What is Caput Mundi?
“Caput Mundi,” a Latin phrase meaning “Head of the World,” is a title historically attributed to Rome, reflecting the city’s immense cultural, political and religious influence over centuries. Although most closely associated with Rome, the expression has also been used by historians for other major centers of power like Jerusalem (Kudüs) and Istanbul to highlight periods when these cities held exceptional spiritual, strategic or imperial significance.
The Latin word caput, meaning “head” lives on in many modern expressions. One of the most common is “per capita” (“per head”), used globally in economics and statistics for example, in phrases like income per capita or GDP per capita. (Huuuge thanks to my Italian friend, who taught me these)
Okay... Rome is pretty well, but my Caput Mundi is Bursa, for sure :)
Arrival in Rome
I had arrived in Rome on a sunny afternoon in late October of 2025. The city was really warm. Since I was coming from Florence, the temperature difference was quite noticeable. And I was with my boots... Three days, with boots...
On the first day, I had time before check-in, so I decided to explore to the city. I did not wanted to go to the Colosseum, since it needs a lot of time. Instead I headed to a few Cathedrals first, took few magnets.
At night, I went through the streets of Rome. Since it is much more calm at night, I got few shots from the famous places. First, Altare della Patria, which is a massive monument built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy.
Then, I headed to the Roman Forum, which was the center of ancient Rome. It was really peaceful at night. Below, you can find my best shot from Rome, probably. AFAIK, this is from Foro Augusto.
Here it is, the Colosseum at night. I really liked how it looks with the lights. It is weird, in some way this place affected me and probably millions of people with inspiring a movie, Gladiator. I remember watching it when I was in high school and now I am here. Luckily still alive :)
Better one, I think:
Day Two: Roman Forum
Roman Forum is a huge complex of ruins that was once the center of political, commercial, and social life in ancient Rome. Walking through the Forum is like stepping back in time, as you can see the remains of temples, basilicas and public spaces that were once crowded with activities.
Could not get a ticket for the Colosseum but I managed to get one for Roman Forum. Even without the Colosseum, it's well worth it. Spent a good few hours wandering through the ruins, imagining what life must have been like in ancient Rome. There are lots of sites to see.
- Planning also would be really helpful, because some of them can be closed due to events etc.
- You need to walk a lot. So, wear comfortable shoes, not boots like me :)
The environment is also really nice. There are trees and greenery around, which adds to the overall experience. Diversity of the ecosystem in the middle of the city is really impressive.
Here is the last one, I took lots of shots but this one is my favorite from the Roman Forum sites.
Day Two: Vatican City
On the second day, afternoon I headed to Vatican City. It is the smallest independent state in the world. Despite its small size, Vatican City holds immense religious and cultural significance as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. Also, this place must be a gem for art historians, as it houses some of the most renowned artworks and architectural masterpieces in the world.
Just after a month from my visit to the Vatican, Pope XIV. Leo has visited Bursa, my hometown. It was a historic event, as it marked the first time a pope had visited Turkey in over 1,500 years. The visit was seen as a gesture of goodwill and a step towards improving relations between the Catholic Church and the Muslim world. He may have heard about my visit to Rome and wanted to go to Bursa, as a kind gesture :)
Since I booked everything at last minute, I could not find a ticket without a guided tour. Also, for the guided tour in English, but I managed to find one in Italian. Well, I am not perfect but at least I know, how Michelangelo struggled while painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Though they do not allow photography inside the chapel :/
Of course, the Vatican Museums are not just about the Sistine Chapel. There are numerous important artworks and historical artifacts to see. For example, below a Hellenistic masterpiece renowned for its emotional intensity and technical brilliance. Showing the Trojan priest Laocoön and his sons attacked by serpents.
From the Vatican Museum, I took this shot of St. Peter's Basilica dome. It is really impressive from outside as well.
Spent about 3 hours in the Vatican Museums. It was really crowded, if it was not crowded I would invest much more time there. After the museums, I headed to St. Peter's Basilica, which is one of the largest churches in the world and a masterpiece. Did not have a ticket to go up to the dome, but just walking around the basilica is also impressive.
Day Three: Free Day
On the third day, I had a free day to explore Rome at my own pace. Did not planned anything specific, just wandered through the streets and enjoyed the atmosphere of the city. On the morning, I went to a few places with my friend from the hostel. We has a breakfast together.
After that, headed to the Trevi Fountain, which is one of the most famous fountains in the world. It is a beautiful Baroque masterpiece but toooooooo crowded. I could not wait to take a photo without people. So, I just took a quick shot and left. I would not even add it here if it was not Trevi Fountain :)
Later we went to the Pantheon, which is another iconic landmark in Rome. It is a former Roman temple that has been converted into a church. Yet another crowded place, but the architecture is really impressive.
Next step was Piazza Navona, which is a beautiful square in the heart of Rome. This place used as a stadium in ancient times, but now it is a lively square filled with cafes, restaurants and street performers. I really liked the atmosphere here. Also, the fountains are really beautiful. The first one is the Fountain of Neptune. Which Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, is depicted battling a sea monster.
The second one is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini. It represents four major rivers from different continents: the Nile (Africa), the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), and the Río de la Plata (Americas).
The third one is the Fountain of the Moor, which features a central figure of a Moorish man wrestling with a dolphin, surrounded by tritons and other sea creatures.
What a place! One square, three fountains. I really liked Piazza Navona, it is a must-visit place in Rome.
Next step is the island in the middle of the Tiber River, called Isola Tiberina. It is a small island that has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The island has been used for various purposes over the centuries, including as a place of refuge during times of plague and as a site for religious ceremonies. These days, it is home to a hospital and a few restaurants. It is a nice place to walk around and enjoy the views of the river and the city.
Tiber River view from Isola Tiberina
Rome has a different type of tree in important places. If you see this tree, you are probably close to an important landmark. It exists in Vatican City, Colosseum, Roman Forum, and many other places. It is the Italian Stone Pine, also called the Roman Pine. People also call it "Umbrella Pine" because of its distinctive shape.
Before going to the Rome, one of my friends recommended me to go to the Mr. 100 Tiramisu. TBH, I was not expecting much, but it was really good. If you are in Rome, you should definitely try it. For sure, no advertisement here.
Without Spanish Steps, Rome visit would be incomplete. So, I headed to the Spanish Steps in the evening. It is a beautiful staircase that connects the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church. The steps are a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists, and they offer a great view of the city from the top.
And from the top of the Spanish Steps
Last but not least, I lost myself in the streets of Rome. Just wandering around, exploring the hidden gems of the city. Rome is full of narrow alleys, charming squares, and beautiful buildings. I really enjoyed getting lost in the city and discovering new places. Near Termini Station, I found this beautiful square with a fountain in the middle, Piazza della Repubblica. It was really peaceful and quiet, a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Arrivederci, Roma!
After three days in Rome, it was time to say goodbye to the Caput Mundi. I had an amazing time exploring the city and experiencing its rich history and culture. From the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum to the masterpieces of the Vatican Museums, Rome truly is an open-air museum. I left with a heart full of memories and a camera full of photos. Until next time, Roma!
P.S. I think Rome is not the capital city of Italy, it is Milan. Just kidding!