The Roman streets are more beautiful and full of character than one could ever imagine. The Italian people, with their sport coats, strong cologne, and cigarettes (everyone smokes in Rome!), are constantly dodging the insane traffic, and you never know when a Mercedes will come speeding down a walkway. Today, we had the chance to visit the Altar of Peace, which was built by Augustus, and is currently housed in an ultra modern building. As Dr. Ruebel explained to us, the building is the subject of much controversy, which is understandable. The glass building consists of a white steel frame, with a single stone wall at one end. One of the things that impresses me most about Rome is the fact that all the buildings are of a similar style, one that we in America often refer to as "Mediterranean." The style consists of pastel colored buildings with green shutters, usually not rising higher than six floors. The building that housed the Alter of Peace seemed to violate every one of these traits. Though I do appreciate modern architecture, such a design devalued the building and altar itself, but also the surrounding buildings as well. Located adjacent to the modern building is the ruin of the Mausoleum of Augustus, and surrounding this is architecture from the Mussolini era of the World War II time period. The Mussolini architecture, though more sleek and less colorful than the rest of Rome, still retains the height restrictions and overall layout as its predecessors. Earlier this semester, we read a lecture that explained how there is debate in Rome over architecture. In my opinion, Mussolini's contributions show respect for the past, while looking to the future. The modern architecture, however, lacks the respect for the past necessary for a building that houses one of Rome's most famous landmarks.
The Altar of Peace, housed by a glass and steel building
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