Rome, city of history
Rome is located on the western coast of central Italy along the Tevere River. The capital of the Lazio region is Italy’s largest city with a population of 2,654,100 and over 2600 years of richness in art, history, architecture, monuments and culture.
The Roman civilization began with shepherds and farmers settling on the Palatino hill near the Tevere River, where Romulus founded the city in 753 B.C. and where Augustus, the first Emperor, built his House of Livia. Augustus´ reign between 27 B.C. – 14 A.D. saw the Roman Republic gradually extend its territory and expand its influence, giving way to the Roman Empire. It was ruled first by Etruscans until being overthrown in 500 B.C. However, the capital declined when Constantine transferred his capital to Byzantium in 323, which was followed by a lengthy period of devastation by barbarian tribes after Alaric I conquered it in 410. The city revived during the Middle Ages as the spiritual and temporal power of the papacy increased. During the 1800s Rome was held at various times by the French until it became the capital of Italy in 1871.
The city extends over six other hills: i. Quirinale which features Scuderie, the president´s Palazzo del Quirinale, and the Piazza Omonima with its colossal statues of the gods, Castor and Pollux, on its summit; ii.The smaller Viminale which is split into two by Via Nazionale, and dominated by the huge Palazzo delle Esposizioni on the most beautiful Piazza della Repubblica with its restored Fontana delle Naiadi in its centre; iii. Esquilino, also known as 'exquilini', is home to the great poets Virgilio and Orazio, as well as, Monte Oppio where the ruins of Domus Aurea are located
Rome has an atmosphere unlike no other city - a fascinating and energetic capital which also offers relaxation within its many coffee shops, fabulous restaurants, casual city spots, squares and parks. Trastevere, home of the historic Santa Maria Trastevere, is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant areas of Rome with its hot night spots like Trastè - especially in the summer.