Overview
Rome is one of the world’s great historic cities, where ancient ruins, Renaissance landmarks and modern life coexist. Founded, according to tradition, in 753 B.C., the Italian capital preserves layers of history that span the Roman Republic and Empire, the rise of Christianity and centuries of artistic and political influence.
Among its best-known landmarks are the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Campidoglio. Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, is home to St. Peter’s Basilica and some of the world’s most significant religious and artistic treasures.
Part of Rome’s appeal is how closely these major sites sit to everyday city life. Ancient structures rise beside busy streets, cafés and neighborhoods, making the past feel unusually present. Even a short visit can take in many of the city’s defining landmarks, but Rome rewards longer stays with museums, churches, piazzas and streets that reveal just how deeply its history is woven into the modern city.
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Attraction
