Rome is one of the great cities of the Old World. It has been, at many points in history, one of the most powerful and important cities in the entire world. Today, it is an extremely popular destination for visitors all over the world who come to enjoy Italy and especially the distinct flavor of Rome.

While Rome is said to have been founded by twins Romulus and Remus, archeological evidence suggests that it involved growth from nearby farm settlements. It developed into the capital of the Roman Kingdom after the reign of seven kings and from there began an ascent to the seat of most expansive empire in history. Eventually, the Roman Empire declined, as did the political and commercial power of the city itself, although throughout the Renaissance it was an important artistic and cultural hub. Although Italy went through a brief bout of fascism between World War I and World War II, it is today a republic, with Rome as its capital.

Rome is located in central Italy, where the Aniene and Tiber rivers meet. The city itself extends to the shore of the Tyrrhenian Sea, despite the fact that the center of the city is many miles away. Rome’s elevation does not change much throughout the city. A Mediterranean climate, typical for the coasts of Italy, graces Rome, offering a comfortable spring and autumn. The temperature can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and August, which traditionally would cause the city pause its affairs and the inhabitants to seek shelter from the heat, but this trend is disappearing. In the winter, lows below zero are not uncommon, while the high is usually around 55 degrees.

As far as Roman culture is concerned, the city is deeply connected with its ancient roots. Rome has a heavy Catholic population due to its historic ties with the Catholic Church and the Papal States. Protestants and Muslims make up the rest of the religious minority. The language spoken in Rome is a dialect called Romanesco as well as standard Italian. Music, cinema, and sports also make up an important part of the city’s culture, providing several reasons for tourists to visit the city.

Museums in Rome

Tags: Italy, Rome, Vatican City