Three of Rome’s Less-Publicized, But Can’t-Miss Venues
Visit a Lesser-known Foreign Land While in Rome:
Most people who come to Rome for the first time will make a trek to Vatican City, which is a foreign country. Yet another foreign land resides within the city of Rome, just a few blocks down the street from the Piazza di Spagna (the touristy Spanish Steps), known as the land of S.M.O.M; that is, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. This entity dates all the way back to the Seventh Century, when it served as a treatment and care center in Jerusalem for Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. It would be another five centuries before the actual monastic hospitaller order would be commissioned following the First Crusade. Eventually, the order would also provide armed escorts for the pilgrims, and its influence would grow steadily as land and fort acquisitions throughout Europe and the Middle East would ensue. Over the next few hundred years with wars, politics, and the Protestant Reformation, the order would move first to the Island of Rhodes, then to Malta. They often came into battle with the Barbary Pirates and forged allegiances with past superpowers like France and Russia. By the 19th Century, much of their land, forts and political clout was gone.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has been headquartered in Rome since 1834. Today, S.M.O.M. has permanent observer status in the United Nations and claims to be a sovereign entity. Since it doesn’t own any sovereign territory like Vatican City does, per say, many international experts dispute the claims that S.M.O.M. is a foreign country despite the fact that S.M.O.M. has diplomatic and official relations with close to 100 countries. This Catholic lay order now basically serves for ceremonial and humanitarian purposes. So let the controversy rage on, but Rome travelers can visit the post office and coin shop around the corner from the gated entrance to the palace and say they’ve visited a foreign country in the eyes of many. Hey, S.M.O.M. issues license plates and passports!
Sovereign Military Order of Malta (S.M.O.M.)
Magistral Palace (you can see part of it from the sidewalk even with the inner entry gate closed)
Via Condotti 68 – 00187 Rome Italy
Tel: +39.06.67581.1
The Order of Malta’s Magistral Post Office (public access allowed)
Via Bocca di Leone 68 – 00187 Rome, Italy
Casella Postale 195
Tel: +39.06.67581.211
Website: www.orderofmalta.org
Getting There: The closest Rome subway stop is Piazza di Spagna (Metro Line A). Walk down from the Spanish Steps. Keep on going straight and you will be on the street called Via Condotti. Walk a few blocks on the right side until you reach #68. As you are walking, you’ll notice many high end fashion shops like Hermes and Versace. At #68, some flags will be flying above the street, and at street level, a gate opens to the palace inside. Unless you have official business, you won’t be allowed in. Don’t let that stop you, as you can turn right at the next corner at Via Bocca di Leone #68, and go inside the post office and coin shop of S.M.O.M; and thus, you are in the “land” of S.M.O.M!
Now, Cats Rule Caesar’s Place of Death:
Julius Caesar took his last breath at Torre Argentina, upon being assassinated by his rival Brutus in 44 B.C. Now this venue of infamous history is now a haven for kitty cats. Torre Argentina Roman Cat Sanctuary has come a long way since its unofficial founding in 1929. That’s when the ruins of the area were excavated, and stray cats began making their home there. Soft-hearted women began feeding the felines, including the famous Italian film star Anna Magnami. Now the sanctuary acts as a place where cats are not only given food, but medical attention is available to them, too. The felines are also are spayed and neutered to help keep the pet population more controlled. The sanctuary serves as an adoption center for the cats, many of which have gotten new homes all over the world thanks to the grand efforts of its volunteers and generous supporters. A gift shop that sells, among other things, t-shirts, key rings, and pendants, is on the premises to help raise money for this purr-fect charity.
Torre Argentina Roman Cat Sanctuary: Entrance at Largo di Torre Argentina, corner of Via Florida & Via Arenula.
Getting There: Take the #64 Bus from Rome’s Termini Train Station (it’s also a subway station called Termini), which goes right by the sanctuary. Free admission, but donations appreciated.
Website: www.romancats.de
Walk Like an Egyptian to Rome’s Pyramid:
If you want to avoid the extra expense of having to plan a trip to Egypt in order to see pyramids, and just happen to be in Rome, then why not take the subway to see a real pyramid? It was built in honor of one of Rome’s top magistrates by the name of Caius Cestius Epulo around a decade before the birth of Jesus Christ. The pyramid of Cestius reaches 100 feet in height and is made of white Carrara marble. Cestius’ edifice eventually became part of the Wall of Aurelian during the 3rd century.
Getting There: Reached easiest by taking the Rome metro subway to the station called Piramide (Metro Line B). Leave the station, and directly in front of you is the pyramid. Free to look at and admire, but be careful crossing the very busy street if you want an up close and personal view of this Roman oddity.
Here’s a good link for Rome’s subway system: http://www.romebuddy.com/givesadvice/subwayroutes.html (Note: Don’t be confused by the map, as Piramide Station is on Metro Line B).
