Rambles In Rome
S. Russell Forbes
405 chapters
11 hour read
Selected Chapters
405 chapters
RAMBLES IN ROME.
RAMBLES IN ROME.
"If you are visiting Rome, you will find in this book a high-class companion and guide. Try it, and see the difference between the mere guide-book produced by the trade to sell, and the chatty, masterly production of a writer of ability and taste."— C. H. Spurgeon. Rambles in Rome An Archæological and Historical Guide TO THE MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, VILLAS, CHURCHES, AND ANTIQUITIES OF ROME AND THE CAMPAGNA. By S. RUSSELL FORBES, Archæological and Historical Lecturer on Roman Antiquities. Fifth Editi
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
Preface.
Preface.
The object of our work is to describe in a practical manner the points of interest in and around the Eternal City. One half of our life has been spent in studying Rome on the spot. For our guides we have had the classic authorities and recent excavations; and it has been with us a labour of love to work out from our authors the meaning of the ruins uncovered, and impart the information thus obtained to others. The excavations of the last few years have thrown an entirely new flood of light upon
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TOPOGRAPHY OF ROME.
THE TOPOGRAPHY OF ROME.
Rome commences at a point—Piazza del Popolo—and spreads out southwards like a fan, the western extremity being occupied by the Vatican, and the eastern by the Lateran; both these head-quarters of the Papacy are isolated from the rest of the city. Modern Rome occupies the valley of the Campus Martius, which was outside ancient Rome, and the hills that abut it. Rome is divided into two unequal parts by the river Tiber, which enters the line of the walls, with the Popolo on its left. For a short di
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PLAN OF OUR RAMBLES.
THE PLAN OF OUR RAMBLES.
From the Piazza del Popolo four great lines of thoroughfare intersect the city, and passing up one of these for a few hundred yards we may count five lines. First we take the centre thoroughfare; then the two lines on its right; then the two upon its left: in this way, by dividing Rome up into five Rambles, pointing out as we go along every place of interest to the right and left, we mark out for a day's work no more than can be thoroughly done. Having thus seen the city, we take the environs ou
45 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HEALTH AND CLIMATE.
HEALTH AND CLIMATE.
Perhaps the health of no city in the world is so much talked about by people who know nothing whatever of the subject, as Rome. We meet with many visitors entertaining all sorts of curious ideas of the health of Rome—what they may and may not do; and when we ask them their authority they cannot give any, but "they have heard so." There seem to be mysterious ideas and impressions floating about that get lodged in some minds no one knows how. People get ill in Rome, of course, just as in any other
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
USEFUL HINTS.
USEFUL HINTS.
Avoid bad odours. Do not ride in an open carriage at night. Take lunch in the middle of the day. This is essential. It is better to take a light breakfast and lunch, than a heavy breakfast and no lunch. No city in the world is so well supplied with good drinking water as Rome. The best is the Trevi water. Do not drink Aqua Marcia; it is too cold. If out about sunset, throw an extra wrap or coat on, to avoid the sudden change in the atmosphere. There is no danger beyond being apt to take a cold.
55 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TIBER.
THE TIBER.
The work of clearing the bed of the Tiber has at last commenced. It is proposed to clear away the accumulation of the mud at different parts, remove some of the old masonry that stands in the bed of the river, and widen it at certain points. We very much doubt if this will have any effect upon the floods, as during the republic and empire, when there was not all this accumulation, Rome was flooded several times. The valley of the Tiber, in which Rome stands, is very low, forming, as it were, a b
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HOW ROME BECAME RUINS.
HOW ROME BECAME RUINS.
"The Goth, the Christian, time, war, flood, and fire, Have dealt upon the seven-hilled city's pride." Rome was founded in the year 753 B.C. , and it gradually increased, as we all know, till it became the capital of the world. By a summary of dates we will endeavour to give an idea of the manner in which Rome became ruins. In July 390 B.C. it was devastated by fire. Up to 120 B.C. it was subject to numerous raids by the Northerners, who, with the help of civil war, and a devouring fire in 50 B.C
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE WALLS OF ROME.
THE WALLS OF ROME.
The city of Romulus, upon the Palatine Hill, was called from its shape Roma Quadrata. It occupied the half of what we know as the Palatine, and was surrounded by a wall built up from the base of the hill, and on the top of the scarped cliff: this wall can be still traced in part. It was formed of large blocks of tufa, hard stone, and must not be confounded with the remains of the Arcadian period, on the Palatine, composed of soft tufa. "Romulus called the people to a place appointed, and describ
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TABLE OF CONSTRUCTION.
TABLE OF CONSTRUCTION.
PLAN OF ANCIENT ROME View larger image. RAMBLES IN ROME PIAZZA DEL POPOLO—THE OBELISK—S. MARIA DEL POPOLO—THE CORSO—S. LORENZO IN LUCINA—POST OFFICE—ENGLISH CHURCH—COLUMN OF MARCUS AURELIUS—MONTE CITORIO—PARLIAMENT HOUSE—OBELISK—TEMPLE OF NEPTUNE—S. MARIA IN VIA LATA—THE SEPTA—THE DORIA GALLERY—TOMBS OF ATTIA CLAUDIA AND BIBULUS—THE MAMERTINE PRISON—THE FORUM OF JULIUS CÆSAR—THE ROMAN FORUM AND ITS RUINS—THE VIA SACRA—TEMPLES OF ROMULUS, VENUS AND ROMA—TEMPLE OF THE PENATES—HOUSE OF JULIUS CÆSAR
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PIAZZA DEL POPOLO
THE PIAZZA DEL POPOLO
is a circular open space, adorned with fountains, and surrounded with foliage. From this circle Rome spreads itself out like a fan southwards. The four principal lines of thoroughfare diverge from this spot—the Pincio, the Via Sistina, and the Via Quattro Fontane, leading to the Esquiline, on the extreme left, along the hills; the Via Babuino, leading into the Piazza di Spagna, on the left; the Corso, leading into the Forum, in the centre; and the Via Ripetta, leading into the oldest part of the
55 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EGYPTIAN OBELISK
THE EGYPTIAN OBELISK
of the Piazza del Popolo was brought to Rome by Augustus, and erected in the Circus Maximus. It is 78 feet 6 inches high, and was erected on its present site by Pope Sixtus V. in 1589. This was the first obelisk erected in Rome, having been brought by Augustus after the death of Antony and Cleopatra. Pliny (xxxvi. 16) says:— "But the most difficult enterprise of all was the carriage of these obelisks by sea to Rome, in vessels which excited the greatest admiration. Indeed, the late Emperor Augus
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. MARIA DEL POPOLO,
CHURCH OF S. MARIA DEL POPOLO,
founded by Paschal II. in 1099. Its interior consists of nave, aisles, transept, and octagonal dome lavishly decorated by Bernini. In the first chapel, to the right, the picture over the altar, the Nativity of Jesus Christ, and the frescoes of the lunettes are by Pinturicchio. The second chapel is that of the Cibo family—rich in marbles, and adorned with forty-six columns of Sicilian jasper. The picture of the Conception is by Maratta. The third chapel is painted by Pinturicchio. In the fourth c
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CORSO (Il Corso).
THE CORSO (Il Corso).
Starting on our first ramble, we will take the line of the principal street, the Corso, which takes its name from the races held during the Carnival. It is on the line of the old Via Flaminia, the great highroad which ran through the Campus Martius to the north. Many handsome churches and palaces face the street, which is rather narrow compared with our modern requirements. The Corso is the principal promenade of the Romans, and possesses many points of interest. At No. 18, on the left , lived G
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. LORENZO IN LUCINA,
CHURCH OF S. LORENZO IN LUCINA,
containing the grand work of Guido Reni, "The Crucifixion." It is said that, being absorbed in his subject, he crucified his model. The church contains a monument to Poussin, the relief being a copy of his landscape of the tomb of Sappho in Arcadia. Opposite this church is the English Baptist Chapel, under the Rev. James Wall, founded for Romans. Turning to the right, down the Corso, on the left, the Via Convertite leads to...
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GENERAL POST OFFICE (La Posta),
THE GENERAL POST OFFICE (La Posta),
in the Piazza S. Silvestro, on the left . It is a new building, recently opened, and is fitted up with every modern appliance. The garden in the centre, and the surrounding arcade with its frescoes, present a refreshing appearance, and give a good idea of what the court of a palace should be. Opposite , in the right corner of the square, is...
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ENGLISH CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY,
THE ENGLISH CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY,
being the first Protestant church erected in Rome. It is in the form of a basilica without aisles, and was designed by the late architect Cipolla. Regaining the Corso , we soon arrive at the Piazza Colonna, in which is...
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE COLUMN OF MARCUS AURELIUS.
THE COLUMN OF MARCUS AURELIUS.
On the spot where the Palazzo Chigi now stands ( on our right ) a temple was erected to M. Aurelius, in front of which was placed a splendid pillar, with a spiral frieze winding up the shaft, and representing the chief incidents of the war against the Marcomanni ( A.D. 174). COLUMN OF MARCUS AURELIUS. View larger image. The shaft of this pillar is of precisely the same height as that of the Pillar of Trajan. The pedestal, on the other hand, is much higher, and rises considerably above the level
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE,
THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE,
situated in the Piazza Monte Citorio, behind the Palace. Orders for admission to special seats may be obtained from any deputy, but there is a compartment in the gallery open to the public. Opposite the Parliament House is an...
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
EGYPTIAN OBELISK.
EGYPTIAN OBELISK.
It was erected originally at Heliopolis to Psammeticus I., of the twenty-fourth dynasty, more than six centuries B.C. It is 72 feet high. Its first site in Rome was in the Campus Martius, where is now the Piazza dell'Impresa, where it was found and taken to its present site. The Roman pedestal with inscription is in the Church of S. Lorenzo in Lucina. The obelisk was repaired, and its present pedestal formed of fragments of the Antonine Column, which stood near by. The obelisk was brought to Rom
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF NEPTUNE.
THE TEMPLE OF NEPTUNE.
Eleven Corinthian columns, which formed a part of one side of the temple, still stand, forming the entrance into a building once used as a custom-house. They are 42½ feet high and 4½ feet in diameter, supporting an architrave of marble which has been recently restored. In the interior are some immense blocks of marble which formed part of the vaulting. The temple, with the Portico of the Argonauts which surrounded it, was erected by Agrippa. It is now used as a chamber of commerce. TEMPLE OF NEP
53 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. MARIA IN VIA LATA
THE CHURCH OF S. MARIA IN VIA LATA
was founded in the eighth century, but was rebuilt in 1485, when the tradition arose that it was on the site of the hired house of S. Paul in Rome. Dodwell, the English explorer in Greece, was buried here. There are also tombs of several members of the Bonaparte family. A door on the left of the portico, built in 1662 from the designs of Pietro da Cortona, leads down into the subterranean chambers, where a well is shown said to have been used by S. Paul to baptize his converts. In an adjoining c
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SEPTA.
THE SEPTA.
Cicero Ad Atticum (iv. 15) informs us that Julius Cæsar commenced a septa in the Campus Martius for the Comitia Centuriata and Tributa. It consisted of a beautiful building of marble, surrounded with a portico a mile square. It adjoined the Villa Publica. It was completed by Lepidus the triumvir, and dedicated by Agrippa (Dion Cassius, liii. 23). Frontinus (Aq. xxii.) says the arches of the Aqua Virgo ended in the Campus Martius, in front of the Septa. The Comitia Centuriata, when the people ass
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE DORIA PALACE GALLERY (Palazzo Doria),
THE DORIA PALACE GALLERY (Palazzo Doria),
open on Tuesday and Friday from 10 till 2. Catalogues in each room. Fee, half-franc. First Room contains four sarcophagi. A picture of the Deluge, by Scarsellino. Second Room. —4. Caritas Romana, by Valentin. (See page 191 .) 24. Madonna and Child, by F. Francia. 28. Annunciation, by Lippi. 33. S. Agnese, by Guercino. Fourth Room. —Bust of Leo X., Doria. Fifth Room. —17. Money-Changers, by Quentin Matsys. 25. S. Joseph, by Guercino. Sixth Room. —13. Madonna, by Carlo Maratta. 30. Sketch of a Boy
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMB OF ATTIA CLAUDIA,
TOMB OF ATTIA CLAUDIA,
converted into a house, the lower part being shops. By descending into the vault, it will be seen that it is hewn out of the natural rock. The Claudii family "received, from the state, lands beyond the Anio for their followers, and a burying-place for themselves near the Capitol" (Suetonius, "Claudius," i. 1). Adjoining is the house where Giulio Romano was born. A few steps beyond, on the left-hand side of the same street, is the...
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMB OF BIBULUS.
TOMB OF BIBULUS.
The inscription records the virtue and public honour of a Roman magistrate of the time of the republic. It is supposed to be two thousand years old. C. PUBLICO . L. Q. F. BIBULO . AED . PL. HONORIS VIRTUTISQUE . CAUSSA . SENATUS CONSULTO . POPULIQUE . IUSSU . LOCUS. MONUMENTO . QUO . IPSE . POSTEREIQUE EIUS . INFERRENTUR . PUBLICE . DATUS . EST. It is of travertine stone and plain Doric architecture. There is some talk of pulling the house down, so that this interesting monument may be better se
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE MAMERTINE PRISON,
THE MAMERTINE PRISON,
erected, according to Livy (i. 33) by Ancus Martius. "In order to suppress the terror, the boldness which the vicious assumed from hence ( A.U.C. 121), [1] and which gained ground continually, a prison was built in the middle of the city, adjoining the Forum." Servius Tullius added a lower cell, called the Tullianum , 6½ feet high and 19 feet by 9. Prisoners who were condemned to be strangled or to die of hunger were thrust down the aperture; hence the phrase, "to cast into prison." Sallust ("Ca
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SCALÆ GEMONIÆ,
THE SCALÆ GEMONIÆ,
or Stairs of Wailing. Criminals were often put to death on them, and others were exposed there after death. "Those who were put to death were exposed on the Scalæ Gemoniæ, and then dragged into the Tiber" (Suetonius, "Tiberius," lxi.). At a short distance from the church in the little lane opposite, Via Marmorelle, 29 , are some more remains of the Prison, which eventually became the...
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
"STATIONES MUNICIPIORUM" AND FORUM OF JULIUS CÆSAR.
"STATIONES MUNICIPIORUM" AND FORUM OF JULIUS CÆSAR.
"Julius Cæsar, with money raised from the spoils of war, began to construct a new Forum" (Suetonius, "Cæsar," xxvi.)—the site costing about £807,291. This new Forum was necessary, on account of the old Forum becoming too small for the public business. Pliny (xvi. 86) mentions the barracks of the municipal guards as being between the Vulcanal and the Forum of Julius Cæsar. These remains consist of a series of five large chambers; one is forty feet long and fourteen wide, divided by modern walls a
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ROMAN FORUM (Il Foro).
THE ROMAN FORUM (Il Foro).
(The new excavations are open to the public every day without fee. To understand the Roman Forum and its surroundings, visitors should attend the lectures given on the spot by the author of these Rambles, descend with him to its level, and examine each remaining object in detail; thus they may learn something of the buildings and the history that crowded on its space. For particulars, apply at 93 Via Babuino, Rome. Mutilated fragments still speak of the former grandeur of the spot, dead men of i
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF CASTOR AND POLLUX.
TEMPLE OF CASTOR AND POLLUX.
Founded by Aulus Posthumius, A.U.C. 268–74, in commemoration of the battle of Lake Regillus. It was afterwards rebuilt by Lucius Metellus. "Tiberius dedicated the Temple of Castor and Pollux, which had been rebuilt out of the spoils of the German war, in his own and his brother's name" (Suetonius, "Tiberius," xx.). "Caligula converted it into a kind of vestibule to his house" ( Ibid. , "Caligula," xxii.). The three magnificent pillars still standing belonged to the side facing the Palatine. They
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE REGIA NUMÆ.
THE REGIA NUMÆ.
"Numa erected a palace near the Temple of Vesta, called to this day Regia" (Plutarch, "Numa"). Horace (O. i. 2) says: "We see the tawny Tiber, its waves violently forced back from the Tuscan shore, proceed to demolish the monumental Regia (Numæ) and the Temple of Vesta." It was the residence of the Pontifex Maximus, or chief priest, down to the time of Augustus. "Augustus presented the Regia to the Vestal Virgins, because it adjoined their residence" (Dion Cassius, lxv. 27). In the sixteenth cen
31 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF VESTA.
THE TEMPLE OF VESTA.
"Numa erected the Temple of Vesta ( A.U.C. 37) between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills; the Forum in which this temple was built lying between them" (Dionysius, ii. 66). "It was made round, as a symbol of the earth" (Ovid, "Fasti," vi. 265). "The roof was covered with bronze of Syracuse" (Pliny, xxxiv. 7). It was destroyed by fire under Nero and Commodus, and rebuilt by Vespasian and Septimius Severus. It was the conservatory of the Palladium and holy fire. The number of Virgins was originally
44 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF ANTONINUS AND FAUSTINA.
THE TEMPLE OF ANTONINUS AND FAUSTINA.
Erected by Antoninus Pius, A.D. 160; and dedicated by the Senate on his death to himself and wife, who were deified, as we learn from the inscription,— DIVO . ANTONINO . ET . DIVAE . FAUSTINAE . EX . S. C. The vestibule of this edifice, composed of ten Corinthian pillars of variegated green marble (cipollino) supporting an architrave and part of the cellæ, built of square blocks of peperino, still remain. The architrave is adorned at each side with arabesque candelabra guarded, as it were, by gr
47 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE-TOMB OF JULIUS CÆSAR.
THE TEMPLE-TOMB OF JULIUS CÆSAR.
Ovid ("Met." xv., "Let." ii. 2), describes it as "close to Castor and Pollux, having its aspect towards the Forum and the Capitol." "They [the Triumvirs] likewise built a tomb to Julius Cæsar in the middle of the Forum, with an asylum, that should be for ever inviolable" (Dion Cassius, "Aug."). Before the temple was built, "a column of Numidian marble, formed of one stone twenty feet high, was erected to Cæsar in the Forum, inscribed— TO THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY " (Suetonius, "Cæsar," lxxxv.).
57 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BASILICA ÆMILIA.
THE BASILICA ÆMILIA.
In B.C. 180, "Marcus Fulvius made contracts for a court of justice behind the new bankers' shops" (Livy, xl. 51). It was destroyed by fire, and rebuilt by Paullus Æmilius, B.C. 53. Plutarch says that Paullus expended on it the large sum of money he had received from Cæsar as a bribe. Pliny (xxxvi. 24) tells us it was celebrated for its columns of Phrygian marble. For explanation of the word Basilica, see page 82 . Between this and the Church of S. Adriano stood...
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BASILICA PORCIA.
THE BASILICA PORCIA.
In B.C. 185, "Cato purchased for the use of the people the two houses, Mænius and Titius, in the Lautumiæ, and four shops, erecting on that ground a court of justice, which was called the Porcian" (Livy, xxxix. 44). "The tribunes likewise opposed him very much in his building, at the public charge, a hall below the Senate House, by the Forum, which he finished notwithstanding, and called it the Porcian Basilica" (Plutarch, in "Cato"). This is where the tribunes of the people used to hold their c
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FORUM PISCATORIUM,
THE FORUM PISCATORIUM,
or Fish-Market. Plautus ("Capteivei," Act iv., Scene 2) says "that the stench of the fish frequently drove the frequenters of the Basilica Porcia into the Forum Romanum." The Market was destroyed by fire B.C. 212 (Livy, xxvi. 27), and rebuilt B.C. 180 (Livy, xl. 51). "Marcus Fulvius contracted for the rebuilding of the Fish-Market." In this district was also...
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE LAUTUMIÆ.
THE LAUTUMIÆ.
It was not only a district near the Forum, but a prison, as the name signifies, made out of stone quarries. It is first mentioned ( B.C. 212) by Livy (xxvi. 27) in his account of the fire. Livy (xxxii. 26; xxxvii. 3) says it was a place for the custody of hostages and prisoners of war. When Q. M. Celer the consul was imprisoned there by the tribune L. Flavius, Celer attempted to assemble the Senate in it (Dion Cassius, xxxvii. 50); so we may infer that it was a large building. The Lautumiæ was e
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SENATE HOUSE,
THE SENATE HOUSE,
originally built by Tullus Hostilius one hundred years after the foundation of Rome, and called the Curia Hostilia. "He built a Senate House, which retained the name Hostilia even within the memory of our fathers" (Livy, i. 30). THE ROMAN FORUM, FROM THE CAPITOL. It was destroyed by fire when the body of the tribune Clodius was burned, A.U.C. 702. Rebuilt by Faustus, the son of Sylla. Destroyed a second time, to do away with the name of Sylla, on pretence of erecting the Temple of Felicity; rebu
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GRÆCOSTASIS AND SENACULUM.
THE GRÆCOSTASIS AND SENACULUM.
Varro ("Ling. Lat.," v. 155) says: "The Græcostasis was on the right of the Curia, and projected in front of it; and here the Senate received the foreign ambassadors in audience. The Senaculum lay above the Græcostasis, and towards the Temple of Concord, and the senators deliberated in this building with the magistrates who were not entitled to enter the Senate House." Between S. Martino and S. Adriano the Via Bonella runs out of the Forum on the line of...
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARGILETUM,
THE ARGILETUM,
which passed through the Fora of Cæsar and Augustus to the Suburra. It was the Paternoster Row of ancient Rome. "Thou preferrest, little book, to dwell in the shops in the Argiletum" (Martial, i. 3). At its entrance stood...
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BRONZE SHRINE OF JANUS.
THE BRONZE SHRINE OF JANUS.
In A.U.C. 39, "Numa built a shrine to Janus, near the foot of the hill Argiletum, which was to notify a state either of war or peace" (Livy, i. 19). Ovid ("Fasti," i. 259) says, "Thou hast a shrine adjoining two Fora" (the Forum of Cæsar and the Roman Forum). "There was a Janus in the Forum before the Curia. This temple was made entirely of bronze, and of a square form; it was hardly large enough to hold the figure of Janus. The bronze image was four cubits high; in other respects like a man, ex
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARCH OF SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS,
THE ARCH OF SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS,
erected, A.D. 205, in honour of the emperor and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, by the senate and people of Rome. [4] The sculptures adorning it are interesting, and represent his victories over the Parthians, Arabians, and Adiabenes. A chariot, containing the statues of the emperor and his sons, drawn by six horses (now in S. Mark's, Venice), stood on the summit. The sculptures represent details of the Roman military harangues, sieges, camps, assaults with battering-rams, and the submission o
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE DUILIAN COLUMN,
THE DUILIAN COLUMN,
DUILIAN COLUMN. View larger image. erected A.U.C. 493. "Caius Duilius was the first to gain a naval triumph over the Carthaginians: his column still remains in the Forum" (Pliny, xxxiv. 11). It was of bronze, made out of the rostra of the captured ships. Being struck by lightning, it was restored by Germanicus, under Tiberius, and part of his inscription is still to be seen in the column made to receive it by Michael Angelo in the Palazzo dei Conservatori, on the Capitol....
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE MÆNIA COLUMN
THE MÆNIA COLUMN
"was erected in honour of C. Mænius, who conquered the ancient Latins, A.U.C. 416, and to whom the Romans gave a third of the spoil" (Pliny, xxxiv. 11). Immediately behind the Arch of Severus are the remains of...
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
OPIMIUS'S TEMPLE OF CONCORD.
OPIMIUS'S TEMPLE OF CONCORD.
Here was originally a shrine erected by Flavius. Livy (ix. 46) says, "In A.U.C. 449, to the great displeasure of the nobles, Caius Flavius performed the dedication of the Temple of Concord, in the area of Vulcan." Pliny (xxxiii. 6) gives us further particulars, and points out the exact site:—"Flavius made a vow that he would consecrate a temple to Concord, if he should succeed in reconciling the privileged orders with the plebeians; and as no part of the public funds could be voted for the purpo
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BASILICA OPIMIA.
THE BASILICA OPIMIA.
At the back of the ruins of the temple are the remains of the Basilica Opimia. Part of the ground-plan is shown on a fragment of the marble map of Rome, with a fragment of a basilica behind. On examination of the ruins, the two buildings can be distinctly made out. In front are the ruins of the steps and portico, with the cella behind. There seems to have been at the back of the cella an entrance into the basilica, both being closed with independent doors. The marble threshold of the temple is i
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF VESPASIAN.
THE TEMPLE OF VESPASIAN.
Vespasian having rendered such services by restoring the Capitol, and collecting the records in the Tabularium, no more suitable site could be found for the erection of a temple to the deified emperor than in front of an old entrance to this latter building. The three pillars, which are all that remain of the building, stand upon a lofty terrace; and the skill of the architect in concealing the limited depth of the space allotted to the temple is shown in his having placed the columns of the fla
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF SATURN.
THE TEMPLE OF SATURN.
"The temple was consecrated to Saturn, upon the ascent leading from the Forum to the Capitol. Before this, the altar erected by the followers of Hercules stood there" (Dionysius, vi. 1. See ibid. , i. 34). Only eight Ionic columns, with their capitals and architraves, remain. It was on the steps of this temple that the generals took the oath that they had given a correct account of their spoil and prisoners. It contained the public treasury, and, according to Solinus, was called the Treasury of
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE MILLIARIUM AUREUM,
THE MILLIARIUM AUREUM,
or Golden Milestone, set up by Augustus (Dion Cassius, liv. 5), the site of which is at the angle of the temple on the side of the old Clivus Capitolinus, the ancient road leading up from the Forum. It was a gilded stone, on which the distance of all the principal towns was recorded, the distance being always measured from the city gates. Suetonius ("Otho," vi.) tells that "Otho gave his accomplices notice to wait for him in the Forum near the Temple of Saturn, at the Golden Milestone." Tacitus
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PORTICO OF THE TWELVE GODS,
THE PORTICO OF THE TWELVE GODS,
the Schola Xantha, and the portico of the Dii Consentes, restored by Visconti in 1858, marked by eight Corinthian columns, partly modern, but with antique capitals and architraves; and the cellæ arranged in compact masonry behind them. It was called the Schola Xantha, from Fabius Xanthus, a curator of the monuments, who placed here the images of the household gods of Rome—Dii Consentes, because admitted to the council of Jove—Juno, Vesta, Minerva, Ceres, Diana, Venus, Mars, Mercurius, Jovi', Nep
32 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TABULARIUM.
THE TABULARIUM.
(See page 170 .) In front of the Senate House, S. Adriano, is...
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE COLUMN OF PHOCAS,
THE COLUMN OF PHOCAS,
which formerly supported the statue of that emperor. It faced the Senate House; and is placed upon a pedestal rising from a pyramidal basement of steps, the whole evidently the plunder of other edifices. It was erected by Smaragdus, the Exarch of Italy, in A.D. 608, and was excavated by the Countess of Devonshire in 1816. It is thus mentioned by Byron,— "Tully was not so eloquent as thou, Thou nameless column with the buried base!" Childe Harold , iv. 90. Between the Temples of Saturn and Castor
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BASILICA JULIA,
THE BASILICA JULIA,
on the site of the Basilica Sempronia, erected by Sempronius Gracchus, B.C. 169 (Livy, xliv. 16). This was burned down, and rebuilt by Julius Cæsar, and called Julia, after his daughter. It was destroyed by fire, and rebuilt by Augustus (Dion Cassius, "Augustus"). It was again destroyed by fire, and rebuilt A.D. 283. Suetonius tells us that Caligula, "during three days successively, scattered money to a prodigious amount among the people, from the top of the Julian Basilica" ("Caligula," xxxvii.
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VIA SACRA.
THE VIA SACRA.
It commenced on the Palatine Hill at the Ædem Larium. Passing by the Arch of Titus, it turned to the left: thus far it was called the Clivus Palatinus and Summa Sacra Via; the slope down to the Forum was called the Clivus Sacer. It entered the Forum at the Temple of Antoninus, past which it turned again to the left, passing in front of the Temple of Cæsar; then turning to the right, passed through the centre of the Forum to the foot of the Capitol. The ascent here was called the Clivus Capitolin
47 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VICUS TUSCUS
THE VICUS TUSCUS
ran to the forum of the cattle-dealers and Circus Maximus. "They had ground allotted to them for building houses, which was afterwards called the Vicus Tuscus" (Livy, ii. 14). "Verres had caused it to be paved so badly, that he made a point of never going along the street that he had taken the contract for paving" (Cicero, "Ver." i. 59). It was the route for the festal processions to the Circus and Aventine. Where it entered the Forum was a statue of the Tuscan god Vertumnus, the base of which s
32 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VICUS JUGARIUS
THE VICUS JUGARIUS
went out of the Via Sacra between the Temple of Saturn and the Basilica Julia, running under the Capitol to the Porta Carmentalis, the gate in the wall from the Capitol to the river that led into the forum of the vegetable-dealers. Where it left the Via Sacra it was spanned by the Arch of Tiberius, erected A.D. 16 in commemoration of the lost eagles of Varus being recovered by Germanicus (Tacitus, "Annals," ii. 41). In this street was the Lacus Servilius. Under our (right) side of the Temple of
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE STREET OF THE OX-HEADS.
THE STREET OF THE OX-HEADS.
From the Porta Romana on the Palatine, a short street went to the right out of the Via Nova into the Forum, ending between the Temples of Castor and Vesta. "It chanced that I was returning from the festival of Vesta by that way by which the Nova Via is now joined to the Roman Forum" (Ovid, "Fasti," vi. 389.) We wish Mr. Naso had been a little more explicit, and had given us the name of this short street; but we will endeavour to demonstrate what the name of this street was. We know from Suetoniu
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MINOR STREETS.
MINOR STREETS.
We must call attention to a cross street that ran from the Clivus Capitolinus to the Prison and the Clivus Argentarius, the name of which we cannot determine, unless it was reckoned part of the Argentarius. When the triumphal processions arrived at this point, the general and prisoners separated. He went up the Capitol to sacrifice, they to the Prison to death. The road passing under the Arch of Severus is of very late date, and artificially formed. It ran from the cross street down the north si
44 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE COMITIUM.
THE COMITIUM.
Varro says it was so called "from coïre , to meet,—the place of the ratification of the treaty between the Romans and Sabines." Livy tells us "it was an open space marked out in the Forum, where the assemblies called Comitia Curiata took place for the purpose of electing ministers of religious rites, making laws of a certain description, and deciding some suits, and inflicting punishment on criminals." Domitian ordered the gallants of Cornelia, the president of the Vestal Virgins, to be whipped
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE JANUS.
THE JANUS.
This was the Roman Exchange, where the money-changers transacted their business, and must not be confounded with the Temple of Janus already mentioned; nor must it be thought that there were a series of arches here, as some authors have supposed. Horace says (Sat. ii. 3), "Since all my fortunes were dissipated at the middle exchange" (Janus). Again (Ep. i. 1), "O citizens, money is to be sought first; virtue after riches. This is inculcated from the top to the bottom of 'change." He here disting
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SHRINE OF VENUS.
SHRINE OF VENUS.
Having thus pointed out the principal buildings of the Forum, we will descend to its level, and identify some of its historical sites. At the left-hand corner of the Vicus Tuscus and the Via Sacra, a brick pedestal marks the site of the Shrine of Venus Cloacina, erected in commemoration of Tarquin making the Cloaca Maxima. Cloacina comes from cluere = purgare , to purge....
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE DEATH OF VIRGINIA.
THE DEATH OF VIRGINIA.
DEATH OF VIRGINIA. View larger image. Opposite this shrine, facing up the Vicus Tuscus, is some brickwork—remains of a line of shops that faced towards the Temple of Cæsar, and which were destroyed by Signor Rossa in making the excavations. The end shop only was saved. This was the site of the butcher's stall from which Virginius snatched the knife that saved his daughter's honour. "Virginius demanded to speak with Virginia; and permission being granted, he drew the maiden and her nurse aside to
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FOUNTAIN OF JUTURNA.
THE FOUNTAIN OF JUTURNA.
At the left-hand corner , facing the Temple of Castor, the oval basin of this fountain has been cleared, and the spring which supplied it is covered with an iron grating, and has been turned into the Cloaca. It is no doubt the same at which the twin-gods, Castor and Pollux, washed their horses after fighting for Rome in the battle of Lake Regillus, when they announced to the people that the battle was won. Similar stories are told by Florus. When the Romans conquered Perses, king of Macedonia, t
41 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FORNIX FABIUS
THE FORNIX FABIUS
stood between the Temples of Cæsar and Castor; some slight remains can still be seen. It was erected to Fabius Maximus, the conqueror of the Allobroges, now Savoy. It was erected B.C. 121, being the first triumphal arch in the Forum. The Romans originally called their triumphal arch fornix , not arcus . The pseudo-Ascon says it stood before the Temple of Castor. The inscription was found in the sixteenth century, and is given by Gruter, ccccvi. 5— Q . FABIO . ALLOBROGICINO MAXIMO. Another fragme
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARCH OF AUGUSTUS.
THE ARCH OF AUGUSTUS.
Dion Cassius records (liv. 8) that Augustus built an arch in commemoration of the Parthian treaty near the Temple-Tomb of Cæsar. This is borne out by Maii, an interpreter of Virgil ("Æn." viii. 606), who says the Arch of Augustus was near to the temple of the deified Julius. The "Mirabilia" mentions it, and gives the same site: "Templum Minervæ cum arcu conjunctum est ei, nunc autem vocatur Sanctus Laurentius de Mirandi;" that is, the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina, now the Church of San
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ROSTRA JULIA.
THE ROSTRA JULIA.
We know from Dion Cassius that Cæsar encouraged the popular business to be carried on at the lower end of the Forum, and that he turned the steps of the Temple of Castor into a temporary rostra. On this becoming popular he built a new rostra, which was called the plebeian rostra or Rostra Julia. We learn from Suetonius that it was before the Temple of Cæsar. Cicero, speaking from it against Mark Antony, bids his audience look to the ( their ) left at the gilt equestrian statue of Antony which st
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MARK ANTONY'S SPEECH.
MARK ANTONY'S SPEECH.
When Cæsar was killed, it was not in the Capitol, as Shakespeare makes it, nor in the Senate House upon the Forum, but in Pompey's Senate House (see page 195 ). From there the body was carried to his house, and next day into the Forum, on its way to the Campus Martius, and was placed in front of the Rostra Julia for some friend to make the funeral oration over it. Mark Antony mounted the rostra, and there made his famous speech, "which moved the people to that degree that they immediately burned
43 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CURTIAN LAKE.
THE CURTIAN LAKE.
Crossing the Sacred Way, which passes along the front of Cæsar's Tomb, we arrive at the space occupied by the shops destroyed in excavating. The construction remaining shows that they were rebuilt at a late date. It will be noticed that the soil is damp and sandy. This spot was once marshy, and took its name from Mettius Curtius, a leader of the Sabines, getting mired here in the battle which took place about the carrying off of the women. Plutarch, Livy, Dionysius, and Ovid agree in this; and n
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PEDESTAL OF THE STATUE OF DOMITIAN.
THE PEDESTAL OF THE STATUE OF DOMITIAN.
The Statue was destroyed by the people after his death, and the base of the pedestal is all we have left, standing upon the travertine pavement of the Forum. It is interesting to archæologists as putting to rest the arguments in reference to the names and positions of the different buildings in the Forum. The poet Statius ("Silvæ," i. 1, 22) describes the relative position of the different buildings and this statue. He tells us that the statue was situated in the middle of the Forum, near the Cu
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE STATUE OF MARSYAS.
THE STATUE OF MARSYAS.
Servius informs us that this statue was put up in the principal forum of every city as an emblem of civic liberty and even-handed justice. It stood in front of the old rostra. Horace and Martial both refer to it as being near the judge's seat. It had a pig-skin of wine on one shoulder, denoting the plentiful supply to the city, and had the other arm extended with the hand open, showing that every one should have equal justice. Over the round hole stood...
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PUTEAL SCRIBONIUS LIBO,
THE PUTEAL SCRIBONIUS LIBO,
or well altar. This is shown on a coin as being round. "At a small distance from the statue of Attus, both the hone and the razor are said to be buried under a certain altar; the place is called Puteus by the Romans" (Dionysius, iii. 72). Cicero ("De Div." i. 17) says, "It was on the Comitium, and was erected over the spot where the hone and razor were buried." (See also Horace, Ep. i. 19.) Upon the other base we will place...
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE STATUE OF ATTUS NAVIUS.
THE STATUE OF ATTUS NAVIUS.
"Tarquin erected a brazen statue of him in the Forum to eternalize his memory with posterity. This statue is still remaining, and stands before the Senate House, near to the holy fig-tree. It is less than a middle-sized man, and has a veil over the head" (Dionysius, iii. 72). "The statue of Attus Navius was erected before the Senate House, the pedestal of which was consumed when the Senate House itself was burned at the funeral of Publius Clodius" (Pliny, xxxiv. 11). "There was a statue of Attus
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FICUS NAVIA
THE FICUS NAVIA
was a fig-tree that, according to Festus, was planted by Tarquin in commemoration of his having had the whetstone cut in two with a razor, according to the augury of Attus Navius. It should not be confounded with the Ruminal fig-tree which grew upon the Palatine, as has been done by some writers. It is rather a curious incident that since the excavations were made, a fig-tree sprang up near the pedestal of Marsyas. This is the tree shown on the reliefs of the monument of Marcus Aurelius. Just be
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ROSTRA.
THE ROSTRA.
The original Rostra was first called the Suggestum or Pulpit, but in A.U.C. 416 the name was changed into Rostra (beaks). "The prows from the six ships captured from the Antiates were ordered to be placed as decorations on the Suggestum in the Forum, which was hence called Rostra" (Livy, viii. 14; Florus, i. 11; Pliny, xxiv. 11). "The Rostra stood on the Comitium in front of the Curia" (Varro), from which the orators harangued the people assembled in the open air; and it was evidently only a tem
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE MONUMENT OF MARCUS AURELIUS.[5]
THE MONUMENT OF MARCUS AURELIUS.[5]
In excavating the open space of the Comitium upon the Forum in the summer of 1872, an interesting discovery was made of two marble screens or balustrades sculptured on each side, the one being some historic scene, the other representing animals. At the time, and since their discovery, many suggestions have been offered as to their signification and use, but none seemed satisfactory, at least to us. After considerable thought, examination of the ground, and putting this and that together, we have
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SUOVETAURILIA.
THE SUOVETAURILIA.
Upon the inner sides of the Avenue are represented on each balustrade a boar, a ram, and a bull—the animals offered at the triple sacrifice, or suovetaurilia (from sus , ovis , taurus ), which was performed once every five years, or lustrum , for the purification of the city. It was an institution of Servius Tullius, the ceremony consisting in leading the boar, ram, and bull thrice round the assembly of the people, and then offering them to Mars. There is a similar representation upon a relief o
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ROSTRA AD PALMAM.
THE ROSTRA AD PALMAM.
Neither the position nor the construction of this Rostra answers to that of the original Suggestum, which took the name of Rostra from having fixed on it the six bronze beaks of the Antiates' ships. The original Rostra, shown on a coin of Palikanus, the orator mentioned by Cicero ("Brutus," lxii.)—see page 42—was a wooden pulpit. Its exact site we have already identified. The last historical notice that we have of it is in Spartianus's "Life of Didius Julianus" (iv.), A.D. 193. After saying that
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE UMBILICUS
THE UMBILICUS
was a monument marking the centre of the Roman world. The ruin of the Umbilicus is at the side of the Arch of Septimius Severus, at the end of the Rostra ad Palmam. Its pyramidal shape upon a round base can easily be distinguished....
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ASYLUM OF ROMULUS.
THE ASYLUM OF ROMULUS.
This was between the Clivus Capitolinus and the Pass of the Two Groves (Via Arco di Septimo Severo), under the Capitoline Hill, and served afterwards as an advanced fort to the citadel. "He opened a sanctuary, in the place where the enclosure now is, on the road down from the Capitoline [Temple], called the Pass of the Two Groves" (Livy, i. 8). "He surrounded it with a high stone wall" (Ovid, "Fasti," iii. 231). The gate leading into it was called the Porta Pandana—"ever-open gate" (Solinus, i.
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CLOACA MAXIMA,
THE CLOACA MAXIMA,
or great drain, begun by Tarquin the Great, containing a large stream of water rushing along, as it did over two thousand years ago, is exposed to view at the east end of the Basilica Julia. It was finished by Tarquin the Proud, B.C. 556 (Livy, i. 38, 55). "Men spoke in admiration of the public sewers, too, a work more stupendous than any, as mountains had to be pierced for their construction, and navigation might be carried on beneath Rome; an event which happened in the ædileship of M. Agrippa
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FRAGMENTS
FRAGMENTS
of different buildings lie scattered about; to what edifices they belonged "pronounce who can." More than two hundred columns, and fifty capitals of exquisite workmanship, have been discovered in the excavations of the Forum. Near the reliefs on the Comitium is a pedestal with the following inscription:— TO THE ANNIHILATOR OF TYRANTS, AND THE AUTHOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY, TO OUR CONSTANT AND FELICITOUS LORD, ARCADIUS AUGUSTUS. ALBINUS, PREFECT OF THE CITY, ETC., HAS ERECTED THIS. Having now made the
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SCALÆ ANNULARIÆ.
THE SCALÆ ANNULARIÆ.
Beyond the Temple of Castor, to the right of the Temple of Vesta, are remains of these stairs. "Augustus lived at first near the Roman Forum, above the Ringmaker's Stairs, in a house which had once been occupied by Calvus the orator" (Suetonius, "Augustus," lxxii.). Calvus the orator, a friend of Cicero, lived on the Palatine; and the Scalæ Annulariæ was a flight of stairs that led from the east end of the Forum up the north side of the Palatine to the Clivus Victoriæ. On the 12th of April 1882,
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HOUSE OF THE VIRGINS.
HOUSE OF THE VIRGINS.
Between the Temple of Vesta and the Sacra Via was the original dwelling-place of the Vestals, of which little remains beyond tufa walls beneath the more recent level. These walls were again exposed to view in some excavations made in the spring of 1886. They are marked in black on our Plan ( page 61 ), being now again covered up. Martial (i. 70), in addressing his book which he sends to Proculus, says, "You will pass by the Temple of Castor, near that of ancient Vesta, and that goddess's virgin
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
VESTA'S DUST-BIN.
VESTA'S DUST-BIN.
By the side of the temple is a pit four feet square, where the ashes and sweepings of the temple were deposited; which were cleared out on the 15th of June, and thrown down the Porta Stercoraria, on the Clivus Capitolinus, into the Cloaca. (Ovid, "F." vi. 237, 712; Varro, "L. L." v.; Festus.)...
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SHRINE OF MERCURY.
THE SHRINE OF MERCURY.
Beyond the Temple of Vesta, on the right, is a small brick shrine. The base of the statue of this shrine was fortunately found telling us the name. DIO MERCVRIO On the flank of the base is another inscription, giving us the date of its erection, April 26, 275 A.D. The brick podium of the shrine was cased with marble, one piece, one foot four inches high, being in situ on the side towards the steps. It supported an entablature of Carrara marble formed by two half-columns at the rear and two colum
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ATRIUM VESTÆ.
THE ATRIUM VESTÆ.
After the destructive fire of 192, the Forum and edifices on the Sacra Clivus were rebuilt by Septimius Severus and Julia Domna (Spartianus, Dion Cassius, Eutropius), the empress taking upon herself the special work of rebuilding the temple and residence of the Vestal Virgins; and although the original podium of the temple was used, it was considerably raised by rubble being placed on the top of the ancient tufa platform. This was necessary owing to the raising of the level from débris . For the
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PALLADIUM.
THE PALLADIUM.
In the centre of the peristylium, just coming to the surface and occupying the whole of the width of the open court, are the foundations of an octagonal edifice in brick, with ribs running from the angles to a central circle. Here, doubtless, was the shrine in which was kept the Sacred Palladium, or fatal token of the empire of the Romans. "Fatale pignus imperii Romani" (Livy, xxvi. 27). "Kept under the safeguard of Vesta's temple" ( ibid. v. 52). This was a statuette of "Minerva, by no male beh
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VICUS VESTÆ.
THE VICUS VESTÆ.
From the Via Sacra, above the Arch of Titus, a street, passing along a ledge on the northern side of the Palatine, runs into the Vicus Tuscus at the back of the Temple of Castor. This was the street of the Vestals, separating their house from the Imperial Palace. Asconius ("ad Ciceronem pro Scauro,") speaks of it. We now cross over to the Sacred Way. The first object that attracts our attention is the...
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF SS. COSMO AND DAMIANO,
CHURCH OF SS. COSMO AND DAMIANO,
on the left , occupying the site and built out of the remains of two temples by Felix IV., 527 A.D. The subterranean church contains a spring said to have been called forth by S. Felix. Upon the apse of the upper church is a mosaic of the time of Felix....
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF ROMULUS,
THE TEMPLE OF ROMULUS,
son of Maxentius, forms the vestibule of the present church. It was a circular building, and fronted towards the Via Sacra. The second temple Felix made into the nave of the church; it was quadrangular, and built of brick, but the western wall was of blocks of Gabii stone, forming part of the second wall of Rome, which was here utilized for the temple. It is thirty feet in diameter, and was erected in 302 A.D. Ligorio ("Vatican Codex," 3439) has preserved the inscription:— IMP . CAES . AUGUSTUS
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF VICAPORTA, VICTORY.
THE TEMPLE OF VICAPORTA, VICTORY.
Remains of this temple have been discovered in the recent excavations on the Sacra Via, between the Temple of Antoninus Pius and the Temple of Romulus. From the slight remains found, it seems that three of its sides were formed by deep apses, the fourth side fronting towards the Via Sacra, and entered by a portico. Dionysius (v. 19), Plutarch in "Publicola," and Livy (ii. 7) record that Publius Valerius, surnamed Publicola, built a house on the Velia overlooking the Forum; but owing to the invid
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF VENUS AND ROMA,
TEMPLE OF VENUS AND ROMA,
erected by Hadrian in 134 A.D. It was the largest and most sumptuous in Rome. It was designed by Hadrian himself, who sent the drawings to the celebrated architect Apollodorus, whom he had banished, to ask his opinion. He replied, "That Hadrian ought to have made it more lofty, and with subterraneous accommodation for receiving, as occasion might require, the machinery of the theatre, and for giving it a more imposing aspect towards the Via Sacra. That as to the statues, they were so disproporti
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF THE PENATES.
TEMPLE OF THE PENATES.
As the Lares were the departed spirits of the ancestors of each family who watched over their descendants, so the Penates were the gods selected by each family as its special protectors. And as there were the Lares of the city, so there were the Penates, whose chapel was termed Ædes Deum Penatium, and the gods were called Penates Populi Romani. These Penates were supposed to have been the gods brought from Troy by Æneas. We learn from the "Monumentum Ancyranum," that Augustus rebuilt the Ædem De
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HOUSE OF JULIUS CÆSAR.
THE HOUSE OF JULIUS CÆSAR.
The recent excavations along the line of the Via Sacra brought to light some unimportant remains of shops and houses facing towards the street. These buildings are of the time of Constantine, and agree in their construction with his Basilica on the opposite side of the street. This part of Rome was destroyed by fire in the reign of Commodus, and again under Maxentius (Dion Cassius, Herodian, Galen, Capitolinus). In this rebuilding they did not clear away the remains of the older houses, but buil
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PORTICUS MARGARITARIA.
THE PORTICUS MARGARITARIA.
After the fire, the site of Cæsar's house was occupied by shops and dwellings, along the front of which was an arcade. As these shops were mostly kept by pearl-dealers, the arcade was known as the Porticus Margaritaria. It is mentioned in the "Curiosum" and the "Notitia" of the fourth century as in the eighth region, Forum Romanum Magnum. In the recent excavations along the line of the Via Sacra, the remains of an arcade 201 feet long by 24 feet wide, and consisting of two rows of piers, have be
48 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SACRA CLIVUS.
THE SACRA CLIVUS.
Horace was wont to come down the Sacred Way ("S." i. 9), and talks of Britons descending it in chains ("Ep." vii.). Now we are free to ascend it. Where the Sacred Way ascends the Velia ridge it will be noticed that the road is extraordinarily wide (45 feet). This was no doubt made after the great fire under Commodus, for four feet below the pavement was found the original and narrower street, and beneath that the drain in the reticulated work of the republic. The right-hand side of the ascent wa
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VICUS SANDALIARIUS.
THE VICUS SANDALIARIUS.
This was the street mentioned by Dionysius as leading into the Carinæ. In the "Curiosum" and "Notitia" is mentioned the Apollinem Sandaliarium. This was a statue of Apollo, which gave name to a street of the fourth region. Suetonius ("Aug." lvii.) says: "With which donations Augustus purchased some costly images of the gods, which he erected in several of the streets of the city, as that of Apollo Sandaliarius." It is mentioned by Aulus Gellius (xviii. 4): "In Sandaliario forte apud librarios fu
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BASILICA OF CONSTANTINE,
BASILICA OF CONSTANTINE,
the colossal arches of which have served as models to architects for building all the larger churches in Rome. This splendid ruin usually bears the name of the Temple of Peace, erected by Vespasian in this neighbourhood and partly on this site, and which was destroyed by fire as early as the time of Commodus, A.D. 191. Herodianus, who saw the fire, says: "By the slight earthquake and the thunderbolt which followed it, the whole of the sacred enclosure was consumed." Claudius Galenus, the celebra
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. FRANCISCA ROMANA.
CHURCH OF S. FRANCISCA ROMANA.
Built in the ninth century, and called S. Maria Nuova. The mosaic on the apse dates from 862. There is a monument to Gregory XI., and a relief representing the return of the Papal court to Rome from Avignon. In the transept are the two stones marked with depressions, said to have been where Peter knelt when he prayed that Simon Magus might fall. (See picture in S. Peter's, page 115 .) The church contains a beautiful marble ciborium , and monuments to Cardinal Vulcani, 1322, and General Rido, 147
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PALATINE HILL AND THE PALACE OF THE CÆSARS.
THE PALATINE HILL AND THE PALACE OF THE CÆSARS.
Open every day. Admission, one lira. Sunday, free. In order to fully understand these ruins, it is advisable to attend the lectures given on the spot by the author of these Rambles, Mr. S. Russell Forbes, who conducts visitors over, describing fully the remains of the Arcadian, Kingly, Republican, and Imperial Periods. Particulars to be had at 93 Via Babuino. PLAN OF THE PALATINE HILL AND PALACE OF THE CÆSARS View larger image. Itinerary for Visiting the Palatine. Turn to the left when through E
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ROMA QUADRATA.
ROMA QUADRATA.
5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 19, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41. Romulus, the son of Rhea Silvia and Mars, founded Rome on the Palatine Hill, above the Tiber, 753 B.C. , on the site of the Arcadian city of Evander, near the Lupercal, where the wolf had given him suckle. The city was built after the Etruscan rites, and surrounded by a massive wall, in a quadrangular form, whence it was called Roma Quadrata. See "Walls of Rome," page xvii . Pliny (iii. 9) informs us that the city was entered by three gates. situated o
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF ROMA QUADRATA (6).
THE TEMPLE OF ROMA QUADRATA (6).
"A certain hallowed place on the Palatine before the Altar of Apollo Rhamnusii (5), which every city built with Etruscan rites contained, and in which were placed those things considered of good omen in founding a city" (Festus). This hallowed place, as well as the city, was called by Romulus Roma Quadrata....
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ALTAR OF APOLLO RHAMNUSII (5),
ALTAR OF APOLLO RHAMNUSII (5),
called the Altar of Apollo of the Blackthorn. Erected in commemoration of the blackthorn tree that sprang from the staff of Romulus. The large tufa blocks of the altar, and in front of it the Temple of Roma Quadrata, still remain, and by their side the Porta Carmenta....
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CURIÆ VETERES (19).
THE CURIÆ VETERES (19).
Romulus divided the people into three tribes, and each tribe into ten curiæ (Dionysius, ii. 8), thus making thirty curiæ in all. Each curia had its own priests and separate dining-room and chapel, which were also called curiæ ( Ibid. , ii. 23). The only one of these which we have mentioned as existing at a late period is the one connected with the Palatine: as we have seen, it is one of the objects Tacitus gives us for the line of the plough. Now, on the Palatine, on that line, we have a ruin be
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HOUSE OF ROMULUS
THE HOUSE OF ROMULUS
"was where the Roma Quadrata ended, at the corner as you turn from the Palatine Hill to the Circus" (Dionysius). It was upon that part of the hill called Germalus from the twins being left there when the flood went down. This would be the shelf at the south-west corner of the Palatine....
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF JUPITER STATOR (13),
THE TEMPLE OF JUPITER STATOR (13),
vowed by Romulus when his army was fleeing before the Sabines, if Jupiter would stay their flight; hence the name. "Romulus built a temple to Jupiter near the Porta Mugonia" (Dionysius, ii. 30). It was restored by Scipio, A.U.C. 459 (Livy, x. 37). It was in this temple that Cicero made his first oration against Catiline (Plutarch). Cicero says that here the goods of Pompey were offered for sale....
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
UNDER THE REPUBLIC.
UNDER THE REPUBLIC.
It was not till the glories of the republic outshone the memory of the kings that the Palatine became the favourite residence of the wealthy. We have record of the houses inhabited by Vaccus, Catulus, Crassus, the Gracchi, Ceneus, Cicero, Scaurus, Mark Antony, and other notorious republicans. Some slight remains of republican walls can be seen at various points....
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF CYBELE (4).
THE TEMPLE OF CYBELE (4).
Dedicated by M. J. Brutus, B.C. 191, under the name of Mater Idæa, Mother of the Gods (Livy, xxxvi. 36). "Cybele was not worshipped in Rome till A.U.C. 550, when the goddess, a stone, was brought from Pessinus, a city of Phrygia, by Scipio Nasica" (Strabo). The vessel containing it having grounded at the mouth of the Tiber, remained immovable till Claudia Quinta, to prove her chastity, after calling upon the goddess, drew the ship with slight effort to Rome (Ovid, "Fasti," vi. 300). This event i
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF VICTORY (9).
THE TEMPLE OF VICTORY (9).
The remains of this are just inside the Porta Carmenta. It was founded originally by the Greek settlers, and restored under the republic; the construction agrees with this supposition, for here we have the two different stones used in these periods, soft tufa and peperino. "Upon the top of the hill they set apart a piece of ground, which they dedicated to Victory, and instituted annual sacrifices to be offered up to her also, which the Romans perform even in my time" (Dionysius, i. 32), A.U.C. 4
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SHRINE OF MAIDEN VICTORY (9A).
THE SHRINE OF MAIDEN VICTORY (9A).
In A.U.C. 560, "Marcus Portius Cato dedicated a chapel to Maiden Victory, near the Temple of Victory, two years after he had vowed it" (Livy, xxxv. 9)....
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ALTAR TO AIUS LOQUENS (35).
ALTAR TO AIUS LOQUENS (35).
Still standing; was erected 124 B.C. , on the site where Camillus had erected the original, in the undetermined state, to the unknown voice that warned Marcus Cedicius of the approaching Gauls, 391 B.C. "In the Via Nova, where now is the shrine, above the Temple of Vesta" (Livy, v. 23). "A voice was heard in the Grove of Vesta, which skirts the Nova Via at the foot of the Palatine" (Cicero, "Div." i. 45)....
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF JUPITER VICTOR (21).
TEMPLE OF JUPITER VICTOR (21).
Founded during the second Samnite war by Fabius Maximus (Livy, x. 29)—326–304 B.C. —overlooking the Circus Maximus. The remains consist of tufa substructions, steps leading up to the temple, and some peperino fragments. The circular altar on the steps, found close by, bears an inscription to Calvinus, consul B.C. 53–40....
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HOUSE OF GERMANICUS (10),
THE HOUSE OF GERMANICUS (10),
( See plan, page 81 ) called erroneously by various authorities the House of Claudius Nero, of Livia, of Augustus. It was incorporated into the Imperial Palace by Tiberius, though for very many years it preserved its distinctive title. Josephus tells us that "Caligula was killed in a private narrow passage within the palace as he was going to the bath, having turned from the direct road along which his servants had gone. The passages also were narrow wherein the work was done, and crowded with C
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PALACES OF THE CÆSARS
THE PALACES OF THE CÆSARS
gradually incorporated the whole of the Palatine buildings; and when we speak of the Palace of the Cæesars, it is not meant that it was one, but different palaces, built by different emperors, called after them, and connected with those previously erected by crypto-porticoes....
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HOUSE OF AUGUSTUS (18).
THE HOUSE OF AUGUSTUS (18).
"He resided in a small house formerly belonging to Hortensius. This was destroyed by fire, and rebuilt by contributions of the public" (Suetonius). The palace was destroyed by fire, under Titus, A.D. 72; the ruins were filled in by Domitian in the second year of his reign, and upon the top he built his celebrated palace. The remains of the Palace of Augustus—not now accessible, being under the convent—were explored and partly excavated some years ago. From the Palace of Domitian (17) we can desc
31 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GELOTIANA (32),
THE GELOTIANA (32),
mentioned by Suetonius as the place from which Caligula viewed the games in the Circus Maximus, is supposed to have been a house occupied by the guard and servants of the palace. Its ruin consists of chambers at the base of the hill, under the convent. It was here that the skit of the Crucifixion, now in the Museum of the Collegio Romano, was found. (See page 160 .) The walls are still covered with names, &c., scratched by the soldiers....
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HOUSE OF TIBERIUS (3).
THE HOUSE OF TIBERIUS (3).
We learn from Suetonius and Tacitus that it was situated on the western side of the Palatine, overlooking and communicating with the Velabrum. The remains consist of vast halls and substructions, and a row of arches supposed to have been the guard's quarters. This palace has yet to be excavated....
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PALACE OF CALIGULA AND HADRIAN (2).
THE PALACE OF CALIGULA AND HADRIAN (2).
"Having continued part of the Palatine as far as the Forum, he converted the Temple of Castor and Pollux into the vestibule of his house." "He built a bridge over the temple of the deified Augustus, by which he joined the Palatine to the Capitol" (Suetonius). He connected his palace with that of Tiberius by means of porticoes. The remains consist of a suite of rooms, portions built over the Clivus Victoriæ, chambers with fresco and stucco decorations, and mosaic pavements, also a portion of the
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PALACE OF DOMITIAN (17).
THE PALACE OF DOMITIAN (17).
He used the remains of Augustus's palace, destroyed by fire in the second year of the reign of Titus, filling in the chambers of the earlier buildings with earth, so that they formed a solid foundation. "He embellished the portico, in which he took his airing, with polished stone, so that he might observe if any one approached him" (Suetonius). The remains consist of the tablinium, or summer-parlour; the lararium, or chapel of the household gods; the bed-chamber where he was assassinated; the tr
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BASILICA (16).
THE BASILICA (16).
When the Palace of Augustus and the other edifices were burned down, Domitian filled them in with earth, and on the top of the platform built his palace. But some of the destroyed edifices were consecrated: as he could not do away with them, he rebuilt them upon the higher level, over their old sites. The basilica and chapel of the household gods were both treated in this way. As this was the only basilica on the Palatine, we may presume that it was the court of appeal unto Cæsar himself. If so,
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE STADIUM (26).
THE STADIUM (26).
On the east side of the Palatine, built by Domitian, and only partly excavated. Used for races both for men and women. "Young girls ran races in the Stadium, at which Domitian presided in his sandals, dressed in a purple robe made after the Grecian fashion, and wearing upon his head a golden crown bearing the effigies of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva; with the flamen of Jupiter and the college of priests sitting at his side in the same dress, excepting only that their crowns had also his own image
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EXEDRA, OR ODEUM (27).
THE EXEDRA, OR ODEUM (27).
On the right of the Stadium, for musical performances, with three chambers underneath decorated with fresco work....
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE NYMPHÆUM OF MARCUS AURELIUS (30).
THE NYMPHÆUM OF MARCUS AURELIUS (30).
We claim the honour of having discovered the use of these imposing ruins, whose summit is climbed by many visitors to enjoy the fine view over the Campagna. It was built by the best of the Roman emperors as a large reservoir for the supply of water to the Palatine Hill, acting as the Trevi Fountain does at present. We have traced the specus of the aqueduct to it; and the top is covered with opus signinum , the peculiar cement used by the Romans whenever they conducted water. The brickwork shows
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PALACE OF COMMODUS (25, 29)
THE PALACE OF COMMODUS (25, 29)
stood on the south-east side of the hill. He constructed a passage from the Palatine to the arena of the Colosseum. He was strangled in his chamber; and his successor, Pertinax, was stabbed in the same palace. This was destroyed by fire, and on the top of the ruins was erected the Palace of Septimius Severus, Caracalla, and Alexander Severus. The remains consist of numerous chambers, corridors, and vaults, still retaining some of their mosaic pavements and stucco roofs, with walls built into the
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PALACE OF THE CÆSARS.
THE PALACE OF THE CÆSARS.
After the death of Alexander Severus, A.D. 235, we have little or no history of buildings upon the Palatine, and there are no remains the construction of which shows a later date. Indeed the emperors reigned but a short time down to Diocletian, except Gallienus, who, we know, had a palace and gardens on the Esquiline. Fifty years after Alexander Severus died a great blow was struck at the grandeur of Rome; for the colleagues in empire, Diocletian and Maximian, made new capitals at Milan and Nico
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARCH OF TITUS.
THE ARCH OF TITUS.
On the ridge of the Velia hill, which forms a continuation of the Palatine, and separates the hollow of the Forum from that of the Colosseum, a triumphal arch was erected (though not till after his death and deification) to Titus, the conqueror of Jerusalem. The reliefs, still preserved within the arch, are among the most remarkable of the kind existing in Rome as to the position they occupy in the history of art and of the world. We find here not only the emperor standing in the triumphal chari
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF THE SUN,
TEMPLE OF THE SUN,
"built by Elagabalus, on the slopes of the Palatine, for the worship of the Syro-Phœnician sun-god, which was represented by a black conical stone, set with gems. Elagabalus broke into the Temple of Vesta, intending to remove the Palladium to his Temple of the Sun, but the virgins, by a pious fraud, defeated his object, on discovering which he broke into their sanctuary, and carried off one of the virgins to add to his list of wives" (Lampridius). ARCH OF TITUS, WITH THE META SUDANS, AND BASILIC
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FORUM OF CUPID AND ITS BASILICÆ,
THE FORUM OF CUPID AND ITS BASILICÆ,
miscalled the Temple of Venus and Rome. The platform upon which it stands is partly the Velia ridge and partly artificial. When a building was inaugurated after consecration it was called a templum . A delubrum was an isolated building, surrounded with an area, dedicated to religious purposes. This—because it was double, having two aspects, two distinct apses or tribunals—we call, in the plural number, delubra , or the double basilica. The remains consist of two large tribunals, back to back, wi
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PEDESTAL OF NERO'S COLOSSUS,
PEDESTAL OF NERO'S COLOSSUS,
which, as we have seen, first stood in the vestibule of his house; then where the atrium was; thence it was removed by Hadrian with twenty-four elephants to this spot, as is shown on a coin of Alexander Severus. It was 120 feet high. Vespasian radiated the head to make it represent the sun; Commodus took off Nero's head, and replaced it with his own. The popular quotation from Bede refers to this Colossus, not to the Colosseum. In a line with Nero's Pedestal is the...
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
META SUDANS,
META SUDANS,
the remains of a fountain, erected by Titus, and repaired by Domitian and Gordianus, which stood in the centre of a large circular basin. Popular tradition narrates that the gladiators used to wash here after combat: it is certainly possible, but not very probable, that they would come outside to wash at an open fountain. The epithet Meta Sudans, or "sweating-goal," is supposed to be taken from the perpetual issue of foaming water, or because it contributed to satisfy the thirst of the audience
32 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARCH OF CONSTANTINE,
THE ARCH OF CONSTANTINE,
dedicated by the senate and people of Rome to commemorate the victories of the first Christian emperor, to do which they took reliefs from the Arch of Trajan, and built them into an attic which they erected upon the top of the Arch of Isis, re-dedicating the conglomeration as the Triumphal Arch of Constantine. The reliefs which refer to Trajan can be easily distinguished from those of Constantine (which are very bad) owing to their superior style and the subjects represented. ARCH OF CONSTANTINE
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE COLOSSEUM.
THE COLOSSEUM.
"A noble wreck in ruinous perfection."— Byron. The vast amphitheatre erected in the centre of ancient Rome by Vespasian was known to the ancient Romans as the Flavian Amphitheatre. It was begun by the Flavian emperors A.D. 72, and dedicated A.D. 80. It is 157 feet high, and is 1900 feet in circumference, and was built by the captive Jews after the fall of Jerusalem. Originally the upper story was of wood, but this was burned down, and it was rebuilt with travertine stone like the rest of the edi
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ROUTE.
THE ROUTE.
From the Piazza del Popolo the Via Ripetta leads towards S. Peter's, turning off to the right, past the bridge, by the Via Monte Brianzo. From the Piazza di Spagna we take the Via Condotti to the Via Monte Brianzo and Tor di Nona. At the right-hand end of the latter street is the Apollo Theatre, built on the site of the Tor di Nona prison, where Beatrice Cenci was confined. Passing into the Piazza Ponte S. Angelo, on our left, is the Italian Free Church of Gavazzi, and in the Palazzo Altoviti, i
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BRIDGE OF S. ANGELO,
THE BRIDGE OF S. ANGELO,
( Ponte S. Angelo ,) which is decorated with ten angels standing on the parapet, bearing the instruments of our Lord's passion; and SS. Peter and Paul, an addition made in 1668 by Clement IX. It is the finest bridge in Rome, and was built by Hadrian....
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMB OF HADRIAN, NOW THE CASTLE OF S. ANGELO.
TOMB OF HADRIAN, NOW THE CASTLE OF S. ANGELO.
( Castel S. Angelo. Permissions required: see page 353 . ) It was covered with white Paros marble, and decorated with statues of the gods and heroes, the works of Praxiteles and Lysippus, which were hurled upon the heads of the Goths. Erected by Hadrian, A.D. 130. The porphyry sarcophagus, which is supposed to have contained his remains, is now used as the font in the chapel on the left in S. Peter's. Procopius thus describes it: "The tomb of the Emperor Hadrian is situated outside the Porta Aur
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. PETER'S.
S. PETER'S.
( S. Pietro. ) Before the era of railways, the traveller in approaching Rome, across the Campagna, was generally electrified by the first glimpse of S. Peter's dome looming in the distance. Then he had full time, in advance of entering the gates of the city, to ponder over all the recollections which the magical word "Roma" might suggest to him. At present he is rapidly borne into the city, and sometimes before he is aware of having arrived even in its neighbourhood; yet the dome is plainly visi
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VATICAN.
THE VATICAN.
From the vestibule of S. Peter's we see, to the fullest advantage, the fine piazza, with the Vatican on our left, which presents very much the appearance of a large factory. Having been erected by different architects in various eras, it has no systematic design, and is, in fact, a collection of palaces built by different Popes. The entrance is at the bend of the colonnade. Permission to visit the Museum , Galleries , Library , &c., must be obtained from Monsignor Macchi, at his office,
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SCALA REGIA,
THE SCALA REGIA,
built in the pontificate of Urban VIII., from the design of Bernini. The first flight is composed of Ionic columns, the second of pilasters. The ornamental stucco work is from the designs of Algardi. The equestrian statue of Constantine is by Bernini. On the first landing, a passage leads to a small flight of steps. At the top, on the right, through a small red baize door, is the entrance to...
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SISTINE CHAPEL,
THE SISTINE CHAPEL,
built by Sixtus IV. in 1473. It is celebrated for its paintings in fresco by Michael Angelo; the roof alone occupied twenty months in the painting. The Roof. —On the flat part are nine compartments illustrative of—(1) The Separation of Light from Darkness; (2) Creation of the Sun and Moon; (3) Land and Sea; (4) Adam; (5) Eve; (6) the Fall and Expulsion (the figure of Eve is considered to be the most perfect painting of the female form in existence); (7) the Sacrifice of Noah; (8) the Deluge; (9)
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SALA REGIA,
SALA REGIA,
built as an audience hall for the ambassadors to the Papal Court. It is decorated with frescoes representing different important events in Papal history....
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PAULINE CHAPEL
THE PAULINE CHAPEL
was erected by Paul III. Its walls are painted in fresco, the conversion of S. Paul and the execution of S. Peter being by Michael Angelo. The painted roof and the portraits of twenty-eight Popes are by Lorenzo Sabatini and Frederigo Zucchero. Retracing our steps through the Sistine Chapel, and going up a narrow stair, we enter, through a small white door, two rooms containing...
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
GALLERY OF MODERN PAINTINGS.
GALLERY OF MODERN PAINTINGS.
( First Room, right. ) 1. Beatitude of Benedict of Urbino (Capuchin).—Guido Guidi, 1865. He is being presented, with other missionaries, to Clement VIII. 2. Beatitude of John Sarcander, who is led to the torture by the Dutch Calvinists.—By F. Grandi. 3. S. Chiara of Mount Falconi visits Cardinal Colonna, who is kneeling.—Raffaele Gagliardi. 4. Alfonso Rodosko's Vision of the Virgin.—By G. Sereni. 5. John Berchmans' Vision of the Virgin.—Gagliardi. 6. Peter of Arbues, Grand Inquisitor of Spain, m
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
STANZE OR CAMERE OF RAPHAEL,
STANZE OR CAMERE OF RAPHAEL,
consisting of four rooms designed by Raphael, and completed by his pupils after his death, to illustrate the triumphs and establishment of the Catholic Church. The principal frescoes are:— In the First Room. — On the right , the Incendio del Borgo, A.D. 847; over the window , Justification of Leo III.; in front , Victory of Leo IV. over the Saracens at Ostia; and opposite , Coronation of Charlemagne. The chiaro-oscuro portraits, below , by Caravaggio, represent the princes who first gave tribute
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHAPEL OF S. LORENZO.
THE CHAPEL OF S. LORENZO.
The frescoes are by Fra Angelico, representing events in the lives of SS. Stephen and Laurence. On the ceiling are the four Evangelists. It was built as the private chapel of Nicholas V., and is the oldest decorated portion of the Vatican. We now pass into...
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE LOGGIE OF RAPHAEL,
THE LOGGIE OF RAPHAEL,
to the right on entering . "It is impossible either to execute or imagine a more beautiful work" (Vasari). It is called Raphael's Bible. It is divided into thirteen arcades, each containing four subjects of Scripture history—1. The Creation of the World, by Raphael; 2. History of Adam and Eve; 3. The History of Noah, by Giulio Romano; 4. Abraham and Lot; 5. History of Isaac, by Penni; 6. Jacob, by Pellegrino; 7. Joseph; 8. Moses, by Giulio Romano; 9. Moses, by Raffaello del Colle; 10. Joshua; 11
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PICTURE GALLERY.
THE PICTURE GALLERY.
( The Pinacotheca. ) Formed by Pius VII. As the artist's name and the subject are painted on the frame of each picture (a hint some of the other galleries might adopt), it will be only necessary to mention the most important. First Room. —The Christian Mysteries, one of Raphael's earliest paintings; Faith, Hope, and Charity, three medallions, by Raphael; Doubting Thomas, by Guercino; Marriage of S. Catherine of Alexandria with the Infant Christ, by Murillo; Adoration of the Shepherds, by Murillo
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE MOSAIC MANUFACTORY.
THE MOSAIC MANUFACTORY.
Orders must be obtained from the Rev. Monsignor Fiorani, at the Sacristy. It is entered by a corridor from the ground floor at the left-hand corner of the Court of S. Damaso. The mosaics in S. Peter's, S. Paul's, and other churches, were manufactured here. Some mosaics take a long time to execute, as great patience and art are required in blending the shades, &c., upwards of 27,000 different shades of the coloured vetri being kept in stock. A plate, generally of metal, of the required si
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VATICAN MUSEUM.
THE VATICAN MUSEUM.
Open every day from 9 till 3, except on Thursday and Saturday, when it is closed. Permission must be obtained of Monsignor Macchi, at his office in the Vatican, from 10 till 1. Each permit admits a party of five, and can only be used once. Entrance is obtained by going round to the back of S. Peter's, thus enabling us on our way to admire the vast proportions of the latter. The Vatican Museum was founded by Julius II., and consists of those objects of art that have been discovered, and which onc
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE LIBRARY.
THE LIBRARY.
Ask the Custodian; fee, 50 cents each. It was founded by Sixtus V., and contains 120,000 volumes, of which 25,000 are manuscripts. The magnificent great hall is 220 feet long, and contains many objects of interest, notably two fine candelabra of Sèvres china presented to Pius VII. by Napoleon I.; a vase of malachite and another of immense size, presented by Prince Demidoff; two vases of Meissen porcelain, presented by the Emperor of Germany; a large vase of porcelain china, presented by Napoleon
32 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHRISTIAN MUSEUM.
THE CHRISTIAN MUSEUM.
The contents comprise a collection of lamps, glass vessels, gems, &c., found in the Catacombs. In the room beyond is a very interesting collection of Byzantine and medieval Italian paintings, a Russian calendar, and other interesting objects. At the end of this vista of rooms is a full-length seated portrait of Pius IX., painted on glass at Aix-la-Chapelle. N.B.—The following collections at the Vatican are open only on Thursdays from nine till three; special permission is required....
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM.
THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM.
Formed by Gregory XVI. from Egypt, and from Egyptian remains dispersed in the several museums of Rome. It comprises a hall of monuments, hall of the imitations executed by Roman and Greek artists, and several cabinets containing many interesting objects. Ascending the stairs we reach, on the right ,...
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HALL OF THE BIGA,
THE HALL OF THE BIGA,
adorned with several beautiful works of ancient art, the principal of which is the Biga or chariot, only the body of which is ancient. The Biga for a long time served as an episcopal throne in the Church of S. Mark in Rome. The torso of the right horse was a gift of Prince Borghese; the additions and restorations are by Franzoni. No. 611, Alcibiades, after Nycerates; 615, Discobolus, after Naukides; 616, Phocion; 618, Discobolus, after Myron. The long corridor is called...
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GALLERY OF THE CANDELABRA,
THE GALLERY OF THE CANDELABRA,
and is divided into six compartments, containing cups, vases, sarcophagi, statues, candelabra, &c. It has recently been restored by Leo XIII., the floors and ceilings being masterpieces of modern art. The most important objects of interest are: 19, a Child Playing at Capita et Navim (heads or tails); 74, Faun Extracting a Thorn from a Satyr's Foot; 81, Diana of Ephesus—her sixteen breasts signify the sixteen cubits at which the Nile overflows; the various half figures of sphinxes, lions,
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GALLERY OF TAPESTRIES
THE GALLERY OF TAPESTRIES
contains copies of Raphael's cartoons which are at the South Kensington Museum: they were woven in Flanders by order of Leo X. to adorn the Sixtine Chapel. Right side going down. Our Saviour giving the Keys to Peter— the border represents the Medici fleeing from Florence; Peter healing the Man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple— border , Cardinal Medici at the Battle of Ravenna; Conversion of Saul— border , the Taking of Prato in 1512; in three pieces, Slaughter of the Innocents; The Resurrecti
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ETRUSCAN MUSEUM,
THE ETRUSCAN MUSEUM,
which contains various works of art brought from the ancient towns of Etruria and Magna Græcia. These works are generally mixed up in the Roman museums. First Room. —Three terra-cotta sarcophagi, with reclining figures on the covers; two horses' heads in tufa from Vulci. Second Room. —Cinerary urns from Volterra, in Volterra alabaster. Third Room. —A large peperino sarcophagus, found at Corneto, the ancient Tarquinii: an Etruscan king-priest, Lucumo , reclines upon it, and on its sides are Greek
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE INQUISITION.
THE INQUISITION.
Returning from the Museum, on reaching the colonnade of S. Peter's, turn off to the right , through the middle of the colonnade. Opposite is the Palazzo del S. Uffizio,—the Inquisition, which was established here in 1536, and abolished by the Roman Republic in 1849. It is now used as a barrack, and the Inquisition holds its meetings in the Vatican. Passing at the back of the columns into the Borgo S. Michaele, and turning to the right , we enter the Borgo S. Spirito. On the left is the fine towe
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PORTA S. SPIRITO,
THE PORTA S. SPIRITO,
a massive gateway built by San Gallo in the walls erected by Leo IV. round S. Peter's and the Vatican, whence the district inside is called the Leonine City. Outside the gate a steep ascent leads up to...
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. ONOFRIO—TASSO'S TOMB.
S. ONOFRIO—TASSO'S TOMB.
This convent is for ever memorable in the history of Italian literature as the place where Tasso died. The adjoining church, called Girolmini, or Brothers of S. Jerome, built for the use of the monks, was erected in 1429 A.D. , during the reign of Eugene IV. Tasso, summoned to the Capitol to be crowned there as king of bards, died in 1595, a short time after his arrival in Rome. He was buried in the church without much ceremony, and his remains lay undisturbed in a simple tomb on the left of the
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PALAZZO DEI LINCEI.
PALAZZO DEI LINCEI.
( Formerly Corsini. ) Open Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 9 to 3. As this palace, now the home of the Academy of the Lincei, is again open to the public, and as the paintings were generously presented by Prince Corsini to the city of Rome, it may be of advantage to visitors in Rome if we enumerate the paintings most worth inspection. At the same time we would inform our readers that there are full catalogues, on cards, in Italian and French in each room. First Room. — In glass case on stan
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FARNESINA PALACE.
THE FARNESINA PALACE.
Open on the 1st and 15th of the month. It contains the famous frescoes of Raphael. On the ceiling of the first room that of the fable of Cupid and Psyche, designed by Raphael, and painted by Giulio Romano. This charming fable is described by Kugler in his "Handbook on the Italian Painters." Commencing on the left , the first is Venus ordering Cupid to punish Psyche; second, Cupid showing Psyche to the Three Graces; third, Juno and Ceres pleading for Psyche; fourth, Venus in her Car going to clai
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TORLONIA MUSEUM.
TORLONIA MUSEUM.
( Museo Torlonia. ) Permission must be obtained from Prince Torlonia. Written application should be made to the prince at his palace in the Piazza di Venezia. A full catalogue of the Torlonia Museum has been written and printed by Signor P. E. Visconti. Copies are lent for the use of visitors. This grand collection of sculptures has been in course of formation by Prince Torlonia during many years. Some of the objects were found on his own property, others have been purchased by him, and many of
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PORTA SETTIMIANA,
THE PORTA SETTIMIANA,
said to have been an archway leading into a villa of Septimius Severus. It was incorporated by Aurelian into the line of his walls, and fortified by Honorius. Passing under the arch, the Via Garibaldi on the right leads to the garden-crowned height of...
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. PIETRO IN MONTORIO,
S. PIETRO IN MONTORIO,
which commands a magnificent view of Rome, its surroundings, and the windings of the Tiber. The church was erected by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, and is still under the protection of the crowned head of Spain. In the court of the monastery is a small temple formed of sixteen Doric columns, said to be erected over the spot where the cross on which S. Peter was executed stood. Raphael's Transfiguration was painted for this church, whence it was taken by the French to adorn the Louvre. On its
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MARTIAL'S VILLA.
MARTIAL'S VILLA.
The Government has recently acquired and thrown open to the public these grounds, known as the Corsini Villa, which for its view is one of the most charming sites in Europe, formerly the villa of Julius Martialis described by his nephew ("Ep." iv. 64):— "The few acres of Julius Martial, More blest than the Hesperides' gardens, Lie on the long ridge of the Janiculum. It is possible hence to see the seven ruling mounts, [8] And to estimate all Rome,— The Alban hills, and those of Tusculum; And wha
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE JANICULUM.
THE JANICULUM.
The long narrow ridge which commands Rome on its western side took its name from Janus (Virgil, "Æn." vii. 358), but, although fortified by Ancus Martius, was not reckoned in the city. It was sometimes called Mons Aureus, from the golden colour of its sandy soil. From the fort on the summit a flag flying denoted that all was well; but if the flag was hauled down, the enemy were in view. It was this fort that Lars Porsena seized when Horatius defended the bridge below. THE PAULINE FOUNTAIN. View
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PAULINE FOUNTAIN,
THE PAULINE FOUNTAIN,
( Fontana Paolina ,) supplied by the ancient Aqua Trajana, which has its source in the Lago di Bracciano, thirty-five miles from Rome. The fountain was built out of the remains of the Temple of Minerva which stood in the Forum of Domitian. The road through the Porta S. Pancrazio leads to the...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
VILLA PAMPHILI DORIA.
VILLA PAMPHILI DORIA.
Open on Monday and Friday afternoons; one-horse carriages not admitted. The villa—the most extensive and delightful of the Roman villas, abounding in avenues and woods, fountains and cascades—is situated on the summit of the Janiculum, it is supposed upon the site of a villa of Galba. From the ilex-fringed terrace there is one of the best views of S. Peter's; a lake supporting swans; a temple to the slain amongst the besiegers of Rome in 1849—all of which must be seen to be appreciated. "Galba w
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. CECILIA,
CHURCH OF S. CECILIA,
originally the house of the saint. To the right, on entering, is the tomb of Adam Hereford, Bishop of London, who died in 1398. The second chapel on the right is said to have been the bath-room, and pipes may still be seen in the wall. Beneath the high altar is the statue of S. Cecilia, representing her body as found in the Catacombs of S. Calixtus, "not lying upon the back, like a body in a tomb, but upon its right side, like a virgin in her bed, with her knees modestly drawn together, and offe
59 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. CHRISOGONO.
CHURCH OF S. CHRISOGONO.
Founded by Pope Sylvester, and rebuilt 1623. It has a fine old opus Alexandrinum pavement, and the aisles are formed by twenty-two columns, two in porphyry supporting the arch. A mosaic in the tribune represents the Madonna and Child enthroned between SS. James and Chrisogono. The ceiling was painted by Arpino. On the left of the piazza is the small street , Monte di Fiore , in which is the...
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
STAZIONE VII COHORTI DEI VIGILI
STAZIONE VII COHORTI DEI VIGILI
(Roman firemen), remodelled and formed into seven watches by Augustus. The building was discovered in 1866. The custodian conducts the visitor over, fee half a franc. Descending the stairs we enter a mosaic paved courtyard, with a well in the centre, and on the right a small altar with mural paintings. There are several other chambers, and a bath, with numerous inscriptions on the walls scratched by the firemen during their idle moments. Going down the Via Lungaretta , we enter the Piazza of S.
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. MARIA.
CHURCH OF S. MARIA.
The façade is covered with mosaics representing the Virgin and Child enthroned, surrounded by ten virgins, and on either side the figure of a bishop (Innocent II. and Eugenius III.); above this are palms, the twelve sheep, and the mystic cities, and our Lord enthroned between angels. The interior contains twenty-two columns. The Assumption, on the ceiling, is by Domenichino. Beneath the high altar are the remains of five early popes. In the upper part of the tribune are mosaics of the Saviour an
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PONTE SISTO.
THE PONTE SISTO.
The present bridge was built by Pope Sixtus IV., who laid the foundation stone, April 29, 1473, on the site of an older bridge which was destroyed in the flood of A.D. 792, it having been built by Symmachus, prefect of Rome under Valentinian ( A.D. 365), "under whose government the most sacred city enjoyed peace and plenty in an unusual degree; being also adorned with a magnificent and solid bridge which he constructed, and opened amid the great joy of his ungrateful fellow-citizens" (Ammianus M
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FARNESE PALACE.
THE FARNESE PALACE.
In the piazza are two fountains, the granite basins of which were found in the baths of Caracalla. The palace is not now to be visited, as it is occupied by the French Embassy. Its architecture is more admired than that of any other palace in Rome; it was built by Pope Paul III. with materials taken from the Colosseum. Its rooms are adorned with frescoes of Annibale Caracci, his finest works, consisting of mythological subjects. The centre piece represents the Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne. THE
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CANCELLERIA PALACE,
THE CANCELLERIA PALACE,
( Palazzo della Cancelleria ,) one of the finest palaces in Rome, built out of the travertine taken from the Colosseum: the forty-four red granite columns which support the portico came from Pompey's Theatre. At the foot of the staircase Count Rossi was assassinated in November 1848. Adjoining the palace is the Church of SS. Lorenzo e Damaso , lately restored. A short lane, Vicolo Regis, leads to the Braschi Palace, at the side of which is...
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE STATUE OF PASQUINO,
THE STATUE OF PASQUINO,
a mutilated torso found here in the sixteenth century. It took its name from Pasquino, a tailor, who lived opposite, and whose shop was the rendezvous of the wits of the city, who wrote their jokes and stuck them on the statue: these were replied to by the statue of Marforio, now in the Capitol Museum. Some of Pasquino's sayings were very witty, and have been published. Now, under a free government, he seldom speaks. The Via del Governo Vecchio leads to the...
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. MARIA IN VALLICELLA,
CHURCH OF S. MARIA IN VALLICELLA,
( La Chiesa Nuova ,) containing three paintings by Rubens; they are at the high altar. From the Statue of Pasquino, by the side of the Braschi Palace, we enter the...
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CIRCO AGONALE,
CIRCO AGONALE,
one of the finest squares in Rome, sometimes called Piazza Navona. It takes its name from being the site of the Circus Agonalis. Fêtes are held here during Carnival, and a fair at the Epiphany. Notice the three fountains—the centre one by Bernini: four figures, representing four rivers, recline on a craggy rock; on its top stands an Egyptian obelisk, at its base a lion and a sea-horse....
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE OBELISK.
THE OBELISK.
This, from the inscription, was either made for, or the inscription was added to and imitated by, Domitian:—"Sun god. Son of the Sun god. Supporter of the world. Giver of life to the world. The man-god Horus. The son of the woman Isis, who is come to avenge the death of his ancestor Osiris. The king living for ever, Domitianus." From his Alban Villa, where it originally stood, it was transported, in A.D. 311, to the spina of the Circus of Maxentius on the Via Appia, thence to its present site. O
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. AGNESE,
THE CHURCH OF S. AGNESE,
said to have been built on the site where S. Agnes was exposed after her torture; the high altar in the subterranean chapel is said to stand on the very spot. In another part is shown her prison, and where she was beheaded and burned, the church occupying the side vaults of the circus. The upper church contains eight columns of red Cortanella marble; it is ornamented with stuccoes, statues, alto-reliefs, and pictures. Behind the high altar is the sepulchral chapel of Princess Mary Talbot, wife o
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. MARIA DELLA PACE,
CHURCH OF S. MARIA DELLA PACE,
containing Raphael's Sibyls—the Cumæan, Persian, Phrygian, Tiburtine—on the face of the arch in the first chapel on the right. Some statues in the Cesi Chapel were worked from pilasters found behind the Palace dei Conservatori, on the Capitol, from the Temple of Juno. From the right of the Circo Agonale a street leads to the...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. AGOSTINO.
CHURCH OF S. AGOSTINO.
It contains a fresco by Raphael, on the third pilaster to the left in entering,—Isaiah and two angels holding a tablet; also a favourite statue of the Virgin and Child, by Andrea Sansavino. VIA RIPETTA—MAUSOLEUM OF AUGUSTUS—THE CAMPUS MARTIUS—THE BORGHESE GALLERY—HILDA'S TOWER—THE PANTHEON—BATHS OF AGRIPPA—S. MARIA SOPRA MINERVA—COLLEGIO ROMANO—KIRCHERIAN AND PRE-HISTORIC MUSEUMS—"THE GESU"—TEMPLE OF HERCULES—THE CAPITOLINE HILL—ARA CŒLI CHURCH—TEMPLES OF JUPITER CAPITOLINUS AND JUPITER FERETRIU
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VIA RIPETTA.
THE VIA RIPETTA.
From the Piazza del Popolo the line of the Ripetta runs between the Corso and the Tiber. In the house at the corner lived Ciceruacchio. A short way down is the Quay of the Ripetta, built in 1707 by Clement XI., and partly destroyed by the modern iron bridge, over which is a direct walk to S. Peter's, the site of the fields which formerly belonged to Cincinnatus (Livy, iii. 26)....
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE MAUSOLEUM OF AUGUSTUS.
THE MAUSOLEUM OF AUGUSTUS.
Turning out of the Ripetta on the left into the Via de' Pontefici, through a gateway on the right , are the remains of this once handsome tomb; only the double reticulated wall, on which the tumulus with its trees formerly stood, remains. This ruin has been converted into a modern theatre, and thus the original finely-proportioned arrangements can no longer be traced. A part of the enclosure wall may be best seen from the court of the Palazzo Valdambrini, 102 Via Ripetta . The mausoleum was buil
44 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CAMPUS MARTIUS,
THE CAMPUS MARTIUS,
which Strabo thus describes: "The plain, adorned by nature and art, is of wonderful extent, and affords an ample and a clear space for the running of chariots, and other equestrian and gymnastic exercises. It is in verdant bloom throughout the year, and is crowned by hills which rise above the Tiber and slope down to its very banks. The whole affords a picturesque and beautiful landscape, which you would linger to behold. Near to this plain is another of less magnitude; and all around it are inn
48 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BORGHESE GALLERY,
THE BORGHESE GALLERY,
situated in the Piazza Borghese, which is connected with the Corso by the Via Fontanella Borghese. Catalogues for the use of visitors in each room. Open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 10 till 3. The following are the principal objects of interest:— First Room: Schools of Milan and Perugia. —3. Holy Family, by Perugino; 5. Vanity; 27, 28. Petrarch and Laura; 35. Raphael as a Boy, by himself; 43. Madonna, by Francia; 49, 57. History of Joseph, by Pinturicchio; 61. S. Antonio, by Francia; 6
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HILDA'S TOWER.
HILDA'S TOWER.
It is one of those medieval watch-towers that come upon one so unexpectedly in all sorts of out-of-the-way places in Rome. The Romans call it the Tower of the Monkey, from a legend that years ago the proprietor kept a monkey. This monkey one day seized upon a baby in the street below, and carried it to the top of the tower, to the agony of the parents, who vowed a shrine to the Virgin if the child were safely restored. No sooner was the vow uttered than the monkey brought down the baby by means
43 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE OBELISK
THE OBELISK
surmounts a fountain. This obelisk and the one in the Piazza Minerva were erected as pairs in Rome. They stood before the Temple of Isis and Serapis in the Campus Martius. There is a small relief in the Villa Ludovisi, representing in its background a temple with four Ionic columns, and to the left an Egyptian obelisk. In the foreground, to the left, is the figure of Minerva, fronting a reclining female figure holding a vessel full of ears of corn (Isis?). By her side is Cupid, and at their back
31 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PANTHEON.
THE PANTHEON.
This incomparable circular edifice, originally intended by Agrippa to form the conclusion of his thermæ, [14] with which it is intimately connected, is one of the noblest and most perfect productions of that style of architecture specifically denominated Roman. When the first wonderful creation of this species came into existence, the founder of this glorious dome appears to have himself shrunk back from it, and to have felt that it was not adapted to be the every-day residence of men, but to be
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BATHS OF AGRIPPA.
THE BATHS OF AGRIPPA.
BATHS OF AGRIPPA. View larger image. The houses built amidst the ruins of the Baths of Agrippa at the back of the Pantheon have been demolished, and part of a large hall has been exposed to view. Nothing that has been discovered is new to those who have studied the subject. It has long been known that these houses were built on the old walls and vaults of the Thermæ. In fact, the sacristy of the Pantheon was made out of a vaulted chamber, a floor being inserted about half-way above its base. Bes
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE OBELISK,
THE OBELISK,
standing upon an elephant, stood, with the one in the square of the Pantheon, in front of the Temple of Isis. The elephant upon which it stands is the work of Ercole Perrata, and of course had nothing to do originally with the obelisk. On the left is the...
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. MARIA SOPRA MINERVA,
CHURCH OF S. MARIA SOPRA MINERVA,
so named from being on the site of the Temple of Minerva dedicated by Pompey. It is one of the few Gothic churches in Rome. The interior is highly decorated in the Gothic style. Second chapel on right, tomb of Princess Colonna. Fourth, the Chapel of the Annunciation. Fifth, Aldobrandini Chapel. The Caraffa Chapel contains a slab to a son of the late Bishop of Winchester, who joined the Roman Catholic Church, and died at Albano in 1857. The pictures of the Annunciation over the altar, the S. Thom
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF MINERVA CAMPENSIS
THE TEMPLE OF MINERVA CAMPENSIS
was erected by Pompey the Great in celebration of his Eastern victories. The cella was destroyed in the sixteenth century. In making some alterations, in April 1874, in the houses to the right of the church above, some remains of walls six feet thick, and having stamps of repairs A.D. 123, were found. Remains can be seen in the court of the shop at the corner of the Piazzetta della Minerva and Via del Piè de Marmo . Passing along the Via del Piè de Marmo, we reach the piazza in which is situated
48 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE KIRCHERIAN MUSEUM.
THE KIRCHERIAN MUSEUM.
This museum is in a chronic state of being "arranged." The entrance fee is one lira, and the old custodians follow the visitor about as though the latter wished to eat the bronzes. On Sundays and Government festas the entry is free. Entry Hall. —In a case down the centre are many highly interesting objects, mostly in bronze—early money, gems, styli, etc. The Glandes Missiles , or lead sling-bullets, are unique; many of them have messages cut upon them. In the cases against the wall are many obje
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PRE-HISTORIC MUSEUM
THE PRE-HISTORIC MUSEUM
contains many objects of interest. In it are arranged different articles from various parts of the world, demonstrating how the same implements, weapons, and customs were once universally used. The collection of flints is one of the finest in the world, and to those interested in this branch of archæology is of special value. Each case is labelled with the names of the object and the country. Thence passing into the Piazza del Gesù , we can visit the...
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF THE JESUITS (Il Gesu),
CHURCH OF THE JESUITS (Il Gesu),
one of the finest in Rome. Its interior is rich in stuccoes, paintings, and sculptures. The frescoes of the tribune, the dome, and the roof are by Baciccio. The Chapel of S. Ignatius is very fine; the columns and ball over the altar are composed of lapis-lazuli. Beneath the altar, in an urn of gilt bronze, is the body of the saint. The small circular chapel close by is rich in paintings and stained-glass windows. It is well worth a visit there to hear mass, vespers, or one of the fathers preachi
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF CASTOR.
THE TEMPLE OF CASTOR.
The remains show that it was a circular building. It stood near the Flaminian Circus. (Vitruvius, iv. 7.) Four fluted tufa columns exist. From Piazza del Gesù we proceed up Via Ara Cœli . Before us is...
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CAPITOLINE HILL.
THE CAPITOLINE HILL.
It was originally called the Hill of Saturn (Dionysius, ii. 1), being occupied by Romulus as a defence for the Palatine Hill (Plutarch, in "Rom."), and was betrayed to the Sabines by Tarpeia, the daughter of the commandant of the fortress (Livy, i. 11). When the Palatine and Capitoline Hills were united into one city, and the two kings reigned together, the name of the hill was changed and called the Tarpeian Hill. In the 138th year after the foundation of Rome, when Tarquin the Great was making
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF MARCUS AURELIUS,
THE EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF MARCUS AURELIUS,
the finest piece of bronze work of ancient times. It now stands upon the Square of the Capitol, where it was erected by Michael Angelo in 1538. Before that, it stood at the Lateran, where it had been placed in 1187, having been taken from near the Column of Phocas in the Forum. It belongs to the canons of the Lateran, who receive yearly, in the shape of a bouquet of flowers, a peppercorn rent for it from the mayor of Rome. It is said that Michael Angelo on passing by used to say, "Gee up, cammin
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF ARA CŒLI.
THE CHURCH OF ARA CŒLI.
The nave is formed by twenty-two columns, the spoils of ancient buildings. The third one on the left has engraved upon it— A CVBICVLO AVGVSTORVM, showing that it came from the Palatine Hill. At the end of the nave are two Gothic ambones with mosaic work. The altar urn of red porphyry formerly, it is said, contained the body of Constantine's mother. This church is rendered famous as being the place where, on the 15th of October 1764, Gibbon "sat musing amidst the ruins of the Capitol, and conceiv
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF JUPITER CAPITOLINUS.
THE TEMPLE OF JUPITER CAPITOLINUS.
"It stood upon a high rock, and was 800 feet in circuit, each side containing near 200; the length does not exceed the width by quite 15 feet. For the temple that was built in the time of our fathers, upon the same foundations with the first, which was consumed by fire, is found to differ from the ancient temple in nothing but in magnificence and the richness of the materials, having three rows of columns in the south front, and two on each side. The body is divided into three temples, parallel
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF JUPITER FERETRIUS (The Trophy-Bearer).
TEMPLE OF JUPITER FERETRIUS (The Trophy-Bearer).
The first temple built in Rome by Romulus, to receive the spoils captured from Acron, King of Cænina. "After the procession and sacrifice, Romulus built a small temple, on the top of the Capitoline Hill, to Jupiter, whom the Romans call Feretrius. For the ancient traces of it still remain, of which the longest sides are less than fifteen feet" (Dionysius, ii. 34. See Livy, i. 10). It was enlarged A.U.C. 121 (Livy, i. 33); and was repaired by Augustus on the advice of Atticus (Nepos. See Livy, iv
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TARPEIAN ROCK.
THE TARPEIAN ROCK.
TARPEIAN ROCK. View larger image. After the name of the hill was changed for the last time, one part, we are told, retained the name of the Tarpeian Rock, from being the burial-place of Tarpeia, and the spot from which the traitors were hurled off in sight of the people assembled in the Forum. The house in front of us is built upon a ledge of the rock below, and has upon it the following inscription:— "Hinc ad Tarpeiam sedem, et Capitolia ducit, Aurea nunc, olim, silvestribus horrida dumis." Vir
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CAMILLUS'S TEMPLES TO CONCORD AND JUNO.
CAMILLUS'S TEMPLES TO CONCORD AND JUNO.
The first Temple of Concord of which we have any notice was that dedicated by Camillus, A.U.C. 388. "When the dictator was one day sitting on the tribunal in the Forum, the people called out to drag him from his seat; but he led off the patricians to the senate house. Previous to his entering it he turned towards the Capitol [this shows that the senate house was not on the Capitol, as some would have us believe; for if so, he would not have turned towards the Capitol before entering the senate h
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TABULARIUM.
THE TABULARIUM.
( Public Record Office. ) Open every day from 10 till 3; fee, half lira. We have now to speak of a building, the vast remains of which impress us with the grandeur of the later republic. In the year of the city 675 ( B.C. 78) a building was erected against the Capitoline Hill, and facing the Forum, to contain the public records, which were engraved on bronze plates. Before that time they had been kept in various temples. "A decree was made by the senate that the records should be kept in the Tem
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TOWER OF THE CAPITOL,
THE TOWER OF THE CAPITOL,
whence a fine view of Rome and its environs can be enjoyed, standing, as it were, between ancient and medieval Rome. It is the best position for study in the world. From this height the huge mass of the Colosseum appears elegant and light. The famous Seven Hills may be made out, notwithstanding the alteration in the soil: on the left is the Quirinal , beyond that the Viminal , and beyond that the Esquiline ; to the extreme right is the Aventine ; before us is the Palatine , with the Cœlian beyon
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME.
THE SEVEN HILLS OF ROME.
The Palatine , which has ever had the preference, whether so-called from the people Palantes, or Palatini, or from the bleating and strolling of cattle, in Latin, balare and palare , or from Pales, the pastoral goddess, or from the burying-place of Pallas, is disputed amongst authors. It was on this hill that Romulus, according to popular tradition, laid the foundations of the city, in a quadrangular form. Here Romulus and Tullus Hostilius kept their courts, as did afterwards Augustus, and all t
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PALAZZO DEI CONSERVATORI.
PALAZZO DEI CONSERVATORI.
( New Capitoline Museum. ) Open every day. Fee, half lira. The principal objects in the Courtyard are, right :— 1. Statue of Julius Cæsar; the only authentic portrait of him. 2, 4, 9. Colossal fragments, found near the Basilica of Constantine. Supposed to have belonged to the statue of Apollo brought from Pontus by Lucullus. Square base, which contained the bones of Agrippina the elder. 11. Lion attacking a horse. Found in the river Almo, outside Porta S. Paolo. 12, 14. Captive Kings. 13. Large
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE MUSEUM OF THE CAPITOL.
THE MUSEUM OF THE CAPITOL.
Open every day from 10 till 3. Entrance half a lira each person. 1. Marforio, a recumbent statue of the Ocean, celebrated as having been made the medium of replying to Pasquino. It stood near the Arch of Septimius Severus. 2, 4. Antique columns surmounted by a bust of Juno (2) and an unknown bust (4). 3, 18. Satyrs. 7. Colossal bust of Trajan. 8, 13. Sarcophagi found in the Catacombs of S. Sebastian. The walls are adorned with inscriptions and fragments; also some fragments from the Temple of Co
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TRAITORS' LEAP.
THE TRAITORS' LEAP.
By descending the Centum Gradus , and turning to the left, we see the rock, within the space closed off by the rails. The house on the top will roughly represent the original height of the rock. If we then add forty feet to the depth, we shall have some idea of the traitors' leap, which cured all ambition....
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF OPS.
THE TEMPLE OF OPS.
The municipal authorities have lately pulled down a house on the Vicus Jugarius which obstructed the view of the far end of the Tarpeian Rock from the Forum. We use the title Tarpeian Rock as applied to the place of execution and not to the whole hill. They have exposed to view not only the rock, but likewise one side of the Temple of Ops, composed of large blocks of tufa stone surmounted by later brick structures. The earliest mention we have of this temple is in B.C. 183, when Livy says (xxxix
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE THEATRE OF MARCELLUS.
THE THEATRE OF MARCELLUS.
The design of erecting a stone theatre in this quarter had been entertained by Julius Cæsar (Suetonius, "Cæsar," xliv.), but the carrying out of his adopted father's plan was reserved for Augustus ( ibid. , "Aug." xxix.). He did not, however, appropriate the honour of so great a work to himself, but transferred it to his beloved son-in-law, Marcellus. Great part of the outer walls of this large and splendid building still exists. Against these leaned the arches, supporting the tier of seats dest
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE DECEMVIRAL PRISONS.
THE DECEMVIRAL PRISONS.
Built by Appius Claudius for common offenders, near the Forum Olitorium, and which site was afterwards occupied by the Theatre of Marcellus (Pliny, vii. 37). We have identified this prison, remains of which can still be seen under the theatre, consisting of chambers constructed in opus reticulatum . There are two splendid open archways of the same material leading into two large chambers, in the vaults of which are holes for letting the prisoners down. This we believe to have been the Decemviral
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PORTICO OF OCTAVIA.
THE PORTICO OF OCTAVIA.
Dedicated to Octavia by her brother Augustus (Suetonius, "Aug." xxix.). The principal portion still existing belonged to the great portal leading to the open space surrounded by corridors which gave the people shelter during rain. In this stood two temples, the one dedicated to Jupiter, the other to Juno. Pillars belonging to the latter may be seen in a house in the Via Pescheria, and remains of the Portico of Octavia at No. 12 Via Teatro di Marcello. The inscription on the architrave states tha
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GHETTO,
THE GHETTO,
or Jews' Quarter. The word "Ghetto" comes from the Hebrew word chat , broken or dispersed. The Jews first settled here in the time of Pompey the Great; but it was not till 1556 that the Ghetto was enclosed by Pope Paul IV. putting gates across the streets. The Jews were not allowed to be out after sunset or before sunrise, and he compelled the men to wear yellow hats and the women yellow veils. The old inhabitants, who were not Jews, were turned out, and obliged to give up their houses to the Je
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CENCI PALACE,
THE CENCI PALACE,
( Palazzo Cenci ,) the scene of the persecution of Beatrice, which led to her execution through the murder of her father at Petrella. "The story is, that an old man having spent his life in debauchery and wickedness, conceived at length an implacable hatred towards his children, which showed itself towards one daughter under the form of an incestuous passion, aggravated by every circumstance of cruelty and violence. This daughter, after long and vain attempts to escape from what she considered a
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE THEATRE OF BALBUS.
THE THEATRE OF BALBUS.
Erected B.C. 12, as a compliment to Augustus, by L. Cornelius Balbus (Suetonius, "Aug." xxix.), being the third permanent theatre erected in Rome. It held twelve thousand spectators. Pliny (xxxiv. 12) says: "Cornelius Balbus erected four small pillars of onyx in his theatre as something marvellous." At No. 23 Via Calderari, to the right of the Cenci Palace , some remains can be seen of the Portico of the Theatre of Balbus, which was two stories high. Built into the house are two Doric columns of
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE THEATRE OF POMPEY.
THE THEATRE OF POMPEY.
"Pompey also built that magnificent theatre, which is standing at this day, at whose dedication five hundred lions were killed in five days, and eighteen elephants having fought against armed men, part of them died upon the place, and the rest soon after" (Dion Cassius, "Cæsar"). Plutarch relates the same. The same author, in his "Life of Nero," speaking of the reception of Tiridates, says: "There was a great assembly in the Theatre of Pompey by order of the senate. Not only the scene, but all t
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SPOT WHERE CÆSAR FELL.
THE SPOT WHERE CÆSAR FELL.
In the neighbourhood of his theatre Pompey built a house for himself (Plutarch); and from the back of the stage a portico (Vitruvius), which, according to Propertius (ii. 32), must have been a beautiful place. "Pompey's portico, I suppose, with its shady columns, and magnificently ornamented with purple curtains, palls upon you; and the thickly-planted, even line of plane-trees, and the waters that fall from a sleeping Maro, and in streams lightly bubbling all over." In the centre of this portic
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE STATUE OF POMPEY,
THE STATUE OF POMPEY,
at whose feet great Cæsar fell. "There was a statue of Pompey, and it was a work which Pompey had consecrated for an ornament to his theatre." "Either by accident, or pushed hither by the conspirators, he expired at the pedestal of Pompey's statue, and dyed it with his blood" (Plutarch). "Augustus removed the statue of Pompey from the senate house, in which Julius Cæsar had been killed, and placed it under a marble arch, fronting the curia attached to Pompey's theatre" (Suetonius, "Aug." xxxi.).
48 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SPADA PALACE GALLERY.
THE SPADA PALACE GALLERY.
Open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; fee, half lira each to Museum and Gallery. N.B. —The vestibule where the statue of Pompey stands is public, and is open all day. Resist the demands of the porter, who is generally very rude. The Museum on the ground-floor contains a good seated statue of Aristotle, and nine reliefs formerly used, reversed, as the pavement of S. Agnese outside the walls. 1. Paris on Mount Ida; 2. Bellerophon watering Pegasus; 3. Amphion and Zethus; 4. Ulysses and Diomed
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HIRED HOUSE OF S. PAUL.
THE HIRED HOUSE OF S. PAUL.
"Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him." "Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him." Here, "Paul called the chief of the Jews together." "When they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging." The construction of the lower part of the house is brick-work of the early empire. This agrees with the Jewish tradition, and we can well understand that S. Paul would lodge somewhere near his kinsmen the Je
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PONS FABRICIUS,
PONS FABRICIUS,
now called Ponte dei Quattro Capi, from the four-headed Janus upon its balustrades. From the inscription, and from Dion Cassius (xxxvii. 45), we learn that it was erected, B.C. 61, by L. Fabricius, Curator Viarum. Horace (S. ii. 3) says that "Stertinius advised the would-be suicide Damasippus to return cheerfully from the Fabrician Bridge." It has two arches. The bridge leads to...
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ISLAND OF THE TIBER.
THE ISLAND OF THE TIBER.
"The Tarquins had sacrilegiously converted the best part of the Campus Martius to their own use. When they were expelled, it happened to be harvest time, and the sheaves then lay upon the ground; but as it was consecrated, the people could not make use of it. A great number of hands, therefore, took it up in baskets and threw it into the river. The trees were also cut down and thrown in after it, and the ground left entirely without fruit or produce for the service of the god. A great quantity o
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PONS CESTIUS,
THE PONS CESTIUS,
now called Ponte S. Bartolomeo. It was erected, B.C. 45, by the Prætor Lucius Cestius; the inscription records its restoration, A.D. 367, by the Emperors Valentinian, Valens, and Gratian. It consists of a single arch. Over the bridge is Trastevere , the inhabitants of which claim to be descended from the ancient Romans: their manners and customs are somewhat distinct from those of the inhabitants of the other side of the river. From the bridge ( retracing our steps ) a street leads into the Piaz
36 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLES OF JUNO SOSPITA, PIETY, AND HOPE.
THE TEMPLES OF JUNO SOSPITA, PIETY, AND HOPE.
Three temples of the time of the republic, situated in one front, and forming a group. Not only many columns, but also considerable remains of the substructions have been preserved. The latter have been rendered accessible by the recent excavations. The largest of these temples, Piety, situated in the middle, is of Ionic architecture. It is surrounded by a corridor, and is probably the same erected to Piety by the son of M. Acilius Glabrio ten years after the event, in fulfilment of a vow made b
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HOUSE OF RIENZI.
THE HOUSE OF RIENZI.
""The Roman of Rome's least mortal mind;" The friend of Petrarch and liberty, Who died for Rome and Italy. Rienzi! the patriotic Roman, Close by whose house doth wind The Tiber, subservient to the will of no man. It was built from the remains of one of those medieval towers used by the Romans as fortresses, and, as such, bore the name of the Torre di Monzone. It was demolished by Arlotto degli Stefaneschi, in the year 1313, in order to diminish the power of the Orsini, in whose possession it was
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PONTE ROTTO,
THE PONTE ROTTO,
anciently the Pons Æmilius. This bridge, intended to unite the nearer bank of the river with Trastevere, but rendered impassable by the fall of several arches in 1598, whence its name of the Ponte Rotto, was commenced in the censorship of M. Æmilius Lepidus and M. Fulvius Nobilior, in the year of the city 573, and was completed by P. Scipio Africanus and L. Mummius. From the first of these it took its name. "Marcus Fulvius made contracts for piers for a bridge over the Tiber; on which piers Publ
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SUBLICIAN BRIDGE,
THE SUBLICIAN BRIDGE,
in front of which Horatius displayed his valour. It was first erected, A.U.C. 114, by Ancus Martius. By appointment of the oracle it was built only of timber fastened with wooden pins; "for the Romans considered it as an execrable impiety to demolish the wooden bridge, which, we are told, was built without iron, and put together with pins of wood only, by the direction of some oracle. The stone bridge was built many ages after, when Æmilius was quæstor. Some, however, inform us that the wooden b
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF PUDICITIA PATRICIA.
THE TEMPLE OF PUDICITIA PATRICIA.
The Temple of Patrician Chastity stood inside the wall of Servius in the Forum of the Cattle-dealers. Livy (x. 23) says: "In the year A.U.C. 456, a quarrel broke out among the matrons in the Temple of Patrician Chastity, which stands in the cattle-market, near the Round Temple of Hercules." It was converted in 880 into the Church of S. Maria Egiziaca . It has four Ionic columns at the front, with four apparent columns at the end, and seven on one side. A frieze of stucco, representing heads of o
48 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ROUND TEMPLE OF HERCULES.
THE ROUND TEMPLE OF HERCULES.
This is the temple mentioned above by Livy, and we see the positions agree with his statements. It is formed of twenty beautiful Corinthian columns, only one of which, on the right side, is missing. Its circumference is only 156 feet, and that of the cella 26 feet, and the height of the columns 32 feet. The walls within the portico are of white marble (much of which still remains), and the pieces of it were put together so as to have the appearance of one mass. The temple stands on a base of tuf
53 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GRAND TEMPLE OF HERCULES.
THE GRAND TEMPLE OF HERCULES.
There were other temples to Hercules in the Forum Boarium, of which we have some travertine remains behind the Church of S. Maria in Cosmedin opposite. "The Romans afterwards built a magnificent temple near the river Tiber, in honour of Hercules, and instituted sacrifices to him out of the tenths" (Diodorus, iv. 1). "In A.U.C. 534 a supplication was ordered to be performed by individuals at the Temple of Hercules" (Livy, xxi. 62). This was destroyed by Pope Adrian I., A.D. 772–795. "By the infin
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. MARIA IN COSMEDIN
THE CHURCH OF S. MARIA IN COSMEDIN
is on the site of a temple to Ceres and Proserpine. "Spurius Cassius consecrated the Temple of Ceres, Bacchus, and Proserpine, which stands at the end of the great circus, and is built over the starting-places, and which Aulus Postumius, the dictator, had vowed when upon the point of engaging the Latins," A.U.C. 258 (Dionysius, vi. 94). "It was restored by Augustus, and consecrated by Tiberius" (Tacitus, "Annals," ii. 49). The temple fronted north, and in the left-hand aisle of the church are th
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EMPORIUM,
THE EMPORIUM,
another important building of the time of the Republic, of which we have considerable remains. The exact date of its foundation is not recorded, but a porticus, or arcade, was made to it, and it was paved about the year 560 of Rome, or 193 B.C. It was the great warehouse for the port of Rome for merchandise brought by vessels coming from the sea. There was another port at the Ripetta for provisions brought down the river in boats. The Emporium was to ancient Rome what the docks are to London and
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MONS TESTACCIO,
MONS TESTACCIO,
formed of fragments of earthenware, chiefly of amphoræ. We know from those remaining at Pompeii that the amphoræ which formed that branch of commerce were often six feet high. Great numbers of these got broken in landing, and all were thrown on this heap, as they were not allowed to be thrown into the Tiber. There is also said to have been a manufactory of amphoræ and other earthenware at this spot, many of the fragments found here being the refuse of a great manufactory. This is supposed to hav
46 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PROTESTANT CEMETERY.
PROTESTANT CEMETERY.
"The spirit of the spot shall lead Thy footsteps to a slope of green access." The cemetery is an open space among the ruins, covered in winter with violets and daisies. "It might make one in love with death, to think that one should be buried in so sweet a place." So wrote Shelley, whose heart is contained in a tomb at the top left-hand corner of the new ground, his body having been burned upon the shore at Lerici, where it was thrown up by the sea. Passing into the old ground , "in the romantic
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
IL PRIORATO.
IL PRIORATO.
( Open Wednesday and Saturday. ) Built upon the site of the Temple of the Bona Dea, and where, according to some accounts, Remus took up his position to consult the flight of birds. On the right in entering is the tomb of Bishop Spinelli, an antique sarcophagus representing Minerva and the Muses. The church contains several tombs of the Knights of Malta, to whom it belonged, and who still exist and hold property in Rome, their encampment being in the Via Condotti; amongst others, there is a tomb
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. ALEXIUS,
CHURCH OF S. ALEXIUS,
on the site of the Armilustrum, where the Sabine king, Titus Tatius, was buried. In the left aisle are a well and staircase belonging to the house of S. Alexius's parents, which formerly stood by the side of the church, where, after his return from his pilgrimage, he was allowed to live unrecognized by them. There is a very interesting fresco of S. Alexius's life on the walls of the underground Church of S. Clemente. (See page 228 .) A little further, on the left, is the...
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. SABINA,
CHURCH OF S. SABINA,
on the site of the saint's house, and formerly of the Temple of Juno Regina founded by Camillus. The church has been much restored at different times. In the chapel on the right of the high altar is Sassoferrato's Virgin, with the rosary. The Chapel of S. Catherine, painted by Odazzi, is worthy of note. In the convent garden is an orange-tree planted by S. Dominic. Following on the road, we take the first turning to the right; some little way down, on the left, is the...
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. PRISCA,
CHURCH OF S. PRISCA,
supposed to occupy the site of the house, some remains of which can be seen in the crypt, in which she was baptized by S. Peter. Only open on January 18. Supposed to have been formerly the site of the Temple of Diana founded by Servius Tullius. Down the hill, and up the opposite one, leads to the...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. SABA,
CHURCH OF S. SABA,
built on the site of the house of Silvia, the mother of Gregory the Great, who used to send every day to her son on the Cœlian a silver basin containing soup. Uninteresting, and only open on the saint's day, December 5. At the foot of the hill, on the left corner of the two roads, is the...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CAVE OF AQUEDUCTS,
CAVE OF AQUEDUCTS,
a large stone quarry, intersected in all directions by aqueducts. Some of them are cut out of the solid tufa, others built in passages cut through the tufa; some are blocked up with mud deposit, others with stalactite; some run for a considerable distance, others being broken in, in extracting the tufa. They present altogether a curious and interesting study. Opposite S. Prisca, in the vineyard of Prince Torlonia, are remains of the...
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
WALL OF THE LATINS,
WALL OF THE LATINS,
built by the Latins under Ancus Martius, when he added the Aventine to the city. The cliff has been scarped to the depth of 60 feet, and a terrace made on the ledge on which the wall stands, consisting of blocks of tufa. It was originally 12 feet thick, and in one part an arch is introduced for catapults, similar to those we have seen in ruins on the Palatine. The back of this part of the wall is a mass of concrete backing. At the foot of the wall was a trench, afterwards filled up, in which dee
45 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BATHS OF SURA,
THE BATHS OF SURA,
cousin of Trajan. These remains have only been partly explored, and are of great extent. On the opposite side of the road, in another vineyard , are some massive remains of the aqueduct and reservoir of these baths, from the top of which there is a most enjoyable view of the city in general and the Palatine in particular. "Sura, the neighbour of the Aventine Diana, beholds at less distance than others the contests of the great circus" (Martial, vi. 64). In this vineyard are also some remains cal
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HOUSE OF AQUILA AND PRISCILLA.
HOUSE OF AQUILA AND PRISCILLA.
It consists of some chambers of reticulated work and a well of the early empire; the latter extends under S. Prisca. "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus.... Likewise greet the church that is in their house" (Rom. xvi. 3, 5). From the vineyard turn to the right. Some little way down on the right is the entrance to the Jewish Cemetery. This hill was the ancient Clivus Publicus, a continuation of the Vicus Tuscus, and up which the sacred processions used to come to the Aventine.
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CIRCUS MAXIMUS.
THE CIRCUS MAXIMUS.
"Tarquinius also built the great circus which lies between the Aventine and Palatine Hills. He was the first who erected covered seats round it; for till then the spectators stood on scaffolds supported by poles. And he divided the places between the thirty curiæ. He assigned to each curia a particular part, so that every spectator was seated in the place that belonged to him. This work also became in time one of the most beautiful and most admirable structures in Rome. The circus is 3½ stadia i
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. ANASTASIA,
CHURCH OF S. ANASTASIA,
underneath which is part of two massive tufa towers of the wall of the kings that surrounded the two hills; and part of the old street called after Julius Cæsar which passed by the side of the Circus, facing on to which are a row of shops, behind which are some remains of the seats of the Circus Maximus....
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE LUPERCAL
THE LUPERCAL
"was a grotto consecrated to Pan, the most ancient and the most honoured of all the Arcadian gods. It was surrounded by a wood, and is contiguous to the Palatine buildings, and is to be seen in the way that leads to the Circus. Near it stands a temple in which a statue is placed representing a wolf suckling two children,—they are in brass, and of ancient workmanship" (Dionysius, i. 76). This grotto, with the water still flowing out of the rock, still exists under the street at the corner of the
47 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARCH OF JANUS (?),
THE ARCH OF JANUS (?),
a double arch of considerable magnitude, believed to be that of the four-headed Janus, the appearance of the structure involuntarily recalling the celebrated sanctuary of that god in the Forum, with which, however, it must not be confounded. There is no authority for calling it the Arch of Janus; we do not know what it was called by the Romans. In the sides of the piers which support the arch are twelve niches, apparently intended for the reception of statues. In one of these is a doorway leadin
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARCH OF THE SILVERSMITHS AND CATTLE-DEALERS.
THE ARCH OF THE SILVERSMITHS AND CATTLE-DEALERS.
We are indebted to this inconsiderable little monument—stated in the inscription to have been raised by the silversmiths and cattle-dealers to the imperial family of Septimius Severus—for the important information that the Forum Boarium, mentioned in the legends of the foundation of Rome, was situated on this spot. The sculptures with which the arch is ornamented are much defaced, and hidden from view on one side by the Church of S. Giorgio. Those in the interior represent sacrifices offered by
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. GIORGIO IN VELABRO,
CHURCH OF S. GIORGIO IN VELABRO,
founded in the fourth century. The architrave above the portico (of the thirteenth century) is where Rienzi affixed his proclamation announcing, "In a short time the Romans will return to their ancient good estate." It is seldom opened, except on its festival, January 20th. The aisles are formed by sixteen different columns, no doubt the plunder of some other building. It is dedicated to the patron saint of England, a piece of whose banner is preserved beneath the altar. Proceeding down the low
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CLOACA MAXIMA,
THE CLOACA MAXIMA,
originally made by Tarquinius Superbus in the year 138 of Rome, or 530 years before Christ: part of the actual construction appears to be original and of that time. It is built of the larger blocks of tufa, and has a round-headed vault. The German theory is, that this great drain was originally open at the top, and not vaulted over till the time of Camillus, after the capture of Veii in the war with the Etruscans; but the construction does not agree with this. The additional branch of the Cloaca
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. TEODORO,
CHURCH OF S. TEODORO,
founded by Adrian I., 772–795, and rebuilt, A.D. 1451, by Nicholas V. This church, from being round, has been called after all sorts of temples, but there is nothing whatever to show that it was once a pagan temple. It belongs to a burial fraternity. Over the altar is a mosaic, of the time of Adrian I., of our Saviour between SS. Peter and Paul. The Roman women bring their children here every Thursday morning to be blessed, after their recovery from sickness. It is a very ancient custom, and may
57 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ROUTE.
THE ROUTE.
From the Piazza del Popolo we take the left-hand street, the Via Babuino. The new English church of All Saints is on the right side. At No. 89, on the left , lived Valadier. We now reach...
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PIAZZA DI SPAGNA.
THE PIAZZA DI SPAGNA.
This square may be considered as the centre of the English and Americans in Rome. Here they come for most of their requirements, and here a great many live. At No. 1, the corner , is the well-known Piale's library and reading-room, the most extensive in Rome, where one may find any information that he requires as to what is going on in the city, and, through the newspapers, what is passing at home. Monti, the poet, lived at No. 9. Mr. Hooker's American Bank is No. 20. Shelley lived at No. 25; an
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FOUNTAIN OF TREVI,
THE FOUNTAIN OF TREVI,
"which draws its precious water from a source far beyond the walls, whence it flows hitherward through old subterranean aqueducts, and sparkles forth as pure as the virgin who first led Agrippa to its well-spring by her father's door. It is a great palace front, with niches and many bas-reliefs, out of which looks Agrippa's legendary virgin and several of the allegoric sisterhood; while at its base appears Neptune with his floundering steeds, and Tritons blowing their horns, and other artificial
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES (SS. Apostoli).
THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES (SS. Apostoli).
Several fragments are built into the portico, the most interesting of which is the bas-relief of the eagle which once decorated Cæsar's Forum. The church has been entirely redecorated, and is now reopened. In the course of the alterations, in 1873, the bodies of SS. Philip and James the Less were found enclosed in a marble sarcophagus. A new extensive crypt, decorated after the style of the catacombs, has been made to receive these remains. The heart of Maria Clementina Sobieski is preserved her
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE COLONNA PALACE.
THE COLONNA PALACE.
Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, from 11 till 3. Entry, 17 Via Archi della Pilotta. The pictures have the names of the artists on them. In the first room we enter, the collection consists of Colonna portraits; then three rooms of tapestries, and some ancient draped statues, and a pretty statue of a dancing girl, "Niobe." First Room. —Early schools. Holy Family, by Luca Longhi; Boy in a Red Cap, by Giovanni Sanzio, Raphael's father; Crucifixion, by Giacomo di Avanzi; Moses, by Guercino. Second R
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FORUM OF TRAJAN.
THE FORUM OF TRAJAN.
This was the largest and grandest of all the fora, being built to one design by the celebrated architect Apollodorus of Damascus (Dion Cassius). No author has given us any detailed account of the beautiful group of buildings that formed this forum, but what passages there are tend to show its magnificence. There was first of all an open space, or the forum proper, surrounded by a double row of shops, one above the other. In the centre of this space was the colossal equestrian statue of the emper
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE COLUMN OF TRAJAN.
THE COLUMN OF TRAJAN.
A magnificent marble pillar, the pedestal of which concealed the chamber where the ashes of the emperor were deposited. The bas-reliefs on the basement are among the most beautiful decorations of ancient or modern times; they represent the arms taken from the Dacians, against whom Trajan had made several campaigns. It marks the height of the Quirinal Hill, cut away to make the open space for the Forum of Trajan in which it stands. A series of bas-reliefs, representing the Dacian war, forms a spi
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FORUM OF AUGUSTUS.
THE FORUM OF AUGUSTUS.
"The reason of his building a new forum was the vast increase in the population, and the number of cases to be tried in the courts; for which the two already existing not affording sufficient space, it was thought necessary to have a third. He placed statues of the great Roman generals in both the porticoes of his forum. In building his forum, he restricted himself in the site, not presuming to compel the owners of the neighbouring houses to give up their property" (Suetonius, "Augustus," lvi.).
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF MARS ULTOR,
THE TEMPLE OF MARS ULTOR,
the Avenger. Vowed by Augustus at the battle of Philippi, B.C. 42, and erected by him in the centre of his new forum. Three beautiful pillars, and part of the wall of the cella and of the roof of the vestibule, still exist near the Arco dei Pantani, which owes its medieval name to the marshes caused by the water collecting in this neighbourhood. They stand upon a substruction only excavated a few years ago, and present one of the finest specimens extant of a temple, all the essential parts of wh
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ACADEMY OF S. LUCA.
THE ACADEMY OF S. LUCA.
Open every day from 9 till 3. Fee, half a franc. The principal pictures are:— In the Large Hall. —11. Bacchus and Ariadne, by Poussin. 13. Virgin and Child, by Vandyck. S. Jerome, a sketch, by Titian. 22. Thirty-five sea-pieces, by Vernet. 40. Vanity, by P. Veronese. 49. Vanity, by Titian. 54. A Seaport, by Claude. Room of Portraits. —A portrait of Virginie Le Brun, by herself; Iris, by Head; and a portrait of H.R.H. the late Duke of Sussex, in the costume of an officer of a Highland Regiment. 2
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FORUM OF NERVA.
THE FORUM OF NERVA.
"Domitian erected a forum, which is now called Nerva's" (Suetonius, "Domitian," v.). It was known by several names, being called after Domitian, because he commenced it; Nerva, because he finished it; Pervium, because it was a thoroughfare; Pallas and Minerva, from the temple that stood in it, and which was destroyed by Pope Paul V. to build the fountain on the Janiculum; it was also called Transitorium, because a street passed through it for traffic. The only remains left are, on the right ,...
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ALTAR OF MINERVA,
THE ALTAR OF MINERVA,
the prettiest bit of ruin in Rome, consisting of Corinthian columns, which support an architrave adorned with a frieze, and divided by ressauts, and an attic above. On the attic is a colossal figure of Minerva, represented in relief as the patroness of labour; on the architrave the goddess appears engaged in instructing young girls in various female occupations, and in punishing the insolence of Arachne, who had ventured to compete with her in the labours of the loom. The wall upon which this al
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SITE OF THE HOUSE OF POMPEY.
SITE OF THE HOUSE OF POMPEY.
The Torre di Conti , on the right , is a massive tower of the middle ages, built as a fortress, and supposed to stand on the site of the Temple of the Earth. "Lenæus, the grammarian, opened a school in the Carinæ, near the Temple of the Earth, where stood the house of the Pompeys" (Suetonius, "Grammarians," xv.). "Tiberius removed from Pompey's house in the Carinæ" (Suetonius, "Tiberius," xv.). "The house of Cassius was demolished; and to this day the place remains void, except that part on whic
47 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HOUSE OF LUCREZIA BORGIA.
HOUSE OF LUCREZIA BORGIA.
Here Cæsar Borgia, Francesco, Duke of Gandia, and Lucrezia, supped with their mother Vanozza, on the evening that Cæsar assassinated the duke, and had his body thrown into the Tiber, where it was afterwards found by a fisherman, pierced with nine wounds. The dark archway leads to the...
14 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. PETER IN VINCOLI.
CHURCH OF S. PETER IN VINCOLI.
( The Chains of Peter. ) It has three aisles, with twenty Doric columns of Greek marble, and two of granite, which support the middle arch. On the first altar, to the right, there is S. Augustin, by Guercino. On the right of the high altar is the famous statue of Moses , by Michael Angelo , rendered hideous by two horns sticking out from the forehead. Although we read that Moses was a horny man, it does not follow that he had horns, but that his flesh was hard like horn. The S. Margherita, in th
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
NERO'S GOLDEN HOUSE.
NERO'S GOLDEN HOUSE.
Entrance through a gate on the left; one of the custodi speaks English. Fee, one lira; Sundays, free. "He completed his palace by continuing it from the Palatine to the Esquiline, calling the building at first only 'The Passage;' but after it was burned down and rebuilt, 'The Golden House.' Of its dimensions and furniture it may be sufficient to say this much:—The porch was so high that there stood in it a colossal statue of himself 120 feet in height; and the space included in it was so ample t
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BATHS OF HADRIAN.
THE BATHS OF HADRIAN.
On the Plan, the dark lines show the remains of Nero's Palace, which was nearly destroyed by the Flavian emperors. The remains left were used by Hadrian for the underground part of his thermæ; and by building walls over the courts and gardens he formed a large platform. The light lines show his work. The circular wall in front supported the seats for the stadium attached to the baths above. Remains of some of the large halls of the baths can be seen in the vineyards above the House of Nero. Some
43 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. CLEMENT,
CHURCH OF S. CLEMENT,
belonging to the Irish Dominicans, of which the late Father Mullooly was prior, to whose instrumentality we are indebted for the discovery of the ancient church, and the Temple of Mithras beneath it, under the present edifice. On some occasions (November 23rd, February 2nd, and the second Monday in Lent) they are illuminated. Father Mullooly has written a book on his discoveries; it can be purchased of the sacristan, and will be found very interesting. The excavations have been carried out by vo
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ORATORY OF S. CLEMENT,
THE ORATORY OF S. CLEMENT,
reached from the south aisle by a broad flight of twenty steps. The Roman Catholic Church has faithfully handed down the tradition that S. Clement erected an oratory in his own house, between the Cœlian and Esquiline Hills, which must have been built, as we have seen, close to the walls of the city—a not unusual thing as the city grew. Several chambers remain to be excavated at some future time. A long passage has been cleared out, in which was found a doorway bricked up. This was broken through
27 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF MITHRAS,
TEMPLE OF MITHRAS,
the Persian sun-god, whose mysteries, Plutarch tells us, were first brought to Rome by the soldiers of Pompey the Great. "They celebrated certain secret mysteries, among which those of Mithras continue to this day, being originally instituted by them B.C. 67." This worship was finally extirpated in A.D. 394. The temple was found filled up with earth as though done purposely. It is 30 by 20 feet, and has a vaulted roof, covered with mosaics, in which are several windows. The continual dripping of
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
EGYPTIAN OBELISK
EGYPTIAN OBELISK
in Rome, which the inscription informs us was thirty-six years in cutting. From Marcellinus (xvii. 4), we get many interesting details of its voyage and erection:— "And because the flatterers, who were continually whispering into the ear of Constantine, kept always affirming that when Augustus Octavianus had brought two obelisks from Heliopolis, a city of Egypt, one of which was placed in the Circus Maximus, and the other in the Campus Martius, he yet did not venture to touch or move this one, w
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BAPTISTERY,
THE BAPTISTERY,
said to have been erected by Constantine. Eight columns of porphyry support a cornice, upon which are eight smaller columns; these sustain the cupola. The font is of green basalt. A tradition says Constantine was baptized here, though Socrates says he received Christian baptism at Nicomedia just before his death. Gibbon says Rienzi bathed in the font on the night before he was made a knight. The two side chapels, dedicated respectively to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, are said to hav
52 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE LATERAN PALACE.
THE LATERAN PALACE.
From the time of Constantine to 1377 this was the palace of the popes. In 1843 Gregory XVI. founded the museum. The original palace was destroyed by fire in the time of Clement V., and the present pile was built from the designs of Fontana in the pontificate of Sixtus V. It was subsequently used for many years as an hospital. On our left is the entrance to...
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE LATERAN MUSEUM.
THE LATERAN MUSEUM.
Ring the bell on the right in the passage, if the custodian is not at the door. The custodian will conduct you over, if desired; and he can give a good account of the objects of interest. It is open every day from 9 till 3, and is comprised in sixteen rooms. Fee, half a franc each person. The principal objects are as follows :— First Room. —Bas-reliefs: Procession of Lictors and Senators, with figure of Trajan, found in his forum; Dares and Entellus, boxers, a fragment, found near the Arch of Ga
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHRISTIAN MUSEUM.
THE CHRISTIAN MUSEUM.
Entrance to the right in the court. Fee, half a franc. Founded by Pius IX., and composed of Christian antiquities. There are many bas-reliefs, fragments, inscriptions, mosaics, &c., worthy of admiration. The Corridor , upstairs , is decorated with Christian inscriptions from the Catacombs. The oldest is A.D. 238. They relate to persons, dogmas, rites, and ranks of the clergy of the early Christians. From the end of the corridor on the left two rooms open out, ornamented with copies of fr
54 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PICTURE GALLERY.
PICTURE GALLERY.
First Room , or Mosaic Hall.—This beautiful mosaic was found in the Baths of Caracalla, and represents full length figures and busts of boxers, each occupying a separate panel, some having the names upon them. The walls are decorated with scenes from the life of Constantine the Great. Second Room. —Early medieval frescoes from old churches. Frescoes cut from the walls of the Church of S. Agnese fuori le mura. Paintings of prophets and birds, from the crypt of the Church of S. Nicolò in Carcere.
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. GIOVANNI IN LATERANO.
S. GIOVANNI IN LATERANO.
"The mother and head of the churches of the city and of the world." This church was founded by Constantine, and took the name of Lateran from its occupying the site of the Palace of Plautus Lateranus, the senator, who suffered under Nero. After having existed for ten centuries, it was almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1308. It was rebuilt by Clement V., and embellished by other popes. Clement XII. had the façade executed from the design of Galilei. It is of travertine, with four large columns
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GATES,
THE GATES,
Porta S. Giovanni , opening on to the Via Nova Appia, and near by, to the right , the walled-up ancient Porta Asinaria , best seen from the outside , through which Belisarius entered Rome, and which the Isaurian guard betrayed to Totila, December 17, 546. The open we are now rambling over was anciently called the Mirror. On the left is the end wall of the dining-hall of the ancient Palace of the Lateran, on which is a copy of an ancient mosaic of the time of Leo III. In a building behind this is
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BARRACKS OF THE EQUITES SINGULARES.
BARRACKS OF THE EQUITES SINGULARES.
On the right of the Scala Santa, parallel with the Via Tasso, the Barracks of the Equites Singulares, or Horse Guards of the Emperors, of the time of Hadrian, were discovered in March 1886. A noble hall 90 feet long, containing many inscriptions, raised by the discharged veterans, was discovered; also fragments of statues, and one nearly perfect of the youthful Bacchus, a work that we may class with the school of Praxiteles....
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SCALA SANTA
THE SCALA SANTA
consists of twenty-eight marble steps, which, it is supposed, our Lord came down after his mock coronation in the judgment-hall of Pilate. The blood from his bleeding brow marked certain of the steps, and these are kissed by the ascending faithful, the knees of whom so wore away the marble that it is now covered with a wooden staircase, in which through slits the marble is seen. They are said to have been brought from Jerusalem (where it formed the stairs to Pilate's house) by the mother of Cons
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VILLA WOLKONSKY.
THE VILLA WOLKONSKY.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Permission to be had at the Russian Consulate, Piazza Feoli Corso. The grounds are tastefully laid out, and are intersected by the arches of Nero's aqueduct. From the roof of the casino, to which the gardener will conduct you (fee, half a franc), a beautiful view may be enjoyed at sunset, looking far away over the Campagna. In the grounds is the columbaria of the family of T. Claudius Vitalis, an architect. Returning, first turning on the left , passing over the
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE AMPHITHEATRUM CASTRENSE,
THE AMPHITHEATRUM CASTRENSE,
( Amphitheatre of the Camp ,) of the time of Caligula, A.D. 39, and incorporated by Aurelian into his wall. It is of beautiful brickwork; the columns, of the Corinthian order, are best seen from outside the wall. It was built near the camp, that the soldiers might have their games without going into the city and mixing with the people. Suetonius ("Caligula," xxxi.) says, "He began an amphitheatre near the septa or barracks of the soldiers." Dion Cassius records, "That on one occasion, when the E
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. CROCE IN GERUSALEMME,
CHURCH OF S. CROCE IN GERUSALEMME,
erected by S. Helena. The interior has three aisles divided by pilasters, and with eight columns of Egyptian granite. The high altar is adorned by four columns of breccia-corallina, which support the canopy. Under the altar is an ancient urn, which contains the bodies of the holy martyrs Anastasio and Cesario. The frescoes of the vault of the tribune are by Pinturicchio. The subterranean chapel of S. Helena is decorated with paintings by Pomarancio, and with mosaics by B. Peruzzi. Ladies are not
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SESSORIUM PALACE,
THE SESSORIUM PALACE,
which was built by Sextus Varius, father of Elagabalus. This was afterwards turned into the Palace of Helena, near which were her baths, remains of which exist in the adjoining vineyards; also of the reservoir; which remains are called by some the Temple of Venus and Cupid , from a statue found there. A Venus with Cupid at her feet, supposed to be the likeness of Salustia Barbia Orbiana, the wife of Alexander Severus, from an inscription on the pedestal saying that it was dedicated to Venus by o
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. STEFANO ROTONDO,
CHURCH OF S. STEFANO ROTONDO,
supposed to be formed from the remains of...
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
NERO'S MEAT-MARKET.
NERO'S MEAT-MARKET.
A coin representing this market agrees with the architecture of the church. "Then Nero celebrated a feast by way of thanksgiving for his preservation, and dedicated the market-place where meat is sold" (Dion Cassius). The church is open all day on the 26th of December, being the saint's day. On other days, ring the bell at the door on the right. It is 133 feet in diameter. The outer circle consists of thirty-six columns, and the inner of twenty. There was originally another outer circle: this wa
58 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. MARIA DELLA NAVICELLA,
S. MARIA DELLA NAVICELLA,
or S. Maria in Dominica, only open on the second Sunday in Lent. It was restored by Leo X. from designs by Raphael. The Doric portico is by Michael Angelo. It has eighteen fine columns of gray granite. The mosaics in the tribune are of the ninth century. The frieze over the windows of the nave is by Giulio Romano and Pierino. To the right of the church are remains of the Monastery of...
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. TOMMASO IN FORMIS,
S. TOMMASO IN FORMIS,
founded by Innocent III. as the headquarters of the Trinitarians or Redemptorists, whose mission was to rescue blacks and whites from slavery. The mosaic by Cosmati, A.D. 1260, is the coat of arms of the order. Just beyond is a Gothic arch, part of their buildings. Beyond this the arch spanning the road is the...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ARCH OF DOLABELLA AND SILANUS.
ARCH OF DOLABELLA AND SILANUS.
Built of travertine, and erected, as the inscription informs us, by the above consuls, A.D. 10. It was used by Nero to support the aqueduct to his reservoir. Here is the hermitage of S. Giovanni di Matha, 1213, who founded the Redemptorists. Through the arch on the left is the entrance to...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VILLA CŒLIMONTANA,
THE VILLA CŒLIMONTANA,
the residence of Baron Hoffmann, who kindly admits visitors on their leaving their cards at the iron gate. Many fragments of antiquity are spread about the grounds, from which there are some fine views. Remains have been found of a Roman fire-station of the fifth cohort of Vigili, whose names are on the pedestals dedicated by them to Marcus Aurelius....
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE OBELISK
THE OBELISK
was erected by Duke Mattei, but only a very small part of it is Egyptian. The fragment was found in making the present sloping way up to the Capitol, and presented by the magistrates to the duke. It is the only one not re-erected by a pope. It is said that when the architect was directing its elevation, he forgot to take his hand off the pedestal, and that the block was lowered on his hand, which was amputated, the hand being left between the blocks. At the corner of the grounds, towards the Bat
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF SS. GIOVANNI E PAOLO,
CHURCH OF SS. GIOVANNI E PAOLO,
whence Cardinal Howard takes his title. It was erected in the fourth century on the site where the martyrdom of the above saints took place, by Pammachus, the friend of S. Jerome. They were officers of Constantine's household, and were put to death by Julian. The medieval portico is formed by eight marble and granite pillars. The aisles are formed by sixteen ancient columns; the pavement is of opus Alexandrinum ; the stone surrounded by a railing is said to be that on which the martyrs suffered
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF CLAUDIUS.
THE TEMPLE OF CLAUDIUS.
Seutonius tells us that Vespasian erected the Temple "of Claudius on the Cœlian Mount which had been begun by Agrippina, but almost entirely demolished by Nero." Frontinus (xx. 76) tells us that the arches of Nero ended at the Temple of Claudius. Now we have been following these arches for some distance, and they end here. Below the temple was...
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VIVARIUM,
THE VIVARIUM,
or menagerie for the Colosseum. The arches have been laterally closed, leaving small apertures of communication. The vivarium consists of eight immense arches two stories high, formed from blocks of travertine. The substructions occupy a large extent of the convent gardens. A massive portion supports the elegant medieval campanile, of the thirteenth century, one of the best preserved in Rome. Beneath this are some subterranean chambers hewn out of the tufa, supposed to be...
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SPOLIARIUM,
THE SPOLIARIUM,
a prison for condemned gladiators. The younger Pliny says "it was a cruel receptacle for those adjudged worthy of torture." The gardens of the convent are built upon the top of...
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE RESERVOIR OF NERO.
THE RESERVOIR OF NERO.
Suetonius tells us "he made a reservoir like unto a sea," which no doubt was afterwards used to supply the Colosseum with water for the naval combats. The quadrata of the Cœlian is artificially formed, and was evidently the great nymphæum connected with the Golden House. The water was brought from the Claudian Aqueduct at the Porta Maggiore upon arches, known as Nero's Arches, which ended near the Temple of Claudius, and these arches end in the gardens now supported by the walls forming the quad
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. GREGORIO,
THE CHURCH OF S. GREGORIO,
whence Cardinal Manning takes his title. It is built on the site of the house of Gregory the Great, and was erected in the seventh century. Its interior is embellished with sixteen granite columns. The painting above the altar is by Sacchi, and the predella beneath by Luca Signorelli. In a small side-chapel on the right is an ancient marble chair, and in a glass case numerous relics of various saints Crossing the atrium , in which is a monument to Sir Edward Carne, envoy from Henry VIII., we com
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MUSEO URBINO.
MUSEO URBINO.
In the wood in front of S. Gregorio, on the right going towards the Arch of Constantine, is the new City Museum, containing many objects of high historical interest arranged in chronological order. THE PINCIO—THE FRENCH ACADEMY—CHURCH OF TRINITA DEI MONTI—VIA SISTINA—PIAZZA BARBERINI—BARBERINI GALLERY—MONTE CAVALLO—THE QUIRINAL PALACE—THE ROSPIGLIOSI PALACE—COLONNA GARDENS—CAPITOLIUM VETUS—TORRE DELLE MILIZIE—VIA MAGNANAPOLI—S. AGATA—S. LORENZO IN PANE E PERNA—THE HOUSE OF PUDENS, THE BATHS OF N
42 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PINCIO.
THE PINCIO.
From the Piazza del Popolo, a sloping, winding road leads up to the favourite promenade of the Romans and Forestieri, who stroll and drive here every day, and listen to a military band by which the place is enlivened in the afternoons. Ascending , its terraces are interspersed with fountains and statues, and there is a fine large bas-relief on the wall opposite the two columnæ rostratæ adorned with the prows of ships. The name of the hill is derived from the Pincii family, whose estates were upo
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EGYPTIAN OBELISK,
THE EGYPTIAN OBELISK,
which has on it the inscription Antoninus Osiris Oracle (Utterer of truth). It was brought by Hadrian from Egypt, and erected by himself and his wife Sabina to his favourite Antinoüs, in the Varianus Circus, amidst which ruins, near S. Croce in Gerusalemme, outside the walls, it was found. Passing out of the grounds by the road that runs parallel to the city, on our left is...
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FRENCH ACADEMY,
THE FRENCH ACADEMY,
or Villa Medici, open every day from 8 till 12, and from 3 till dusk . The gardens are tastefully laid out, and several fine views may be obtained from them. The Museum of Casts (of statues not in Rome) will repay a visit. Proceeding up the avenue, just beyond, on the left, is the...
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF TRINITA DEI MONTI,
CHURCH OF TRINITA DEI MONTI,
erected by Charles VIII. of France. Visitors should attend vespers here, the nuns singing choral service; it commences half an hour before Ave Maria. Over the altar of the side-chapel, in entering, is a beautiful Descent from the Cross, the masterpiece of Daniele da Volterra....
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EGYPTIAN OBELISK
THE EGYPTIAN OBELISK
was found in the gardens of Sallust, and placed here by Pius VI. in 1789. It is 48 feet high without the pedestal, and is supposed to have been brought to Rome by Hadrian. It is thought by some to be only a copy of the original in Egypt. Marcellinus says it stood in the gardens of Sallust. At No. 9 Piazza Trinità dei Monti, Poussin lived; and Zuccari lived at 64 Via Sistina, close by. Beyond, the Via Cappo la Casa runs out to the right: adjoining the Church of S. Giuseppe is the New Museum of In
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PIAZZA BARBERINI.
PIAZZA BARBERINI.
It has in the centre a beautiful fountain, by Bernini, with four dolphins supporting a shell, in which is a Triton; it throws water to a great height. Proceeding up the Via delle Quattro Fontane, on the left is the...
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BARBERINI GALLERY.
BARBERINI GALLERY.
( Palazzo Barberini. ) Open every day from 12 till 4. Catalogues are lent for the use of visitors. It contains paintings by the first masters. The statue to Thorwaldsen, in the garden, was lately erected by Mr. Wolff, Thorwaldsen's pupil. The library is open from 9 till 2 on Thursdays. First Room. —Fresco on vault, Triumph of Glory, by Cortona; 16. Joseph and Potiphar's Wife, by Beliverti; 21. S. Cecilia, by Lanfranco. Second Room. —48. Madonna, by Francia; 63. His Daughter, by Raphael Mengs; 74
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. ANDREW'S,
S. ANDREW'S,
on the site of the Temple of Quirinus (Romulus). It contains the tomb of Emanuele IV. of Sardinia, who abdicated in 1802, and died a monk in 1818. The church is a little gem. At the end of the street is the square...
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MONTE CAVALLO.
MONTE CAVALLO.
In the centre is a fountain, with granite basin 26 feet in diameter, which formerly stood in the Forum; also two beautiful colossal horse-tamers in marble, supposed to be Castor and Pollux by some, by others, Alexander and Bucephalus. The Latin inscriptions state one of these colossi to be the work of Phidias, the other of Praxiteles. Both were presented to Nero by Tiridates, king of Armenia. They once ornamented the Baths of Constantine, and have never been buried. The whole is surmounted by an
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
QUIRINAL PALACE.
QUIRINAL PALACE.
It numbers some splendid apartments, containing many works of art; and the gardens are of considerable extent. It is the residence of King Humbert, and is accessible to the public; but should the royal family be at home, the private apartments are not shown; otherwise it may be readily viewed on presenting your card at the entrance. Guido Reni's beautiful picture of the Annunciation is in the small private chapel, as also the frescoes of the life of the Virgin, by Albani. The casino in the garde
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ROSPIGLIOSI PALACE.
ROSPIGLIOSI PALACE.
Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 till 3; entrance upstairs to left of gate. It is celebrated for its casino, containing Guido Reni's Aurora; it also contains many pictures, ancient sculptures, and fragments of frescoes, from the Baths of Constantine, on a portion of the site of which it is built. The principal paintings in the palace are:— Centre Room. —Head of Christ, by Jesse; Vanity, by Titian; Mater Doloroso, by Sassoferrato. Left Room. —Our Saviour Bearing the Cross, by Daniele da Vo
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE COLONNA GARDENS.
THE COLONNA GARDENS.
They contain several antiques and remains of the cornice of Aurelian's Temple of the Sun. Looking down a chasm, we see remains of the Baths of Constantine. Under the cypress trees are several sarcophagi, and the stem of the pine tree planted on the day Rienzi died. There is also a fine piece of the tufa wall that made the seven hills one city....
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CAPITOLIUM VETUS.
THE CAPITOLIUM VETUS.
To the right from the gardens, the Via Quirinale brings us to the new Via Nazionale. Where this winds round is a piece of a wall of the kings. Plutarch ("Numa," xiv.) and Solinus (i. 21) tell us that Numa lived upon the Quirinal, where he built an arx (Hieron. i. 298), called, after the Capitoline Hill was so named, Capitolium Vetus . In it was a temple to Jupiter (Varro, "L. L." v.; Martial, v. 22). In those days a tongue jutted out here towards the Capitoline Hill, and this piece of wall bars
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TORRE DELLE MILIZIE,
THE TORRE DELLE MILIZIE,
within the precincts of the Convent of S. Catherina di Sienna, supposed to have been built upon a cella formerly occupied by Trajan's soldiers. This tower is called by the Roman valets de place "Nero's Tower," from his having sat there and fiddled whilst Rome was burning. Now, as this tower was built in 1210 by Pandolfo della Suburra, the senator, it could not have been the tower Nero fiddled on. Besides, Suetonius says, "This fire he [Nero] beheld from a tower in the house of Mæcenas," which wa
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. AGATA IN SUBURRA,
THE CHURCH OF S. AGATA IN SUBURRA,
where the heart of O'Connell is deposited. Keeping straight on, up the slope of the Viminal , Via Panisperna , at the top of the hill is...
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. LORENZO,
THE CHURCH OF S. LORENZO,
who is said to have been martyred under Claudius II., A.D. 269, having been cooked to death on a gridiron. Here are also the relics of S. Crispin and S. Crispinian. The church is on the site of the baths of the daughter-in-law of Constantine, Olympia. The two seated statues, Menander and Posidippus, in the Vatican, were found here, and were for a long time worshipped as saints. Close by is the Church of S. Lorenzo in Fonte , said to be over the site of the prison of S. Lawrence, and a fountain i
40 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HOUSE OF PUDENS.
HOUSE OF PUDENS.
( S. Pudenziana. ) The church stands back from the street, with a handsome new front, restored by Cardinal Buonaparte. Cardinal Wiseman was titular cardinal of this church. It is only open at a very early hour—on May 19th all day, and on the third Tuesday in Lent. The custodian is to be found at 161, next door to the church. A flight of steps leads down to the church. The door is formed with ancient spiral columns, and eighth century Christian reliefs; above are some modern frescoes of Peter, Pu
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SCENE OF TULLIA'S IMPIETY.
THE SCENE OF TULLIA'S IMPIETY.
With our face towards the angle, it will be noticed that the Via S. Lucia divides the Esquiline Hill into two spurs: that on our left was called the Cispius , that on our right the Oppius . The Via Leonina Suburra, at our back, was the ancient Vicus Cyprius; the point of the angle being its summit; the Via S. Lucia was the Clivus Urbius. Up this latter street, on the right, an ascent, the ancient Clivus Pullius, leads to S. Martino a Monti. "Tarquinius Superbus lived on the Esquiline, above the
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. MARIA MAGGIORE.
THE CHURCH OF S. MARIA MAGGIORE.
In the foreground is an Egyptian obelisk 63 feet high. The church was founded A.D. 352. It is 120 yards long by 50 wide. Its columns are of the Ionic and Corinthian orders. The interior is of three aisles, and has thirty-six Ionian columns of white marble, from the Villa of Hadrian at Tivoli. The high altar is formed of a large urn of porphyry, covered by a slab of marble, which is supported by four angels in gilt bronze. The canopy, erected by Benedict XIV., is supported by four columns of porp
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BORGHESE CHAPEL.
BORGHESE CHAPEL.
The altar-piece is of jasper; the painting of the Virgin and Child is said to be by S. Luke. Above is the bronze bas-relief representing the miracle of the snow which fell in August A.D. 352 upon the exact space occupied by the basilica. The frescoes are by Guido, Lanfranco, Arpino, and Cigoli. The monuments of Paul V. and Clement VIII. are composed of beautiful bas-reliefs representing scenes in their lives. Opposite is the...
21 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SIXTINE CHAPEL,
SIXTINE CHAPEL,
erected by, and containing the tomb of, Sixtus V. It was lately restored by Pius IX., who was to have had his temporary resting-place here, behind the altar. The altar is a representation of the tomb of our Saviour at Jerusalem, and is a splendid piece of workmanship. Beneath it is preserved part of the manger. Opposite the lower altar is a statue of S. Gaetano, by Bernini. The frescoes of the dome, representing the hosts of heaven, are beautifully executed by Podesti. The monument to Sixtus V.
48 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
COLUMN OF HENRY IV.
COLUMN OF HENRY IV.
In 1873 the column of an inverted cannon, which stood in front of the Church of S. Antonio Abate, erected in 1596 to commemorate the reconciliation of Henry IV. of France to Clement VIII., was removed in altering the level of the road. At the time of its removal, a majolica vase was discovered under the base, which on being lately opened was found to contain a large brass medal, bearing the following inscription:— IN HONOREM PASSIONIS D. N. JESU CHRISTI ET B. V. MARIÆ AC S. ANTOINI ET OMNIUM SAN
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. PRAXEDES,
THE CHURCH OF S. PRAXEDES,
erected in 823 by Paschal I., and restored by Nicholas V. in 1450, and more lately by Carlo Borromeo. The main entry from the Via di S. Martino, consisting of the original portico, sustained by two granite Ionic columns, is seldom open. The entrance in use is on the side from the Via S. Praxedes. Sixteen granite columns, with composite capitals, divide the nave from the aisles. Double flights of steps of rosso antico lead up to the tribune. On each side of the altar, over choir gallery, are rema
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
A ROMAN VILLA,
A ROMAN VILLA,
discovered on the right in forming this street in 1884–5. Considerable remains of a nymphæum were found, and a beautiful ædicula, with its statues in situ ; from this some steps led down into a Mithraic cave. As soon as the building going on here is finished, these remains will be opened to the public....
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PRIMITIVE TOMBS.
PRIMITIVE TOMBS.
Not the least interesting discovery in this neighbourhood was that of a number of primitive tombs formed with local stone, shaped like the Campagna huts. It is curious that after upwards of two thousand five hundred years of burial, the remains of the early inhabitants of the Palatine, Cœlian, and Quirinal hills, should be brought to light on the Esquiline, which was the burial-ground till the days of Mæcenas, and be another confirmation of the truth of early Roman history....
22 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. MARTINO
THE CHURCH OF S. MARTINO
was erected by Symmachus, A.D. 500, on the site of the Church of S. Silvester, in the time of Constantine. The nave is formed by twenty-four ancient columns, said to have come from Hadrian's Villa. The Confession, beneath the high altar, leads to the more ancient church formed out of part of the Baths of Hadrian. It was here that the Councils of A.D. 352–356 were held, when the acts of the Council of Nicæa were condemned and burned. The landscape frescoes in the upper church are by the brothers
33 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SETTE SALE,
THE SETTE SALE,
which was a reservoir for the Colosseum. It consists of nine parallel chambers, communicating with each other by arches placed obliquely, to prevent the pressure of the water on the walls. Between this and S. Maria Maggiore was found the Laocoon, now in the Vatican, by Felix de Freddis, as we are informed by the inscription on his tomb in the Church of Ara Cœli. It was found in 1506, in the same niche where Pliny tells us it was admired in his time. Returning down the lane into the Via Merulana,
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE GARDENS OF MÆCENAS,
THE GARDENS OF MÆCENAS,
which, we learn from various ancient authors, were situated on the Esquiline. Horace, speaking of them, says: "Now it is possible to live on the Esquiline, for it is a healthy spot, especially to wander on the sunny agger." Suetonius, speaking of the great fire in Nero's time: "This fire he [Nero] beheld from a tower in the house of Mæcenas on the Esquiline." "Here was a common burying-place for wretched paupers" (Horace). Hence it must have been outside the Wall or agger of Servius Tullius, rem
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE AUDITORIUM,
THE AUDITORIUM,
or lecture-hall of Mæcenas, the entrance being formed through the agger. It is 24 metres 40 centimetres long, by 10 metres 60 centimetres broad. The wall supporting the roof, in which was the window, is nearly eight metres high. On each side of the hall the walls contain six niches decorated in the Pompeian style. At the farther end of the hall is a sort of tribune composed of seven circular steps in tiers, once faced with marble. From here the author recited. In the circular wall behind these,
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARCH OF GALLIENUS,
THE ARCH OF GALLIENUS,
erected in 262 in honour of the emperor, by Marcus Aurelius Victor. It is plain and unadorned, and only the central arch is preserved. Passing under the arch, turn to the left , there are some remains of the agger. Beyond, on the opposite side of the street, is the...
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. ANTONIO ABBATE,
CHURCH OF S. ANTONIO ABBATE,
where the animals are blessed on January 17th. The round doorway is the only one of its sort in Rome. To the right we reach the new Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. On our left is...
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE NYMPHÆUM
THE NYMPHÆUM
of Alexander Severus, called the Trophies of Marius. It derives this appellation from the marble trophies formerly placed in the two side niches, and thence transferred to the parapet of the flight of steps leading up to the Capitol. This splendidly decorated reservoir was the nymphæum of the Emperor Alexander Severus, and is represented on a coin. It was to the Aqua Julia what the Trevi Fountain was to the Aqua Virgo. A portion of the aqueduct which supplied the water is still standing. Just be
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TOMBS OF MÆCENAS AND HORACE.
THE TOMBS OF MÆCENAS AND HORACE.
The first consists of a sepulchre of rubble work in a circular form, now surmounted by a cottage; the second, near it, is a stable, with two columns in front. Horace was buried near Mæcenas. Suetonius tells us: "He was interred, and lies buried on the skirts of the Esquiline Hill, near the Tomb of Mæcenas." These tombs were ruthlessly destroyed by the municipality in 1884. From the square the road leads to some remains of...
23 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE BATHS OF GALLIENUS,
THE BATHS OF GALLIENUS,
miscalled the Temple of Minerva Medica, from a statue of the goddess discovered here. It is a circular building, 80 feet in diameter, and its walls contain numerous niches for statues; it was surmounted by a lofty cupola, which fell in a short time ago. This building was no doubt the sudatorium of the baths of Gallienus, which stood in his gardens and occupied this ground. In the fragments of chambers adjoining, terra-cotta pipes for the supply of hot water may still be seen. The road from here
26 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH OF S. BIBIANA,
THE CHURCH OF S. BIBIANA,
built in commemoration of her martyrdom. At the early age of eighteen, during the prefecture of Apronianus, she was first scourged, and then stoned to death. The church contains eight antique columns, and frescoes from the saint's life by Cortona and Ciampelli. Her statue at the high altar is the work of Bernini, and is considered to be his masterpiece. The fête of S. Bibiana is the S. Swithin's day of the Romans, who have a saying that "if it rain on this day it will continue to do so for the n
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PRÆTORIAN CAMP,
THE PRÆTORIAN CAMP,
founded by Sejanus, the minister of Tiberius Cæsar, and destroyed by Constantine. The walls consist of brickwork, and have corridors on the inside, decorated with stucco and paintings. The camp was between the Portæ Viminalis and Nomentana, and forms a square projection in the present wall. It was outside the agger of Servius Tullius. The north wall is of the time of Tiberius; the east was rebuilt in the fourth century; the south has been reconstructed out of old square stones, probably material
47 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF FORTUNA PRIMIGENIA.
THE TEMPLE OF FORTUNA PRIMIGENIA.
Its site is now occupied by the Piazza del Macao. Fragments of the temple were found in August 1873, and an inscription to the goddess; also the statue of a female member of the Claudian family. "Quintus Marcius Ralla, constituted commissioner for the purpose, dedicated the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia on the Quirinal Hill. Publius Sempronius Sophus had vowed this temple ten years before, in the Punic War, and, being afterwards censor, had employed persons to build it," A.U.C. 558 (Livy, xxxiv.
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PIAZZA DI TERMINI,
PIAZZA DI TERMINI,
a rather pleasant garden square, surrounded with trees, in the midst of which spouts up the Aqua Marcia. Passing along our right, we come to the...
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BATHS OF DIOCLETIAN, AND CHURCH OF S. MARIA DEGLI ANGELI.
BATHS OF DIOCLETIAN, AND CHURCH OF S. MARIA DEGLI ANGELI.
The magnificent bathing establishments, called Thermæ, to distinguish them from the ordinary baths, consisted of a long series of halls, chambers, and courts, all lying on the same level, so that the extent of surface required for laying out had to be artificially formed either by the removal or the elevation of the soil. The thermæ founded by Diocletian and Maximian, and completed by Constantius and Maximinus, constituted the largest edifice of this kind. At present, only the great hall, 350 fe
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VIA NAZIONALE
THE VIA NAZIONALE
commences here, and runs down to the south end of the Corso. The street is traversed by a line of tram-cars, which run down to the Piazza di Venezia. It is the handsomest street in Rome, and is lined by several fine blocks of buildings. It is on the line of the ancient Vicus Longus. Upon the right is the Quirinal Hill; and on the left , the Viminal; the street, artificially raised, occupying the valley between the two hills. A short distance down on the left is the Quirinal Hotel, the largest in
35 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. PAUL'S WITHIN THE WALLS,
CHURCH OF S. PAUL'S WITHIN THE WALLS,
the new American Episcopal Church under Dr. Nevin; designed by Mr. George Street in the Gothic style. It has a fine campanile, and a beautiful peal of bells. The vault of the tribunal in mosaic was designed by Mr. Burne Jones, and represents Christ surrounded by the celestial company, as described in Holy Writ....
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE EXHIBITION OF FINE ARTS.
THE EXHIBITION OF FINE ARTS.
The new Palace of Fine Arts is on the right, about half-way down. In it is held an annual exhibition of modern works of art of every description. Admission, one lira; Sundays, fifty centesimi. It occupies a space of 22,030 square mètres—the permanent building being 5,280 square mètres; the Crystal Hall, 1,250 square mètres; the gardens, 5,000 square mètres; and the temporary galleries, 10,500 square mètres. The palace comprises two floors, and may be entered from the Via Nazionale, Via Genova, a
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
NEW MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURE.
NEW MUSEUM OF AGRICULTURE.
Open free to the public, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, from 10 to 3. Opposite is...
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FELICE FOUNTAIN.
THE FELICE FOUNTAIN.
The Acqua Felice aqueduct was made, A.D. 1587, by Sixtus V. (Felice Peretti), from whom it took its name. The fountain was designed by Bresciano. In the centre of the group is seen Moses striking the rock, and the water issuing forth; on the left , Aaron leading the Jews; and on the right , Gideon bringing them to the brink of the stream. Four lions guard the basins below. It is said that the work of the artist was so criticised that he put an end to his life. Turning down the Via Venti Settembr
37 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE FLAVIAN TEMPLE,
THE FLAVIAN TEMPLE,
erected by Domitian on the site of his parents' house near the Porta Collina . A marble head of Titus was found in the excavations. "Whatever Domitian's unconquered hand has erected is imperishable as heaven" (Martial, ix. 1). "What of the Flavian Temple which towers to the Roman sky?" ( Ibid. , ix. 3). The following is amusing:— " To Cæsar, on the Temple of the Flavian Family. —Jupiter, when he saw the Flavian temple rising under the sky of Rome, laughed at the fabulous tomb erected to himself
44 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE UNFAITHFUL VESTAL'S TOMB.
THE UNFAITHFUL VESTAL'S TOMB.
Livy (xxii. 57) tells us that this was "near the Colline Gate." We learn from Pliny's "Letters" (iv. 11) that it was "a subterranean cavern." Plutarch, in "Numa," gives the following interesting details:— "She that broke her vows of chastity was buried alive at the Colline Gate. There, within the walls, is raised a little mound of earth, called in Latin agger ; near which is prepared a small cell, with steps to descend into it. In this cell are placed a bed, a lighted lamp, and some slight provi
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VILLA SALLUSTIANA,
THE VILLA SALLUSTIANA,
upon the site of which a new quarter is being erected. Clear of the houses is an interesting ruin miscalled the Temple of Venus Erycina. This ruin is octagonal in form, with a domed roof. The interior is divided into halls, and a vestibule leads into the central hall. The walls have recesses for sculpture. The building was probably a nymphæum. Besides the palace, baths, and gardens, there was a portico, called Milliarensis, from its thousand columns, in which the Emperor Aurelian used to take ex
45 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
LUDOVISI MUSEUM.
LUDOVISI MUSEUM.
Open every day from 12 till 4, with permission to be had at the consuls or bankers. The beautiful villa has been cut up into building plots, and a new quarter now occupies its site. On the left of the entry is the Museum. The principal objects are—1. Hercules. 4. Pan and Olympus. 11. Venus. 14. The Labours of Hercules. 34. A fine mask. Second Room. —Group of Mars and Cupid, found in the portico of Octavia. 7. Theseus and Æthra, by Menelaos. 9. Satyr. 17. Julius Cæsar. 28. Gallic group, of which
45 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE CHURCH AND CEMETERY OF THE CAPPUCCINI.
THE CHURCH AND CEMETERY OF THE CAPPUCCINI.
In the first chapel on the right in the church is Guido Reni's beautiful picture of S. Michael, and in the third chapel two pictures by Domenichino. But the most interesting part, the cemetery, is beneath the church, though entirely above ground, and lighted by a row of iron-grated windows without glass. "A corridor runs along beside these windows, and gives access to three or four vaulted recesses, or chapels, of considerable breadth and height, the floor of which consists of consecrated earth
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TABLE OF EGYPTIAN OBELISKS IN ROME.
TABLE OF EGYPTIAN OBELISKS IN ROME.
THE PORTA CAPENA—THE VALLEY OF THE MUSES—BATHS OF CARACALLA—S. BALBINA—SS. NEREO AND ACHILLEO, SISTO, CESAREO—VIA LATINA—S. JOHN'S AND THE LATIN GATE—COLUMBARIA OF HYLAS AND VITALINE—TOMBS OF THE SCIPIOS AND CORNELIUS TACITUS—THE COLUMBARIA OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF CÆSAR—ARCH OF DRUSUS—PORTA APPIA—TOMBS OF GETA AND PRISCILLA—CHURCH OF DOMINE QUO VADIS—TOMB OF ANNIA REGILLA—CATACOMBS OF S. CALIXTUS AND HEBREWS—TEMPLE OF CERES AND FAUSTINA—VILLA OF HERODES ATTICUS—CATACOMBS OF DOMITILLA, SS. NEREUS AND
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PORTA CAPENA.
THE PORTA CAPENA.
For a long number of years the present Porta S. Sebastiano (Porta Appia) was considered to be the Porta Capena. This error was rectified after the stone which marked the first mile was found (1584) in the Vigna Naro outside the present gate. From it one mile (one thousand paces) was measured backwards, and the result was the discovery of the exact site of the Porta Capena by Mr. J. H. Parker in 1868; but the excavations have been filled in. The remains consist of the sill of the gate, with fragm
59 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VALLEY OF THE MUSES,
THE VALLEY OF THE MUSES,
under the Cœlian Hill, in which is the Fountain of Egeria, whence flowed the perennial fountain by whose waters Numa caught inspiration from the lips of his lovable nymph. Juvenal describes the spot in his description of the parting of Umbricius and himself: "This is the place where Numa consulted his nocturnal friend the nymph: now the grove of the sacred font is occupied by the remains of Jews." "In the valley of Egeria we descended into caves unlike the true." They strolled from the Porta Cap
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BATHS OF CARACALLA.
BATHS OF CARACALLA.
Admission one lira; Sundays free. A favourite spot of Shelley's—"among the flowery glades and thickets of odoriferous blossoming trees, which are extended in ever winding labyrinths upon its immense platforms and dizzy arches suspended in the air." So the poet wrote of this spot. But now it is all changed: the hand of the explorer has ruthlessly pulled up the trees, and scraped the wild flowers and weeds from the ruined walls, exposing beautiful mosaic pavements, it is true, but which hardly rep
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. BALBINA,
CHURCH OF S. BALBINA,
supposed to date from the sixth century. There is nothing of interest in the church itself, but from the tower a fine prospect is enjoyed of the surrounding district. The convent and church have been turned into a penitentiary and a barrack. Resuming our ramble along the main road, on the right is the...
16 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF SS. NEREO E ACHILLEO,
CHURCH OF SS. NEREO E ACHILLEO,
founded by Leo III. (795–816). It contains an enclosed choir with reading-desks. The tribune mosaic is of the founder's time, and represents the Transfiguration and Annunciation. The episcopal chair is that from which S. Gregory read his Twenty-eighth Homily. The church is on the site of the...
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF MARS,
TEMPLE OF MARS,
erected during the Gallic war, B.C. 387 (Livy, vi. 5). "The same day is a festival of Mars, whom the Capenian Gate beholds, outside the walls, situated close to the covered way" (Ovid, "Fasti," vi. 191). "They paved with square stones the road from the Capenian Gate to the Temple of Mars," A.U.C. 456 (Livy, x. 23). Repaired A.U.C. 563 ( Ibid. , xxxviii. 28). "The Curule Ædiles completed the paving of the road from the Temple of Mars to Bovillæ," A.U.C. 459 ( Ibid. , xi. 47). Mr. Parker found som
47 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF HONOUR AND VIRTUE.
TEMPLE OF HONOUR AND VIRTUE.
"Marcellus was desirous to dedicate to Honour and Virtue the temple which he had built out of the Sicilian spoils, but was opposed by the priests, who would not consent that two deities should be contained in one temple. Taking this opposition ill, he began another temple" (Plutarch. See Livy, xxvii. 25; xxix. 11). "M. Marcellus, the grandson of the conqueror of Syracuse, erected statues to his father, himself, and grandfather near the Temple of Honour and Virtue, with this inscription—III. Marc
39 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE HOUSE OF HADRIAN.
THE HOUSE OF HADRIAN.
The chambers occupy three sides of a square peristylium, the walls of which are painted with frescoes, the pavements being black and white mosaics forming hippocampi, with rams' heads, Tritons, and nymphs. Opening out from the peristylium is the Lararium, or room of the household gods. Here was probably the site of the Villa of Asinius Pollio, the orator in the time of Augustus; for Pliny mentions that in his gardens stood the statue now at Naples, called the Farnese Bull, which was actually fou
51 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TEMPLE OF TEMPESTAS,
THE TEMPLE OF TEMPESTAS,
erected by Cornelius Scipio, A.U.C. 495. "Thee too, O Tempest, we acknowledge to have deserved a shrine, at the time when our fleet was almost overwhelmed by the waves of Corsica" (Ovid, "Fasti," vi. 193). To the left is...
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE VIA LATINA,
THE VIA LATINA,
so called because it led through the Latin states. It branched out of the Via Appia on the left, outside the Porta Capena and within the Porta S. Sebastiano. A short distance up the Via Latina is the...
11 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PORTA LATINA.
PORTA LATINA.
( Closed. ) On the keystone is a Greek cross within a circle. The outside of the arch is reached by passing through the Porta S. Sebastiano and turning to the left. It is formed of two round brick towers and a travertine stone arch, with grooves for a portcullis; on the outside keystone are the early Christian emblems of the labarum . The Roman Catholic tradition is that S. John the Evangelist was thrown into a caldron of boiling oil inside this gate, where the circular church now stands. Opposi
30 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. GIOVANNI IN OLEO.
S. GIOVANNI IN OLEO.
Mr. G. G. Scott lately discovered, at the Chapter House, Westminster, some frescoes representing the Visions of S. John, fourteenth century, which are described in the following inscriptions, translated by Canon Wordsworth:— "To the most pious Cæsar, always Augustus, Domitian, the Proconsul of the Ephesians sends greeting:—We notify to your majesty that a certain man named John, of the nation of the Hebrews, coming into Asia, and preaching Jesus crucified, has affirmed him to be the true God and
2 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TOMB OF LUTATIUS CATULUS
THE TOMB OF LUTATIUS CATULUS
is a lofty concrete tomb of the time of the republic, on the left, near the Church of S. John. This may be the general who ended the First Punic War, 242 B.C. , or his descendant consul, 102 B.C. , proscribed by Marius, and who suffocated himself with charcoal fumes. Behind the round chapel is...
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE COLUMBARIA OF HYLAS AND VITALINE.
THE COLUMBARIA OF HYLAS AND VITALINE.
The columbaria were underground chambers, containing niches in the walls, in which were placed the urns containing the ashes of those who were burned. As the niche was like a dove's nest in shape, it was called a "columbarium," the whole tomb a "columbaria." This one was discovered by the Marchese Campana, and is carefully preserved. Here were buried the freedmen of Augustus while Hylas and Vitaline were the custodians. Returning to the Via Appia , the second gate on the left admits to the...
25 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHAPEL OF THE SEVEN SLEEPERS,
CHAPEL OF THE SEVEN SLEEPERS,
dedicated to S. Gabriel and the Sleepers of Ephesus. It was decorated in fresco by the same Beno and Maria de Rapiza who did the frescoes in S. Clement's towards the end of the eleventh century. Beyond, a tall cypress tree marks the entrance to the (No. 13)...
15 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMB OF THE SCIPIOS.
TOMB OF THE SCIPIOS.
The vaults, hewn in the tufa, with the traces of a cornice over the entrance arch, and the stump of a Doric column, are all that now remain. The tomb was discovered in 1780; and the bones of the consul, found in good preservation, were carried to Padua, where they were interred by Senator Quirini. Six sarcophagi were found, and several recesses for more bodies; the original inscriptions were removed to the Vatican and placed in the vestibule of the Belvedere. Lucius Scipio Barbatus, his son; Aul
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMB OF CORNELIUS TACITUS.
TOMB OF CORNELIUS TACITUS.
This is probably the tomb of the historian, who died about A.D. 130. The following inscription was found here:— CORNELIO TACITO QUI VIXIT ANNIS DUOBUS MENSIBUS X DIEBUS II HORIS X FECIT LUCRETIA TACITA MATER FILIO B.M. ET SIBI ET SUIS. POS TERISQUE EORUM Just beyond, in the Vigna Codini (No. 14), are the Columbaria of...
20 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE OFFICERS OF CÆSAR'S HOUSEHOLD.
THE OFFICERS OF CÆSAR'S HOUSEHOLD.
( Memorials of those mentioned by S. Paul. ) Two columbaria lie upon the right of the pathway, and possess considerable interest, not only as good specimens of the chambers where the ashes of those who were cremated were deposited, but special interest is attached to some of the names found therein—names that are mentioned in the New Testament. The question arises, Are these the remains of those there mentioned? Can we still look upon the ashes of those early Christians? Let us see. In the first
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE ARCH OF DRUSUS
THE ARCH OF DRUSUS
next draws our attention. The aqueduct which supplied the Thermæ of Caracalla crossed the road a few steps before the Aurelian Gate of the city, the Porta Appia (now called the Porta S. Sebastiano), where an arch of travertine, adorned with white marble and pillars of various colours (still standing) was employed to convey the aqueduct over the road. The arch itself is evidently much older than the aqueduct, and has, consequently, been pronounced by antiquaries to be the triumphal arch awarded t
48 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE PORTA APPIA
THE PORTA APPIA
(now Sebastiano), opening on the great highway of ancient Rome, the Via Appia . This gate is the finest in the Aurelian walls, and, in its splendid decorations, regard has evidently been paid to the road over which it was built. All the rectangular stones of the substruction are of white marble. It is curious, too, that considerable projections have been left on most of the stones on the right side, whilst the others present a smoothly hewn surface, evidently old material re-used. A fresco paint
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE SEPTIZONIA OF GETA,
THE SEPTIZONIA OF GETA,
the murdered brother of Caracalla. The tomb now only shows a huge mass of concrete. It was named after its shape, and was like the portico erected by Septimius Severus to the Palace of the Cæsars (Spartianus). On the right, behind the osteria, is the...
13 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMB OF PRISCILLA.
TOMB OF PRISCILLA.
Statius sang of the conjugal love of Abascantius, who interred his wife Priscilla before the city, where the Appian Way branches out, and where Cybele haunts the stream of the Almo. To the mouth of the Almo the priests of Cybele brought the statue of the goddess once a year and washed it in the waters, together with the sacred utensils used in her worship. The tower is medieval, showing it to have been turned into a fortress. On the left is the...
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF DOMINE QUO VADIS.
CHURCH OF DOMINE QUO VADIS.
So called from the legend that S. Peter, when escaping from Rome, was met by our Saviour at this spot. Peter asked of him, "Domine, quo vadis?" to which Jesus replied, "Venio iterum crucifigi," which caused the apostle to return to his doom. They show on a small piece of marble two footprints, which they say is where the Lord stood—he having left the imprint of his feet on a piece of white marble in a road paved with silex. We don't believe it; but our readers may, if they like. The original is
38 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TOMB OF ANNIA REGILLA.
THE TOMB OF ANNIA REGILLA.
From the Via Appia, just beyond the "Domine quo Vadis," a lane leads into the valley of the Caffarella. At the end of the lane, upon the left , is a beautiful brick tomb of the time of the Antonines. This is popularly known as the Temple of the Dio Rediculo. We have raised objections to this: first, because Pliny ("Nat. Hist.," x. 43) says the Campus Rediculi was at the second mile on the right of the Via Appia, whilst this ruin is upon the left ; and secondly, from its construction, which shows
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMB OF THE CÆCILII,
TOMB OF THE CÆCILII,
a shapeless mass of rubble. Several epitaphs to this family have been found here. Just beyond is the entrance to the...
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CATACOMBS OF S. CALIXTUS.
CATACOMBS OF S. CALIXTUS.
Fee, one lira each, which includes guides and lights. Catacomb is a medieval word, and is said by some authorities to be derived from the Greek words κατὰ , under, and κύμβος, a hollow. The Romans called these burial-places cemeteries. They generally consist of three strata of tufa: litoide , of a red conglomeration, hard, used for building; pozzolana pura , a friable sand, for mortar; and granolare , harder, but easily cut, of which the catacombs were almost exclusively made. A catacomb consist
8 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TEMPLE OF CERES AND FAUSTINA,
TEMPLE OF CERES AND FAUSTINA,
the site of which is now occupied by the deserted Church of S. Urbano . The church was built of brick, and the vestibule is supported by marble Corinthian pillars. Piranesi saw the name of Faustina stamped on one of the bricks. The basin in the vestibule containing the holy water was found near here, and was an altar consecrated to Bacchus. The inscription says that it was made under the priesthood of Apronianus. The grove of ilex trees is termed the Sacred Grove of Bacchus. Tradition says S. Ur
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
VILLA OF HERODES ATTICUS.
VILLA OF HERODES ATTICUS.
This was proved from finding two pedestals, on which are two Greek inscriptions, copies of which have been placed on the top of the hill, close by the artificial ruin in the Villa Borghese; the originals are in the Louvre. This villa formed part of the dowry of Annia Regilla, wife of Atticus, as we learn from a column, No. 10 in the second Hall of Inscriptions in the Capitol Museum, which afterwards marked the eighth mile on one of the roads. After Regilla's death, he consecrated a statue to Reg
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CATACOMBS OF DOMITILLA.
CATACOMBS OF DOMITILLA.
The tomb at the entrance dates from the reign of Trajan, and contained the remains of SS. Nereus and Achilleus; also of Petronilla, a member of the Aurelii family. The saints were the servants of Domitilla, a daughter or niece of Flavius Clemens, the first of imperial blood who suffered martyrdom. Domitilla opened this tomb, which afterwards became a general catacomb, for the remains of her servants. This is the most ancient Christian catacomb, as may be seen from the paintings and brickwork of
28 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
BASILICA OF S. PETRONILLA,
BASILICA OF S. PETRONILLA,
supposed to have been built about A.D. 400, was discovered, the top being only a few feet below the ground. It is supposed to have been originally built for the devotees who resorted to the tombs of the martyrs, and was destroyed by the Lombardians. On the wall of the tribune is a graffito of a priest preaching, probably S. Gregory, whose chair was removed from here to the church of SS. Nereo e Achilleo. (See page 279 .) Beneath the floor were discovered many tombs covered over when the basilica
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CHURCH OF S. SEBASTIANO,
CHURCH OF S. SEBASTIANO,
founded by Constantine, and rebuilt in 1611 from the design of Ponzio. The front and portico of six granite columns were designed by Vasanzio. Below the church are the catacombs, open free. A monk acts as guide. An altar on the right contains Bernini's statue of Sebastian, and one on the right the famous footprints. Opposite the church are the extensive remains of the...
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMB OF ROMULUS, SON OF MAXENTIUS.
TOMB OF ROMULUS, SON OF MAXENTIUS.
In front of the Circus of Maxentius, on the Via Appia, stands a square portico, of which only the high enclosure walls remain. These, however, are in a state of excellent preservation. CIRCUS OF MAXENTIUS. View larger image. At the back of the modern premises, in the middle of this enclosure, are the remains of a considerable circular tomb, in front of which was a colonnade facing the Via Appia. In all probability this is the identical building erected by Maxentius in honour of his son Romulus,
34 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
CIRCUS OF MAXENTIUS,
CIRCUS OF MAXENTIUS,
erected A.D. 310, the enclosure walls of which have been preserved almost entire. These display the interesting phenomenon of pots of earthenware built into them, which not merely expedited the progress of the work, but allowed of its being more easily repaired than was possible in any other mode of construction. Its length was 1574 feet, and breadth 269, and 18,000 spectators could be accommodated within its vast walls, yet it was a small building compared with the Circus Maximus (see page 209
41 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
THE TOMB OF CECILIA METELLA,
THE TOMB OF CECILIA METELLA,
wife of Lucius Cornelius Sylla, and daughter of Quintus Cæcilius Metellus (Plutarch). The building consists of a circular tower, seventy feet in diameter, resting on a quadrangular basement made chiefly of lava and stone, cemented together by lime and pozzuolana, and strengthened with key-stones of travertine. This ruin, so long respected as a tomb, was converted into a fortress by Boniface VIII., and used as such by the Gaetani, his near relatives. It now belongs to archæology. Learned men have
1 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
S. NICHOLAS OF BARI.
S. NICHOLAS OF BARI.
Built by the Gaetani. Considerable remains of this fortress exist, showing the strength of the hold by means of which they levied "black mail" on the passers-by. TOMB OF CECILIA METELLA. View larger image. From this point the Via Appia continues in a straight line to Albano. Considerable remains of tombs exist on each side of the way, connected with which are many anecdotes and tragedies. Along the Via Appia a most magnificent prospect of the Campagna is enjoyed, with its ruined tombs and aquedu
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
TOMBS ON THE VIA APPIA.
TOMBS ON THE VIA APPIA.
From just beyond the tomb of Metella the Via Appia was lost till excavated by Canina, under Pius IX. (1850–53), when many of the tombs were restored, as far as possible, with the fragments. The railway to Naples crosses at the tenth mile. Carriages cannot pass, but can turn into the Via Appia Nova. (See page 328 .)...
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
APPII FORUM AND THE THREE TAVERNS.
APPII FORUM AND THE THREE TAVERNS.
Tres Tabernæ was a mutatio , or halting-place, 11 miles from the Porta Capena on the Via Appia, at the place now called Frattocchie. It is 10 miles from the Porta S. Sebastiano and 11 from the Porta S. Giovanni on the Via Appia Nova, or 9 English miles 326 yards from the Porta Appia. Here the four roads from Rome, Tusculum, Alba Longa, and Antium met and continued southwards as one road. It is still a halting-place, and taverns necessarily grace it. Its exact location is explicitly pointed out b
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PORTA FLAMINIA.
PORTA FLAMINIA.
( Porta del Popolo. ) Passing through the Porta del Popolo , built in 1561 by Vignola, a short walk under the walls, to the right, brings us to the Muro Torto, a piece of masonry of the time of Sylla, and held to be under the special protection of S. Peter (Procopius, "B. G." i. 13). Closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Turning to the right , just outside the Porta del Popolo, is situated this the handsomest park in Rome, founded by Cardinal Scipio Borghese. The grounds are open to all vi
9 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PORTA SALARA.
PORTA SALARA.
The present gate was built in 1873; outside are some slight remains of the old one. A short distance down the Via Salara , on the left , Cavalier Bertoni has discovered the tomb of Lucilius and his sister Polla, with their portraits. It is a grand circular tomb, 117 feet in diameter. Paterculus (ii. 9) speaks of "Lucilius, who in the Numantine War served in the cavalry under Publius Africanus," B.C. 103. Opposite is the Open on Tuesdays from 12 till 4. Permission to be obtained of the bankers Me
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PORTA PIA.
PORTA PIA.
This gate was built by Michael Angelo in 1564. It was nearly destroyed by the Italian troops in 1870, but is now restored. A fine view of the Villa Albani and the Sabine Hills may be had from this spot. To the left of the gate a tablet marks where the Italian army entered Rome on the 20th September 1870. To the right is the ancient Porta Pia taking its place. The former is flanked by two round towers. Opposite is the Villa Patrizi, in which is the small catacomb of S. Nicomedus. Beyond, on the r
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PORTA TIBURTINA.
PORTA TIBURTINA.
( Porta S. Lorenzo. ) This gate was built by Augustus, B.C. 3, over the line of the Pomœrium, being one of the arches of the Marcian Aqueduct, B.C. 145. The Aquæ Tepula and Julia likewise passed over it. The inscriptions refer to Augustus, and to repairs by Vespasian, Caracalla, and Honorius, who added the picturesque brick towers in 402. A new road has now been made to the Cemetery , which is passed by the tramway to Tivoli. Three quarters of a mile on the road is the founded in 308 by Constant
12 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PORTA ESQUILINÆ.
PORTA ESQUILINÆ.
( Porta Maggiore. ) Here the Via Prænestina diverged from the Labicana; and Claudius, who was obliged to convey two new streams—the Aqua Claudia and the Anio Novus—over these roads, erected for this purpose a massive gateway, which spanned both roads at once with a double arch. This is the splendid monument afterwards taken into the Aurelian Wall, in the time of Honorius and Arcadius, and converted, by the erection of a mound in front, into a kind of bulwark. It now forms one of the city gates,
6 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PORTA S. GIOVANNI.
PORTA S. GIOVANNI.
( Mr. Forbes's carriage excursion-lecture at frequent intervals. )...
3 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
FIRST EXCURSION.
FIRST EXCURSION.
This road was made in the time of the Antonines, to relieve the traffic on the Via Appia, and was called simply a New Way. Several tombs of the time of the Antonines line it, but none of earlier date. At the right of the gate is the ancient Porta Asinara, the best preserved of the brick gates. At the second mile the road is crossed by the Via Latina , turning up which, on the left, we can visit One, discovered in 1859, is covered with beautiful paintings and stucco reliefs—eight landscapes, with
18 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
SECOND EXCURSION.
SECOND EXCURSION.
( Mr. Forbes's excursion by rail and donkeys at frequent intervals. ) To return, we take the road above, to the point where the Grotta Feratta road strikes off to the right; then the road ascends to Frascati; but there is nothing of interest en route . Much time is saved by taking the rail to Frascati, which brings us into the town, near the Piazza and Cathedral. of all the Alban towns, is most frequented, on account of its proximity to Rome, from which it can be reached by rail in half-an-hour.
5 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
PORTA OSTIENSIS.
PORTA OSTIENSIS.
( Porta S. Paolo. ) This is the most picturesque of the gates of Rome. It consists of a double gateway, the outer (of the time of Theodoric) with one, the inner (of the time of Claudius) with two arches, flanked with towers. On the right is the erected by his heir, Pontius Mela, and his freedman Pothus. This imposing structure was faced with smoothly hewn slabs of marble, and stands on a basement of travertine measuring 95 feet in diameter. It is 115 feet high. This monument, erected some twenty
10 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
GUIDE TO USEFUL INFORMATION.
GUIDE TO USEFUL INFORMATION.
Owing to constant changes in the information desired by Visitors, Mr. S. Russell Forbes publishes The Directory and Bulletin fortnightly, in which will be found all the latest information required—church ceremonies, city news, and recent discoveries, etc. The editor cannot hold himself responsible for any changes, hours of entry, or arrangements of contents of Museums. The shops recommended are from personal experience; their prices are fixed. The following are correct to the moment of going to
24 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ARTISTS IN ROME, ENGLISH AND AMERICAN.
ARTISTS IN ROME, ENGLISH AND AMERICAN.
Artists are invited to send their names and addresses for insertion; also notice as to change of studio, etc....
29 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND VILLAS OF ROME.
GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, AND VILLAS OF ROME.
On Sundays and Festivals the Private Galleries and Museums are closed; those (*) under the Municipality are opened free....
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
HOTELS RECOMMENDED.
HOTELS RECOMMENDED.
Terms—8, 10, and 12 lire, and upwards, per day, according to class and rooms....
4 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
MASONIC.
MASONIC.
The Masonic Hall is in the Via Campo Marzio, No. 48. The Most Worshipful the Grand Master of the Order in Italy is Brother Signor Lemini Adriano ; Grand Secretary, Brother Luigi Castellazzo . The Universo Lodge meets every Wednesday at 9 p.m. The Rienzi and Spartico Lodges meet occasionally....
17 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
ORDERS REQUIRED, AND WHERE OBTAINABLE.
ORDERS REQUIRED, AND WHERE OBTAINABLE.
GRATIS. The Bankers and Hotel Porters supply these without the Visitor losing time by going to the proper quarters....
7 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter
POSTAL NOTICES.
POSTAL NOTICES.
Post Office —Piazza S. Silvestro. The English and American Mail is closed at 8 P.M. Letters not exceeding ½ oz. to England or America, 25 cent. Postal Cards to any European country in the Postal Union, or to America, 10 cent. Newspapers to any European country in the Postal Union, or to America, 5 cent. Registration, 25 cent. in addition to postage. The English and American Mail is distributed at 9 A.M. and 5.30 P.M. There are two despatches from England daily, except Sunday. Letters for Italy n
19 minute read
Read Chapter
Read Chapter