Rome

The most famous city of thehistory, Rome was called in the past as “Caput Mundi” the capitalof the world. It is nowadays known as the most beautiful city of theworld.

It was capital of the ancient Romanempire for about one thousand years, it was funded around theyear 700 b.C. (according to the tradition it was the 21^stof April of the year 753 b.C.) and in a few centuries had a quick andwide expansion up to cover all Europe. Rome's best phase was duringthe Imperial period since 27 b.C. with the Emperor Augusto, GiulioCesare's son. In this period Rome's expansion touched countries innorth Africa or Middle East, close to the borders to India, in factin many parts of Europe we can still find signs of the Romancivilisation.

The fall of the Roman empire came afterthe heavy Barbarian invasions since 455 A.d. These were peoplefrom the north of Europe and their strength and violence led Rome tothe end.

But Rome's history continues during themiddle ages when the city was chosen as host of the Pope and capitalof the Christian world. Vatican City, a little state entirelybuilt inside Rome, still attracts peoples from all around the world. TheSan Peter basilica, built in the 16^th century, is doubtlessly the symbol of the Christianity of Rome and the Vatican.

In the course of time artists and architects kept on decorating the city with palaces and works in a baroque style during the 17^th century and in aneoclassical style during the following century. These works madeRome unique in the world.

In 1870 Rome became the capital ofItaly that had united just a decade before that. The city, whichhosts all the main political and economic institutions of the state,is today the most important Italian goal for visitors of all theworld that wish to enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient empire thanksto works such as the Roman Forum (Foro Romano), the Colosseum(Colosseo) now symbol of the city, many ancient palaces that remindthe beauty of the baroque and the Popes' age.

Rome has also a large number ofwonderful squares decorated with monuments that make it fascinatingand unique, such as Piazza di Spagna, Piazza del Popolo orPiazza Navona, the ideal scenario for a walk or a nice cup of coffee,or Trevi Square with its wonderful fountain built in 1732.

The art of Rome doesn't end in streetsor squares but many museums contribute to add value to its greatness.

Rome today is also fashion and luxury,the famous shops in Via Condotti that pay homage to the great Italianhigh fashion or the most famous hotels give the city an elegant look.

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