About
Rome is the capital of Italy and sits in the region of Lazio, in the heart of Europe. It was once the centre of the Roman Empire, and it is still known as the Eternal City, a name it has carried for a long time. For a visitor, it offers a dense layering of ancient, religious and everyday life within one city.
What to see
- The Colosseum, one of the city's best-known landmarks, a reminder of the empire at its height.
- Vatican City, a separate sovereign state set within Rome, and a major destination in its own right.
- The Trevi Fountain, a celebrated stop for anyone wandering the historic centre.
Planning a visit
Rome suits a visit of several days, since its landmarks are spread across the city and each deserves time. Walking between neighbourhoods is one of the pleasures of the place, as ancient ruins, churches and squares appear around nearly every corner. Because the city draws large numbers of visitors to its best-known sites, it helps to allow for queues and to plan your days around the places you most want to see.
Whether you come for the history of the empire, the art of the Vatican, or simply the experience of an old capital in daily use, Rome rewards unhurried exploration.