Roma, la città eterna, Rome the Eternal City is one of the most visited places in the world. For a long time it was a major centre of the Ancient World, now the Italian capital is bursting with energy yet manages to preserve one of the greatest artistic, architectural and cultural heritages on the planet. Rome also sets the tone in fashion, high-tech and music. Roma... eternally active and attractive !
Although legend has it that Rome was created by Romulus and Remus, it dates back to the Etruscan period, in the 8th century BC. Rome also stands for the Roman civilisation which brought fame and fortune to the city. Some of the best-known emperors, Caesar, Caligula, Nero, Titus, Trajan and Hadrian, bequeathed the monuments which still make Rome famous today. The advent of Christianity and the political power of the Pope at the end of the Roman Empire in turn provided some rich and unique artistic achievements with the construction of numerous religious buildings such as the Sistine Chapel. Rome, in the centre of Italy in the province of Latium, is today one of the major European capitals with a population of 2.6 million and an economy which makes it the wealthiest and most dynamic of Italian cities. With two international airports, Rome is second only to Paris as the most visited city in the world, attracting nearly 12 million tourists a year.
Rome can be considered as the world's largest open-air museum. Its principal monuments are located in the heart of the city. The most important is the imposing Coliseum which dates from 80BC, with a perimeter of 524 metres and an amphitheatre capable of holding 30,000 spectators. Also on the Palatine Hill are the Stadium and the house of Livia. Another monument that is symbolic of Rome, the Pantheon, with its well-known rotunda, is in a remarkable state of preservation, whereas the Circus Maximus has only retained its 578 metre long oval outline. Rome also contains the state within the state, the Vatican. The official Papal residence is overflowing with remarkable sights: St Peter's Square, the Vatican Palace, St Peter's Basilica, comprising the Sistine Chapel, and works of art by Raphael and Michelangelo. Rome really is the top destination for art and antiquities. Don't forget to visit the Trevi Fountain and stop for a traditional "gelato" or sit at one of the many cafés and treat yourself to a real capuccino!
For a comprehensive guide to this destination, visit enit.it
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