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ROME
Rome is situated in Lazio (Central Italy) and has been the capital
of Italy since 1870.
Rome is an open air film set. The legend, history, art, spirit and
people: in Rome everything speaks the universal eternally beautiful
language. The city is the cradle of Western civilization and
Christianity, and contains an incomparable number of art and history
treasures.
Spring and autumn are unquestionably the best seasons for visiting
the city. August is best avoided as the heat can be overwhelming and
the city invaded by tourists.
Founded in the middle of the 8th century bc on the Palatine Hill, it
later expanded to the other six surrounding hills, Rome dominated
the Mediterranean and most of the European continent for centuries
(unti1 330), later becoming the Pope's residence and capital of
Italy. The city now tells its glorious history, layered stone upon
stone.
The first mandatory stop in the heart of Rome is the majestic
Anfiteatro Flavio or Coliseum home to circus competitions, and where
gladiators fought. A short distance away the Domus Aurea (golden
house) once stood, the gigantic villa Nero had built on the ruins of
the city which had burnt down in 64. The Baths of Trajan were later
built on the remains of the building.
The Via dei Fori Imperiali runs along Rome's archaeological route
par excellence, where temples, basilicas, public and religious
buildings and arches set in green vegetation form a complex unique
in the world.
The Roman Forum stands at its centre. The area, which started out as
a swamp, was the legal, commercial, religious and political center
of ancient Rome for centuries. It is dominated by the Arch of
Settimio Severo, erected in 203.
The remains of the Temple of Saturn are next to it, one of the
oldest temples in the Forum, as well as the basilica Julia, which
still contains gambling tables in its floor. A short distance
further on are the Temple of Castore and Polluce from 484 bc and the
Basilica of Massenzio, one ancient Rome's most impressive buildings.
The square where the basilica stands ends with the Arch of Tito
built to commemorate the victory of the emperors Vespasiano and
Tito.
This area is dominated by the Palatine Hill, where the oldest traces
of Rome can be found, including the Casa di Romolo (Romulus house),
the city's mythical founder it rater became the official seat of the
emperors who had imperial palaces built here. Via San Gregorio leads
to the Baths of Caracalla, one of the largest spa complexes in
antiquity. It was inaugurated in 217 and remained in operation until
the 6th century, and contained well supplied libraries. Ronan ruins
can be found everywhere in the city, it is impossible to list them
all.
Nearby, in the area of Foro Boario (the ancient cattle market), is
the Teatro di Marcello and the famous Bocca della veritą, a river
god's face in marble which, according to legend, it would swallow a
liar's hand. Other important sights include the Mausoleum of
Augustus and Ara Pacis, inaugurated in 9 ac to celebrate the peace
after the victories in Spain and Gaul obtained by the emperor; they
are located behind Via del Corso, one of the city's main shopping
streets. Rome's archeological remains and the priceless works housed
in the Capitolne Museums tell the story of the city. This complex of
collections and buildings stands on Campidoglio, the acropolis and
religious center of the ancient city: the masterpieces include the
Venere Capitolina, a 3rd century Roman copy in marble of the
original Greek statue, and the bronze equestrian statue of Marcus
Aurelius. The Pinacoteca Capitolina contains 14th
to 17th century works, with masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto and
Caravaggio.
The tour of the city continues following the Lungotevere which leads
to Castel Sant'Angelo, built in 123 ac as a mausoleum by the emperor
Hadrian, which served as a refuge for popes and also as a prison.
Continuing along Via della Conciliazione you reach Vatican City,
seat of the Holy see with its famous piazza San Pietro, the
universal circle of Bernini's 16th century colonnade and the
magnificence of the Sistine chapel with the Last Judgment,
Michelangelo's 15th century masterpiece. This is the site of the
Vatican Museums, one of the most important collections in the world,
with masterpieces from each century.
Rome is also famous for its basilicas, government buildings of the
Republic of Italy and its squares, always a meeting place, where
daily life is played out, such as in piazza Farnese and piazza
Navona.
The nearby Campo dei Fiori with its market, is "Piazza del Popolo"
(people's square), while the Spanish Steps is the heart of Baroque
Rome and the quintessence of elegance, with its famous steps
climbing to the Trinitą dei Monti. The 17th century
Fontana di Trevi (immortalized by Federico Fellini in La Dolce Vita)
is located in the vicinity, where tourists superstitiously throw
coins into the fountain to ensure they return to the Eternal city,
and Piazza del Popolo at the foot of the Pincio gardens, an example
of architectural "stratification" and symbol of grandeur.
A visit to EUR one of the city's southern neighbors is not to be
missed for its excellent examples of 2oth century architecture.
Rome is a metropolis with hundreds of hotels in every category,
grand hotels famous the world over and popular with the
international jet set, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts for all
needs.
Not to be missed is an aperitif on the Lungotevere, where
international show business types get together, a stroll between Via
del Corso and Via Veneto and shopping in the Via Condotti, Via
Frattina, Via Borgognona and Via Margutta.
Don't miss a stop at the historic cafč Greco, founded in 1760, and
popular with famous figures who were in love with Rome.
Roman cuisine is working class, flavorful and unique. Bucatini
all'amatriciana (long pasta with pork jowl, tomato and pecorino
cheese sauce), Carciofi alla Giudea, i.e.
artichokes cooked in oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, fried
cod, Pajata (part of the guts of a milk-fed calf), lamb, tripe and
"Coda alla vaccinara" (oxtail stew) are flavors of the people, which
have become gastronomic aristocracy.
Desserts include "maritozzi", a type of oval brioche filled with
whipped cream. These are all served with many of the province's DOC
wines, including Castelli Romani and Colli Albani.
In the surrounding area, Ostia, only 25 kilometers from the centre
of Rome, it is the perfect place for sampling fish specialties.
The medieval town Sant'Angelo Romano, 39 kilometers northeast of
Rome is worth
a visit for its charming scenery.
Tivoli, 40 km outside of Rome, preserves 2 beautiful villas. ( A
must see)
If you want to truly get to know the Roman soul, you have to visit
one of its street markets, the most picturesque is Porta Portese,
where a colorful flea market is held at the weekends.
Rome offers religious and secular celebrations, performances,
festivals, sports tournaments and an infinite number of events all
year long.
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