Rome, also known as ‘the Eternal City’ is the capital
city of Italy. It is also referred to as the ‘the city
of the seven hills’ and is one of the world’s most renowned
cities for its art, history and rich cultural, religious and intellectual
centres.
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The Seven Hills of Rome are now called: Palatine Hill,
Aventine, Quirinal, Capitoline, Esquiline, Caelian and Viminal. Rome
is also capital of the Lazio region and the country’s most
densely inhabited area as well as one of the European Union’s
largest cities. It is located in the western central
area of the Italian peninsula and sits where the Rivers Tiber and
Aniene meet. The majority of the city lies on the left bank
of the River Tiber and is crossed by over 20 bridges. The
city lies approximately 25k inland but its land extends to the shores
of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Around the city you will see references to Romulus and Remus, the
twins who are fabled to be the founders of Rome. The twins are depicted
suckling on a bronze wolf. Rome is known as the ‘cradle
of Roman civilization’ which produced the most powerful empire. Much
of Greco-Roman culture had its origins in Rome. Rome is heavily
identified with the Roman Catholic Church, having been the Episcopal
seat of popes since the first century. Vatican City is a separate
enclave sovereign State within the city of Rome, being the sovereign
territory of the Holy See. Vatican City is also the smallest
nation in the world.
Rome was lucky enough to escape significant damage during WWII and
therefore its character remains essentially Baroque and Renaissance. Rome’s
historic centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rome’s climate is mainly Mediterranean, with comfortable temperatures
from April through June and September through October. July
and August can become very hot, with temperatures around 34C (94F).
The main transportation for Rome is via the port of Civitavecchia,
where cruise ships are a permanent sight or via air at Leonardo da
Vinci or Fiumicino airports. Rome also has a subway and bus
system. Traffic is very congested in the city and many areas
have become pedestrianised.
There are some breathtaking churches such as Sta. Maria Maggiore and Il
Gesu and of course The Vatican with the breathtaking St.
Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum and Sistine
Chapel.
Rome has so much history it will make you dizzy. One fascinating
aspect is that much of the Rome you see today are buildings built
atop other buildings, which created a whole subterranean world. The
pavement level has risen over the years, often due to earthquakes
and floods and so the Romans adjusted by just starting again and
building on top of the existing buried buildings. |
