Rome is known as Roma in Italian and Latin. Rome, the capital city of Italy possesses one of the oldest historical backgrounds in the world. Situated on Tiber River, the city population is nearly 4.0 million. Historians believe that the present city of Rome was built by twin brothers Romulus and Remus on April 21, 753 BC, even though archaeological evidences had been found to prove that humans lived here about 14,000 years ago. Rome had been famous over the last 2 millennium for its culture, arts and architecture.
Picture courtesy of ** Maurice **
Rome was ranked eleventh most visited city in the world in 2007. In the European Union, it is the third most visited tourist place. Since Rome belongs to the Mediterranean climate, tourism flourishes between the months of April and June and the months of September and October. Some of the most important spots that are considered as a must-visit in Rome are presented here.
One of the world famous and most visited areas in Rome is the Vatican, the headquarters of Christianity and the residence of Popes since 313 AD. About 4.2 million people are estimated to visit Vatican Museum every year. Vatican had been recognised as a separate country, with the Pope being the Sovereign and head of government of the State of Vatican City. However, Vatican is not a member of the United Nations, with the Hole See having only an observer status. The present Pope is Benedict XVI, born as Joseph Ratzinger in Germany.
The Vatican Gardens inside the Vatican City contains more than half the total area. The garden was established during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The garden is decorated with beautiful sculptures and fountains. The Vatican Museum is another very big attraction. About 4.2 million people are estimated to visit Vatican Museum every year. The Saint Peter’s Square situated at the doors of St. Peter’s Basilica is another major tourism spot.
It had been estimated that there are about 900 churches in Rome. The most popular cathedral in Rome is the Basilica of St. John. The other notable architectural monuments are the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Basilica di San Clemente, the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls, the Church of the Gesu, and San Carlo alle Quattro Fotane. Several ancient Catacombs underneath the city are also major tourist attractions.
The five most ancient chalcedonian Christianity sees of Rome, Alexandria, Jerusalem, Byzantium and Antioch are represented by Basilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of St. Paul outside the Walls, Basilica of St. Lawrence outside the Walls, St. Peter’s Basilica and Basilica of St. Mary Major. Several other tourist attractions exist in Rome, which conducted the Summer Olympic Games in 1960.
The Colosseum, also known as Roman Coliseum, is an elliptical Flavian Amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome. The Coliseum amphitheatre was the largest structure built during the Roman Empire and is a standing evidence of Roman engineering and architecture. The Coliseum was constructed between 70 and 80 AD. The stadium can accommodate about 50,000 spectators. It was originally used for gladiatorial contests and other public events and spectacles, such as animal hunts, mock battles, executions, and dramas based on classical Roman mythology. Even though it is partially ruined at present, about 4.0 million people visit this place every year. Several earthquakes had not been able to destroy it completely, proving that Roman engineering superiority included construction of earthquake-proof buildings.
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Thu, Mar 25, 2010
Destinations, Europe