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 Palatine 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. An essential tradition on the day was the Tracciato del Solco. This ritual re-enacted Romulus’s act of plowing a sacred furrow to mark the sacred boundary of the new city. This reenactment was given greater pageantry and focus during the reign of Augustus. The Pantheon was precisely engineered to allow the sun’s rays that shine through the oculus (the famous circular hole atop the Pantheon’s dome) to flood the doorway with light on April 21. It’s truly a breath-taking spectacle.
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 want to celebrate in style consider a glass or two of Cesanese, a wine that hails from Rome’s state of Lazio. No celebration is complete without a glass of bubbly. We reccomend Italy’s remarkable Franciacorta, a classic-method sparkling wine with style and grace.
If you would like to explore Rome, you will want to see our Rome Guide.