The Campidoglio

After my trip to Tunisia I stayed in Rome for several weekends.  I really wanted to see and experience the city more and throughout the semester, the JFRC, my study abroad program, was great about making sure we did so.  One Wednesday night, the school organized a trip to the Campidoglio, the mayor’s office in Rome.  Since I have a significant interest in politics it was only natural that I would sign up for this free and rare opportunity.  The tours only happen once a month and are entirely in Italian.  However, the faculty member from my program who led the trip is one of the most wonderful people I had the good fortune to meet this semester and she translated for everyone.  The tour was incredible.  We started outside in the piazza by the Marcus Aurelius statue, adjacent to the Capitoline Museums.  We then moved inside and toured the facility.  Immediately we were taken to an underground and above ground viewing area because the Campidoglio is built on top of ruins.  The ruins are what remain of the ancient governmental offices of Rome, and are unreal.  We then toured the official meeting rooms and hall where Italian politicians cast their votes.  Several of them left their folders behind in their desks and several students from the JFRC may have taken a peek, but that’s beyond the point….

Obviously, I was strongly reminded me of official government buildings in the U.S., particularly in the interior of the building.  Yet this building had much more ancient history behind it and again, was built into ruins, the latter being a pretty significant difference…

To all the readers of my blog (cough, Andrea, cough) considering going to Rome-see if you can do this!  It’s not easy to arrange or appreciate if you don’t speak Italian or have a translator, BUT if you can, it is much more interesting and worthwhile than many of the museums and other attractions of Rome.  At any rate, keep it in mind. 

Until next time!

Sara