Rome - Old vs New

Smiling woman with long hair sitting on a bench in a grassy area. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.
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. 

Ruins of the Roman Forum, with scattered columns, brick foundations, and layered ancient structures rising along a hillside under a cloudy sky.

     

Panoramic view of the Roman Forum and surrounding ruins in Rome, with ancient structures, tree-lined paths, and city streets stretching into the distance under a hazy sky.

     

Side view of the Theatre of Marcellus in Rome, showing layered ancient stone arches with later buildings constructed above, framed by greenery in the background.

Forum Romanum                      View of the Forums                  Marcello Theater

The Vittoriano (“Wedding Cake”) monument in Piazza Venezia, Rome, seen from the front with white marble terraces, statues, and a broad green lawn in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky.

     

View from the Vittoriano in Rome, with the bronze quadriga statue overlooking the city skyline as visitors stand along the terrace beneath a cloudy sky.

     

View over Piazza Venezia in Rome, looking down a long straight avenue lined with historic buildings, with traffic circling a grassy roundabout in the foreground and the city stretching into the distance under a pale sky.

Vittoriano                                  On Top of The Vittoriano         Piazza Venezia

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Smiling woman with long hair sitting on a bench in a grassy area. This alt text was added with Al; accuracy may vary.

Kathryn Sommer

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.

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Biological Sciences
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