The Pantheon Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, celebrates its birthday each April 21. Natale di Roma!
The legendary founder of the city, Romulus, established the city on this day in 753 BC. The day was already significant to the ancient to-be Romans as it was dedicated to Pales, goddess of the shepherds. The specific spot that Romulus had chosen was atop a hill (one of Rome’s ancient seven hills) that would then take its name from Pales known as the Palentine Hill. The Palentine became the residential home of the Roman elite including its kings and emperors. The name Palentine is the etymological origin of “palace” a word commonly used and understood today.
The Natale di Roma was celebrated in ancient times commemorated with grand processions and gladiatorial games. Emperor Hadrian precisely engineered the Pantheon to allow the suns’ rays that shines through the oculus (the famous circular hole atop the Pantheon’s dome) to flood the doorway with light on April 21.
The date of Rome’s birth remains important as it is celebrated with parades, historical reenactments, and of course great food and wine.
If you would like to explore Rome you will want to see our Rome Guide.