Oldest famous historical city
21 April is the 2,764rd anniversary of the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus in 753 BC.The city is marking the occasion with a programme of events over several days, including free guided tours of archaeological sites and monuments, lectures, historical re-enactments with the Gruppo Storico Romano and music performances. The celebrations culminate in a sound and light performance on 21 April in Piazza del Popolo at 22.00 followed by fireworks on the Pincio at 23.00.
Other highlights include the evening opening of the Capitoline Museums and the temporary exhibition L’Età della Conquista on 21 April from 20.00-24.00 and the launch by the city council of the Permanent Council for Dignity, Forgiveness and Reconciliation, which will assist governments, institutions and communities in their peace-building efforts through dialogue.
The legend of the founding of Rome has been handed down by the first-century BC historian Marcus Terentius Varro, who based his account on a date established by his close friend, the astrologer, mathematician and philosopher Lucius Taruntius Firmanus. Recent archaeological discoveries, in particular those made by Professor Andrea Carandini on the Palatine hill, seem to support the legend.
Rome’s birthday has been marked every year since 1870, with a more recent focus on the capital’s vocation as a place of peace and meeting of cultures.
Rome is among the most famous historical cities in the world, from its alleged founding in 753BC through the rise and fall of the mighty Roman Empire and its prominence as the home of the Roman Catholic Church to this day. In a city with such a rich historical and cultural tradition, the celebration of Rome’s founding with the annual Birth of Rome day of festivities is the perfect opportunity for visitors and locals alike to discover more about Rome’s fascinating past and enjoy lively community events.
The legend goes that Rome was founded on 21 April 753 BC by the brothers Romulus and Remus, twin sons of a woman who was impregnated by the god Mars. These half-divine children posed a threat to the new Latin king who ordered them to be drowned, but they were rescued and raised by a she-wolf and eventually founded the grand city. Romulus subsequently killed his brother in a dispute over who should rule and lent his name to Rome.
The main site is Aventine Hill, between the Capitoline Hill and Testaccio district. For fireworks, good viewpoints are Campidoglio (behind Capitoline Museum) and Giardino degli Aranci, near Aventine Hill.
16.00: Commemoration of the Foundation of Rome with the performance The Trench Digging (Il Tracciato del solco) at Circus Maximus
18.00: Ritual ceremony of Palilia, an ancient agricultural festivity, officiated by the six Vestals near the Temple of Vesta located close to the Mouth of Truth.
