Discovering Rome: A Unique Running Tour Through History
As dawn breaks over the Eternal City, a new way to explore Rome is gaining traction among travelers. Guided running tours, such as those offered by ArcheoRunning, provide a refreshing alternative to traditional sightseeing. On a sunny Saturday morning in September, I joined Isa Calidonna, a licensed tour guide and archaeologist, for my first running tour through Rome’s historic streets.
A New Perspective on an Ancient City
The experience began just before 7 a.m., as the city slowly stirred to life. The cobblestone streets, known as sampietrini, were still quiet, allowing us to appreciate the serene beauty of Rome. Calidonna pointed out an ornate mosaic of the Virgin Mary cradling baby Jesus, a Madonnella, nestled above a first-floor window. “These hidden gems are scattered throughout the city,” she explained. “Once you start looking for them, you’ll see them everywhere.”
This moment encapsulated the essence of guided tours: uncovering the small details that enrich our understanding of a place. Swapping my usual walking tour for a running one, I quickly realized the benefits of this unique approach.
The Allure of Early Morning
As we jogged past the nearly empty Trevi Fountain, its travertine sculptures glimmering in the soft morning light, I felt a sense of intimacy with the city that is often lost in the hustle and bustle of daytime tourism. The café owners greeted us with friendly “ciao!” as they set up for the day, and the weight of Rome’s history felt palpable in the morning silence.
Calidonna, who holds a PhD in art history, founded ArcheoRunning just before the pandemic. She recognized a growing interest among travelers to maintain their fitness routines while exploring new cities. “Many people enjoy a morning jog to shake off jet lag,” she noted. “It’s a fantastic way to get acquainted with a city and find your bearings.”
The Pantheon: A Quiet Encounter
As we continued our run, Calidonna led us to the majestic Pantheon, a site that would soon be swarmed with tourists. In the early morning light, the piazza was eerily quiet, allowing us to appreciate the grandeur of this ancient temple. “These are the original bronze doors, almost 2,000 years old,” she said, gesturing toward the massive entrance. “Imagine all the people who have passed through them.”
This moment of reflection highlighted the contrast between our tranquil experience and the crowded chaos that would soon envelop the site. The Pantheon, built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, is a testament to Roman engineering and artistry, and experiencing it without the usual throngs of visitors was a rare privilege.
The Madonnelle: Stories of Faith and Tradition
Our running tour was designed to coincide with Rome’s Jubilee, focusing on the city’s Madonnelle-small street-corner shrines that once numbered in the thousands. These shrines, often adorned with candles before the advent of modern streetlights, now number around 500. Each one tells a story of faith, art, and Roman tradition.
Calidonna explained that these Madonnelle serve as a reminder of the city’s rich cultural tapestry. “They reflect the deep-rooted spirituality of the Romans,” she said. “Each shrine is a piece of history, often overlooked by those who rush through the city.”
A Variety of Tours for Every Runner
ArcheoRunning offers a range of tours, from classic routes that cover major landmarks to scenic runs through the tranquil gardens of Villa Borghese. There’s even an “Emily in Paris” themed tour for fans of the popular series. Each tour spans approximately three miles, with built-in stops to accommodate all fitness levels, including power walkers.
Calidonna’s expertise as a qualified running instructor ensures that the pace is manageable, even for novice runners. The experience is designed to be enjoyable rather than strenuous, allowing participants to soak in the sights while getting a workout.
The Joy of Early Exploration
By the time I returned to my hotel’s breakfast buffet, it was still early enough to enjoy a leisurely meal. The sense of accomplishment that comes from running through Rome’s historic streets, combined with the thrill of having iconic landmarks to myself, was invigorating.
The running high felt particularly potent, enhanced by the knowledge that I had experienced a side of Rome that many tourists miss. The early morning hours, when the city is just waking up, offer a unique lens through which to view its history and culture.
Conclusion: A New Way to Experience Rome
Running tours like those offered by ArcheoRunning are redefining how travelers engage with Rome. They provide a unique blend of fitness, history, and culture, allowing participants to explore the city in a way that is both active and enriching. As more travelers seek out experiences that combine wellness with exploration, these tours are likely to gain popularity.
In a city steeped in history, the opportunity to run through its streets at dawn is not just a workout; it’s a chance to connect with the past in a deeply personal way. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual jogger, exploring Rome on foot-especially in the early hours-offers a fresh perspective on this timeless city.
