Nestled in the heart of Rome, between the Capitoline Hill and the Circus Maximus, the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum together form the ancient core of the city—a place where myth, history, and imperial ambition intertwine. According to legend, it was on the Palatine Hill that Romulus founded Rome in 753 BC, after slaying his brother Remus, and where the she-wolf nurtured the twins in the Lupercal cave. This centermost of Rome’s seven hills quickly became the most desirable address, evolving from modest Iron Age huts to the opulent residences of the elite during the Republic, and finally to the sprawling palaces of emperors like Augustus, Tiberius, Nero, and Domitian. The word “palace” itself derives from “Palatine,” a testament to its enduring association with power and luxury.
Below the hill lies the Roman Forum, once a marshy valley reclaimed in the 7th century BC to become the bustling political, religious, commercial, and social center of the ancient world. For over a ...
The Mercatino di Natale (Christmas market) in Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s oldest and most beloved traditions, often called the Mercatino della Befana. Its roots trace back over 200 years, evolving from seasonal street sellers. The piazza hosted a daily food market from 1477 until 1869 (later moved to Campo de’ Fiori), but by the late 19th century (around 1876), it became dedicated to an annual Christmas fair—initially toys, sweets, and nativity figures tied to Epiphany celebrations.
Today, it’s a festive, family-oriented market filling the piazza with wooden stalls selling artisanal Christmas decorations, handmade nativity scenes (presepi), wooden toys, leather goods, ceramics, books, regional sweets (like panettone and roasted chestnuts), and gift items.
Attractions include a vintage carousel, street performers, puppet shows, and workshops for children. The atmosphere is magical at night with twinkling lights framing the Baroque fountains and palaces.
It typically runs from early ...
The Colosseum, officially known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, stands as the largest ancient amphitheatre ever constructed and remains the biggest standing one in the world today. Situated in the heart of Rome, just east of the Roman Forum, it exemplifies the extraordinary engineering achievements and vibrant entertainment traditions of Imperial Rome.
Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty commissioned it around 70–72 AD as a generous act to restore land previously taken by Nero for his private palace and artificial lake, returning it to public use. His son Titus completed and inaugurated the structure in 80 AD with 100 days of spectacular games, while further enhancements, such as the underground hypogeum, came under Domitian between 81 and 96 AD.
The project drew funding primarily from the spoils of the Roman victory in Jerusalem in 70 AD, with much of the demanding labor carried out by tens of thousands of Jewish prisoners of war alongside skilled Roman engineers, architects, and artisans. ...
History of Wat Phikun Sokhan (วัดพิกุลโสคันธ์)
Wat Phikun Sokhan, also known locally as Wat Phikun, is an ancient active Buddhist temple of the Mahanikay sect located in Phra Khao Subdistrict, Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. It sits along the Bang Ban Canal, near Wat Phra Khao, in a serene rural setting.
The temple dates back to the late Ayutthaya period, with traditional accounts estimating its establishment around 1702 AD (circa พ.ศ. 2245). The name “Phikun” likely comes from the abundance of bullet wood trees (Mimusops elengi, known as พิกุล in Thai) that once grew on the grounds. Remarkably, unlike many temples in the region destroyed during the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767 AD, Wat Phikun Sokhan never became abandoned, remaining continuously inhabited and maintained through wars and floods.
The temple is particularly renowned for its large reclining Buddha image, Luang Pho Sokhan (or Luang Pho So), housed in the viharn—a ...
