On Sunday 26 February 2023, Course Members from Senior Course 142 and NRCC 29 participated, together with some of the NATO Defense College (NDC) faculty and staff, in a walk around the historical Aurelian Walls of Rome, which was the 82nd iteration of this event.
The rainy weather last Sunday morning did not stop approximately 60 eager Course Members and NDC staff from attending a day trip around the Aurelian Walls that still encircle the historic centre of Rome. The group was guided by NDC Faculty Advisors Colonel Jan Cirek and Captain (N) Helge Martin Tonning, with strong support from NDC Carabinieri and Colonel Alessandro Concari. Setting off from the Pyramid of Cestius, participants toured around sites such as the San Giovanni Basilica, the Gianicolo Hill, the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola and the Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio. The route also included a pleasant lunch break at the British Embassy and a light refreshment provided by the NDC Morale & Welfare Fund.
The Aurelian Walls are among the longest and best-preserved ancient city walls in the world. This event is traditionally organized by the NDC during the first month of the Senior Course’s academic curriculum. It is not only an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Italian capital’s long and fascinating history, but also a perfect occasion to meet fellow Course Members in a more casual setting, take in the surroundings, and get to know one another better: an initial step towards building team cohesion within each Committee.
Indeed, a strong team spirit emerged through the day’s activities. The resilient and enthusiastic walkers successfully completed the cobblestoned circuit, and even though the initial weather conditions were not the most favourable, it turned out to be a wonderful day for all involved.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN