Italy
Rome

Starting from a typical medieval courtyard, we’ll reach Campo de’ Fiori, a beautiful square with a lively market. We’ll learn about Giordano Bruno who was burned alive by the Inquisition in this in 1600, we’ll see Michelangelo’s Palazzo Farnese and we’ll explore some of the typical food stores of the neighborhood: a bakery, a salami shop and a pasta shop. 

We’ll visit the Jewish Quarter and learn about the incredible history of the Jewish community of Rome, from the Ancient Roman times, through the Renaissance, until WWII. On the way we’ll see the ruins of two Ancient Roman theaters and a wonderful fountain from the late Renaissance. Piazza del Campidoglio, the Capitolium, the monument that gives name to Washington’s Capitol, is the City Hall of Rome: the square, designed by Michelangelo, hosts the famous Ancient Roman statue of the emperor Marcus Aurelius. 

From the Capitol terrace we’ll have the best view over the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Triumphal Arches of Titus and Septimius Severus and most of the city center. We’ll reach the central square of Rome, Piazza Venezia, dominated by the monument to the Unity of the country, the Vittoriano. We’ll learn something about the modern and contemporary history of Rome, spotting the balconies of Mussolini and of Napoleon’s mother. 

Walking through Via dei Fori Imperiali we’ll see Trajan’s Column, the Trajan Market and Augustus’ temple of Mars Ultor. We’ll finally reach the Colosseum, the most iconic monument of Rome, the largest amphitheater ever built in the ancient world. Next to it we will discover the Arch of Constantine, a wonderful triumphal arch showcasing the transformation of Roman art during Late Antiquity. 

Rome is the third largest city in Europe with almost 3 million inhabitants and around 15 million tourists each year. Nevertheless, many wild green areas can be found in the city of Rome, beyond the several gardens and parks. RomaNatura is the Regional Department that takes care of the 16 natural reserves and protected areas located inside of the municipality of Rome, making the capital of Italy one of the greenest cities in Europe. Their headquarters is in the wonderful Villa Mazzanti, on the slopes of the Farnesina Hills, part of the Natural Reserve of Mount Mario. These areas help preserve the biodiversity of the local flora and fauna.

 Rome is also the location of many important international organizations that work on environment, food and agriculture, such as the FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), the World Food Program and the IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development). We’ll also talk about the new projects of the Ministry for Environment, Land and Sea Protection to promote clean means of transportation, such as bicycles and scooters, despite the reduction of use of public transportation due to the Covid-19 crisis and the social distancing policies. Last month the Ministry released a “bonus for transportation” to fight pollution in metropolitan areas. Everyone living in a city with more than 50.000 inhabitants can obtain up to 500€ to buy a bicycle or an electric scooter, hoverboard or segway. Many new bike paths have been opened recently.