Locality

Rome is the capital of Italy and the seat of one of the world's longest-lasting empires. It has so many historical attractions, the whole city is like a living museum.

The city is divided into districts. They are named after the seven hills on which is was founded.

The river Tiber runs through the city. One the left bank are the Vatican City and Castel Sant'Angelo. The most famous historical attractions are to be found on the right bank.

History

Rome's history is well known: the seat of one of the major ancient powers in the world whose influence is still felt today. The whole city is full of history: founded on wars, fires, papal disputes and architectural genius.

Attractions

There are over 900 churches to visit in Rome.

The view from the colosseum's upper storey is stunning, also worth a visit are the ornate Santa Maria Maggiore church, Michelango's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, the views of the Forum from Tarpeian Rock, Santa Maria sopra Minerva church with azure ceilings and St Peter's and Piazza San Pietro.

Don't miss throwing a coin into the Trevi fountain, Villa Giula's Etruscan treasures in particular the Cerveteri tombs, the Trastevere Botanical Gardens (which forms an oasis of calm within the city), and the Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps.

Food and Drink

Fried food is popular in Lazio: the Fritti can consist of deep-fried olives, courgette flowers or brains. Another favourite dish is raw fava beans with perocino romano cheese complimented with a crisp white wine.

Romans are very fond of unusual meat cuts such as pig's cheek or oxtail.

Pasta, like the rest of Italy, is also popular, particularly pasta amatriciana, pasta alla gricia, pasta e ceci and spaghetti alla carbonara.

Artichokes are popular in Lazio in dishes such as carciofo alla guidia or carciofo romana.

Spinach is also given special treatment: sauteed with garlic, raisins and pine nuts in the dish spinaci alla romana.

Major airports in the Rome and Lazio region

Rome has two major airports: Ciampino and Fiumicino.