Omnes viae Romam ducunt: a brief history of the city

For over twenty-five centuries, pilgrims, merchants and travellers have wended their way towards Rome, one of the most historic cities in Europe, built on seven hills along the banks of the Tiber River.

Charming at any time of the year, the colourful and vibrant capital city of Italy, often referred to as The Eternal City, attracts millions of visitors of all ages, nationalities and budgets from all over the world, every year.

From around 753 to 509 BC, Rome started out as a city ruled by kings and became the centre of the Roman Empire. With its cuisine, world-art class and cultural attractions, from antique ruins to Renaissance buildings as well as contemporary art, the city tells the story of about two thousand years of civilization. Rome is filled with historic buildings, created for both religious and social purposes during different eras in history and it is definitely the icon of the Italian culture, rich in religious significance and artistic value.

Tourism is an important business in the Eternal City. It is divided into a number of different areas, each of which has its own charm and vibe.

Located in the heart of the city is the Modern Centre, where the accommodation and dining scene is based, while the Colosseum and Old Rome form the ancient heart of the city. The Papal city state of the Vatican is located on the western side of Rome, with the cobblestone alleyways of Trastevere. The large northern section is called the North Centre and is home to a number of sights, including the legendary Spanish Steps. Rome is a sizeable and spreading city, but most of the sightseeing is grouped within the historic centre, to the east of the Tiber River and west of the Termini station, which is the city’s main transport hub. Further tourism attractions are based on the Via Marghera, at the Villa Borghese, on the Piazza della Minerva as well as on the Piazza Colonna, near Palazzo Chigi.

The best time of the year to visit the Eternal City is in April, May and October, when the climate is comfortable and big crowds are few. Hot summer days make sightseeing and exploring uncomfortable, especially in August, when the flood of tourists from all over the world makes lines much longer everywhere you go.

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