Exploring Rome: A Journey Through History and Italy’s Sustainability

 Rome's History

Rome that is also known as the “Eternal City” was founded on April 21 753B.C by Romulus and his twin brother Remus (History, 2024). The twin brothers were sons of Rhea Silva the daughter of Alba Longa King of Numitor, who attempted to drown them however, they survived this dramatic event and washed ashore at the foot of Palatine Hill (History, 2024). As years went on the brothers decided to establish a city practically in the location of where they arrived ashore as infants. Romulus became ruler of the settlement  (History, 2024). This was the evolution of the name Rome. 

Rome's historical significance can be viewed by millions of tourists and locals each year, to help learn other cultures and beliefs from its ancient ruins (History, 2023). For instance: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain.  

Over the years Italy has been keeping up and implementing significant strategies to promote sustainability and environmental protection. The countries policy hopes to reduce carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency and preserve their natural resources and heritage (Mulhern, 2020). This has resulted in Italy to be ranked 15^th in Global Sustainability (Mulhern, 2020).

Here are some key areas where Italy is leading the way in sustainability:

Image 1, (Mulhern, 2020).

Italy was the first country in the world to implement that each week the national curriculum must devote one hour to discuss future climate change issues (Mulhern, 2020).

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: in 2017 the Integrated National Energy & Climate Plan was revealed which started that the country hopes by 2030, to share 30% renewable energy (Mulhern, 2020). To achieve this, they have invested into solar and wind power to promote renewable energy.

Sustainable Mobility: Deputy Minister of Sustainable infrastructure and Mobility Alessandro Morelli has changed the way of public transport to reduce the number of emissions being released in the planet (Fraschini, 2022). His main goal is to ensure zero road accidents occur by 2050 (Fraschini, 2022). The most advanced sectors are air and rail transportation they are currently using low emission fuels and high-speed rail lines, has resulted in amazing progress in Italy strategies. 8.4 billion is allocated in mass transportation by the purchase of all electric vehicle in other countries Milan and Naples including Rome (Fraschini, 2022). Investments have also been made in cycling infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations.

Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management: Italy hopes by 2030 to reduce the need to use chemical pesticides by 50%, plant 3 billion new trees, eliminate the use of sensitive pesticide in protected areas (Lightbox, 2024). They also plan to allocate 25% of farmland to increase the use of friendly farming practices (Lightbox, 2023).

Finally, from visiting Rome in September 2024 I was able to witness its heritage and architecture. Don’t forget to travel to Vatican City the residence of the Pope of the Catholic Church. However other members also live to help serve religious and administrative function of the Vatican. 

Here is a list of the bucket list attractions to visit:

• -        Trevi Fountain
• -        Colosseum 
• -        Pantheon
• -        Castle Sant’Angelo
• -        Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• -        Sistine Chapel
• -        St Peter’s Basilica
• -        St Peter’s Square

Plan your journeys wisely and be prepared to do a lot of walking, if the distance between two attractions takes public transport as a alternative.

Experiencing a city break in Rome provides many tourists with the perfect mixture of history, culture and authentic Italian dishes, without forgetting about the gelato. Gelateria Della Palma is a gelato business that provides customers with choice of 150 flavours. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of the eternal city. Ciao!

Please feel free to share your travel experiences in Rome and other countries. Please give recommendations from one traveller to another.

*Parts of this blog was created using Microsoft Co-Pilot.

Warm Regards,

Holly.

References

Fraschini, S. (2022) The Italian Road to new mobility? Getting started again safely. The Mundys Journal. Available from: https://www.infrajournal.com/en/w/the-italian-road-to-new-mobility-getting-started-again-safely [Accessed 8 October 2024]

History (2023) Ancient Rome. A&E Television Networks. Available from: https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/ancient-rome [Accessed 8 October 2024]

History (2024) Rome Founded. A&E Television Networks. Available from: https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/ancient-rome [Accessed 8 October 2024]

LightBox (2023) Italy has adopted the National Biodiversity Strategy 2030. LightBox. Available from: https://lightbox.terna.it/en/transition/national-biodiversity-strategy-2030 [Accessed 8 October 2024]

Mulhern, O. (2020) Italy – Ranked 15^th in the Global Sustainability Index. Hong Kong, Earth.org. Available from: https://earth.org/global_sustain/italy-ranked-15th-in-the-global-sustainability-index/ [Accessed 8 October 2024]

Sight Seeing Tours Italy (2024) Who lives in the Vatican Palace. Sight Seeing tours Italy. Available from: https://www.vaticancitytours.it/blog/who-lives-in-the-vatican-palace/#:~:text=The%20Vatican%20Palace%20in%20the,jobs%20relating%20to%20the%20church [Accessed 8 October 2024]