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Rome – the eternal city – that two thousand years ago it was the capital and nerve center of an empire that stretched from England to Romania, from North Africa to Mesopotamia, is now one of the most visited cities in the world. Founded on seven hills it retains many monuments of the past imperial splendor and the subsequent period in which it was the seat of the papacy.
Among the buildings of the Roman period how can we forget the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, Trajan’s Column, the Baths of Caracalla, the Palatine Hill, Castel Sant’Angelo (the old Mausoleum of Hadrian). While among those of the era of the Papacy are: the Basilica of Saint Peter – the center of Christianity -, the Campidoglio, Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti, Piazza Navona with the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Trevi Fountain, the Quirinale palace.
The historic center of Rome and the Vatican City are part of the sites declared world heritage sites by UNESCO.
ROME CHRISTMAS MARKETS
1) Christmas market in Piazza Navona (Mercatino di Natale della Befana). Classic market of the Christmas period, now an important attraction of Roman Christmas, it comes from the local market that was held in the past in the square throughout the year.
Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. Located where was the ancient Stadium of Domitian, is modeled on its forms. The square in the evening is enlivened by the many restaurants, street performers, jugglers and artists, and is a beautiful place to walk around looking at the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers – Bernini’s masterpiece – the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and the Palace Pamphilj, all masterpieces of the Roman Baroque.
The Christmas Market has at its center the figure of the Befana. In the market you will find statues and images of this popular figure, and his unfailing stockings filled with candy or black coal (sugar). But in market stalls do not miss crafts, toys, Christmas decorations, nativity figures, roasted chestnuts, candy floss.
Area: Rione Parione (Navona-Campo de’ Fiori) (Roma centro)
2) Rassegna dell’arte dei Presepi “100 Presepi”. This event takes place at the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo in the hall of Bramante in Piazza del Popolo in Rome. The exhibition of Nativity scenes is spread over three rooms – for a total of 350 square meters – which displays about 200 cribs made in many different materials (iron, wood, coral, glass, bronze, ceramics, silver, porcelain, clay, papier mache, caps, buttons, chocolate, bread, pencils, etc.) and from all Italian regions and 25 foreign countries.