Rome

Lazio, Italy

With a population of around 2.8 million people, this eternal city is a vibrant metropolis in the Lazio region of Italy. Here, millennia of history, world-class art, and an unparalleled way of life merge into a unique cityscape. Immerse yourself in the heart of ancient Rome at the Roman Forum, marvel at the architectural marvel of the Pantheon, and be enchanted by the splendor of the Vatican, including the Sistine Chapel. Don't forget to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain—a promise that you will return one day. In Rome, surrounded by the testimony of a great past, you will experience the beauty and vibrancy of Italian life in its finest form.

Top 10 Highlights of Rome

Where gladiators made history
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Colosseum
Rome, Lazio
The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome's grandeur, stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. This colossal amphitheater, once the site of heart-stopping gladiator combats and ferocious battles with wild beasts, draws the gaze of over 7 million visitors each year.
The Power & Splendor of the Popes
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Treasures of the Vatican
Rome, Lazio
The Vatican is – in the heart of Rome – the smallest independent state in the world and is home to some of the world's most beautiful masterpieces. A visit is among the top highlights in all of Europe. Both St. Peter's Basilica with its monumental dome and the Sistine Chapel, featuring Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes, attract millions of visitors each year.
Michelangelo's celestial art
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Sistine Chapel
Rome, Lazio
The Sistine Chapel is a pinnacle of Renaissance art and a must-visit for anyone stepping into the Vatican Museums. It's famed for Michelangelo's iconic ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment. The sheer scale and artistic mastery of Michelangelo's work make it an unforgettable experience.
2,000-year-old engineering marvel
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Pantheon
Rome, Lazio
The 2000-year old Pantheon, a masterpiece of ancient architecture, stands as a monumental tribute to Roman engineering and artistry. This iconic structure was initially conceived as a temple to the 7 classical gods, and was later consecrated as a Christian Church. Walking through its doors, one is immediately struck by the vast, open space of the rotunda, topped by the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. At the dome's zenith is the oculus, a 9-meter-wide aperture that floods the interior with natural light, creating a connection between the earth and the heavens.
Time travel to the Roman Empire
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Roman Forum
Rome, Lazio
A visit to this impressive open-air museum is an absolute must for any visitor to Rome. Nestled between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, it offers insight into the heyday of Roman civilization. Here, you can stroll through the remnants of majestic temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches that once formed the center of political and religious life.
Fantastic views from Michelangelo's dome
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St. Peter's Basilica
Rome, Lazio
St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and the heart of the Vatican, impresses with its masterful Italian Renaissance art. The majestic dome, designed by Michelangelo, rises high above the city and offers spectacular views of Rome - a climb is therefore a must. Inside, the basilica impresses with its magnificent marble interior and artistic statues, including the moving Pietà. A highlight is the visit to the necropolis beneath St. Peter's Basilica, where the tomb of the Apostle Peter lies.
The world's most popular fountain
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Trevi Fountain
Rome, Lazio
The Trevi Fountain, a masterful baroque marvel, is not just Rome's largest but also its most breathtaking fountain. Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, it stands as a grandiose display of mythical figures and cascading waters, captivating all who come to toss a coin and embrace its legend.
Meeting spot in Rome
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Piazza Navona
Rome, Lazio
As the first rays of sun touch the cobblestones, Rome's most beloved and picturesque square awakens with its fountains casting soft shadows. By day, it transforms into a vibrant hub, buzzing with the energy of bustling cafés, street performers, and portrait artists. The original piazza was constructed atop the 30,000-seat stadium di Domiziano in 86 CE. One can still access the ruins for a ticket of €9.
Hadrian's Mausoleum
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Castel Sant'Angelo
Rome, Lazio
Castel Sant'Angelo, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, is now a fascinating museum. It got its name from a vision of Pope Gregory I in 590 AD: the Archangel Michael appeared to him, sheathed his sword, and thus announced the end of the plague. Inside the castle, you can admire the magnificent Sala Paolina, with frescoes depicting episodes from the life of Alexander the Great.
Magnificent mosaics in Rome's Marian Church
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Santa Maria Maggiore
Rome, Lazio
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is renowned for its stunning 5th-century mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament. As one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, it impresses with its baroque facade (18th century) and opulent interiors.

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit Rome

Rome, with its Mediterranean climate, is a great destination to visit all year round.

The best time to visit Rome is during the months of April, May, September and October. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and a beautiful atmosphere for exploring the city.

Summer brings temperatures above 30°C (86°F) and plenty of sunshine. A trip to the sea or an evening gelato provides a welcome relief from the heat.

Winter in Rome is relatively cool and humid but comes with the advantage of fewer tourists, resulting in shorter queues at major attractions. This season offers lower prices for flights and accommodations. Especially in December, the low winter sun casts a unique light over the city, and the pre-Christmas atmosphere is special.

How to get to Rome

By Plane

Rome is served by two main airports, Rome-Fiumicino (FCO) and Rome-Ciampino (CIA). Fiumicino is the larger of the two and acts as the main hub for international flights, while Ciampino is primarily used by low-cost airlines and for domestic flights. Both airports offer good transport links to the city center, allowing you to reach the city quickly and easily.

By Train

Traveling by train is sustainable alternative and can be part of the adventure. Italy boasts an excellent high-speed train network that connects Rome Rome Termini Central Station with most major Italian cities and many European capitals.

By Car

Driving in the city can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking options. Many areas in Rome are ZTL zones, meaning access is restricted or charged for non-residents. Be sure to research parking options and traffic regulations in advance.

Getting around Rome

Buses are the most popular means of public transportation within the city center. The bus network is particularly dense and well-developed in the city center, where the metro does not operate. It provides easy access to the main attractions and neighborhoods. The Metro operates daily between 5:30 AM and 11:30 PM, with extended hours until 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. It's important to validate your ticket before starting your journey.

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History

Rome's grand saga begins as a modest settlement on the Tiber River and ascends to the zenith of imperial dominion. This empire, unmatched in scale, incorporated the entirety of continental Europe west of the Rhine, most of Asia west of the Euphrates, northern Africa, and the islands of the Mediterranean. Rome's foundational story, veiled in legend, tells of its beginning in 753 BC by the twins Romulus and Remus, and over centuries, Rome's dominion expanded significantly, influencing the modern world profoundly, particularly through the Catholic Church and Roman law.

Rome's ascent to power was marked by its military conquests, which brought it into contact with advanced cultures, notably the Greeks, from whom the Romans absorbed art, philosophy, and religion. This cultural amalgamation fueled Rome's societal development . The Republic era, commencing in 509 BC, was characterized by expansion and conflict, notably the Punic Wars against Carthage, which cemented Rome's dominance over the western Mediterranean .

Internal strife during the late Republic saw the rise of influential figures like Julius Caesar, whose assassination led to the establishment of the Roman Empire by his adopted son, Octavian (later Augustus), in 27 BC. This transition marked the start of a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana, during which Rome flourished in art, literature, and governance .

Rome's embrace of conquered peoples into its societal and political framework, a stark contrast to the practices of Greek city-states, was a key to its success as an imperial power. This inclusiveness, coupled with military prowess and political institutions, facilitated Rome's sustained dominance and the integration of Roman culture across its vast territories.

The decline of Rome was gradual, beset by internal corruption, economic troubles, and external pressures, culminating in the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. Yet, the legacy of Rome endures in modern legal systems, languages, the arts, and the very fabric of Western civilization.

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