"The Eternal City" Rome by fishandchips

Rome Travel Guide: 11,940 reviews and 26,470 photos

History 101

Rome and its seven hills is one of the most fascinating places in the world to visit. After Romulas and Rhemus had a bit of a falling out and a fight for the city (after being succled by a she-wolf) Romulas came out on top a the city was given his name. The birthplace of one of the greatest ever empires and home to a huge number of highly fashionable motor scooter riders Rome just never sleeps. It may come as a surprise to many it wasn't until 1861 that Rome was declared the capital of the newly established Kingdom of Italy. The Vatican still remains its own city state.

Religion & all that

Benny out for a spin

Rome has the Vatican city in its heart in more ways than one. The Vatican city encompases St Peters, the largest church in the world and the Vatican museum with buildings and a fabulous square. The current Pope Benedict is the first German pope in a few years and looks set to continue a more hardline Roman Catholic view. When Benny is in Rome, he gives a public audience every Wednesday beginning at 10:30am (sometimes at 10am in summer). It takes place in the Paul VI Hall of Audiences, although sometimes St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square are used to accommodate a large attendance.

At noon on Sunday, the pope speaks briefly from his study window and gives his blessing to the visitors and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Art and Ruin

Spanish Steps

Rome is full of the old and the new with Roman ruins sharing the land with new buildings and modern inventions. No matter what, it looks like it will always be very, very popular with the visitor. With so many things to do in a city that never appears to sleep, Rome should be near the top of every travellors list. One very interesting thing about Rome is what is under the city as Rome is, in theory, built on top of the old Rome. There are many access points to get into an underground Rome - really worth the effort!!!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Art, History, Food
Cons:Crossing the road - watch out for those scooters!!
In a nutshell:The Eternal city

Last visit to Rome: Aug 2005
Intro Updated Jan 17, 2010
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Reviews (31)

Be prepared for the Eternal City What to Pack (1)

As you can see in the photo, I opted for an ugly green suitcase. This may appear to be a bad call initially until you... more travel advice

Sistine Chapel Favorites (3)

This would be one of most loved places and I entered the chapel feeling that the work was most likely over-rated until I... more travel advice

Wonderful Art Favorites (3)

I love the seemingly unlimited amount of art to be seen in Rome, especially that found at the Vatican museum and within... more travel advice

The Tiber River Local Customs (3)

Legend says Rome's founders, the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, were abandoned on the waters of the Tiber, where they... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Ibis Vergata
Things to Do (16)
See All Trajan's Column
Shopping (1)
Silk Ties

Off The Beaten Path (5)
See All Palestrina
Transportation (1)
Metro
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Comments (12)

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gilabrand Mar 1, 2011 at 12:00 AM

Sounds like I need to go back and cover the many places on the outskirts that I missed (for lack of time, not lack of desire...)
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CanterburyCath Feb 21, 2011 at 11:04 AM

I'm travelling here next month - thanks for the insights and suggestions!
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lottalund44 Jan 14, 2010 at 12:30 AM

Great pages. Will be travelling to Rome next week/Lotta
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Maurizioago Nov 22, 2007 at 1:06 PM

Good page. Ciao!
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clairegeordio Mar 29, 2007 at 5:37 AM

Great page, thanks for sharing! Claire
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fatfrank May 18, 2006 at 3:24 PM

Superb Rome info!! Great page - really enjoyed it.
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dodgydaly May 10, 2006 at 7:58 PM

WOW!! Cool photo's and comprehensive tip info. Nate 8-)
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lina112 Feb 24, 2006 at 1:19 PM

Very nice page and photos. Lina
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swissballs Feb 19, 2006 at 7:37 PM

Nice work on your Rome info!! Got some great photos - as usual - on this city!!
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saben_27 Feb 3, 2006 at 5:05 PM

great page about rome...and beautiful pictures !!!