Rome

The city of Rome, also known as the "Eternal City", is one of the most fascinating and visited tourist destinations in the world. Located in Lazio, a region of Italy, Rome is a city steeped in history, culture and traditions dating back thousands of years. With a population of over 2.8 million, it is the largest and most populous city in Italy.
Its history dates back to at least 753 BC, when it was founded by Romulus, according to legend. The city was the center of the Roman Empire, which dominated much of the known world for centuries. Throughout its history, Rome has gone through periods of splendor and decline, such as the Renaissance and the fall of the Roman Empire, but it has continued to develop and prosper to this day.
It is famous for its countless monuments and historic sites, many of which date back to Roman times and have been incredibly well preserved. Here are some of the main places of interest that a tourist cannot miss:
The Colosseum: One of Rome's most iconic symbols, the Colosseum is a massive Roman arena that could seat up to 50,000 spectators. Built between AD 70 and 80, it was the venue for spectacular games, gladiator fights and other forms of entertainment.
The Roman Forum: This vast archaeological area was the heart of public and political life in ancient Rome. Here are the ruins of ancient temples, basilicas and other buildings, including the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus and the Curia.
The Pantheon: A Roman temple built in 126 AD. dedicated to all the gods, the Pantheon is the best preserved Roman structure. Its most notable feature is the dome, with an open oculus in the center that illuminates the interior.
Piazza Navona: One of the most famous and beautiful squares in Rome, Piazza Navona is home to three fountains, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, and the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.
The Trevi Fountain: The largest and most famous fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain is a masterpiece of the Italian Baroque. It is customary to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure a return to the city.
The Vatican: The independent city-state and seat of the Catholic Church, the Vatican is a place of great religious and historical importance. Here are St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoes and the Vatican Museums, which house a vast collection of art and historical treasures.
Trastevere: This charming neighborhood of Rome, located on the west bank of the Tiber, is known for its narrow cobbled streets, quaint alleyways, and traditional restaurants and bars. Trastevere is the ideal place to savor the authentic Roman atmosphere and taste the typical cuisine.
Villa Borghese: One of the largest and most beautiful green areas in Rome, Villa Borghese is a vast park that houses various museums, including the Galleria Borghese, with works of art by Bernini, Caravaggio and Raphael, and the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia.
Piazza di Spagna: Located at the foot of the famous Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna is one of the most popular and visited places in Rome. The square hosts the Fontana della Barcaccia and the house-museum of the English poet John Keats.
The Campidoglio: This historic hill in Rome houses the Palazzo Senatorio, seat of the Municipality of Rome, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, which together form the Capitoline Museums, one of the oldest collections of art and archeology in the world.
Roman culture is a unique mix of ancient traditions and modern influences. Art, architecture, music and cuisine are just some of the cultural expressions that characterize the city. Rome is also known for its many festivals and celebrations, such as the "Festa della Madonna della Neve" (August 5), the "Natale di Roma" (April 21) and the "Festa di San Giovanni" (June 24).
Roman cuisine is known for its simple and tasty dishes, such as pasta all'amatriciana, carbonara, cacio e pepe and gricia. Pizza by the slice, supplì (stuffed rice croquettes) and porchetta are other typical foods that visitors should try.
It is well connected with a public transport system including buses, trams, underground and regional trains. The Metro has three lines (A, B and C) which cover a large area of the city. Tickets for public transport can be purchased at newsagents, tobacconists and underground stations. There is also a tourist card called the "Roma Pass", which offers unlimited travel on public transport and access to many museums and archaeological sites.
However, one of the best ways to discover the wonders of Rome is to stroll through its streets. Most of the main tourist attractions are located in the historic centre, which is easily explored on foot and offers the possibility to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city. If you prefer, you can rent bicycles or scooters to explore the city faster and more flexibly.
As far as international arrivals and departures are concerned, Rome is served by two airports: Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA). Fiumicino is the main international airport and offers direct flights to many destinations around the world. Ciampino is smaller and mainly handles low-cost and charter flights.
Once landed at the airport, various means of transport can be used to reach the city centre, such as the Leonardo Express train, regional trains, shuttle buses and taxis.
Some useful tips and advice:
When visiting churches or sacred places, be sure to wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees;
During the summer, temperatures in Rome can be very high. It is recommended that you bring along a bottle of water to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and hats to protect yourself from the sun;
To avoid long lines at popular tourist sites, you can book tickets online in advance or visit attractions during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late afternoon;
Don't rush to visit all the places of interest in one trip! Rome is a city that takes time to fully appreciate, so take the time to explore, relax and savor the unique atmosphere of the "Eternal City".
It is a fascinating city rich in history, culture and traditions. With its iconic monuments, cobbled streets and vibrant atmosphere, Rome offers an unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world.
Whether you are a lover of art, history, cuisine or simply want to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere, Rome will captivate you and leave a lasting impression.
To make your stay even more enjoyable, consider taking part in guided tours on foot, by bicycle or by segway, which will offer you insights into the history and culture of Rome and take you to lesser-known and more fascinating places of the city. Also, don't forget to attend cultural events such as plays, concerts and art exhibitions, which will give you a further perspective on Rome's cultural richness.
If you are interested in archeology, a visit to nearby Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome, or the archaeological sites of Tivoli, such as Villa Adriana and Villa d'Este, can be an excellent addition to your itinerary. Even the surroundings of Rome offer breathtaking natural landscapes and picturesque medieval villages that deserve to be explored, such as the Castelli Romani, Frascati and Civita di Bagnoregio.
Remember to sample the vast array of culinary delights Rome has to offer, from traditional osterias and trattorias to Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants. Don't forget to treat yourself to a homemade ice cream in one of the many ice cream parlors scattered around the city, and to try the typical desserts such as Maritozzi, Cannoli and Tiramisù.
Finally, to fully experience the Roman "dolce vita", take the time to stroll aimlessly through the streets and alleyways of the city, stop in the outdoor cafes for an espresso or an aperitif, and let yourself be surprised by the countless hidden beauties that Rome has to offer.