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Rome

Rome-Travel-Guide-Travel-S-Helper

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a vibrant metropolis with a population of 2,860,009 inhabitants over an area of 1,285 km² (496.1 sq mi). This renders it the most populous comune in the nation and the third most inhabited city in the European Union. The city’s important position in the central-western section of the Italian Peninsula, situated inside the Lazio region along the Tiber Valley, has been instrumental in influencing its extensive history and cultural importance.

Referred to as the “Eternal City,” Rome boasts a remarkable history of 28 centuries, rendering it one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Europe. Roman legend asserts that the city was founded about 753 BC; however, archeological evidence indicates that human habitation in the region may extend back over three millennia. The first population of the city was a heterogeneous amalgamation of Latins, Etruscans, and Sabines, establishing the groundwork for the cultural melting pot that Rome would evolve into.

Throughout its extensive and illustrious history, Rome has possessed several important titles and functions. It functioned as the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and subsequently, the extensive Roman Empire. This evolution granted Rome the recognition of being regarded by many as the inaugural truly Imperial city and metropolis. The city’s lasting character was acknowledged as early as the 1st century BC when the Roman poet Tibullus designated it as “The Eternal City” (Urbs Aeterna in Latin, La Città Eterna in Italian), a title subsequently embraced by other ancient authors like Ovid, Virgil, and Livy.

The collapse of the Western Roman Empire signified the onset of the Middle Ages, a period characterized by significant transformations in Rome’s political environment. The city progressively fell under Papal authority, and by the 8th century, it had established itself as the seat of the Papal States, a status it maintained until 1870. The era of papal power significantly shaped the city’s growth, especially during the Renaissance.

Beginning with Pope Nicholas V (1447-1455), the papacy initiated an extensive four-hundred-year architectural and urban development initiative. This program sought to establish Rome as the foremost creative and cultural hub globally. Consequently, Rome emerged as a central hub of the Renaissance, drawing esteemed artists, painters, sculptors, and architects who profoundly influenced the city’s architecture. Their collaborative endeavors adorned Rome with masterpieces and established the foundation for the city to emerge as the cradle of both the Baroque style and Neoclassicism.

In 1871Rome became the capital of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy, marking a key turning point in its history. This status persisted when the monarchy transformed into the Italian Republic in 1946, reinforcing Rome’s role as the nucleus of contemporary Italy.

Currently, Rome is a city of significant cultural, historical, and political relevance. The historic center, replete with ancient ruinsRenaissance palaces, and Baroque churches, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s affluent legacy, along with its dynamic modern culture, has established Rome as one of the globe’s most sought-after tourist destinations. In 2019, Rome attracted 8.6 million tourists, ranking as the 14th most visited city worldwide, the third most visited in the European Union, and Italy’s foremost tourist destination.

Rome’s importance extends beyond its historical and cultural allure. The city hosted the 1960 Summer Olympics, demonstrating its capacity to organize premier international events. It hosts several specialized organizations of the United Nations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). These institutions emphasize Rome’s significance in global governance and international collaboration.

Additionally, Rome functions as a center for diplomatic endeavors, accommodating the Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM). This role solidifies the city’s reputation as a hub for global discourse and collaboration, especially for the Mediterranean area.

Rome has emerged as a prominent economic hub in the business sector. The city has the headquarters of several global corporations, including energy behemoths Eni and Enel, telecommunications pioneer TIM, and the aerospace and military firm Leonardo. The banking industry is prominently represented, with organizations such as BNL headquartered in Rome. The EUR business area has emerged as a central hub for corporate activity, with prominent enterprises like the esteemed luxury fashion brand Fendi, located in the famous Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana.

Rome has significant influence in the realms of fashion and design, with the presence of worldwide companies enhancing its reputation as a style center. The city’s artistic essence permeates the film industry, exemplified by the renowned Cinecittà Studios, which has served as the setting for several Academy Award-winning films. This cinematic heritage solidifies Rome’s position in worldwide popular culture and the arts.

Euro (€) (EUR)

Currency

753 BC (traditional date)

Founded

+3906

Calling code

4,342,212

Population

1,285 km² (496 sq mi)

Area

Italian

Official language

21 m (69 ft)

Elevation

CET (UTC+1)

Time zone

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