Rome - home of La Dolce Vita

Capital city of Italy and of Latium Region and Rome Province, on the River Tiber, in the central part of the country next to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Vatican City located mainly in an enclave within Rome, is the seat of the papacy of the Roman Catholic Church and has been recognized as an independent state by the Italian government since 1929. The majestic dome of St Peter-s Basilica in the Vatican City dominates the Roman skyline. Rome has been capital of Italy since 1871.

Rome was founded in 753bc on one of the Seven Hills,a term used to describe the Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Caelian, Aventine, and Palatine Hills surrounding the old community. The monuments of Rome’s past greatness are, for the most part, within the historical center itself. The street pattern of the city clearly reflects its long and complex history. Via Del Corso traverses most of the historic center from the Piazza Venezia, the geographic center of Rome, to the Piazza dell Popolo at the foot of Pincio Hill.

The monument to Victor Emmanuel 11 the first King of united Italy, built between 1895 and 1911, forms part of the Piazza Venezia. One of the largest public parks in Rome is Pincio Gardens, lying on Pincio Hill, north of the center. Rome boasts of unparalleled treasures of monuments from all periods, from the Etruscan era to modern times. Roman monuments range from the almost perfectly preserved Pantheon founded in 27bc considered as one of the best surviving temples of antiquity, to the impressive Coliseum, a huge amphitheater that was once the scene of gladiatorial combats and other spectacles (although it is presently partly ruined) Ancient city walls, triumphal arches, great public meeting places, churches, and palaces are all found in eternal Rome as it is frequently described. Prominent monuments are the Roman Forum and the Imperial Forum, ancient centers of commerce and religion, The Baths of Caracalla, built around 217Ad, The catacombs, ancient tunnels beneath the city, and the Castel Santa Angelo. Basilicas are also abundant with The Cathedral of Rome and the Basilica of St John Lateran founded in the 4rth century being the most important. Rome offers priceless monuments and is a major European city, which mesmerizes tourists who hardly believe that this vibrant city has so much to offer. Not to be forgotten is Piazza Navona the square with three fountains, including the fountain of the four rivers by the Italian sculptor Bernini, Trevi Mountain, an 18th century Baroque fountain into which tourists traditionally toss coins and make a wish.

Piazza Spagna, where the famous Spanish steps ascend to the 15th century church of Trinita dei Monti. Perhaps the finest works of modern times are the buildings erected for the 1960 Olympic Games, several of which were designed by one of Italy-s leading architects, Pier Luigi Nervi. Piazza Del Campidoglio is also another famous square with its famous bronze statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius completed during the 2nd century AD. Rome has been an urban settlement for more than 2000 years, and although most of the monuments still stand, the destructive impact of pollution and vibration of heavy traffic is leading to increased efforts towards preservation.

According to legend, the city of Rome was founded by Romulus (assisted by his brother Remus) in 753 BC

Rome is the site of Italy's largest institution of higher education, the University of Rome that in 1980 had approximately 150,000 students. The independent International University of Social Studies in Rome is also here. Due to its extraordinary wealth of artworks, Rome is a world center for training in the arts. Specialized schools of study in Rome include the Academy of Fine Arts, The National Academy of Dance the National Academy of Dramatic Arts, The Santa Cecilia Conservatory of Music, and the Central Institute for the Restoration of Works of Art.

The museums of the city deal with all aspects of the arts and sciences and are undoubtedly amongst the finest in the world. The National Roman Museum, designed by Michelangelo, features exhibits of Greek and Roman sculpture, including the Ludovisi Collection of Antiquities. Important collections of art and decorative pieces can be seen in the city-s Palaces. Among these is the Farnese Palace, with it-s-noted collection of small Renaissance bronzes, and the Palazzo Barberini, a 17th century Baroque palace with a remarkable picture gallery.

A century ago, Rome was a quiet city, its people were living largely in the past. Today it is not only the capital and nerve center of Italy but, as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the headquarters of major International agencies and corporations, the city has assumed a place of worldwide importance. With a population of over 2687000 Rome is a romantic city offering cafes, nightspots, classical shows and above all the friendly people who are always first in fashion wear.

In fact Rome boasts the most famous fashion-wear boutiques along its busy streets amongst these Gucci, Versace, Dolce Gabbana, Valentino and various other renowned titles. Another factor that cannot be missed is restaurants and the excellent Italian cuisine, which is the foremost in Europe if not in the world.

Accompanied by the excellent Italian local wines, served by local, friendly and sociable faces, the delicious Italian plates will bring you back for more. Besides being a cultural and historical center, Rome

Has so much more to offer. “La Dolce Vita” is the saying so frequently used to describe the easy way of living in Rome.