Rome, in Italian, is Roma and serves as the capital of Italy. The city of Rome is like a vast museum; it’s a major tourist attraction filled with historical ruins, unique architecture, numerous restaurants, statues everywhere, and more than 900 churches of the Catholic faith.
History
According to the Unesco World Heritage List, Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus in 753 BCE. The city lies on the banks of the Tiber River, atop seven hills: Palatine Hill, Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Caelian Hill, Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill, and Viminal Hill.
The Roman Empire was a bustling civilization, the center of power around Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill. This is why the area has so many ruins and excavations uncovering the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum, which was used for gladiatorial battles.
The Pantheon features unique architecture and is now a round church with an open roof. Rome has four papal basilicas, seven pilgrimage churches, and the beautiful Vatican, where you might see Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio appearing from a top window to give a blessing on certain days.
The churches are stunning and have works of art by Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo.
If you love art, visit the Galleria Borghese, Trastevere, and the Trevi Fountain, and sample a variety of trattorias. There are many trendy fashion stores and a bustling city full of places to explore.
Must-sees in Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica, home of Pope Bergoglio, is located in the independent state of Vatican City. The Vatican Museums feature countless paintings and the famous Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s frescoes.
The Piazza Navona has several fountains, such as ‘La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi’ by Bernini, a fascinating obelisk.
Visit the Trastevere neighborhood, featuring narrow streets, medieval architecture, restaurants, and bars. The Castel Sant’ Angelo, or Castel of the Holy Angel, built in the 2nd century, served as a defense structure to protect the Pope and was connected by a tunnel to a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.
Rome’s landmark Monument of Vittorio Emanuele honors the first Italian King. The Archbasilica di Giovanni in Laterano, the most important church in Rome, Italy, is one of the four papal basilicas.
Piazza del Popolo is a neoclassical square from the 19th century. It features two twin churches, the ‘Porta del Popolo’, and a sizeable Egyptian obelisk with steps leading up Pincio Hill for spectacular views.
Visit Domus Romane, the remains of Roman houses and baths. The Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano, a 4th-century church dedicated to Pope Clement I, features a breathtaking interior.
If you are interested in anthropology and bizarre art, visit the Capuchin Crypt in Rome, located within the five chapels of the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini church. This unique site features the bones and skulls of approximately 3,600 Capuchin brothers, artistically arranged in the crypts, allowing you to learn more about the Capuchin Order.
Outside Rome lies Ostia Antica, an archaeological park featuring excavations of the ancient Roman harbor town of Ostia Antica.
Tips for getting around Rome
Besides walking, there are several ways to see Rome’s landscape. You can hop on the city bus, metro, or tram. Taking a taxi, hiring a private driver, or using a Vespa, motorcycle, bicycle, or electric scooter is a fun way to explore the city and make stops at various locations. Additionally, you can take a segway, rent a golf cart, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage.
