Rome is the capital city of Italy located in the central Lazio region. It has a population of over 2.7 million people and was historically the center of the Roman Empire from 27 BC to 476 AD. Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate and is renowned for its architecture, art, history and as the home of the Vatican City and the Catholic Church. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Europe.

1. Rome

2. Fast FactsCapital of Italy (Roma)2.7ml residents in 1,285.3 km2 (496.3 sq mi)3rd most visited tourist destination in the EUA hub of history, culture and religionHistorical center of the Roman EmpireHome of the VaticanRenowned for its architecture, art and cuisineAn Unesco World Heritage site2

3. Climate & When to VisitRome enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate

4. Best times to visit: April to June, Mid-September to Oct Table: Wikipedia:Rome3

5. History of Rome - 14According to tradition founded by the twins Romulus and Remus on 21 April 753 BCBecame the capital of the Roman empire (27 BC – 476 AD), and thus the largest, richest and most important city in the Western worldDeclined into ruins after the collapse of the Roman empire, but then became the capital of the “Papal States” (756-1870) under the rule of Pope Grew from pastoral settlement into a kingdom and later a senate-governed republic (510 BC) Made into center of the Catholic church under Constantine I. The bishop of Rome became known as “Pope” (father)

6. History of Rome - 25Turned into a center of Renaissance in the 2nd half of the 15th century (Notable artists include Michelangelo, Raphael, Ghirlandaio and Botticelli)Post WW-I turned into the sit of power of facist self-declared emperor Bennito MussoliniAnnexed into the kingdom of Italy in 1870 and declared capitalRecovered and grew quickly as part of the Italian post WW-II reconstruction and modernization.

7. LocationRome is in the Lazio region of central Italy on the Tiber river (Italian: Tevere)It is divided into 19 administrative areas, called municipi or municipalitiesMost tourist attractions are within municipi 16

8. Rome City Center7The historic centre is divided into 22 rioni, all of which are located within the Aurelian Walls except Prati and Borgo.

9. Top Attractions - 18Vatican CityReserve at least half a day to see the impressive St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums containing the largest collection of art in Rome and off course Michelangelo’s ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Colosseum (Colosseo)This massive marble amphitheatre (A.D. 72-80) was built to accommodate 50,000 spectators. While in ruins it is well preserved and impressive . Address: Piazza del ColosseoOpen daily 8:30 am to one hour before sunsetCapitoline Hill & Museums At the top of Capitoline Hill (one of the seven hills of Rome )you’ll find the Piazza del Campidoglio surrounded by Medieval and Renaissance palaces now housing some of Rome’s finest art and archeology museums.Galleria BorgheseThis gallery housed in the Villa Borghese Pinciana amidst beautiful gardens, features a rich collection of historic art and. Some of Rome’s best city views are within walking distance from the gardens.

10. Top Attractions - 29Spanish StepsThe Scalinata di Spagna steps extending from the vibrant and elegant Piazza di Spagna to the scenic Franciscan Church of Trinita dei Monti. At the foot of the steps is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House and the area around them offers designer shops, restaurants and bars. PantheonThe best-preserved monument of imperial Rome this former pagan temple (120 AD) later converted into a church is dedicated to the seven planetary divinities and features some fabulous marble.Piazza dellaRotonda. Mon-Sat 8:30-7:30; Sun. 9-6Trevi FountainDesigned by Nicola Salvi and built between 1732-62, this is probably the most photographed fountain in Rome. The story goes that if you throw in a coin, you will return to Rome. It's a truly impressive piece of art and at night it is floodlight and looks magnificent.Piazza NavonaThis lovely piazza , the most famous Baroque squre in Rome, has at its central focus Bernini’s spectacular fountain, La Fontana deiFiumi erected in 1651.

11. Money and CostsThe currency is Euro (1Euro = 100 Cent)International credit cards are generally acceptedATMs accept international Visa and MasterCard cards Travelers cheques accepted in banks and exchange shops10% tip expected in restaurants (unless already included) Leave small change in bars; No tips in taxisTypical high-season costs:Double room @ 3 star hotel: €80 to €300Sit-down meal in city center: €18-€30Museum admission: €8 to €13Public transport day-pass: €410

12. Where to Stay? Wide range of accommodationsCity-center hotels are bestLocation, convenienceBut, off course pricierand often located in old buildings – expect cramped rooms and so-so air-conCheaper more spacious rooms are available outside city center Budget hotels and pensions(Pensioni) can be found around the train station - Stazione Termini11

13. Food & DrinkTraditional Roman cooking:Uses common seasonal ingredients Simple and delicious – Pastas, Pizza, Meats…Strong-flavored and overflowing with dressingsClassic dishes include: bruschetta, spaghetti alla carbonara, bucatini all'amatriciana, saltimbocca alla romana, costolette d'abbacchioWine is generally consumed with the foodCoffee (espresso, cappuccino, etc) is cheap, strong and refinedtry the local TazzaD’oro and Lavazza brands12BucatiniallaAmatriciana

14. Facts for TravelersElectricity220V/50HzCEE 7/16 Europlug (round pins) Dangers and AnnoyancesRome is a safe cityViolent crime against tourists are very rareIt’s generally safe to walk about the city center at nightBeware of pickpocketsEspecially at tourist attractions 13

15. Photo CreditsSPQR / S. Solberg J. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_arms_of_Rome.svgMap of Rome historic center and its rioni / AlessioDamato, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roma_rioni_mappa.pngColloseum / David Iliffhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Colosseum_in_Rome,_Italy_-_April_2007.jpglicensed under the Creative CommonsAttribution ShareAlike 2.5 License. In short: you are free to share and make derivative works of the file under the conditions that you appropriately attribute it, and that you distribute it only under a license identical to this one. Official licenseSpanish Steps – Keith, http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wfv8_YbasGefz4XU5JmTXwEuro coins / Ssolbergj - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Euro_coins_version_II.pngEuro banknotes / Andrew Netzler - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Euro_banknotes.pngBucatiniallaAmatriciana / MMChicago - http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmchicago/506733130/Espresso and napolitains / Sandstein - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Espresso_and_napolitains.jpg14

16. Photo CreditsVirgin and Child with Saints Michael and Joseph/ Garofalo, BenvenutoTisi - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Garofalo_cat01.jpgThe Pantheon in Roma / Maros M r a z - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pantheon_panorama,_Rome_-_5.jpgTrevi Fountain / Bodow - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rom_fountain_of_Trevi.jpgPiazza Navona / David Paul Ohmer - http://www.flickr.com/photos/the-o/2183882298/in/photostream/statue of the emperor Augustus / FollowTheMedia (original author: Till.niermann) - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Statue-Augustus_white_background.jpgMichelangelo's David / Rico Heil - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:David_von_Michelangelo.jpgRoma. View from the air / Oliver-Bonjoch - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Roma_dall%27aereo.JPG15