.

^{Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena, Rome}

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We followed Piazza dei Crociferi, Piazza della Maddalena to reach The Pantheon first from Trevi Fountain, and then after exploring Pantheon, we followed to Via del Plebiscito Street to reach Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. On our way, we saw Largo di Torre Argentina. From the Victor monument to Colosso, you will see the Roman Forum and other infrastructure if you follow Via dei Fori Imperiali street/road. Many people take taxis to reach the Colosseum because it's a long walk.

^{Streets of Rome}

^{Victor Emmanuel II Monument, Rome}

^{Largo di Torre Argentina, Rome}

^{Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary at the Trajan Forum, Rome}

^{Trajan's Market Ruination, Rome}

^{Mercati di Traiano Museo dei Fori Imperiali, Rome}

^{Teatro de Marcelo- Ancient Open air Theatre, Rome}

In my opinion, 36 hours in Rome is not enough if you wanna actually explore the Rome city. There are so many ruinations, theaters, churches, fountains, arenas, and ruined amphitheaters that will blow away your mind easily. Each and every street had something to offer...

^{Church of Saints Vincent and Anastasius in Trevi, Rome}

^{Santa Chiara Church, Rome}

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Our time was limited and we explored what we could explore during that time frame. We had some specific landmarks in mind so we couldn't see other landmarks thoroughly.

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Some streets were beautiful, typical Italy vibes.

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Artworks, paintings, and sculptures on the buildings didn't disappoint me at all. They are detailed works of art yet beautiful.

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^{Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) & Statue of Charlemagne, Rome}

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Rome trip cannot be completed without gelato and pasta, pizza and Spritz. We found some good places to enjoy our food.

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Rome didn't build in a day and every corner of this city proves that. There is so much to see and explore and I must admit that at some point, I was blended and felt connected with a lot of structures.

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We were outside all the time until midnight and mostly enjoyed our time sitting in front of the Trevi fountains and walking on the streets. We explored small shops, bought a lot of souvenirs and ate good food. 36 hours felt so small while being in Rome.

Thanks for taking such a big tour with me, another post will be written soon by me...

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Love

Priyan...

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^{I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...}

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