_1678402492.webp "30+ Facts About Rome - The City Where All Roads Lead (For Travellers)")
Italian Rome is one of the popular tourist destinations. And, in general, it is clear why guests from all over the world tend to visit the Eternal City. Incredible works of art, excellent cuisine, architecture can lure any travel lover, leaving the impression of visiting Rome for a lifetime and giving rise to the desire to return there at least once again.
Why is it said that all roads lead to Rome?
Bemorepanda has collected exciting facts ranging from ancient Rome to today's Rome, which may be the final push to encourage you to put this city on your following trip list. Or you want to learn more about it from other sources - books, online tours, films, which will also be good because knowledge is never extra.
Especially when it comes to a city with such a long history, by the way, if you are still going on a trip, some of our collection's facts will be useful to you, because they will help you protect yourself from violating local laws and traditions.
1. The law in Rome allows cats to live freely where they were born.
There are rules to protect wild cat colonies, as Italians are fond of cats. Cats are allowed to roam freely anywhere, even in famous historical places. Anyone who harms a cat in Italy can be charged with a crime.
By the way, according to some estimates, the cat population in Rome is 300,000 individuals. For cat lovers, there is a particular part of Rome that is a must-see on any visit. Among the ancient ruins of Largo di Torre, Argentina, is a cat sanctuary that currently houses over 250 cats.
2. Bruschetta originates in ancient Rome when olive growers spread their oil on a slice of bread.
It is generally accepted that bruschetta was created in Italy in the 15th century. However, the origins of this dish date back to Ancient Rome, when olive growers would take their olives to the nearest olive press and taste the freshly pressed oil using a slice of bread. Bruschetta is still a popular appetizer in Rome today.
3. Rome has over 2,000 fountains
Rome has more fountains than any other city, with over 2,000 in total, including 50 monumental fountains and hundreds of smaller fountains.
4. Nearly 1.5 million euros worth of coins are thrown into the Trevi Fountain in Rome yearly.
You must have heard of the Trevi Fountain coin tradition: with their backs turned to the fountain, visitors must toss a coin over their shoulder, hoping it will fall into the fountain. According to legend, if you throw one cash into the fountain, then you will return to Rome; if you throw two coins, then you will return and fall in love; and if you throw three coins, then you will return, fall in love and get married!
But what happens to all this money? Are other people tempted to take them out of the water? This is the case, as back in 2001, the then mayor of Rome issued a decree that the coins from the fountain would be collected by the municipality and then donated to charity.
Regularly assigned officers collect coins with a brush and a suction hose while police officers are on duty nearby.
5. In ancient Rome, only freeborn men were allowed to wear the toga, a sign of Roman citizenship.
Putting on the toga was easy, if manageable. A strip of fabric was folded lengthwise; one end was thrown over the left shoulder, the toga was thrown over the back, and the other end was passed under the right shoulder and thrown over the left shoulder in front. Wealthier citizens had a particular slave (vestiplik), which made this challenging task easier for them.
By the way, the length of the toga was from 3.7 to 6.1 m, so it is not surprising that an assistant was required to put it on. However, because putting on a toga was such a complicated matter, and besides, the outfit itself was costly, it gradually fell into disuse, first among citizens of the lower class, then among the representatives of the middle class, and began to be worn by the upper class only on solemn occasions.
6. Rome became the capital of a united Italy in 1870, taking over the title from Florence.
Rome was a candidate for the title of capital because of its symbolic importance in the history of Italy as a territory of the former Roman Empire and its even more advantageous position. The migration to Rome was in full swing when the Franco-Prussian War broke out in 1870.
7. St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican is the largest Christian church ever built.
Although St. Peter's Basilica is a revered gathering place and the leading tourist destination in the Vatican, it has another purpose. It is claimed to be the final resting place of Saint Peter, whose tomb is said to be under the basilica's main altar.
In addition, several generations of great masters worked on its creation: Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini - therefore, it is not surprising that St. Peter's Basilica is the most famous work of Renaissance architecture.
8. Cinecittà Studios, the largest film studio in Europe, is located in Rome
Roman Holiday (1953), Ben Hur (1959), La Dolce Vita (1960), Cleopatra (1963), Romeo and Juliet (1968), and many other famous films were made at Cinecittà. As you can see, the film studio is used for both American and Italian film production. Therefore, it is very likely that the film you like was made at this film studio!
More than 3,000 films have been filmed here, 90 of which have been nominated for an Oscar, and 47 have won. In the 1950s, several international productions led to Rome being nicknamed "Hollywood on the Tiber."
9. Rome has a museum entirely dedicated to pasta.
It makes sense that the world's only pasta museum is in Rome, Italy, as the country is known for its perfect combination of flour, water, and salt.
10. Paris is the only official sister city of Rome.
With the motto “Only Paris is worthy of Rome; only Rome is worthy of Paris,” Rome and Paris have been the only sister cities since 1956.
Twinning between the two cities is, first of all, a symbol of cooperation and mutual assistance. However, in addition to the character, this partnership allows Parisians free access to many of Rome's museums (Musei Capitolini, Galleria d'arte moderna, Museo Civico di Zoologia, Museo di Roma) and vice versa (free admission for Romans to the typically paid temporary exhibitions of Paris museums).
11. Not a single building in the center of Rome can be higher than St. Peter's Basilica (136 meters) in the Vatican
No building in the central area of Rome, bounded by the walls of Aurelian, can be higher than the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, which rises to 136 meters. Torre Eurosky (Eurosky Tower), a skyscraper built in the EUR area (EUR) in 2012 (outside the prohibition zone), has a height of 155 meters and is the only building exceeding this limit.
12. There are over 900 churches in Rome
Rome has over 900 churches, which is no surprise given that no other city is so closely associated with the Catholic faith.
13. Trajan's market is believed to be the world's first indoor shopping center. A variety of goods were sold there, including groceries.
14. There are at least 40 ancient catacombs under Rome.
While many Romans built ornate roadside tombs, Christians buried their dead in the labyrinths of the catacombs. By excavating pliable tuff (light, cemented, porous rock), miles of underground tunnels were laid, which became the graves for many ordinary Christians, saints and martyrs.
15. Smoking is prohibited in all public places in Rome
Smoking is prohibited in closed public places and workplaces, such as government, medical and educational institutions, and places frequented by minors. However, smoking is allowed in designated smoking areas in some public places and workplaces such as bars and nightclubs.
16. The Spanish stairs are not Spanish
These 18th-century Baroque steps that descend from the Trinita dei Monti church to the Piazza di Spagna below were created by an Italian architect at the request of a French diplomat. The square and the staircase owe their name to the Palazzo di Spagna (Palace of Spain), the residence of the Spanish ambassador to the Holy See in the Vatican.
17. The symbol of Rome is a she-wolf who took care of the brothers Romulus and Remus, the mythological founders of Rome
According to the Roman founding myth, the twins Romulus and Remus were left in the forest under the command of King Amulius of Alba Longa. They were fed and protected by a she-wolf until they were found by a shepherd named Faustulus.
The image of a she-wolf breastfeeding twins has been a symbol of Rome since ancient times and is one of the most recognizable icons of ancient mythology.
18. Women in ancient Rome dyed their hair with goat fat and beech tree ash.
Roman women were very fond of dyeing their hair. The most popular colors were red, black and blond. Even by law, prostitutes had to be blonde to distinguish themselves from ordinary Roman women. However, despite this, the locals continued to dye their hair. Various substances were used to create different colors, including goat fat, beech ash, henna, saffron, and bleach.
Numerous methods for obtaining dyes also included boiled and crushed walnuts, burnt and charred ant eggs, rotting remains of game, or various types of xia with soaked and rotten leeches that were aged in red wine for 40 days.
19. Rome's first university, La Sapienza, founded in 1303 AD, is one of the largest universities in Europe
Sapienza served as the leading educational institution for most of the Italian aristocracy. Numerous Nobel Prize winners, Presidents of the European Parliament and European Commissioners, heads of several countries, prominent religious figures, scientists and astronauts are just some of the notable Sapienza alumni.
20. Rome was founded in 753 BC.
Romulus and his twin brother Remus are said to have founded Rome on April 21, 753 BC. just in the place where they were nursed by a she-wolf when they were orphaned babies.
21. The Vatican, the smallest country in the world, is located inside Rome
The Vatican, with an area of only 49 hectares, is the smallest country in the world. In addition, it is the only country in the world located inside another city.
The Vatican has religious and cultural attractions such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. They feature some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. The Vatican's unique economy is supported financially by donations from the faithful, the sale of postage stamps and souvenirs, museum admission fees, and the sale of publications. There are no taxes in the Vatican and goods are sold duty-free.
22. All roads really led to Rome
The idiom "All roads lead to Rome" implies that all decisions, strategies or actions lead to the same result. However, this remark had a more literal meaning throughout the early Roman era. All the important highways of the Roman Empire did indeed lead directly to the capital, which was served by a developed network of roads.
At the peak of Rome's development, no less than 29 great military roads diverged from the capital, and 113 provinces of the late empire were connected by 372 great roads. In total, more than 400,000 kilometers of roads were laid, of which more than 80,500 kilometers were paved with stone.
23. Frascati and Castelli Romani are the most famous white wines in Rome
Frascati wines, the most revered of the nine Castelli Romani (Roman castles), are often called "golden wine" by locals because of their golden hue and high price. The fermentation process that takes place in this area while the grapes are still in their skins is what gives the wine its color.
24. Italians call their capital Roma
In the Latin used in ancient Rome, the original name of the city was Roma. Most likely, the city owes its name to Romulus, who founded it.
25. The flag of Rome consists of vertical stripes of red and yellow, the two colors of the city.
According to the consummate urban portraitist Renzo Vespignani, the color of Rome is the yellow ocher of burnt bread, which, unsurprisingly, is a combination of red and gold.
26. Oscar Wilde called Rome the "Scarlet Woman" and "The Only City of the Soul"
The already well-known Oscar Wilde considered honeymooning his fiancee Constance in Rome in 1884, but decided to take her to Normandy and Paris instead. Wilde did not spend much time in Rome until almost the end of his life.
27. There are about 60 museums in Rome
Rome is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, and museums are a great way to experience its history and culture. The museums of Rome also contain masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, Caravaggio, Cavallini and many others.
28. Rome has only hosted the Olympics once: the 1960 Summer Olympics
The XVII Olympiad, or 1960 Olympic Games, was held in Rome, Italy from August 25 to September 11, 1960. There were many innovations at these Olympic Games, for example, they were shown on television for the first time, the Olympic anthem was played for the first time, and for the first time an Olympic winner ran barefoot!
By the way, the Soviet Union won the most gold and overall medals at the 1960 Games.
29. Rome Termini train station is one of the busiest stations in Europe, serving more than 180 million passengers annually
Rome Termini is likely to be a stopover on your itinerary whether you arrive in Rome by plane, train or ship. The name of the station comes from the Termini area, which takes its name from the Roman baths (thermae) that once stood there.
Termini Station is the second largest railway station in Europe after the Gare du Nord of Paris, which receives 200 million passengers every year.
30. In 2016, Rome for the first time in its history and an Italian political party) faced nationwide polls two years later, when it received almost twice as many votes as its closest rival.
31. Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world
Rome tops the list of Italian cities most loved by travelers from all over the world, hosting 25 million foreign visitors annually. The Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Trevi Fountain are just a few reasons why the Italian capital is still considered the Eternal City.
Like other Italian cities, Rome levies a tourist tax that helps maintain public transport and infrastructure. It varies from 3 to 7 euros per person per night depending on the hotel or other type of accommodation used (children under 10 years old are exempt from the tax and the tax is no longer charged after 10 days).
32. Rome has one of the smallest inhabited islands in the world.
Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island), a small island in the Tiber River, is located in Rome. It is tiny and barely reaches 270 meters in length. However, the Ponte Cestio and Ponte Fabrizio bridges make it easier to access.
33. Rome ranks 4th in terms of population in the European Union - 2.8 million people live within the city
In addition, Rome held the title of the largest city in the world for 550 years, from 100 BC. to 450 AD This includes a 250-year period at the beginning of the first millennium, when the population of the Italian capital reached 1 million.
The municipality of Rome is made up of 15 districts, each with over 100,000 inhabitants, while its metropolitan area is made up of 120 municipalities and has 4.4 million inhabitants, more than in other major European metropolitan areas.
34. The mayor of Rome officially opens the Christmas season by lighting the Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia.
The celebration of Christmas in the city officially begins with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia. All this marks the beginning of the holiday season.
The island of Rhodes belonging to Greece is not only an extremely popular place among tourists, but also a real paradise for lovers of history and ancient Greek culture. A great many ancient monuments, monuments and other buildings of the ancient Greeks have been perfectly preserved here, which will never leave an inquisitive tourist indifferent.
Most of the interesting facts about Rhodes are connected with the myths and monuments of Ancient Greece. Any guide to the island will attest to this. We propose to dig deeper and find out what else attracts travelers to this amazing place. The Mediterranean pearl, Rhodes, rightfully bears the title of the most beautiful of the islands of Greece.
It is located in the south of the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago. The mild tropical climate and picturesque nature attract tourists from all over the world all year round. And for lovers of ancient history, this is just a real gift. What else do you need to know about the island, going there?
Facts about Rhodes
1. The city of Rhodes is a pearl and one of the largest historical centers of Greece.
2. This ancient port is located in the north of the island of the same name, on the coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
3. The ancient city of Rhodes is considered one of the most unique corners of Hellas, the main city of the Dodecanese Islands and the center of the island of the same name.
4. The first settlements appeared here several millennia BC. e. This is evidenced by archaeological finds.
5. Rhodes is one of the most ancient cities on the planet. Historians call 408 BC the date of the founding of Rhodes ... According to Greek legend, the ancient Telchin magicians were the discoverers of the island. They were endowed with magical powers and were excellent blacksmiths. The magicians gave the sword to the god Kron and the Trident to the sea lord Poseidon. Despite the gifts, the grandchildren of Poseidon drove the wizards off the island.
6. The history of Rhodes is replete with interesting facts, fascinating events and sights, some of which have survived to this day, and some have remained only in legends.
7. It was in this policy of Ancient Greece that the famous Kolos of Rhodes was located - one of the 7 wonders of the world. In 226 BC. e. As a result of the earthquake, the city was almost completely destroyed, and the world-famous landmark was wiped off the face of the earth.
8. Finally, the city fell into decay 170 years after the death of Caesar.
9. Convenient geographical position attracted the attention of Byzantium to Rhodes. Between the 4th and 14th centuries, the old city was a naval base and a strategically important port, the capital of the Theme of Kivirreota.
10. Since 1309 Rhodes was ruled by the Order of the Knights, in 1522 the Ottomans captured the Greek land, and at the beginning of the 20th century the Italians ruled here.
11. As a result of this, modern Greece has received a unique city that combines the features of antiquity, Byzantine style, baroque and gothic, a cultural capital and a powerful military base.
12. During its history, the city of Rhodes has been subjected to strong earthquakes several times. So, in 515, he lost almost half of the territory, and after the disaster of 1481, there were practically no ancient temples left in the city.
13. The city of Rhodes in antiquity earned itself prestige in the trading circles of the Mediterranean, as evidenced by the surviving records.
14. During the V-IV centuries BC. e. Rhodes was known for its political struggle between democracy and the oligarchs, several times power passed from the people to the owners of great wealth.
15. The heyday of the city falls on the III-II centuries BC. e., when a stadium, numerous temples, a theater, fortifications, sewerage and water supply were built.
16. Not everyone, even an ancient city, can simultaneously boast one of the 7 wonders of the world, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and an abundance of ancient monuments.
17. The entire territory of the Island of Rhodes and the city of the same name is filled with sights, stories and legends, dating back to the Neolithic times. But especially many events occurred in the period of antiquity and the Middle Ages.
18. The city was founded by people from the island policies of Kamir, Ialis and Lind. This event took place in 408 BC.
19. Due to its convenient geographical position, ancient Rhodes in the Mediterranean became a major center of transit trade. According to historical data, earlier there were as many as 5 ports in the city. However, only three of them have been located so far.
20. Medieval Rhodes got its interesting facts thanks to the arrival of the Knights of St. John (Hospitallers) to these lands. In 1309 the city became the seat of the order.
CITY WALLS
21. The Rhodes knights significantly strengthened the defense capability of the settlement. The city was surrounded by a high and thick stone wall, the length of which was 4 kilometers. The fortification was equipped with watchtowers and 7 gates, near which there was an armed guard.
22. From the inside, the city was also divided by a wall. A smaller part, it was called Collachio, was completely given over to knighthood. It housed the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Cathedral, a hospital and other administrative buildings.
23. For the most part, Burgo, or as it was also called Hora, was settled by ordinary people. Houses, markets, churches, public buildings, etc. were erected in this area.
24. Chivalry helped the townspeople defend Rhodes and fight off foreign raids for more than two centuries. But in 1522, the Hospitallers were defeated during the siege of the city by the Ottoman troops. So Rhodes fell under the rule of the Turkish ruler Suleiman the Great.
25. As a result of the change of power, local residents were forced out of the city walls. The expelled townspeople had to settle down in a new place, and this is how the New Town (the modern part of Rhodes) got its development.
26. The name of the city in Greek means "island of roses".
27. Now the city is home to almost 60 thousand people employed in tourism, fishing and agriculture.
28. The city is territorially divided into two parts: Burg and Kollahiy.
29. Ordinary residents lived in Burg. The main street of this area is filled with shops, restaurants and souvenir shops. Kollahiy has always been the abode of knights and masters.
30. The Palace of the Grand Masters, built in the 14th century, managed to be well preserved to this day, despite the explosion of 1856. Enthusiasts restored the architectural masterpiece in the 20th century according to old sketches.
31. The Palace of the Grand Masters is now one of the visiting cards of the city. Two castle exhibition halls are dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of Rhodes.
32. Some parts of the ancient city were discovered as a result of excavations. You can visit them and admire the man-made works of art: architecture, sculpture and crafts.
33. Temples, sculptures, and other ancient structures have been preserved in the city, which have been restored to date and receive tourists.
34. In addition, many items of ancient life have been preserved. But the paintings remained only in fragments due to the destruction caused by the earthquake.
35. The appearance of the modern city was influenced by the Italians, who rebuilt the city during the Italian occupation of the islands.
36. The cult of the sun god, Helios, is widespread not only in the city, but throughout the island. It was believed that he is the patron of the island, as he carried it out of the depths of the sea on his own hands. This territory was named after the nymph Rhodes, whom Helios loved. The locals also revered other gods, though to a lesser extent.
37. The emblem of Rhodes is a deer, the statues of which are on the columns left after the destruction of the giant statue of Helios.
ELEMENTS OF THE ACROPOLIS IN RHODES
38. Of the ancient monuments, the most valuable for the world and the country are the interesting ruins of the temple of Athena Poliada and the stadium, which is an analogue of the stadium in Olympia. To date, this is the only antique copy that has survived to this day.
39. Street of the Knights in the Old Town of Rhodes is a unique medieval street with a length of 200 meters. Laid in the XXIV century, it still retains its original appearance.
40. On the territory of the city, some elements of the acropolis and medieval buildings have been preserved. For fans of the era of medieval piracy, the siege of medieval castles, Rhodes will be a discovery.
41. Most of the region's income comes from the tourism business. Of course, first of all, people come to the city of Rhodes to see the ancient sights, but a beach holiday is also available here.
42. Therefore, tourists come here not only to see ancient monuments, but also to relax under the gentle Mediterranean sun on comfortable beaches.
43. In the northern part of the city, on the Mediterranean coast, there is one of the best beaches in Rhodes Greece - Elli. There are always a lot of vacationers here, half of them are local youth.
44. Life is in full swing on the beach around the clock: during the day, the main attention is paid to the calm and clear sea, and at night - to the nearby cafes and discos that are held in it.
45. Ella has a well-developed infrastructure. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, showers, changing cabins, a rental area, many water activities and a free jumping tower located 25 meters from the sand and pebble coast. Entry into the water on Ella is convenient, but there is music playing around the clock, so this place is not the best option for families with small children.
46. And the beach near the village of Kalawarda is an ideal place for a secluded holiday, especially for not the most picky tourists. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers, shops and entertainment areas, but all this is compensated by the clean sandy coast, calm water and beautiful nature.
47. It is also a great place for children, as there is a shallow bay on Kalavard with a convenient entry and always calm water. There are several toilets and showers on the beach, and an excellent restaurant is a 10-minute walk away.
48.A pebble-sand beach, located in the center of Rhodes, will provide you with everything you need for a good rest. It is well equipped and has all the necessary amenities. But compared to Elli Beach, located nearby, there are much fewer people here. Akti Miauli is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, the water here is warm and clean, but in summer it is constantly windy and waves rise.
49. Modern Rhodes is distinguished by a combination of ancient civilization, interspersed with medieval architectural monuments and modern buildings, recreation areas and beaches.
50. The city of Rhodes is an interesting and unusual place. Here you can feel the atmosphere of ancient Greece and enjoy the rest on two seas at the same time.
Tokyo became the Japanese capital in 1868; before that, it was another ancient city, Kyoto. And Tokyo itself was then called “Edo”; it was renamed only after receiving the capital status. In Japan, it is considered not a city but a unique “capital district.” But it is in the top 50 largest cities in the world in terms of area.
Amazing facts about Tokyo
About 14 million people live in the capital. But the accumulation "Tokyo-Yokohama" is the largest in the world; it is home to about 39,000,000 people. A distance of 30 kilometers separates these cities, but they are both expanding and are about to merge finally - the process is already in full swing. More people already live in this accumulation than in the whole of Poland.
1. The Japanese capital Tokyo is one of the most modern cities in the world today.
2. Tokyo became the capital of Japan only in 1869. Before that, for 1075 years, the money was the city of Kyoto.
3. Tokyo occupies only 0.6% of the area of Japan.
4. The ancestors of modern Japanese inhabited these lands in the era of stone axes.
5. Tokyo is located in the southeast of the island of Honshu, on the Kanto plain, near Tokyo Bay. It was founded on an ancient Edo castle site in the 15th century. Previously, this city was a military fortress and was called Edo.
6. Now, Tokyo is a vast metropolis of Tokyo and one of the most modern and high-tech cities in the world.
7. With the help of colored lights, one of the Tokyo skyscrapers informs residents about whether to take an umbrella with them when going outside.
8. Researchers in Tokyo have developed a mirror that changes a person's facial expression in real-time. It gives a smile to the face. The application is intended for use in shopping mall bathrooms. The technology was adopted in the hope that happy shoppers would spend more.
9. The population density in Tokyo is one of the highest among the cities in the world, and there are only 4 square meters per person.
10. The population of Tokyo is approximately equal in size to the population of Moscow. In total, more than 35,000,000 people live in the Tokyo agglomeration. This is about 60 times more than the population of Montenegro.
11. So many people live in Tokyo that the temperature in the city is always higher than in the suburbs by 8-9 degrees. And there is also a tremendous amount of infrastructure radiating into space.
12. Since many people live here, and the population density is off the scale, this provokes an explosive rise in property prices.
13. The cost of a square meter of real estate in the business center of the city here comes to 2 million dollars. Due to the high price of real estate in Tokyo, capsule micro-apartments are common. Such housing is comparable to a kitchen in a typical Russian apartment.
14. In Tokyo, a building built in 1972 consists of tiny 90-square-foot capsule apartments. If necessary, they can be replaced as Lego pieces.
15. In Tokyo, there are ancient monuments (for example, a castle where the imperial residence is located) and modern buildings 40-60 floors high.
METRO IN TOKYO
16. The Tokyo subway is the largest in the world in terms of ridership - it is used by 3.2 billion people yearly. Curiously, there is even a unique position here - Asia, or pushers, whose duties include pushing passengers into overcrowded cars.
17. The dog Hachiko, famous worldwide due to his devotion, was waiting for his master right here, at Tokyo's Shibuya station, until his death.
18. Public transport in Tokyo is the most reliable, affordable, and fastest way to get around, but it is not cheap.
19. The cost of parking here is fabulously high.
20. To get rid of traffic jams in Tokyo, many high-speed highways were built, but the passage on them is paid for.
21. Each Tokyo train station has its unique theme song.
22. 45 of the 51 busiest train stations in the world are in Japan. The busiest Shinjuku station in Tokyo serves approximately 1.2 billion passengers a year.
23. There are many single people in Tokyo who have never been in any relationship with the opposite sex. Because of this, the suicide rate is extremely high.
TOKYO STREET
24. Blue "anti-suicide" LED lights have been installed on all train platforms in Tokyo to reduce the number of suicides committed here. It is believed that such lanterns have a calming effect. Studies have shown that blue-light stations saw an 84% reduction in suicide rates.
25. Tokyo is clean, safe, and calm, but a foreigner unaccustomed to Japanese flavor can be shocked by strange vending machines, flashing neon signs, futuristic household appliances, and much more.
26. Vending machines ubiquitous in Tokyo sell everything, from chocolates and hamburgers to underwear.
27. Tokyo is the safest metropolis in the world. Tokyo is so safe that young children use public transport on their own.
28. Tokyo is the wealthiest city on the planet. Although Tokyo occupies only 0.6% of the area of Japan, this city provides it with a third of its total GDP.
29. The GDP of Tokyo alone is higher than that of all of Australia. If Tokyo were a separate country, it would be in 15th place in the world in terms of GDP.
30. Some establishments in Tokyo do not allow foreigners. A sign can hang on the door, meaning "foreigners are not served."
31. Back in the 1982 Akira manga, it was predicted that the 2020 Olympics would be held in Tokyo.
32. In Japan, there is an anime and manga called "Saint Young Men," in which Jesus and Buddha live in Tokyo as roommates. They rest on Earth and try to understand Japanese society.
33. Dressing up as your favorite manga or anime character and organizing a Tokyo performance is a normal pastime.
34. Tokyo has an anime-themed Butler cafe. According to his owner, Japanese women "want to visit cafes where male waiters treat them like princesses." This is the only cafe in the city where only foreigners work.
35. “Cat cafes” are typical here - establishments where you can play with these fluffy pets. They have become popular because most Japanese people love cats, but the rules forbid keeping pets in most households.
TOKYO SKY TREE
36. Tokyo Skytree is the tallest freestanding tower in the world. The height of the building is 634 meters. The tower's final size was chosen solely because of a play on words. The result is "Musashi": "mu" (in old Japanese means the number 6), "sa" (3), and "si" (4). This was the name of the historic district where modern Tokyo is located.
37. Tokyo Tower was built from steel, a third of which was scrap metal (American tanks damaged in the Korean War). Often this building is used in the Japanese kaiju film genre. It also became the site of the culminating "battles" of Godzilla, Mothra, and King Kong.
TOKYO CITY
38. There are rumors that a secret underground city is supposedly located under Tokyo, but officials deny this information.
39. There is a 12-story luxury stationery store in Tokyo. On the 12th floor, they serve lettuce grown on the indoor organic farm located on the 11th floor of the same building.
40. The University of Tokyo is developing a tactile hologram, meaning they create a hologram that can be touched and felt.
AT THE TOKYO UENO ZOO
41. Ueno Tokyo Zoo is Japan's oldest zoo, with over 2,600 pets. Once a year, the zoo is closed for two months to give the animals a break from the visitors.
42. A cafe has opened in Tokyo where visitors can hug hedgehogs.
43. One Japanese scientist has created an exact copy of Tokyo. He used oatmeal to create nearby settlements, and bright light to simulate mountains, water sources and other natural features. When a scientist placed a living slime mold in the center of the mock-up, it created a network reminiscent of the Tokyo rail system as it tried to reach the treat (oatmeal).
44. Japan has almost twice as many 7-Elevens stores as the US. Only in Tokyo there are 2079 stores of this network.
45. In 2013, a 39-story hotel in Tokyo was demolished without explosives or a special wrecking ball. All 39 floors were dismantled from the inside using a small crane, which gradually folded floor by floor.
46. The asteroid Tokyo, discovered in this city in 1900 by a Tokyo astronomer, was named after the city. This celestial body of irregular shape with a diameter of approximately 81 kilometers.
47. There are five huge cylindrical shafts under Tokyo that will be filled with water in the event of a flood. This will prevent the destruction of the city.
48. Because of Tokyo's location on a tectonic fault, geologists call it the "city waiting for death." There are about 150 earthquakes in Tokyo every year, but most of them are so weak that people don't even notice them.
49. In 1923, a terrible earthquake destroyed almost half of Tokyo and caused the death of more than 90 thousand people.
50. Nevertheless, the Japanese capital is firmly held in the top of the most visited cities in the world by tourists. In any case, Tokyo is worth visiting this city.
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and at least the most senior in Western Europe. The first mention of it dates back to the 3rd century BC. Despite this, practically no evidence of this antiquity remains in the city. It's all to blame - the fact below.
Lisbon is the westernmost capital of mainland Europe. Near the city is the famous Cape Roca, from which only the boundless Atlantic Ocean extends.
Facts about Lisbon
1. The city of Lisbon is the capital of Portugal.
2. He is respected in Europe because he is one of the oldest.
3. The first settlements on the site of the modern capital of Portugal appeared earlier than in Rome and Paris.
4. According to most estimates, the city was founded in the 12th century BC, near the Tagus River, providing excellent living opportunities. It turns out that Lisbon is older than Rome by four centuries. In fact, in Europe, only Athens was founded earlier than Lisbon.
5. Lisbon has been considered the capital of Portugal since 1255. However, there are no official documents confirming the fact that Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. The city became the capital by accident when King Alfonso III settled with his court in Lisbon. This made sense since Lisbon was already Portugal's largest and most important city.
6. A long time ago, this region was inhabited by pre-Celtic tribes. Then came the Celts, and then the Phoenicians. The Punic Wars forced the inhabitants of this place to think about building defensive walls. And then they began to build castles and towers here.
7. In the Middle Ages, Muslims came to the city and brought with them a new culture. But their reign ended when the Norwegian crusaders came to Lisbon.
8. Gradually, the city expanded due to its advantageous position. As a result, it became the most important European port, from which the gates to many states were opened.
9. And again, the city wants to capture the enemies. Lisbon survived both the invasion of the Spaniards and the arrival of Napoleon's troops. So Lisbon is a city that has seen a lot in its lifetime. But the most terrible disaster in the city's history was the most powerful earthquake of 1775.
10. It turned out to be so ruthless that the city turned into ruins. But he was not destined to die. With the help of the remaining townspeople, the use of the country's inhabitants was gradually revived.
11. Then, a new city practically rose from the ruins and became one of the most beautiful. Three revolutions took place here in the 20th century. After them, the rapid development of modern capital began.
12. Today's Lisbon is the most beautiful European capital with its sights and legends.
13. Lisbon is the warmest European capital. There are at least 100 rainy days here a year.
THE OLDEST DISTRICT OF LISBON - ALFAMA
14. Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon and the only one that survived and even retained its appearance after an earthquake in the middle of the 18th century. The Alfama district is located in the southeast of the city along the banks of the Tagus River. Alfama is situated at the foot of two of the seven Lisbon hills, one of which crowns the castle of St. George, and the other is the Cathedral of St. Vincent.
15. Its architecture stands out as a bright spot against the background of the rest of the city - chaotically located streets and tiny houses with stairs on the slopes form the image of the Middle Ages, and in general, it looks not like a district, but like a small village in the city. For a long time, it had a reputation as an area where sailors, anglers, etc., lived, that is, simple poor people, but in the Middle Ages, Muslims used the springs in Alfama to improve their health; for this, they came here as a resort.
16. Down to the banks of the Tagus River, the Alfama area is taking on more modern features - the old port warehouses have turned into modern loft spaces equipped with restaurants and trendy nightclubs.
17. The sights of Porto and Lisbon are a unique tandem of two Portuguese pearls that allows you to discover all the most atmospheric places in Portugal, feel its lively character and plunge into the old days.
18. The ancient buildings and centuries-old streets of these cities allow you to go back in time and understand how the state's glorious history developed.
ROSIE SQUARE
19. One of the most iconic places in Lisbon is Rossio Square, which can be classified as a must-see for tourists. It is surrounded by buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, which house numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants today, from modern eateries to fine Art Nouveau establishments.
20. Over the centuries, the square has seen a lot - even the Romans equipped their hippodrome on this place. Bullfights, festivals, military parades, and executions were held in the court. Today, city and public holidays are celebrated here; they study original installations and relax.
21. Locals are sure that Lisbon is associated with Freemasonry since the entire central district of Lisbon Baixa was designed and built on the principles of Masons: there are seven streets (one of which is Golden Street and the other is Silver Street), three squares, two columns near the river, one triumphal arch and many other facts point to this. But it is difficult to say this is true because Freemasonry is covered with a veil of mystery.
22. Ravens have been a symbol of the city since 1173 when they accompanied the body of Saint Vincent to Lisbon, where he was buried. Every coal merchant in the town kept ravens as pets. All these beloved pets have always had the same name: Vicente, in honor of the saint. The raven can always be seen in the castle of San Jorge and below at Se.
23. Lisbon is the first city to import Guinness. It is not in the Guinness Book of World Records, but records from 1811 show Lisbon was the first city to import Guinness beer.
24. O'Gillins and Hennessy's are among the few pubs in Lisbon where you can enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness - continuing a tradition over 203 years old.
TRIUMPHAL ARCH
25. One of the attractions of Lisbon is the Arc de Triomphe. The date of the creation of this architectural structure is the end of the 18th century. The majestic arch was decorated with statues, sculptures of famous Portuguese, stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and column groups. By paying a few euros, you can climb to the observation deck, located on the roof of the building.
26. The Tahoe River stretches for 14 kilometers, winding through the capital.
27. The Tagus River is not the most attractive. No one in their right mind would think of swimming in its waters. But the world-famous oysters were once found in this river.
28. Only five people know the recipe for their favorite Lisbon cake. In a city where almost no one has secrets from each other, one terrible secret is kept - the recipe for Pastel de Belém cake. The secret recipe of Pastel de Belen has never been written down and is transmitted only orally; it has always been remembered and kept in mind. To prevent the formula from being lost, its keepers are not prohibited from flying together in the same plane or driving in the same car.
29. As you know, with great secrets comes great responsibility, and the keepers of this recipe take special precautions: they never travel in the same plane, do not sit in the same car, and do not order the same dish in a restaurant.
ON THE HILL OF GRACE
30. Graça is the highest of Lisbon's hills, but it was excluded from the original and official list. The seven lucky ones lined up in this order: San Jorge, San Vicente, San Roque, Santo Andre, Santa Catarina, Chagas and Santa Anna.
31. Maybe that's why most locals tell tourists that Lisbon is a city of seven hills. But this statement is not valid. They are deliberately misidentified to make Lisbon more like Rome, also known as the city of the seven hills.
CHURCH OF SAINT ENGRAVE
32. One of the most impressive creations of Portuguese Baroque architecture is the Church of Saint Engracia, also called the National Pantheon. This is a magnificent building made of pink marble with a vast dome, at the base of which, at the height of about 80 meters, there is an observation deck overlooking the city and the Tagus River.
33. This temple began to be built in the 17th century but was supplemented and rebuilt over the next three centuries. The construction process dragged on so much that the well-known phrase “construction of Santa Engracia” appeared in everyday life of the Portuguese, which meant an endless delay in work. The church has a design that has not previously been used in any Portuguese building - the interior space is distributed according to the scheme of the Greek cross. Above the entrance are niches with statues, and a beautiful baroque portal leads inside, where two angels hold the Portuguese coat of arms.
34. The city is considered multinational. At the same time, according to the census, 97% of the Portuguese live in it.
35. The Guinness Book of Records writes about a dinner in Lisbon, which 15,000 people attended. This dinner took place on the Vasco da Gama bridge during its opening in 1998.
36. In one of Lisbon's classic cafes, Martinho da Arcada, two tables remain empty and are permanently "reserved" for late writers. One for Fernando Pessoa, Portugal's most famous poet, and one for Nobel laureate José Saramago, Portugal's most beloved writer.
BASILICA - ESTRELA
37. A hill west of Lisbon crowns a majestic building - the Basilica da Estrela, erected by the Queen Mary of Portugal decree. Sometime during the marriage, Mary vowed to build a temple for the nuns of the Order of Barefoot Carmelites if the Lord would grant her a son. After a while, her heir was born, and at the end of the 18th century, the construction of the basilica began.
38. So, a unique building with columns, bell towers, and bas-reliefs grew. A tower complements the dome with a cross, which to this day serves as a guide for travelers - it can be seen from almost any part of the city.
39. Unfortunately, by the time construction was completed, the queen's son had already died from the smallpox he had suffered. The picturesque architecture of the temple combines the Baroque and Neo-Gothic styles; the facade is decorated with sculptures of angels and six allegories. The central dome is surrounded by a terrace from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the capital.
40. Lisbon has the world's only public tie mirror. At least there is no other city with such a mirror in the world. It is located next to door number 115 in Piazza D. Pedro IV. The inscription calls: "Put in order the knot of your tie."
MONUMENT TO THE PIONEERS
41. In Lisbon, there is a monument to the discoverers. It is located on the Belen embankment of the Tagus River. This large-scale 50-meter sculpture was created in memory of the era of legendary geographical discoveries. According to the project, the monument should personify the exploits of the famous navigators of Portugal. At the top level of the monument is an observation deck.
42. Lisbon has one of the smallest bookstores in the world. Bertrand is known as the world's oldest bookstore, a well-known fact. But Livraria do Simao is one of the smallest, with an area of only 3.8 square meters. Meters. However, it holds 4,000 books! It is so small that the store owner usually leaves the premises when a customer enters.
VASCO DA GAMA BRIDGE
43. The Lisbon Vasco da Gama Bridge is the longest bridge in Europe, its length exceeds 17 kilometers. It is also the largest in Europe. Its appearance marked the 500th anniversary of the opening of the route to India by the great navigator. The construction crosses the river in its widest part, connecting one of the districts of Lisbon with the opposite towns of Montijo and Alcuchet.
44. The Vasco da Gama Bridge is a powerful support, dozens of cables, a curved line of the roadbed over the waters of the Tagus River. It is known that the design of the Vasco da Gama bridge is able to withstand the elements, 4.5 times more powerful than the famous Lisbon earthquake of the 18th century.
PRASA SQUARE - DO - COMERCIU
45. Praça do Comercio in Lisbon is one of the most beautiful European squares, from which the active development of the city began in the 15th century, regarding the famous geographical discoveries. It was during these years that the construction of the port and administrative buildings associated with maritime trade began. During the prosperity of Lisbon, ships with treasures from the Portuguese colonies moored in the port, important royal delegations arrived.
46. And in our time, in the Praça do Comercio area, evidence of past glory remains - monumental monuments, ancient administrative buildings and various interesting places. Ministries, banks and other state organizations work in historical buildings located along the perimeter of the square. The legendary cafe Martinho da Arcada also operates here, where true aristocrats dined.
47. There are many unusual museums in the city: carriages, electricity, ancient art.
AT THE GALUST GULBENKYAN MUSEUM
48. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is a private museum. Usually private museum collections do not attract as much attention as large national museums. The Galouste Gulbenkian Gallery is a special case, with a huge and diverse collection that can outshine any large-scale exhibition.
49. The first part of this exposition presents objects of Greek, Egyptian, Persian art, here you can see the rarest jewelry, precious vases, fragments of Egyptian tombs. The second part is dedicated to European art - these are collections of paintings, carvings, sculptures, and various decor. But the most impressive part is the collection of paintings with paintings by Rembrandt, Renoir, Claude Monet and other eminent painters.
PAVILION OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE PARK OF NATIONS
50. In Lisbon, in the Park of Nations in the Interactive Museum of Science, a thematic pavilion of Knowledge was opened in 1999. It will be interesting to visit it for a person of any age - both kids from 3 years old and pensioners.
51. In the pavilion, divided into separate rooms, you can set up all kinds of experiments, for example, in the field of chemistry or physics, participate in experiments, learn about technological innovations and natural phenomena. Special attention deserves a hall with interactive modules called Escaping Exhibition: here you can ride a rope at a height of 6 meters on a bicycle, or relax at a huge table.
52. An unusual Santa Justa street elevator operates in the city, raising tourists to a height of 45 meters.
53. Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest in Europe. 450 species of marine inhabitants live here.
54. Almost all Lisbon streets look in black and white. Such an unusual coloring is not associated with mourning events, but symbolizes the robes of St. Vincent, who is the patron saint of the city.
55. During World War II, spies arrived in Lisbon from all over the world. The richest European refugees have created a small community around the casinos of the city of Estoril near Lisbon. They spent their days on the beach, dancing the night away, hosting banquets and gambling games where the stakes were very high.
56. The best spies of all Western countries worked hard in these circles. The most famous is Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond novels, who was here in the service of British Naval Intelligence.
57. The April 25 Bridge across the Tagus River is 2.2 kilometers long. It is the largest in Europe among similar suspended transitional structures.
ZOO IN LISBON
58. The Lisbon Zoo is a unique menagerie. It stands out from other zoos in that it does not have cages or enclosures. The inhabitants live in recreated "natural" conditions: a house is built for the rhinoceros in the form of an entire African village, macaques and chimpanzees jump on real trees, tigers and lions rest on the grass of the "savannah".
59. For comfortable observation of animals and organizing picnics, tables and benches are located on the area of the complex. Tourists who come to Lisbon with children should visit this wonderful zoo in the first place.
TRAMS IN LISBON
60. The narrow, uneven streets of the historic part of Lisbon are lined with tram tracks that have existed here for more than 100 years. They are followed by miniature yellow Remodelado trams that appeared in the early 20th century, and today everything inside them, from controls to wooden benches, seems to transport you to a charming era of the past.
61. Tourists who just want to wander around the city, the first thing you should pay attention to is Augusta, the main pedestrian street of Lisbon. It stretches from the central city square of Rossio to the famous triumphal arch and is a pavement lined with ancient mosaics in the form of a fancy pattern. It is a favorite place for walks of locals and visitors, a large shopping area and a popular vacation spot with numerous outdoor cafes, boutiques, exhibitions of local artists and performances by musicians.
62. Tourists are everywhere surrounded by colorful facades of old mansions, and the end of the walking route is crowned by the majestic Arc de Triomphe, which in itself is a separate attraction. The grand building is decorated in a mixture of Baroque, Renaissance and Manueline styles. A spiral staircase and an elevator lead to the top of the arch, where the observation deck is located.
63. The observation deck of San Pedro de Alcantara is a panoramic observation point, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich is divided into two levels. At each level there are small restaurants, sculptural compositions, shops, fountains and vegetation. It is here that the local intelligentsia and the youth of the capital gather. Moreover, you do not need to pay for access to this observation terrace in the fresh air.
64. When exploring the ancient quarters of Lisbon, one should not forget about its surroundings, which are no less rich in historical monuments. For example, you can go outside of Lisbon to explore the sights of Sintra - Moorish castles, palaces, ancient monasteries against the backdrop of landscapes immersed in greenery.
65. Tourists say that once they see Lisbon, they cannot forget it or confuse it with another city. And you will definitely want to return there again to wander through its streets and visit its many other attractions.