Rome, the 'Eternal City', was the hub of the Roman Empire for centuries and remains the centre of the Catholic world.
St Peter's Square leads to the Baroque St Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro), whose dome towers over the entire city. As well as housing many works of art, St Peter's Basilica is also the final resting place of the Apostle Peter. Adjacent to the basilica are the Vatican Museums, which house a large art collection ranging from antiquity to the Renaissance, and the Sistine Chapel, which features Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes depicting the Creation and the Last Judgement. However, the Pope's cathedral and the seat of the Diocese of Rome is the Baroque Church of San Giovanni in Laterano.
The Roman Forum was once the political, religious and economic centre of ancient Rome. Even today, the ruins of temples and triumphal arches breathe life into the city's history. The well-preserved Pantheon boasts an architecturally perfect dome with a light-flooded 'oculus'. It is the final resting place of famous Romans. The Colosseum (Colosseo) was built in the 1st century AD to host gladiatorial combats and public spectacles. It could hold 50,000 spectators.
The Ponte Sant'Angelo, which is adorned with statues of angels, leads to Castel Sant'Angelo, an ancient mausoleum built for Emperor Hadrian which was later used as a fortress and papal residence. The Spanish Steps connect the Piazza di Spagna with the church of Trinità dei Monti above. As well as offering a relaxed atmosphere, they provide a good view of the bustling Via Condotti. The magnificent Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the ultimate tourist attraction. Throwing a coin into the fountain is said to ensure a return visit to Rome. Michelangelo designed the Piazza del Campidoglio on the Capitoline Hill, which is surrounded by palaces and museums.
The Villa Borghese is a large park containing gardens, lakes and walking paths. The Galleria Borghese houses works of art by Caravaggio, Bernini and other artists. The white Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, dedicated to a united Italy, is visible from afar in Piazza Venezia. Several major streets lead to the Piazza del Popolo, which features a central obelisk flanked by twin churches.
In Rome, there are countless bars where you can enjoy an espresso and a cornetto in the morning, as well as trattorias serving simple dishes, which cater for your physical well-being. In the evening, the restaurants and bars in Campo dei Fiori offer a convivial atmosphere after the daily market stalls have closed. The charming Trastevere district, located across the Tiber, captivates visitors with its winding alleys, authentic restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Outside Rome, we relaxed on a day trip to San Marinella, a beach resort on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
