Vita gazette – Happy birthday, Rome, the cradle of civilisation and splendour. This eternally unique city has 2776 years of history, culture, and beauty that will be well protected and carried forward in the coming centuries.

On April 21, 753 BC., the city that would become the centre of the ancient world was born, a date decreed by Lucio Taruzio Firmano, who calculated, based on the republican annals, the exact day of the foundation of the Eternal City. Today, historians know that Rome was most likely born from the union of some Latin villages located on the hills near the Tiber River. Still, the legendary myth remains involving Romoloce Remo, suckled by the she-wolf, symbol of the Capital.

According to legend, on April 21, 753 BC, Romulus founded the city of Rome. Rome, the eternal city, was founded two thousand seven hundred seventy-six years ago. Its history, monuments, and legacy continue to inspire the world. Today, as happens every April 21 at midday, the sun will enter the Pantheon with an inclination to centre the entrance perfectly.

Thus, in a tweet, the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, posted a video in which you can see the ray of sun illuminating the entrance door of the Pantheon. “In the tradition, to found Rome, Romulus would have placed the asylum where Marcus Aurelius is, stating that all those who wanted to become citizens of Rome could have become citizens, regardless of their origin, roots and ethnicity. This aspect of the myth became central in the city’s construction”. This was underlined by the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, at the presentation of the commemorative medal of the 2776th Christmas of Rome. “This myth of the foundation was part of the imperial policy but with a citizenship idea that started from sharing the law and not on ethnic belonging. A purely political way of conceiving citizenship. The characteristic of the founding myth underlying this date is precisely the valorisation of the open and inclusive character.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni celebrates Rome’s Christmas with a post on Facebook: “April 21: 2776 times happy birthday to Rome, the cradle of civilisation and splendour. An eternally unique city, which has achieved a thousand records in its almost thirty centuries of life and given the birthplace of heroes, leaders and visionaries. A timeless city, which projects itself into the future with the disruptive force of its identity”. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Matteo Salvini also reminds us on Instagram that today is Rome’s Christmas: “Happy birthday, Rome! Two thousand seven hundred seventy-six years of history, culture and beauty to be protected and carried forward in the centuries to come. Our commitment to the city with investments in roads and infrastructure, preparing for the 2025 Jubilee and carrying forward the challenge of having Expo2030 in the Capital Full speed ahead”.

The weekend events to celebrate the birth of Rome

Numerous institutional and cultural events hold great significance in celebrating Rome. On Saturday, the 20th, from 8 pm to 10 pm, at the Villa of Maxentius on the Via Appia Antica, you can partake in the inauguration of the new lighting, a symbol of our commitment to preserving the monumental remains in the twenty hectares of the archaeological area. This event is a testament to our dedication to Rome’s rich history. Until Sunday, the Ab Urbe Condita event 2024 will be hosted, offering a unique immersion in time and history.

The following day, from 11 am, in the Sala Santa Rita via Montanara, you can visit the La Dea Roma free exhibition. This interactive exhibition showcases the work created by the 19th-century sculptor Pietro Tenerani, allowing you to engage with the art and history of Rome. Also, on Sunday 21st, at 11.00, the Ara Pacis Museum is preparing to host children for a workshop that encourages them to have fun while learning about history and visual creativity. They can make their crown and experience what it’s like to be emperors and empresses for a day.

On Monday, April 22, at 10:00, we will discover the Street artwork that characterises the Quadraro district with the Urban Itineraries route, with an inspiring theme linked to the round-up suffered in 1944. Finally, at 11:00, at the Museum of Fori Imperiali, the protagonist is the visit entitled Augustus, the new founder of Rome, which tells the story of the emperor.