Welcome to Rome
History, human genius and the hot midday sun have conspired to make Rome one of the worlds most seductive and thrilling cities.
Artistic Grandeur
With an artistic heritage dating back to Etruscan times, Rome is one of the worlds great art cities. Throughout history, it has played a starring role in the major upheavals of Western art and the results are here for all to see amazing classical statues, stunning Renaissance frescoes and breathtaking baroque churches. Walk around the centre and even without trying youll come across masterpieces by the greats of the artistic pantheon sculptures by Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael and fountains by Bernini. In Rome, art is not locked away from view, its quite literally all around you.
Historical Legacies
For much of its history Rome has been at the centre of world events. First, as caput mundi (capital of the world), the fearsome hub of the Roman Empire, then for centuries as the seat of papal power. It was a city that counted and this is writ large on its historic streets martial ruins recall ancient glories, stately palazzi (mansions) evoke Renaissance intrigue and towering basilicas testify to artistic genius and papal ambition. Elsewhere, underground temples, buried houses and maddonelle (roadside shrines) tell of past lives and local beliefs.
Roman Feasting
A trip to Rome is as much about lapping up the lifestyle as it is about gorging on art and historic sights. And theres no better way of getting into the local spirit of things than by eating and drinking well. Food and wine are central to Roman social life and the hundreds of pizzerias, trattorias, restaurants and gelaterie that crowd the city centre do as much business catering to locals as to tourists and out-of-towners. Do as the Romans do, says the proverb, and theres nothing more Roman than enjoying a tasty wood-fired pizza in a packed pizzeria or dining alfresco on a glorious city-centre piazza.
Rome, the Capital
But theres more to Rome than history, fine art and great food. Rome is Italys capital and largest city, and while history is all around, modern life is lived to the full. Rome is Italys political and religious heartbeat and the influences of government and Church dominate the city. Many city-centre palazzi house government offices, while in the Vatican the dome of St Peters Basilica reminds everyone of the popes presence. Political intrigue is thick in the air and as tourists tuck into their pizza politicians hatch plots over spaghetti and wine.
View of St Peters Basilica from the Capitoline Museums ( )
LONELY PLANET / GETTY IMAGES
Why I Love Rome
By Duncan Garwood, Author
Even after more than a decade of living in Rome, the city continues to amaze me. I still get a buzz every time I see the Colosseum and I still find it thrilling to visit places I read about as a school kid. But as much as the history, what I love is the way the city embraces the present, the way designer bars occupy 15th-century palazzi and neighbourhood markets take over beautiful historic piazzas. I also enjoy a good meal in a Roman trattoria, especially if accompanied by a bit of political banter and a bottle of local wine.
See for much more.
Romes Top 13
IZZET KERIBAR / GETTY IMAGES
Romes most iconic monument, the Colosseum is a compelling sight. Youll know what it looks like but no photograph can prepare you for the thrill of seeing it for the first time. For 2000 years, this muscular arena has stood as the symbol of Roman power, as the striking embodiment of the terrible awe that Rome once inspired. As you climb its steeply stacked stands, try to imagine them full of frenzied spectators screaming for blood a chilling thought.
Ancient Rome
Romes Top 13
RICHARD IANSON / GETTY IMAGES
Romes seven hills offer some superb vantage points. One of the best is the Palatino (Palatine Hill), a gorgeous green expanse of evocative ruins, towering pine trees and sweeping views overlooking the Roman Forum. This is where it all began, where Romulus supposedly killed Remus and founded the city in 753 BC, and where the ancient Roman emperors lived in unimaginable luxury. Nowadays, its a truly haunting spot, and as you walk the gravel paths you can almost sense the ghosts in the air.
Ancient Rome
Romes Top 13