Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City.
Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman legions swept outward, conquering much of the known world. With Rome's establishment as capital of the Western world, a new ascent to glory began.
Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafe's and elegant shops, is one of the world's most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous monuments is the Coliseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways imagine the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combat between muscled gladiators and ferocious animals. Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di Trevi.
Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Join the many visitors who stand in awe of St. Peter''s Basilica, Christendom's most magnificent church, and admire the timeless masterpiece of Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. An extensive beautification program prior to the Millennium celebration has restored and cleaned churches, palaces, museums and piazzas. Many of the streets, squares and public spaces have been turned into pedestrian areas, which causes additional strain on traffic conditions. Guests visiting Rome must be aware that traffic and parking problems may cause delays.
