The Loughborough Schools Foundation organised a Classics Trip to Rome for 68 students and 7 members of staff from Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School, and Loughborough Amherst School. Over the duration of a long weekend the students enjoyed visiting a number of historical and cultural sites in Rome.

On the first day of the trip, the group visited Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman port city located 30 kilometers from Rome. Ostia Antica was once a bustling center of commerce and trade, and it still contains many well-preserved buildings, including a theatre, a forum, and a bathhouse. The students were able to explore the ruins and learn about the daily life of ancient Romans.

On the second day of the trip, the students absorbed the Italian culture with a walk from the hotel to Vatican City. They visited St. Peter’s Basilica, with some opting to ascend the top of the dome to enjoy the panoramic view of the city. They then stopped by Piazza Navona, a popular square with three magnificent fountains, and the Pantheon, a well-preserved ancient Roman temple.

The next day, the group visited the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. The students learned about the history of gladiatorial games and the architecture of the Colosseum. They also explored the ruins of the Palatine Hill, the site where the emperors of Rome once lived, and the Roman Forum, the center of political and social life in ancient Rome. In the afternoon, they visited the Capitoline Museum, which houses many ancient sculptures and artifacts. Later in the day they walked to Trevi fountain, a famous Baroque fountain in Rome.

On the last day of the trip, the group enjoyed a visit to Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Espanga, two of Rome’s famous squares. They then traveled to Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, a World Heritage site that served as the summer residence of the emperor Hadrian. The villa is famous for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.

The Loughborough Schools Foundation’s Classics Trip to Rome was a great success. The students were able to learn about the history and culture of ancient Rome and see many well-preserved historical sites. The trip was open to students from the different senior schools and different age groups, which provided an opportunity for them to interact and form new friendships. It was a valuable educational experience that broadened the students’ understanding of ancient Rome and its influence on Western civilization.