Rome

Rome (Roma), the Eternal City, is the capital of Italy and one of the great centres of world history. Nearly three thousand years of building sit side by side, from ancient temples and arenas to Renaissance palaces, Baroque churches and the bustle of a modern capital. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Vatican City, an independent state, lies within the city.

Ancient Rome lives on in the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, in the domed Pantheon and the Baths of Caracalla, and along the Appian Way with its catacombs. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel draw pilgrims and art lovers alike. Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Galleria Borghese show the splendour of the Baroque. Show more

Rome is also a city of neighbourhoods. Trastevere and Monti are known for narrow lanes, trattorias and evening life, Testaccio for its market and Roman cooking, and the Jewish Ghetto for its traditional dishes. Carbonara, cacio e pepe, supplì and gelato belong to every visit, and the parks of Villa Borghese and the Aventine offer green views over the rooftops.

Rome is reached by air via Fiumicino and Ciampino and by high speed train from across Italy. Three to five days allow time for the main sights, and much more could easily be filled. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, while summer is hot and busy.