Umbilicus Urbis Romae (Navel of the City of Rome), Rome
The Navel of the City of Rome is one of the most fascinating yet often-overlooked monuments in the Roman Forum. This small circular structure, built of brick and marble, symbolized the very center of the Roman world. To the Romans, it was not only the geographical heart of their city but also the spiritual point from which all distances in the Empire were measured. Located near the Arch of Septimius Severus, it served as a powerful reminder of Rome鈥檚 role as the 鈥渉ead of the world.鈥�
The Umbilicus was closely associated with Rome鈥檚 founding myths and ancient traditions. Romans believed that it marked the spot of a sacred pit, called the Mundus, which the founder of Rome, Romulus, himself opened during the founding of the city. Into this pit, early Romans are said to have thrown offerings of fruits, grains, and even soil from their homelands, creating a symbolic bond between Rome and the territories that would later fall under its rule. This ritual transformed the site into a sacred center, connecting the city鈥檚 daily life to the divine and its mythic origins.
Architecturally, the Navel of the City as we see it today dates from the 2nd century CE, during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, though it was built over earlier foundations. What remains is a round brick core with traces of marble facing that once gave it a more refined appearance. Standing near it, visitors can imagine the ceremonial processions and official acts that would have taken place in the Forum around this symbolic heart of the Roman world.
The Umbilicus was closely associated with Rome鈥檚 founding myths and ancient traditions. Romans believed that it marked the spot of a sacred pit, called the Mundus, which the founder of Rome, Romulus, himself opened during the founding of the city. Into this pit, early Romans are said to have thrown offerings of fruits, grains, and even soil from their homelands, creating a symbolic bond between Rome and the territories that would later fall under its rule. This ritual transformed the site into a sacred center, connecting the city鈥檚 daily life to the divine and its mythic origins.
Architecturally, the Navel of the City as we see it today dates from the 2nd century CE, during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, though it was built over earlier foundations. What remains is a round brick core with traces of marble facing that once gave it a more refined appearance. Standing near it, visitors can imagine the ceremonial processions and official acts that would have taken place in the Forum around this symbolic heart of the Roman world.
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Umbilicus Urbis Romae (Navel of the City of Rome) on Map
Sight Name: Umbilicus Urbis Romae (Navel of the City of Rome)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 6 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 17.4 Km or 10.8 Miles
Rome Shopping Streets Walking Tour
Loved by tourists for its busy fashionable streets and significant baroque icons, the so-called 鈥楾ridente鈥� is one of the Eternal City's most lusted-after areas, formed by Via dei Condotti, Via Borgognona, Via Frattina and the adjacent Via del Corso. It is perhaps the most high-end destination for Roman shopping, with a concentration of renowned jewelers and important Italian/international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Trastevere Walking Tour
Heading down from the Vatican along the River Tiber, one is bound to find yet another city hidden within the city 鈥� Trastevere. This name translates literally to "across the Tiber". Indeed, crossing the picturesque Ponte Sisto (Sisto Bridge) to the west bank, you will find yourself in a charming neighborhood with a distinct character that sets it apart from any other part of Rome.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
EUR Sightseeing Walking Tour
The Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR), located in the southern suburb of Rome, was originally constructed for an international exhibition that was planned by Mussolini as a grand celebration of Fascist Italy. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the exhibition never took place. The architecture of EUR was designed to glorify Fascism and showcases a distinct style that sets it apart... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city鈥檚 most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Vatican Walking Tour
Consisting of a walled enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican is the world鈥檚 smallest sovereign state, as well as a symbol (and headquarters) of the Roman Catholic faith. Although only 44 hectares in surface, one is amazed by the vastness of this place and the sheer size of everything. When gazing around in all directions, you realize how much can be achieved by people working in faith for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
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