A hint of fate. A touch of destiny. The Maserati brand is coming home and after all, all roads do lead to Rome.
It has many names. The Eternal City, The Capital of the World, but despite its different guises, it needs no introduction. And it wasn’t built in a day.
This weekend, Formula E will return to one of the most iconic cities in the world, and we’ve teamed up with our partner, Stoli®, to truly discover Rome and the birthplace of western civilisation.
To understand the city’s greatness, history must be traced back to the beginning and this can be done on Palatine Hill – the centremost of Rome’s seven hills.
Palatine Hill is the nucleus of Rome and is its most ancient part. It is packed with heritage, including monuments, palaces, temples, and markets, and all were once the epicentre of Roman life.
The hill, and the nearby Roman Forum’s iconic sights include the eight columns of the Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Septimius, which are but a gateway to true antiquity.
Of all of Rome’s sights, the Colosseum is the most spectacular.
At nearly 2,000 years old, it is adored by all, and a tumultuous path to survival – marked by earthquakes and stone robbing – makes the Colosseum a marvel of the ancient world.
Be sure to explore the Colosseum fully, both inside and out, and make sure to carve out some time to discover the nearby Arch of Constantine – a piece of architecture truly inspired by the divine.
Continue your journey in The Pantheon, which is nestled in the heart of the city. Appreciate its striking beauty, but make sure to go inside. Then stop. Stop and stare up at its mighty dome.
Sunshine beams through its oculus as you bathe in the same light that has illuminated its walls and visitors for the past two millennia.
Then pause. Pause and reflect on those who have stood before, and those who will come after in a monument that continues to endure.
The Trevi Fountain is nearby and for hundreds of years, people have congregated with the hope of turning their dreams into a reality with the flick of the wrist, the throw of a coin, and one simple wish.
Water tumbles through its breathtaking beauty and seeing its splendour early in the morning or late at night offers a chance to relax by the fountain at a quieter time in the day.
The Tiber River dominates Rome, and if it’s a relaxing escape you’re looking for, a stroll along its banks is sure to calm the spirit. But when you’re ready, head to the Ponte Sant’Angelo.
The Ponte Sant’Angelo was built by Emperor Hadrian in the second century and leads to the Castel Sant’Angelo – an imposing fortress-turned national museum which opens incredible insight into the history of Rome.
Crucially, Rome is also a place of pilgrimage, and is a world centre for religion. A visit to the Vatican City – the smallest country in the world – is a necessity when in Rome.
St Peter’s Square is iconic, and houses St Peter’s Basilica – the largest church in the world. It is crawling with culture, featuring beautiful artwork and the iconic Sistine Chapel.
Once you’ve toured the interior, it’s time to climb. The view from the top of the dome is spectacular and paints a spellbinding picture of Rome and its stunning landscape, littered with wonder.
Alongside its rich cultural heritage, Rome is also acclaimed for its food, and a taste of the city is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Sant’ Eustachio has some of the best coffee around and has been fuelling locals and tourists alike since it opened in 1938.
The menu is a delight, but in the high temperatures of July, we’d recommend trying out some of Sant’ Eustachio’s cold coffees which pierce through the heat to refresh the body and soul.
Pizza is adored across the world, but the Antico Forno Roscioli is at the cutting edge of Rome’s culinary scene. It opened in 1820, and with handsome slices and generous prices, locals absolutely love it.
For some special pasta dishes, head to Osteria Da Fortuna, which blends traditional recipes with high quality ingredients.
The results are a delivery of fine flavours and a sense of extreme satisfaction to every customer.
Like pizza and pasta, gelato is also a staple of Italy, and since it opened almost 100 years ago, Giolitti has been fulfilling Rome’s sweetest desires.
All of Giolitti’s gelato is made on-site, fresh, every single morning. This means that service doesn’t begin until 10:00, but because it doesn’t close until 01:00, every customer has ample time to stop by.
Rome is the heart of the world. Culture collides, tastebuds erupt, and the mind, body and spirit are always liberated.
You’ll get lost in the city’s wonder, and even after you leave, your memories will wonder back to the Eternal City.
It’ll always be with you, but we know that it’ll be hard to resist Rome’s splendour for too long.