ITALY - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 357

Base City: ROME (Roma)
www.turismoroma.it
City Dialing Code: 06
Italians refer lovingly to Rome as the “Eternal City.” In the days of the Caesars, all
roads led to Rome. Today, the same may be said of Italian State Railways.
No one knows exactly when people first started living along the Tiber River where
Rome developed. Archaeologists continue to find evidence of still earlier civiliza-
tions than that of the Romans buried under those remains they have already iden-
tified. Etruscans ruled the area long before the Romans. Remains of that earlier
Mediterranean civilization continue to be discovered in and around Rome.
Rome has already had two periods of greatness in the civilized world, each of
which had a significant impact. Two thousand years ago, Rome ruled a good part of
Europe and the Middle East. Rome contributed roads, architecture, art, law, literat-
ure, and political experience to the entire area.
Conquered by barbarians during the fifth century A.D. , the city managed to remain
the home of the popes, and through them and their armies, political power was re-
gained. During the Renaissance, Rome again became a great center of art and
learning. Since 1870, when Italian troops captured the city from Pope Pius IX, Rome
has been the capital of Italy.
Readers considering “open jaw” (arrive in one European city, depart from another)
air transportation to and from Europe should give serious consideration to Rome
as either their entry or exit point. For example, in the spring, enter Europe through
Rome and wend your way northward as the weather improves. Leave from Amster-
dam. In autumn, reverse the procedure. Follow those lingering fall days southward
from Amsterdam to Rome. By planning a rail vacation itinerary in this manner, you
can assure yourself of having more moderate weather.
As a matter of fact, the average daily temperatures of Amsterdam and Rome vary
by 10 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit—Rome's, of course, being the higher. So, when
in Rome, do as the Romans do—move north as the mercury soars in the summer,
south again when it begins to sink.
Arriving by Air