The eternal city, caput mundi (Capital of the world) - these are some of the names people use to describe Italy’s capital and the largest city. A unique artistic – historical – religious center of over two thousand years of age, Rome has oft times been likened to Athens (the other great cradle of Western Civilization). Nevertheless, it differs from the Greek city in one very important respect, for the visible remains of Rome’s past are not confined to a single “ historical section”, but rather spread throughout her entire metropolitan area in a vital overlapping of periods and styles. Modern day Rome, sprawling over a huge territory twenty miles from the Mediterranean, encompasses a million face, some of which new (concrete and glass office buildings, housing developments, and mid-day traffic jams). Rome is also a vital cultural center, boasting international universities and research centers, archives of unequaled value. Rome is a blend of grandeur and chaos. The warm, ruddy tints of Baroque patrician mansions jostle with the gleaming travertine and marble columns of the Rome of the Caesars. The spacious sweeps of the piazzas and their welling fountains set-off the swelling grace of Borromini’s church facades and soaring umbrella-pines stand etched against the skyline on the hills surrounding the traffic-filled metropolis.

Places to see in Rome

Enormous Flavian Amphitheatre

The Colosseum also is known as the Flavian Amphitheatre ranks as Rome’s greatest monument and the one which has become the symbol of the Eternal City itself. This enormous architecture is elliptical in shape and could hold up to 50000 people at a time who turned to watch the mock sea battles, tournaments and games of all kinds in which death played a prominent part. This stone and concrete structure was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire and is considered as the greatest architectural and engineering feats of the Romans. Back in 2007, The Colosseum became one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

An impressive archeological ruins

An impressive sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was for centuries the site of the city’s most important public buildings, was a showpiece center of the ancient Rome. It is a monumental district of temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces. The site, originally a marshy burial ground, over the time became a social, political and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. Signature sights include the Arco di Settimio Severo, the Curia, the Tempio di Saturno, and the Arco di Tito. The Roman Forum is seen as the greatest sign of the opulence of the Roman Empire. It is one of the most beautiful places in the city, where you can stroll amidst the ruins and cannot get bored.

Water delight in the Eternal city

The Trevi Fountain is an ostentatious baroque ensemble of mythical figures and wild horses taking up the entire side of the 17th-century Palazzo Poli. An imposing figure of the God Oceanus riding a gigantic seashell drawn by the seahorses dominates the elaborate naturalistic- architectural setting in which other figures (tritons) loll among the rocks. There is a myth that surrounds the Trevi fountains. You might have heard of people throwing coins in the fountain and clicking photos of themselves. The myth goes like this:

·If you throw one coin, you will return to Rome
·If you throw two coins, you will fall in love with an Italian
·If you throw three coins, you will marry the person that you met.
Well it looks absurd but people believe it and interestingly, on average, about €3000 is thrown in every day. Well, when you visit Rome the next time make sure you follow this tradition, who knows it may come true. To drink the beauty of this magnificent fountain visit in the evening when it is beautifully lit and one can appreciate the foaming beauty.

Trip to the ancient temple

Pantheon, a remarkable 2,000-year-old domed building was a Roman temple back then but now is converted into a church. Pantheon is one of the best preserved ancient architecture of Rome. In ancient times, it was a burial place for all of the Italian kings, queens, and artists. The real fascination of the Pantheon lies in its massive dome. It is a must-watch monument in the city of Rome.

Apart from these enormous monuments, one can also visit Piazza Navona, a charming and popular square with three fountains in Rome; Capitoline Hill and Museums; Palatine Hill, one of the spectacular sights in Rome surrounded with nature which gives some unforgettable views to the tourists.

Satisfy your tummy with delicious Italian cuisine

Eating out in Rome is one of the great pleasures as one can devour themselves with the best Italian delicacies out there. If you are looking for a sophisticated dinner, go into the best dine-in restaurants in Rome. If you are looking for more fun and local Roman cuisine head to the pizzeria and you will have your mouth watered by just seeing the names of these delicacies. You will find yourself in the world of thin, crispy pizzas, humble pasta dishes, and cool white wines from the nearby Castelli Romani hills. To finish your meal, grab a cup of gelato and a shot of coffee.

Pack your bags and get ready to visit the see the haunting yet beautiful ruins, inspiring art, experience the street life on the streets of one of the most charismatic cities in the world.

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