Rome (Italian: Roma), the 'Eternal City', is the capital and largest city of Italy and of the Lazio (Latium) region. It's the famed city of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita (sweet life), the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain.
They call it the eternal city with good reason. The hordes of tourists that invade Rome’s self catering family apartments every year come for the delicious Roman cuisine and the authentic Italian atmosphere, but above all for the sense of history. The city’s cobbled streets and stone walls have witnessed the rise and fall of an empire, the hostage-taking of a Pope, the triumph and execution of a dictator, and the making of cinematic history. Relive some of Rome’s most momentous moments yourself, with a visit to these star attractions.
Palatine Hill
Venture to this ancient part of the city to discover where the great story began. According to Roman legend, Romulus, son of the god Mars, founded the city of Rome on this very hill. Whether you believe that the Roman spirit for conquest comes from this divine connection or not, the site is littered with ruins and castles that testify to the city’s glorious past.
Colosseum and Pantheon
At the height of the Roman Empire, the influence of this city was felt from Arabia to the south of Scotland. You can relive the splendour of the world’s most powerful empire at the Colosseum, where captured gladiators proved their mettle against beasts brought from all corners of the empire, and at the Pantheon, where the Romans honoured the gods who brought them glory.
Vatican City
The fall of the Roman Empire was by no means the end of Roman power. In fact, even as the reign of Roman emperors went into decline, another institution was developing that would hold sway over Europe for the next millennium: the Roman Catholic Church. No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican City, where the Pope still resides to this day. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica to marvel at one of the world’s most priceless art collections, including Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Altare della Patria
Throughout much of Rome’s history, there was no concrete concept of Italy. On the contrary, Rome constantly jockeyed for power with other independent city states like Florence and Naples. The unification of Italy came about in the late 19th century, after a long struggle against Napoleon’s forces. The imposing monument Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) was built to commemorate this and to honour Vittorio Emmanuele, the first king of a united Italy. Later, fascist dictator Benito Mussolini used this spot to make rousing speeches to the crowds who gathered to hear him speak.
The Trevi Fountain
For a touch of lighter history, head to the Fontana di Trevi, Bernini’s sumptuous creation that was made world-famous by being featured in a midnight scene from the cult Italian film La Dolce Vita (1960). Between the many tourists and the vigilant stewards, you may find it difficult to recreate the intimate scene, but this is a chance to feel a part of Italy’s cinematic golden age.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
