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Rome TourRome is the capital of Italy and of the Lazio region. It's the famed city of the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita, Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain. Its Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The VaticanIt has been the Popes' residence since 1377. In fact, before the Pontifical Court was transfered to Avignon (1309-1377), the Papal seal was at the Lateran (in Rome). Since 1377, 265 Popes have followed each other uninterruptdedly on St. Peter throne. Vatican City is an indipendent State ruled by the Pope. Saint Peter's Square |
 The History of RomeThe history of Rome goes back about three thousand years. It is one of the oldest and most important cities in the world. Latin, which has its origins in Rome, has dominated culture for two thousand years: law, born in Rome, has inspired Western law codes: art and Roman architectural styles have been used as models for centuries in the most advanced countries. The influence of this city, first as the centre of the Roman Empire, then as the centre of Christianity, has no equal in the history of the Western world. Its beginnings, however, are mysterious. Its very name is on enigma: does it derive from "stroma" (city of the river), from "ruma" (an Etruscan name), or from the legendary Romulus, who might have founded the city with his brothel Remus? This much is certain; Rome originated on the Palatine Hill as a village of shepherds and farmers, and entered history around 753 BC, the traditional date of its founding. At first it was governed by seven kings; Romans and Sabines intermingled and for o few centuries the city was dominated by its neighbours, the mysterious Etruscans. The Etruscans were later chased from the city and in 509 BC the city become a Republic governed by two consuls. At first aristocratic, Republican Rome adopted a harsh form of democracy and established in 494 BC the Tribune of the People, who defended the people against abuse at the hands of those holding power. In the meantime, Rome's political importance was increasing. By 270 BC virtually the whole of Italy was under Roman dominion which very quickly extended its power beyond the boundaries of the peninsula until it became a huge empire. Under Augustus, the first emperor, imperial Rome reached its zenith, after which started a slow decadence: corrupt emperors (Nero, Caligula, Claudius), the spread of Christianity, the very size or the Empire, the enormous costs of the armies, the pressure of the barbarians along its frontiers. In 313 AD Constantine acknowledged Christianity as a valid religion and Theodosius in 380 AD proclaimed it as the one and only religion of the Empire. Now the barbarians were closing in: first Alaric then Attila ransacked Rome which consequently was reduced to a minor city in the eastern Byzantine empire By installing himself in St. Peter's See, the in creasingly powerful Pope made Rome the centre of Christianity. In 800 AD when the Pope crowned Charlemagne emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, it seemed as though the old grandeur was revived again. It was on illusion. Rome was to witness the long struggle between the papacy and the feudal nobles, and above all between the Pope and the Emperor (struggle for investiture) which gave her historical importance but also left her weakened. In 1305 the Pope was forced to transfer the papal seal of Christianity to Avignon where it remained until 1367. There now followed two difficult centuries (until the imperial sock of Rome in 1527), but meanwhile the papacy was growing in power and splendour both in art and culture. Popes such as Julius II and Leo X created the great Renaissance and Baroque Rome by commissioning monuments and works of art of unusual splendour to artists such as Michelangelo, Bramante, Raphael. The architects Bernini and Borromini built splendid palaces and churches in response to the Protestant Reformation. Baroque Rome with its fountains, gardens and palaces, is one of the high-lights of Western culture. Now begins a new age: at the end of the 18th century the influence of the French Revolution mode itself felt; Pius VI was deported to France and the short-lived Roman Republic was established. After the Restoration, Napoleon weakened the papacy. It resurged under Pius II who regained temporal power. Because of the Risorgimento, the Pope was once more forced to flee, and the Republic of the Mozzinian Triumvirate was established. On the 20th of September Italian troops entered Rome, thus putting an end to the temporal power of the Pope and Rome become the new capital of Italy. For half a century there was a cold war between the papacy and the Italian state, ending with the lateran Pact in 1929 by which date Fascism had taken over. The Pope is now once more the head of Christianity and the head of the smallest state in the world: the Vatican City. Mussolini's Fascist rule tried to bring back to Rome the glories or its antique splendours by demolishing edifices, building avenues, stadiums and monuments. The war, the invasion of Rome by the Germans, the heroic resistance of the Romans and the end of the monarchy, mark the birth of the new Italian Republic. After World War II, Rome has seen; urban growth, increase in population, the years of the "Dolce Vito" (when Rome was capital of ihe world-renowned Italian cinema) and political problems. It is now preparing itself for the new great world event, the Jubilee of the year 2000. |
It was designed by architect Giovanni de' Dolci for Sixtus IV, in 1470. The frescoes that decorate it were begun in 1481. In 1508 Julius II asked Michelangelo to paint the Chapel's vault. The gigantic task was begun in 1508 and finished in 1512, twenty-three years before the great artist began the "Last Judgment". The restauration of the Chapel begun in 1980. The project was completed in ten years, bringing the frescoes back to their original splendours.
At the time of the Romans it was called Mole Adriana, from the name of Emperor Elius Adrianus (second century A.D.) who wanted it as his tomb. It was later transformed into a forteress and then into a castle. In the thirteenth century the Papal State look control over it. The Popes often found shelter in the castle in war times. Many important diplomatic meetings took place inside its walls, but it was also notorious for the instruments of torture located in its prisons.
Its real name is "Flavian Amphitheatre".
It is the most famous place in ancient Rome. 
- Piazza Venezia
Capitol Square was designed by Michelangelo in 1534.
It is the only pagan temple in classical style still almost intact in Rome.
Also called Circo Angolate, it is one of the largest and more beautiful squares in Rome.