Rome

Capital of Italy, Rome is famous throughout the world. Tiber River, crossed by 27 bridges, flows through the city. Rome lies on seven hills which in the past were a reference point for the Latin people. The municipality is made up of different borgate (outer suburbs) such as Ostia founded in the 8th century B.C. together with Rome. Unlike many European cities, Rome's underground is quite small despite the city extends on a vast surface. Like all other Italian cities, Rome has its own dialect, the "romanesco" which of course is not the official language. As far as the transport system is concerned, Rome is a major railway hub in Central Italy. There are four main lines departing from here: the Thyrrenian line (Rome-Genova), the Northern line (Rome-Florence-Bologna), the Adriatic line (Rome-Pescara) and the Southern line (Rome-Naples). The main railway stations are: Roma Termini, the busiest one, Roma Tiburtina, Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere, Roma Tuscolana, Roma San Pietro. Rome offers its visitors plenty to see. The greatest monuments are the Coliseum, the Arch of Constantine, Castel Sant'Angelo, built in 139 A.C. by Emperor Hadrian, which was remodelled and later became a fortress; the Roman Forum and Campo Marzio (Field of Mars) built on the wishes of Settimo Severo, together with the remains of Circo Massimo (Greatest Circus) and Terme di Caracalla (Caracalla's thermal spa baths). Rome holds the record of churches: in fact, it is the city with the highest number of religious buildings in the world, each one housing very important works of art. The most renowned church is Saint Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Other important churches are San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Maggiore (which houses the tomb of Gian Lorenzo Bernini). Every year, visitors from all over the world come to the "Eternal City" to admire its magnificent fountains and squares. Piazza Navona has a predominating Baroque style. In the middle of the square stands the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Bernini, dating back to 1651. Piazza del Campidoglio, with the statue of Marcus Aurelius. Piazza di Spagna, probably the most famous square in the world, with a monumental stairway linking the square to the Church of Trinità dei Monti and the Trevi Fountain. Admiring these monuments, visitors can have an idea of the great skills of the artists that created them. Rome is the city where most cultural events such as art exhibitions, cinema festivals, fashion shows take place in Italy. Don't worry: you don't get bored in Rome! It is quite pointless to list all the cultural events that take place in Rome. However, at the Tourist Information Office, you will find a detailed programme of all events. As far as nature is concerned, Rome has around 14,000 ha of green areas such as the Villa Borghese Gardens, near the city centre and Piazza del Popolo, and Aguzzano Park, the green lung of the city and many other parks and gardens! Hotel reservation in Rome and other Italian cities. Rome has a population of 2,553,873 inhabitants, extending on a surface area of 1,285 square km representing a density of 1,987 inhabitants per square kilometre.