In travel news for June 22, 2023 we talk about Rome opening the very site where Julius Caesar was murdered.
In an unprecedented move, Rome, Italy, one of the world's most historically rich cities, is unveiling a new tourist attraction this week. Four ancient temples, including the site where the legendary Roman Emperor Julius Caesar met his untimely end, are now open to the public. These temples, found in the "Sacred Area" of Largo Argentina, offer a deep dive into Rome's captivating history, dating back to the third century B.C.
The opening of these sites has been partially funded by the luxury jeweler Bulgari, whose contribution has helped develop accessible walkways and effective lighting to enhance visitor experiences.
Tourists can visit these awe-inspiring locations every day, barring Mondays and specific major holidays. Admission to these temples is reasonably priced at 5 euros (approximately US$5.50), offering an affordable gateway into the fascinating world of ancient Rome.
The site encompasses four temples, each believed to have been dedicated to a different goddess. Among these is a temple dedicated to Fortuna, the goddess of chance. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the site is Pompey's Curia, a large rectangular hall that is known to be the location of Caesar's infamous assassination in 44 B.C.
Visitors to the site will also be treated to a display of various artifacts unearthed there, including a partial stone head believed to represent one of the temple's goddesses. Visitors can also observe travertine pavers that Emperor Domitian laid in 80 A.D., following a devastating fire, adding another layer to the site's rich historical narrative.
During the opening ceremony on Monday, Claudio Parisi Presicce, an archaeologist and Rome's leading cultural heritage official, described the site as "one of the best-preserved remains of the Roman Republic."
Interestingly, these temples were rediscovered only in the late 1920s during Benito Mussolini's reign. They had been concealed under medieval-era structures, including a medieval palace, effectively hiding these treasures of ancient Roman history from the world.
The opening of these historically significant temples to the public offers tourists a unique chance to step back in time and explore the depths of Roman history. It's an opportunity to walk the same ground that ancient Romans did and immerse oneself in the stories and events that have shaped Rome's cultural and historical landscape. These temples not only serve as a window into the past but also present an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.