Rome is the capital city of Italy located in the central Lazio region. It has a population of over 2.7 million people and was historically the center of the Roman Empire from 27 BC to 476 AD. Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is renowned for its architecture, art, history and as the home of the Vatican City and the Catholic Church. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe.

1. Rome

2. Fast Facts Capital of Italy (Roma) 2.7ml residents in 1,285.3 km2 (496.3 sq mi) 3rd most visited tourist destination in the EU A hub of history, culture and religion Historical center of the Roman Empire Home of the Vatican Renowned for its architecture, art and cuisine An Unesco World Heritage site 2

4. Best times to visit: April to June, Mid-September to Oct Table: Wikipedia:Rome 3

5. History of Rome - 1 4 According to tradition founded by the twins Romulus and Remus on 21 April 753 BC Became the capital of the Roman empire (27 BC – 476 AD), and thus the largest, richest and most important city in the Western world Declined into ruins after the collapse of the Roman empire, but then became the capital of the “Papal States” (756-1870) under the rule of Pope Grew from pastoral settlement into a kingdom and later a senate-governed republic (510 BC) Made into center of the Catholic church under Constantine I. The bishop of Rome became known as “Pope” (father)

6. History of Rome - 2 5 Turned into a center of Renaissance in the 2nd half of the 15th century (Notable artists include Michelangelo, Raphael, Ghirlandaio and Botticelli) Post WW-I turned into the sit of power of facist self-declared emperor Bennito Mussolini Annexed into the kingdom of Italy in 1870 and declared capital Recovered and grew quickly as part of the Italian post WW-II reconstruction and modernization.

7. Location Rome is in the Lazio region of central Italy on the Tiber river (Italian: Tevere) It is divided into 19 administrative areas, called municipi or municipalities Most tourist attractions are within municipi 1 6

8. Rome City Center 7 The historic centre is divided into 22 rioni, all of which are located within the Aurelian Walls except Prati and Borgo.

9. Top Attractions - 1 8 Vatican CityReserve at least half a day to see the impressive St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums containing the largest collection of art in Rome and off course Michelangelo’s ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Colosseum (Colosseo) This massive marble amphitheatre (A.D. 72-80) was built to accommodate 50,000 spectators. While in ruins it is well preserved and impressive . Address: Piazza del ColosseoOpen daily 8:30 am to one hour before sunset Capitoline Hill & Museums At the top of Capitoline Hill (one of the seven hills of Rome )you’ll find the Piazza del Campidoglio surrounded by Medieval and Renaissance palaces now housing some of Rome’s finest art and archeology museums. Galleria BorgheseThis gallery housed in the Villa Borghese Pinciana amidst beautiful gardens, features a rich collection of historic art and. Some of Rome’s best city views are within walking distance from the gardens.

10. Top Attractions - 2 9 Spanish StepsThe Scalinata di Spagna steps extending from the vibrant and elegant Piazza di Spagna to the scenic Franciscan Church of Trinita dei Monti. At the foot of the steps is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House and the area around them offers designer shops, restaurants and bars. PantheonThe best-preserved monument of imperial Rome this former pagan temple (120 AD) later converted into a church is dedicated to the seven planetary divinities and features some fabulous marble. Piazza dellaRotonda. Mon-Sat 8:30-7:30; Sun. 9-6 Trevi FountainDesigned by Nicola Salvi and built between 1732-62, this is probably the most photographed fountain in Rome. The story goes that if you throw in a coin, you will return to Rome. It's a truly impressive piece of art and at night it is floodlight and looks magnificent. Piazza NavonaThis lovely piazza , the most famous Baroque squre in Rome, has at its central focus Bernini’s spectacular fountain, La Fontana deiFiumi erected in 1651.

11. Money and Costs The currency is Euro (1Euro = 100 Cent) International credit cards are generally accepted ATMs accept international Visa and MasterCard cards Travelers cheques accepted in banks and exchange shops 10% tip expected in restaurants (unless already included) Leave small change in bars; No tips in taxis Typical high-season costs: Double room @ 3 star hotel: €80 to €300 Sit-down meal in city center: €18-€30 Museum admission: €8 to €13 Public transport day-pass: €4 10

12. Where to Stay? Wide range of accommodations City-center hotels are best Location, convenience But, off course pricier and often located in old buildings – expect cramped rooms and so-so air-con Cheaper more spacious rooms are available outside city center Budget hotels and pensions(Pensioni) can be found around the train station - Stazione Termini 11

13. Food & Drink Traditional Roman cooking: Uses common seasonal ingredients Simple and delicious – Pastas, Pizza, Meats… Strong-flavored and overflowing with dressings Classic dishes include: bruschetta, spaghetti alla carbonara, bucatini all'amatriciana, saltimbocca alla romana, costolette d'abbacchio Wine is generally consumed with the food Coffee (espresso, cappuccino, etc) is cheap, strong and refined try the local TazzaD’oro and Lavazza brands 12 BucatiniallaAmatriciana

14. Facts for Travelers Electricity 220V/50Hz CEE 7/16 Europlug (round pins) Dangers and Annoyances Rome is a safe city Violent crime against tourists are very rare It’s generally safe to walk about the city center at night Beware of pickpockets Especially at tourist attractions 13

15. Photo Credits SPQR / S. Solberg J. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_arms_of_Rome.svg Map of Rome historic center and its rioni / AlessioDamato, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roma_rioni_mappa.png Colloseum / David Iliffhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Colosseum_in_Rome,_Italy_-_April_2007.jpg licensed under the Creative CommonsAttribution ShareAlike 2.5 License. In short: you are free to share and make derivative works of the file under the conditions that you appropriately attribute it, and that you distribute it only under a license identical to this one. Official license Spanish Steps – Keith, http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wfv8_YbasGefz4XU5JmTXw Euro coins / Ssolbergj - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Euro_coins_version_II.png Euro banknotes / Andrew Netzler - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Euro_banknotes.png BucatiniallaAmatriciana / MMChicago - http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmchicago/506733130/ Espresso and napolitains / Sandstein - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Espresso_and_napolitains.jpg 14

16. Photo Credits Virgin and Child with Saints Michael and Joseph/ Garofalo, BenvenutoTisi - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Garofalo_cat01.jpg The Pantheon in Roma / Maros M r a z - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pantheon_panorama,_Rome_-_5.jpg Trevi Fountain / Bodow - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rom_fountain_of_Trevi.jpg Piazza Navona / David Paul Ohmer - http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-o/2183882298/in/photostream/ statue of the emperor Augustus / FollowTheMedia (original author: Till.niermann) - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Statue-Augustus_white_background.jpg Michelangelo's David / Rico Heil - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:David_von_Michelangelo.jpg Roma. View from the air / Oliver-Bonjoch - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roma_dall%27aereo.JPG 15

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