Plan of Rome

Late 19th century tourist map of Rome.

This large scale map of Rome focuses on the city’s historical center, situated roughly from St. Peter’s Basilica to the Lateran Museum and show the formidable walls and gates that made up the fortifications since ancient times. Buildings are shaded and represented in three states – proposed, under construction, or labeled for demolition – reflecting Rome’s propensity to rebuild itself over the ages. The locations of 175 places of interest are noted and outlined in red on the map.

This map is reflective of the change in the tourism industry that occurred as a result of the Industrial Revolution. Prior to the widespread development of rail lines throughout Europe, travel was largely limited to the upper-classes, resulting the the tradition of the Grand Tour in the 17th and 18th centuries. However, steam power completely revolutionized transportation and overseas travel became increasingly accessible to the lower classes throughout the 19th century.