Rome

Rome, the city of seven hills, enjoyed a mythic beginning. Romulus and Remus – twin brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf and fathered by a war god – reportedly founded the Eternal City. And although historians are a little skeptical about this epic entry into the world, most travelers are absolutely certain that there is something magical about Rome. Whether it's the mystery of nearby Vatican City or the ghosts of the Colosseum, an afternoon caffè on Piazza Navona or a piled-high plate of pasta at a trattoria, Rome is sure to enchant. Italy's capital city, Rome is also known for a history that dates back to the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar and Hadrian, among others. Left behind are structures like the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and dozens of churches, among other historic gems. Art enthusiasts will relish the trove of art housed at the Vatican Museums, and foodies will enjoy the splendid Italian fare, not to mention the gelato. And though its momentous past is the focus for many vacationers, Rome is also a fast-paced, modern and relevant city, with gleaming designer storefronts, sleek hotels and cutting-edge restaurants.

History - Art and Culture

Rome is said to have been founded on 21 April 753 BC by Romulus. A series of wars and conquests led to the Roman Empire’s founding in 27 BC. In 395 it was divided into two parts: the Western Roman Empire, which ended in 476, and the Eastern Roman Empire, which lasted until 1453. Rome again became the centre of the world during the Renaissance: between the 1440s and the first half of the 1500s it was a real hotbed of talents such as Michelangelo and Raphael. The works from that period include the new St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Unfortunately, several Renaissance buildings were demolished in the 1900s during the twenty years of Fascism, ordered as part of the urban planning revolution of Benito Mussolini. After the Second World War, Rome became the capital of the Italian Republic in 1946 and began to flourish again.

Food

Something to do - Sport and Fun

When in Rome, visitors clearly prioritise museums and archaeological sites, but the city offers many other things to do as well. One such idea is horse riding in Rome: the unmissable itineraries (also on foot) include Appia Antica, where you can immerse yourself in nature while simultaneously exploring the archaeological wonders scattered along the route. Alternatively, a boat will take you on a River Tiber tour with several different routes available, from the Foce del Tevere to Ostia Antica. A stroll through Villa Borghese is lovely, with 80 hectares of nature, monuments and various cultural highlights. Those who want to indulge in shopping can dive into the traditional Campo de' Fiori market or the glamorous Via dei Condotti and Via del Corso. Also in Rome there are two very famous soccer teams: Lazio and Roma.

Something to see