Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Welcome to Rome
History, human genius and the hot midday sun have conspired
to make Rome one of the world's most seductive and thrilling
cities.
Artistic Grandeur
With an artistic heritage dating back to Etruscan times, Rome is one of the world's great art
cities. Throughout history, it has played a starring role in the major upheavals of Western
art and the results are here for all to see - amazing classical statues, stunning Renaissance
frescoes and breathtaking baroque churches. Walk around the centre and even without try-
ing you'll come across masterpieces by the greats of the artistic pantheon - sculptures by
Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael and fountains by Bernini. In
Rome, art is not locked away from view, it's quite literally all around you.
Historical Legacies
For much of its history Rome has been at the centre of world events. First, as
caput mundi
(capital of the world), the fearsome hub of the Roman Empire, then for centuries as the seat
of papal power. It was a city that counted and this is writ large on its historic streets - mar-
tial ruins recall ancient glories, stately
palazzi
(mansions) evoke Renaissance intrigue and
towering basilicas testify to artistic genius and papal ambition. Elsewhere, underground
temples, buried houses and
maddonelle
(roadside shrines) tell of past lives and local be-
liefs.
Roman Feasting
A trip to Rome is as much about lapping up the lifestyle as it is about gorging on art and
historic sights. And there's no better way of getting into the local spirit of things than by
eating and drinking well. Food and wine are central to Roman social life and the hundreds
of pizzerias, trattorias, restaurants and gelaterie that crowd the city centre do as much busi-
ness catering to locals as to tourists and out-of-towners. Do as the Romans do, says the pro-
verb, and there's nothing more Roman than enjoying a tasty wood-fired pizza in a packed
pizzeria or dining alfresco on a glorious city-centre piazza.
