Eyes on Storytelling

The Roman Rioni

You've heard of the 7 hills of Rome, but what about the 22 Rioni? The seals of the Roman Rioni, or "districts", can be traced back to Servius Tullius, the legendary 6th king of Rome (6th c. BC). Servius initially divided Rome into 4 districts, but as the population in the ancient city grew, the b...

Eyes on Storytelling

The Well of the Martyrs

The church of Santa Prassede is dedicated to St. Prassede the sister of St. Pudenziana and daughter of Pudens, in whose house St. Peter reportedly stayed while in Rome. In Rome, it's very easy to find sacred relics, objects, or even human remains which are very important, for several reasons, to t...

Eyes on Storytelling

The Untold Stories of the Popes

Upon his election, Pope Leo XII announced, "You are electing a dead man!" Although a man of poor health, he was an active pope for a few years until his death in 1829. Upon entering St. Peter's Basilica, the first monument on your right (on the way from the Chapel of the Pieta’ to the Chapel of St...

Eyes on Storytelling

Principles of Heraldry

While many coats of arms have the same symbols, they are all slightly different shapes and compositions, making each one unique. A.S. Roma Coat of Arms, 1927 Heraldry first appeared in the Middle Ages, but it did not become predominant until 1400-the 1500s. A way to express one's identity throug ...

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Once A Year You Can Go Nuts!

Once a year you are allowed to go nuts! / SEMEL IN ANNO LICET INSANIR Since ancient times they would typically have a few days in mid-December during which there were no rules or better the rules were turned upside-down: women could approach and seduce men, servants were served by their masters, an ...

Eyes on Storytelling

The Mythology of your Star Sign

The English word zodiac derives from zōdiacus, the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek zōidiakòs kýklos, meaning "circle of little animals" The Signs of the Zodiac Learn the mythology behind your star sign Have you ever wondered where the various animals of the Zodiac and their constellations ...

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The Phantom of Olimpia Pamphilj

Donna Olimpia Maidalchini Pamphilj was a smart and ambitious woman who ruled in Rome like a queen. When the clock strikes midnight, the city of Rome reveals its secrets - both exciting and terrifying. Lurking not only on the narrow streets but also in the main squares of the city are ghosts, ea ...

Eyes on Storytelling

Choose Your Illusion

Our perceptions are fallible and we sometimes see what isn't there. We all fall prey to optical illusions, and that's what makes these illusions hidden around Rome so much fun. Find the secrets hidden by the masters throughout the centuries You've seen the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, th ...

Eyes on Storytelling

The Pope's Elephant

The most notable gift from the king of Portugal was an Asian elephant named Hanno, which quickly became the Pope's favorite pet. On March 9, 1513, much to the joy of the Roman people, Giovanni Lorenzo de’ Medici was elected Pope Leo X. Referring to the previous reigns of Alexander VI and Julius ...