Rome was founded in 753 B.C.E. by Romulus, its first king. In 509 B.C.E. Rome became a republic ruled by the Senate and the Roman people. During the 450 years of the Republic, Rome conquered the rest of Italy and then expanded into France, Spain, Turkey, North Africa, and Greece.Ancient Rome grew from a small town on the Tiber River in central Italy into a vast empire that ultimately embraced England, most of continental Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa.
Ok, this is not a history lesson but wanted to share where I was this past weekend. Imagine stepping back into time to a world of gladiators and emperors like Caesar, Marcus Aurelius and Titus. Now I have to admit I was never good in history but living in Italy has sparked something in me to learn more about the history of Italy, that’s what I am here for to immerse myself into a new culture, language and history.
I will say it again, I believe every student in high school should invest to take at least one semester to learn abroad in another country, it will not just open our eyes but your mind.
You will end up craving adventure, I promise you this.
I was super excited to see my friends again. I had the incredible opportunity to visit Rome, Italy, with 30 other students from my CIEE Study Abroad Program. We all met back in September in Bologna, and, even though we didn’t know each other at first, we shared one thing in common: a passion for seeing the world. As a 17-year-old girl who had never been to Rome before, I was absolutely thrilled. After spending the past couple of months living in Pavia with my amazing host family, I couldn’t believe I was finally going to experience the heart of Italy’s rich history firsthand.
Rome exceeded all of my expectations, and honestly, I’m still processing how incredible the trip was. The moment we arrived, my friends and I were completely in awe of everything around us. From the moment we stepped off the bus, we were surrounded by stunning buildings and vibrant streets full of life. It felt like every corner we turned, there was something new to admire. We were literally walking through history, and it felt surreal. Everything seemed to come alive, as if the past had been woven into the present, blending together in the most amazing way.
One of the first things we visited was the Colosseum, which was probably the most anticipated part of the trip for all of us. Built in AD 80, this massive amphitheater is still the largest of its kind in the world. Standing in the Colosseum, I felt like I had stepped back in time. I could almost hear the echoes of the crowds, feel the anticipation in the air before the gladiators entered, and imagine the emperors watching from their grand seats. It was mind-blowing to think that such an iconic structure had been standing for almost 2,000 years.
I’ve seen so many pictures and documentaries about it, but nothing compares to actually being there. The sheer scale of the Colosseum and the intricate details of the ruins were beyond anything I could’ve imagined.
Next, we visited the Bocca della Verita, or the Mouth of Truth. According to the legend, the mouth would bite off the hand of anyone who lied after placing their hand in it. Naturally, we couldn’t resist the temptation to try it out for ourselves. Let me just say, I still have both of my hands.
Of course, no one’s hand was bitten off (thankfully!), but we couldn’t stop laughing as we joked about our “honesty.” It felt like we were part of a centuries-old tradition, even if we were just there for fun. It’s little moments like these that really made the trip unforgettable.
After the Bocca della Verita, we made our way to one of the most famous landmarks in the city—the Trevi Fountain. Built between 1732 and 1762, the Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque art. It was just as beautiful as I had imagined, with its cascading waters and intricate sculptures. What I didn’t know was that the fountain also has a charitable purpose. Every year, over 1.5 million euros are thrown into the fountain by visitors, all of which go to charity. I tossed a coin into the fountain and made my wish, hoping it would come true. It felt magical to be part of such a special tradition.
As we walked along Rome’s cobblestone streets, we passed by beautiful cathedrals and vibrant piazzas. The artwork on the ceilings and walls of the cathedrals was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The colors and the level of detail were so mesmerizing, and it was hard to believe that these masterpieces had been created hundreds of years ago. Every church and every statue seemed to tell its own story, and I felt so lucky to be surrounded by such beauty.
Throughout the weekend, we also had the chance to explore some of Rome’s charming neighborhoods, where I was able to try local dishes and experience the city’s unique atmosphere.
I fell in love with the food—pasta, gelato, and of course, the coffee. The vibe in Rome was vibrant yet peaceful, with people chatting in cafes, artists selling their work, and musicians playing on the corners of the streets.
Overall, my weekend in Rome was a dream come true. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the idea that I was walking through a city that’s been around for thousands of years, a city that has shaped so much of the world as we know it today. The history, the culture, and the beauty were overwhelming in the best way possible. I’m so thankful to have had this experience with my new friends, and I know I’ll never forget the memories we made together while walking through the streets of one of the most iconic cities in the world. Rome will always hold a special place in my heart.
To learn more about studying abroad and experiencing cities and countries like this please click on the Abroad Program tab at the top of my blog site.
Alla prossima! (Until next time)
Zo