Rome has nearly 3,000 years of history, so it's no surprise the Eternal City is full of surprises. From a pyramid and a secret papal escape route to a cannon that fires every day at noon, here are 10 fun facts about Rome to make your visit even more memorable.
1. Rome Has a Country Inside It
Rome is the only city in the world with an entire independent country inside its borders. Vatican City, home to the Pope, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel, covers just 44 hectares (109 acres), making it the smallest country on Earth.
2. A Statue Might Bite Off Your Hand
The Bocca della Verità, or Mouth of Truth, is a giant marble face in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Legend says it will bite off the hand of anyone who tells a lie. It was probably an ancient drain cover, but it became famous after Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck tested it in Roman Holiday.
3. Rome Has a Pyramid
The Pyramid of Cestius, built around 12 BCE as the tomb of a Roman magistrate, stands about 36 meters (118 feet) tall. It was inspired by the fashion for all things Egyptian after Rome conquered Egypt, and was later built into the city walls.
4. Its Statues Used to Talk
Since the 16th century, Romans have stuck anonymous poems and political jokes on the city's "talking statues," a kind of early bulletin board for criticizing the powerful. The most famous, Pasquino, still sits near Piazza Navona and still collects notes today.
5. The City Is Built in Layers
Ancient Rome lies several meters below today's streets. Over the centuries, new buildings were constructed on top of old ones. At the Basilica of San Clemente, you can descend through a 12th-century church and a 4th-century church to a 1st-century Roman house and temple. Other places where layers are visible include the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the remains of Pompey's Theatre, where Julius Caesar was assassinated.
6. Rome Has Underground Cities of the Dead
Like Paris, Rome has catacombs. Early Christians and Jews buried their dead in miles of tunnels outside the city walls. Several, such as the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano along the Appian Way, are open for guided tours.
7. A Cannon Fires Every Day at Noon
Every day at 12:00, a cannon fires a blank shot from the Janiculum Hill. The tradition began in 1847 so that all the city's church bells could ring in time. It's a fun spectacle, with one of the best views over Rome.
8. There's a Secret Passage to the Vatican
The Passetto di Borgo is an elevated passageway about 800 meters (half a mile) long, linking the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo. Popes used it to escape in times of danger, most famously Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527. It's open on some guided tours.
9. Thousands of Friars Decorate a Crypt
Beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione, the Capuchin Crypt is decorated with the bones of around 3,700 friars, arranged into patterns, arches, and chandeliers.
10. The Trevi Fountain Makes Money for Charity
Legend says that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain over your left shoulder with your right hand, you'll return to Rome. Visitors throw well over a million euros a year into the fountain, which is collected and given to charity.
Plan Your Trip to Rome
- See the best things to do in Rome.
- Explore the hidden gems in Rome.
- Find out how many days you need in Rome.
- Stay connected with an egoViet Italy eSIM. Compare options in our Italy eSIM guide, and pack with our Europe packing list.
FAQs: Fun Facts About Rome
Why is Rome called the Eternal City?
Ancient Romans believed their city would last forever, no matter what happened to the rest of the world.
How old is Rome?
According to legend, Rome was founded by Romulus on 21 April 753 BCE, so it's nearly 2,800 years old.
Is there a pyramid in Rome?
Yes. The Pyramid of Cestius, built around 12 BCE, stands near the Piramide metro station.
What happens to the coins in the Trevi Fountain?
They're collected regularly and donated to charity.