History
- Rome was founded in 753 BC by the brothers Romulus and Remus, according to Roman legend.
- Rome was once the capital of the Roman Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in the world.
- The Colosseum, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks, was built in 80 AD and could seat up to 50,000 people.
- The Roman Forum, another famous site in Rome, was the center of political and social life in ancient Rome.
- Rome is home to over 900 churches, with St. Peter’s Basilica being the most famous.
- The Vatican City, located within Rome, is the smallest country in the world and the headquarters of the Catholic Church.
- The Roman Republic was established in 509 BC and lasted until 27 BC when the Roman Empire was established.
- The Roman calendar originally had 10 months and began in March, but was later changed to 12 months by the dictator Julius Caesar in 45 BC.
- Rome was known as the “Eternal City” because of its longevity and the belief that it would always be inhabited.
- The Roman aqueducts were engineering marvels of their time, bringing fresh water from distant sources into the city.
Modern
- Rome is the fourth most populous city in the European Union and has a population of over 2.8 million people.
- Rome is a major tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year visiting famous landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Vatican.
- Rome is home to several major universities, including La Sapienza and the University of Rome, which are among the oldest in Europe.
- The Italian government is based in Rome, with the President of the Italian Republic residing in the Quirinal Palace.
- Rome is served by two airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport
- Rome is a center of fashion and design, with many famous Italian fashion houses and designers based in the city.
- Rome has a diverse culinary scene, with traditional Roman dishes such as pasta alla carbonara and saltimbocca alla romana, as well as a wide variety of international cuisine.
- Rome is a major transportation hub, with an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metro lines.
- Rome is also a place of business, hosting many international and national companies.
- Rome is home to many contemporary and modern art galleries, hosting exhibitions and showcasing work from emerging and established artists.
Food
- Rome is known for its traditional Roman cuisine, which is characterized by simple, hearty dishes made with local ingredients. Some famous Roman dishes include pasta alla carbonara, saltimbocca alla romana, and cacio e pepe.
- Rome is home to a variety of traditional trattorias and osterias that serve traditional Roman dishes in a casual and rustic setting.
- Rome is also known for its street food, with a variety of vendors selling traditional snacks such as pizza al taglio (slice of pizza), supplì (deep-fried rice balls), and trapizzino (stuffed pizza pocket).
- Wine is an important part of Roman culture and cuisine, with many traditional Roman dishes paired with local wines such as Frascati and Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone.
- Rome has a vibrant coffee culture, with traditional cafes, or “bars,” found throughout the city serving espresso, cappuccino, and other coffee drinks.
- Rome has a growing foodie scene, with a variety of new restaurants and bars that offer contemporary and experimental takes on traditional Roman cuisine.
- Rome is also home to many gelato shops and pasticcerie that offer a wide variety of gelato and pastries.
- Rome also has a healthy and vibrant farmer’s market scene, with many local farmer’s markets selling fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.
- Rome is a place where you can find a great variety of international cuisine, from Japanese to Mexican, from Chinese to Indian food.
