Already at the time of the Roman Empire, the capital of the country was the region’s pivotal point. The "Eternal City" has an extraordinary wealth of monuments, cathedrals and museums. The St. Peter's Basilica, the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum are just some of the many attractions.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME
Italy’s capital is also the political and intellectual centre and the soul of the country. Rome houses the state university, a number of technical schools and the headquarters of national and international corporations. The city has about 3 million inhabitants and boasts many public gardens, theatres, stages, orchestras and – since the 1960 Olympic Games - a modern district with sports venues. Well known fashion houses, elegant shopping quarters like the Piazza di Spagna, Pizza del Popolo and Piazza Colonna and the studios of the movie city Cinecittà emphasize Rome’s reputation as a sophisticated metropolis. Rome is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the accumulation of 2,600 years of cultural history. Tourists are rushing to see the Vatican, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain, missing out on countless other attractions. Despite the daily onslaught of traffic, hectic pace on the streets and its pulsating life, Rome also offers the mellow side of La Dolce Vita. Many small street cafés and restaurants, lots of green space and parks of the inner city promise respite and leisure. Close by destinations known for relaxed excursions are the Etruscan city of Cerveteri to the northwest, the castles in the Albani Mountains, the ruins of the old Ostia and the famous villas of Tivoli.
