Leisureinrome.com - Rome

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It is one of the most beautiful and romantic places of the world, otherwise known as the “eternal city”, and its monument witness its 27 centuries of history, from the original foundation in 753 B.C to modern times.
Rome is a large city but the historic center is relatively small. Most of the city’s attractions lie within the area , defined by the 406 km (252 miles) River Tiber to the west, the gardens of Villa Borghese to the north, Stazione Termini (Rome’s central train station) to the east and the Roman Forum to the south.
As the capital of Italy, Rome has a population of 2.5 milion people. Attractions range from hundreds of fountains fed by ancient aqueducts, to many museums, churches, ancient palaces, statues and squares.
But Rome is also known for its streets full of shops and boutiques: from Via del Babuino to Via Ripetta, from Via del Corso to Via Frattina, from Via Condotti to Via Veneto with its chic Cafès to Piazza di Spagna with its famous Spanish steps.

Historical and cultural attractions: art, archeology:
The Roman forum was the political and economic center from its inception around 600 BC, to its abandonment due to disuse around 400 AD.Set in a valley between four of Rome’s famous seven hills, the Forum still houses the Curia, which was a meeting point for the Senate, and the Imperial Rostra, where great orators addressed the public.
The Pantheon, which literally means “All the Gods” was originally built as a Roman Temple and later on it acted out the role of a church. It remains entirely intact more than 2000 years after its erection and is the only great Roman building to do so.
The exact date of construction of Circus Maximum isn’t known, but has been narrowed down to 600 BC. Able to seat as many as 250000 spectators, its 620 m (2037 ft) track held charging chariots and wild animal exhibitions to the delight of the crowd.
The Colosseum is probably the most recognizable and impressive structure remainig from the datys of gladiators who dueled each other, the odd lion, or, other equally deadly beasts. The Colosseum was built beetween 70 and 80 AD, but the architect(s) are unknown. It held 50000 people and had 80 entrances and exits.
St. Peter basilica was designed by Giacomo Porta and covers an area of 23000 sq. m (247,480 sq. ft). Its construction began in 1506 and was not completed until 1626. Michelangelo became the chief architect in 1546, designing the massive cupola and leaving behind several priceless works of art such as “La Pietà” a sculpture of the Madonna cradling her son after the crucifixion, and the fabulous “Sistine Chapel”. The square out front of the Basilica was designed by Bernini and was constructed between 1656 and 1667.
Trevi fountain celebrates the end of Rome’s still functioning aqueducts. Originally commissioned to in 1629 to Bernini, the project was abandoned because of Pope Urban VIII’s death and not completed until 1762 by Nicola Salvi. The theme is the “taming of the waters” and depicts Neptune valiantly attempting to tame wild seahorses.
The 135 Spanish steps were built between 1721 and 1725 with french funds and lead down to one of the most chic shopping districts in the World, Piazza di Spagna, and up to the church of Trinità dei Monti.
Bernini’s Piazza Navona displays the spectacular Baroque triumphant architecture shown in Rome. It boasts three exceptional fountains, one of which has been deemed his best works, the “Fontana dei Fiumi” (1651). The church of Sant’Agnese in Agone also stands in the square.

Museums:
Aside from the world-famous Vatican Museums, Rome has several other houses of history to visit.
The Museum of Roman Civilization features a scale model of Rome at the height of its power, near the end of the Empire.

The National Etruscan Museum is where you can find several artefacts from the ancient times of the Etruscans, with one of the most valued treasures: a bride and broom’s coffin dated back to 600 BC.
Housed in the 15th century palace of Princess Cornelia Costanza Barberini and Prince Giulio Cesare Colonna di Sciarra, the National Gallery of Ancient Arts houses paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio (Michelangelo Merisi) , its second floor has “Rococò” apartments retained in their original glory .

The Municipal Gallery of Modern Art’s collection is comprised of 19th and 20th century works by Italian artists like Boccioni and International artists such as Degas, Monet, Vangogh and Pollock.

The great treasures of the Borghese Gallery are the works of Raphael, Titian, Correggio, some fine Caravaggio's; among the impressive sculptures; the young Bernini's "David" and "Apollo and Daphne" that excel any of the antique ones, as well as Canova's celebrated rendering of "Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix".

Finally the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia pays homage to its roots. The Palazzo Venezia played the role of the Austrian Embassy until the end of the First World War and shortly after became home to Mussolini’s fascist regime and the seat of the Italian government.

Transportation in Rome:
Rome's buses, trams, subway and suburban railways are part of an integrated system run by ATAC and Metrebus tickets cover all forms of transport ( see www.atac.it). Buy before you board though; there are hefty fines if you don't.
The city's Metro service (which is convenient for many of Rome's sights) has two lines, both of which go through Termini.
Line A This line leads from Battistini (north side) to Anagnina (south side). The A line will take you to the Trevi Fountain (Barberini stop), the basilica of St. Giovanni (S.Giovanni stop), Spanish Steps (Spagna stop), Piazza del Popolo square (Flaminio stop) and the Vatican (Ottaviano stop). Useful stations for tourists.
Line B This line runs from Laurentina (west side) to Rebibbia (east side). The A line will take you to the Colosseum (Colosseo stop), the Basilica of San Paolo and the Circus Maximus.