Rome is vibrant city with a long history of war and conquests, trailblazing architecture and politics that has left a rich heritage and splendid monuments as a reminder of what was.
According to legend, Rome was founded as an Etruscan village in 753 BC by Romulus, one of the two brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf. Within a few centuries, Rome became a republic with officials elected by citizens, leading to the rise of the great Roman Empire.
Rome, the capital of Italy, is located in the Lazio region of Italy's Mezzogiorno (midday) or center, toward the south. A half-hour from the Tyrrhenian sea, the city is split by the Tevere River, and has mild Mediterranean winters and hot summers.
Rome is served by the international Leonardo da Vinci airport that connects to the city with trains and taxis. Additionally, the city boasts numerous train stations connecting to the rest of the country and Europe, beginning with the Termini station.
Budget travelers will find numerous youth hostels next to the Termini train station and throughout the city. Pensioni, or bed and breakfasts, are the next step up, and luxury five-star hotels such as the Excelsior offer an elegant Italian experience.
Famous landmarks in Rome include the remains of the Roman Empire such as the Coliseum, arch of Constantine, Pantheon and Roman Forum. Renaissance and Baroque Rome offers Piazza Navona, the Spanish steps, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Rome is a city of 3 million, but most of the monuments are located within the historic district. The city offers bus routes and three subway lines, and tickets can be purchased at newsstands or automated machines.
