So you’re planning your holidays in Rome and you’ve done a bit of research beforehand.
You’ve worked out how to get from the airport to your Eternal City hotel. Naturally, you’ve made your Rome hotels reservation and you’ve made a list of recommended restaurants you want to check out during your trip. You’ve even mapped out your itinerary of the “Must” sights to see. But how well do you really think you know Rome? We’ve put together some fun facts about Rome that maybe you didn’t know yet.
Fun Fact #1 – She-Wolf
Shakira isn’t the only one who knows something about she-wolves. Did you know that Rome’s mascot is a she-wolf that suckles and cares for the brothers Romulus and Remus (the founders of Rome)? Legend has it that the brothers were abandoned by their uncle in the wild. The twins were later discovered by a she-wolf who rescued and nursed them. Romulus and Remus eventually returned back to their birthright and decided to found a new city. Hence, Rome was born.
Fun Fact #2 – Colosseum
Rome’s Colosseum, a huge amphitheatre located in the center of the Ancient City, at one time could seat as many as 50,000 spectators of gladiator games and other public battles. The Colosseum which was constructed between 70 and 72 AD is among the Seven Wonders of the World. The historic monument can also be found on the Italian five-cent euro coin.
Fun Fact #3- Now That’s a Work of Art!
Did you know that 60% of the world’s art treasures can be found in the beautiful Bel Paese (Italy)?
Fun Fact #4 –Three Coins in a Fountain – Make a Wish!
Just about every tourist heads over to the Trevi Fountain to throw a coin in and make a wish that they too will once return to the Eternal City. But have you ever wondered just how much money gets tossed into the Fontana di Trevi each year? According to the City of Rome, nearly €700,000 worth of coins gets tossed in each year. The proceeds are donated to Caritas to help the needy.
Fun Fact #5 – A Whole Lotta Pasta!
Everyone knows that pasta whichever you which way you make it, is Italy’s staple dish. Italians eat it for lunch. They eat it for dinner. They simply, can’t live without their pasta. Just how much of it do they consume each year? It is estimated that Italians eat about 60 pounds of pasta per person per year. That’s a whole lotta pasta!