Think of a place as rich in history, heritage and art as India, and one name that often comes to mind is Rome.
Few countries are as rich in history, heritage and art as Rome, and is definitely worth a visit with your family, whenever time and your budget allows. A trip to Rome is something your child will never forget, and will greatly increase his knowledge of world history, art and culture. Here are just 3 of the numerous grand sights Rome has to offer.
The Colosseum
This is the largest arena in Rome, and it is where the famous gladiator fights used to take place. A trip to the colosseum will transport your children into another era, where men fought other men and animals to the death, to entertain the masses.
How did such a gruesome sport gain such popularity? Well, with the popularity sports like boxing and wrestling enjoy, it is easy to see why gladiators often kept audiences so entertained. Also, the times were such that citizens were confronted with death on a daily basis. Countries were always at war, and the only language people spoke was that of blood. No other forms of entertainment were really available, and the colosseum provided Roman citizens with an escape from their own realities of blood and gore, and enjoyed watching other people go through horrors that they were so accustomed to seeing in wars.
In addition, gladiators often achieved great degrees of fame and popularity, and if they survived in the arena for 7 years, they were set free and were well rewarded for their bravery. However, unlike today's boxers and wrestlers, gladiators didn't receive any regular payment for the fights they won, and fights were often to the death.
Take your children on a tour through the Colosseum, and supplement this knowledge by watching the old movies, Ben Hur and Gladiator with them. The newer Gladiator starring Russel Crowe may be a little gruesome for younger children.
St. Peter's Bascillica
The largest church in the world is located in the Vatican City. It has 45 altars, all of which have been decorated by famous artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini etc. There are a few sculptures like David, Rodin and The Pieta that have achieved immense fame and have inspired people to great heights. Of these, The Pieta, by Michelangelo, is located at the St. Peter's Basilica. Another important work located here is St. Peter's burial spot. Directly above the burial spot is a huge dome, designed by Michelangelo. Interestingly, despite having done most of the work in St. Peter's Basilica, Michelangelo refused to accept payment.
Sistine Chapel
Also located in the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel houses the famous painting Adam's Creation by Michaelangelo, on the ceiling. In fact, in an attempt to discredit Michelangelo, Bramante persuaded the Pope to direct him to paint the ceiling. Michelangelo was primarily a sculptor, so it was thought that he would do a bad job and ruin his reputation just before his death. However, this was not to be. Michelangelo did an absolutely brilliant job, and his frescoes are possibly one of the greatest achievements in Western art.
Entering the Sistine Chapel is an experience your child will never forget. Although the place is teeming with tourists, it is eerily silent, as everyone gazes with wonder at some of the most incredible art in the world. Initially, almost all the figures in the Sistine Chapel were painted nude, and caused a tremendous scandal at the time. Another painter was then commissioned to paint garments over the nudes, making them more 'respectable'.
