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Rome is perhaps the most historical city in the world. Every era has left its mark on this city and you can peel it like an onion to reveal antoher epoca of history. From Etruscan tombs to Imperial temples to early Christian churches to medieval bell towers and on and on Per haps it is because something of each era remains alive here that it is called the eternal city. Rome has a unique position in italy, not only because it is the Italian capital but also because being in the middle it belongs neither to the North or to the South, although all admit its character and that of its people resembles more a southern city. This makes Rome the perfect capital for Italy. Add to that the fact that it was first the centre of a great empire and then it was the home of the papacy. Both have ruled at a distance the other lands that they have conquered. Today, in a less obvious way, Rome is seen as the city living off the hard work of the others. All of the country's taxes find their way here and some would argue little finds its way out! This is not of concern to the traveller who comes to revel in the classical joys of the city such as the Colosseum, and the Forum and all the wonders that the city has to offer including Neoclassical architecture along side fascist buildings of the Mussolini years. Rome's city centre, like most large cities, is divided into areas. Tthe centro storico (historical centre) can be found along the left bank of the River Tiber ( the river that gives life to the city). The centro storico runs as far as Via del Corso. Via del Corso marks the major shopping area up to the Spanish Steps and onto Via Nazionale. The ancient city is to be found at the south tip of the city while to the far north is the Villa Borghese park. On the other side of the river, or left bank, is the Vatican city and the basilica of Saint Peter's. |