Unforgettable Rome: A Time Traveling Adventure with Terracotta Travel
Embark on a journey through time with seasoned travelers and devoted Terracotta clients, Tessie and Bill, as they recount their trip to Rome in May 2023. In this captivating tale, Bill shares reflections and highlights from their four glorious days in the Eternal City, where they were transported to a bygone era, discovering hidden treasures and lesser-known sites that embody the enduring magic of Rome.
This spring, my wife and I embarked on an unforgettable Italian adventure, with Rome as our starting point. From the impeccable hotel to the carefully curated restaurants and activities, every aspect exceeded our expectations. Terracotta’s meticulous planning and strategic timing allowed us to escape the crowds and discover the quieter, lesser-known corners of Rome. It was a whirlwind of exploration, and we savored each moment at a leisurely pace, relishing in the hidden treasures that awaited us.
Among the many highlights, our day trip to Tivoli stands out as one of the most relaxing and enjoyable excursions we’ve ever taken. The mesmerizing ruins of Hadrian’s Palace came to life under the expert guidance of our knowledgeable companion, Serena. We were transported back in time as we wandered through its remnants of ancient grandeur. A culinary delight awaited us at a remarkable restaurant overlooking the scenic valley below, serving one of the most memorable meals of our entire trip. And the enchanting gardens at the 16th-century Villa d’Este surpassed all expectations, offering a serene oasis of tranquility. But little did we know, the best was yet to come…
The following day, Terracotta secured tickets for us to enter the Domus Aurea, Nero’s magnificent palace from the 1st century — a rare privilege granted to only a select few. Constructed between 64 and 68 AD after a devastating fire that ravaged Rome, this opulent residence showcased Nero’s extravagant taste, featuring majestic structures, lush gardens, and splendid public spaces. However, following Nero’s death in 68 AD, his successors endeavored to erase any memory of his tyrannical reign by repurposing the vast site to create public areas such as Trajan’s Baths, the Temple of Venus and Roma, and the Flavian Amphitheater, famously known as the Colosseum — an embodiment of opposition to Nero’s rule. Throughout the centuries, the once lavish palace was stripped of its grandeur, repurposed, and ultimately buried, rendering it invisible for ages. Then, over 1,200 years later, in the 14th century, the palace was rediscovered by chance, unveiling a treasure trove of spectacular artworks that would inspire the likes of Raphael and Michelangelo, igniting the Renaissance movement.
This standout site is only available to 40 people at a time — and, to our consternation, only in Italian. Thankfully, Serena masterfully persuaded the authorities to allow her to translate. Walking through the complex, each turn was more awesome than the last. As we approached a hallway covered in artwork, a group of people stood and blocked my view, and we were moved along before I had a chance to take a look. At the end, as other visitors were ushered to view a short film in Italian, I asked Serena if we might go back and photograph the hallway. After some intense back and forth, she convinced the authority to allow us — but there was one catch: we would have to exit the complex the way we entered. I of course agreed. What I didn’t know was that this would mean 25 minutes alone in the entire ruin. It was in essence a private tour of one of the most restricted spots in Italy, of some of the greatest historic value. And it would never have happened had it not been for our Terracotta guide.
The next day, we visited the enchanting Basilica San Clemente, a hidden gem often overlooked by most visitors in Rome. As we descended a flight of 40 steps below the basilica, we discovered a 4th-century church adorned with several captivating sights, including the earliest known inscription of what is now recognized as modern Italian. Delving even deeper, we encountered the residence of a wealthy Roman from the 2nd century, which housed one of the best-preserved temples dedicated to the pagan god Mithras. It was a fitting location for a temple associated with the mysteries of Rome — a precursor to early Christianity. Those who followed the cult of Mithras faced persecution and had to practice their religion clandestinely, beneath the surface of the city. This underground sanctuary became a testament to their devotion and resilience.
Going still deeper, we reached the 1st-century house that was built soon after the Great Fire of 64 AD, and features a storeroom, an alleyway, and even a street. Incredibly, the spring and water conduit system used to supply water to the house was still running.
Climbing the stairs back to the top, I had the profound sense of moving through time. This, combined with the experience at the Domus Aurea, gave me a perspective on travel that I have rarely had. I came away with a real sense of having seen life 2,000 years ago. Nothing contrived, nothing withheld. To achieve something like this in Italy is extremely rare. Without the guides and expert planning of the team at Terracotta, it simply would not have been possible. The experience has me ready for the next adventure. I know it will be awesome and I can hardly wait.
