Rome, the Eternal City, the beautiful capital of Italy

Discover Rome the beautiful capital of Italy, the Eternal City as it is always mentioned and its most famous monuments

Art City - Central Italy - Latium

Itinerary: Rome, Coliseum, Pantheon, Fori Imperiali, Fontana di Trevi, Spanish steps

Rome is the capital of Italy and also known as the Eternal City. This beautiful town boasts an ancient history long more than two and a half thousand years, stately buildings of the past, monuments of the greatest Italian artists of all times and countless masterpieces in terms of art, architecture and culture, as well as a unique aura. So it is why Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world.

During the splendid era of the Roman Empire, it was said that "all the streets of the world lead to Rome". (and even today we say so). In fact, Rome has been the first multicultural and cosmopolitan city on Earth, from which all the other main cities in Europe had taken inspiration. Today maybe it is hard to believe that this impressive and lively city with its 2.9 million of residents is the result of a small rural settlement on the Palatine Hill, born by a she-wolf who fed two baby humans according to the famous legend.

Rome has preserved all the glories of its past, therefore, there are countless unique attractions, monuments, churches and things that cannot be neglected while visiting this city and now we will try to help you discover the most important ones.

Let's mention first Vatican City, which is a fully independent and sovereign state but geographically it is located within the city of Rome. In this article, you can read about

Vatican City and its many priceless treasures and museums from the Sistine Chapel and so on.

The main symbol of Rome, (and the whole country), the Coliseum (Colosseo in Italian) is a majestic work of art. With its real name of Anfiteatro Flavio, it was completed in 80 A.D. at the request of Emperor Vespasian as an arena where thousands of people could enjoy the fights between animals and gladiators.
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Arch of Constantine - Colosseum - Altare della Patria

Wanted by Marcus Agrippa and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian, Pantheon (pic n°3) is a breathtaking masterpiece. It was built as a temple dedicated to all the Roman gods, and it is now the memorial monuments of the Italian kingdom, where you can find the rests of the Italian kings and queens, but also of Raphael. The main feature of the building is its rounded shape with a beautiful cupola. The big hole at the top of the dome, called oculus, is the only source of light that illuminates the interior of Pantheon.

Fori Imperiali (pic n°1), located near the Coliseum, built by the Roman Emperors between 46 B.C. and 113 A.D. is a must-see as it is the Terme di Caracalla, built in 216 A.D., one of the largest and best preserved ancient thermal complex, or the Arco di Costantino, 315 A.D, just next to the Coliseum.
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Arch of Constantine - Colosseum - Altare della Patria

Castel Sant'Angelo (pic n°5) was built around 139 A.D. as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian. During the centuries it was rebuilt many times and had different destinations from the original burial monument to a fortress, from a dark and terrible prison to a wonderful Renaissance museum.

Fontana di Trevi (pic n°2) is another symbol of the city and of its "Dolce Vita". This imposing Baroque-style fountain was designed by architect Nicolò Salvi and completed in 1762. Do not forget to throw some coins in its waters, it is said this will bring luck! So, just turn your back and throw a coin into the fountain, and one day you will come back again to Rome, or throw two coins into the fountain and you will fall in love while throwing three coins into the fountain means you will get married in Rome!

Piazza Navona (pic n°6) is a beautiful square, the place to go if you want to relax or enjoy the unique Roman lifestyle: hundreds of locals and tourists meet here every day and night, enjoying the wonderful architecture of the surrounding buildings and breathing the city's atmosphere, among palaces, churches, fountains (of which Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi by Bernini is the most famous), obelisks and a famous local market.

Another enchanting place is Piazza di Spagna, (Spanish Steps) (pic n°4) together with its breathtaking 135-step staircase, "Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti", especially during spring when the staircase is embellished with beautiful multi-colored flowers!

Villa Borghese is an awe-inspiring park, the green heart of the city, where you can have a wonderful walk surrounded by fountains, Neoclassical statues, natural beauties and lots of attractions. It also hosts several incredible museums, the best is Galleria Borghese with lots of works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Canova and others.

Altare della Patria (or Vittoriano) is an impressive monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the united Italy. It features wonderful columns and statues, and it is one of the symbols of the city.
More about: Arch of Constantine - Colosseum - Altare della Patria

Palazzo del Quirinale, built in the 16th century is the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. It is one of the most important buildings in the capital both for artistic and politic reasons.

Some pics of Rome:

Fori Imperiali (pic n°1); Fontana di Trevi (pic n°2); Pantheon (pic n°3); Spanish Steps (pic n°4); Castle Sant'Angelo (pic n°5); Navona Square (pic n°6);