Italy’s capital city, Rome, is full of stories and history. For thousands of years it has stood as a symbol of culture, excess, art, and creativity. From the heady days of the Roman Empire, to the refined European city it is today, there’s much to tell about the story of Rome. Many historians track the founding of Rome back to 625 BC. Rome is seen to be so old it’s referred to as the ‘eternal city’.
Initially ruled by kings, the city eventually belonged to the people with a senate governing them. This republic lasted for five centuries and during this time Roman influence spread across the surrounding Mediterranean. Rome became the beating heart of an empire that reached far into Europe and Africa. With this influence, Rome became a bustling and extremely wealthy city. It developed a rich and diverse culture, it built grand buildings like the Colosseum and the Pantheon. In 1871 the city gained its status as the capital of Italy.
Now, the city is known for its art and culture, its beautiful architecture, and its vibrant and bustling streets and piazzas. Among the most famous attractions you can find the Colosseum, the largest structure left to us by Roman antiquity, Vatican City, the smallest indipendent state in the world with the well-known St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pantheon, the best-preserved monument of Roman antiquity, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, the city historical centre with the Spanish Steps and many beautiful churches and squares such as Piazza Navona and Piazza Venezia.