Rome, the capital of Italy is one of the world’s major tourist destinations, receiving an amazing 7-10 million tourists every year. Rome is situated on the banks of the River Tiber, and its attraction for tourists is the incredible amount of interest that can still be found in its numerous historical sites. Rome has a population of over three and a half million, and it contains a separate state, the Vatican City, population just 920. #travel #rome #italy #city #capital 0Bs3et8FYyg

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The monumental complex whose remains lie between the Capitol, the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum and the Palatine. This was the centre of the administration of the Roman Empire, and what strikes the modern day visitor is how small it was. Don’t miss the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Vesta – all along the Via Sacra, the main Roman road through the Forum. (The Forum is open daily from 9am; the ticket is valid for two days and includes entrance to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.) #travel #roman #forum #italy

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The Capitol has remained the nucleus of Roman life for thousands of years. On this southern summit of the Capitoline Hill were the three most important temples in ancient Rome. The Palatine, another historic Roman hill. The Emperors and patrician families lived on the Palatine, which is where, according to legend, Romulus founded Rome in the 8th century BC. Remains of fine villas can be seen here. #travel #italy #rome #capitol #history

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The Colosseum, just east of the Forum was one of the greatest marvels of Roman civilization. This entertainment amphitheatre was begun by Vespasian in A.D. 72 and completed by his son 8 years later. Its 80 entrances could admit 55,000 spectators, all of whom had seats. It is not, in fact, circular, but an ellipse 188m (617ft) long and 156m (512ft) wide. Piazza Venezia (which takes its name from the Palazzo Venezia) is the traffic-heart of Rome. The Victor Emmanuel Monument was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi. #travel #italy #colosseum #amphitheatre #history

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An independent papal state enclosed by Rome, the Vatican has been the residence of the popes since 1377. St. Peter’s Square is by far largest in Rome. The colonnade is the finest work of Bernini. St Peter’s Basilica is the greatest church of Christianity (open from 7am every day, admission free). The Vatican City has 11 museums, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s great ceiling, and the enchanting Vatican Gardens. #travel #rome #italy #vatican #residence

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For a hotel with a view of St Peter’s Square from its roof-terrace, try the 4 star Residenza Paolo VI, five minutes walk from the River Tiber and Castel Sant Angelo. A 2 star hotel still within walking distance from the Castel and St Peter’s is the Angel Hotel. Each room has an ensuite bathroom and air conditioning, and Wifi is free. #travel #italy #rome #hotel #castel

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