Rome

Rome is one of the most ancient cities in Europe founded on seven hills near to the Tiber River about 2,700 years ago. Since then, it has been continuously inhabited and has grown into a city of almost three million people, covering 1,502 square kilometres (580 square miles). Rome is in southern Italy, in southern Europe, and has parallel latitude with New York state.
Once the centre of the Roman Empire, Rome has been the capital of united Italy since 1871. Within Rome’s enclave is Vatican City. The seat of the papacy of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City has been recognized as an independent state by the Italian government since 1929. The majestic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City dominates the Roman skyline.

The historical centre is a small area, located on the eastern bank of the Tiber River and contains many monuments of Rome’s past greatness. The city is an unparalleled repository of monuments from all periods in European history. The legacy of the Roman Empire is extensive, witnessed from the preservation of the Pantheon, considered one of the finest surviving temples of antiquity, to the impressive Colosseum, an amphitheatre that hosted gladiatorial combat and other spectacles. Ancient city walls, triumphal arches, public meeting places, churches, and palaces are scattered throughout Rome. With an extraordinary wealth of artwork, Rome is a major world centre for creative study and performing arts.

For more information visit: www.turismoroma.it or wikitravel.org