Rome - Old vs New

Kathryn Sommer
December 4, 2015

Rome is known for its rich art, architecture, and sculptures from the antiquity. The center of Rome during the Roman Empire was the area of the Forum Romanum, as well as the forums of multiple emperors that were built around the Forum Romanum and close to the Colosseum. Considering the historical importance of this area of Rome it is interesting to see that the Vittoriano was built in midst of this center. It is a monument that was constructed from 1885 to 1925 to honor the first king, Victor Emmanuel, after Italy had been unified.

This monument has received much critique from the Roman society as its architecture clashes very much with the ruins from the Roman Empire and before even. It has condescendingly received names such as “The Wedding Cake” or “The Typewriter.” Despite the negative reviews, one must admit that the view from the top of the Vittorinano is absolutely incredible as it is completely undisturbed by other buildings. 

Ancient ruins of the Roman Forum with columns and arches under a cloudy sky. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

     

Ruins of the Roman Forum under a cloudy sky. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

     

Old brick building with arches in daylight. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Forum Romanum                      View of the Forums                  Marcello Theater

Large white neoclassical building, elaborate statues, green lawn in foreground. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

     

First image: White neoclassical building with statues, cloudy sky.

Second image: Panoramic city view with statue of horse and chariot. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

     

1. Grand white monument with statues, greenery in foreground.
2. Panorama of city skyline, statue of horse with chariot.
3. Aerial cityscape with a circular plaza and road extending far. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Vittoriano                                  On Top of The Vittoriano         Piazza Venezia

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Kathryn Sommer

<p>My name is Kathryn Sommer and I study at Haverford College, a small school right outside of Philadelphia. I am a premed student majoring in biology, though I also have a passion for art, especially drawing and photography, both of which I enjoy the most when traveling. I was fortunate enough to grow up traveling the world, mainly Europe, as I was born and raised in Germany. On one of my shorter trips in my childhood, I have visited Rome and I cannot wait to get to know the city, the culture, and the people better.</p>

Home University:
Haverford College
Major:
Biological Sciences
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