Rome , the Eternal City, is the capital and largest city of
Italy and of the Lazio region. It's the famed city of the Roman Empire, the
Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita (the sweet life), the Vatican City and Three Coins
in the Fountain. Rome, as a millenium-long centre of power, culture and
religion, having been the centre of one of the globe's greatest civilizations ever,
has exerted a huge influence over the world in its c. 2500 years of existence.
The Historic Centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. With wonderful palaces, millenium-old churches and basilicas, grand
romantic ruins, opulent monuments, ornate statues and graceful fountains, Rome
has an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making
it one of Europe's and the world's most visited, famous, influential and
beautiful capitals. Today, Rome has a growing nightlife scene and is also seen
as a shopping heaven, being regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the
world (some of Italy's oldest jewellery and clothing establishments were
founded in the city). With so many sights and things to do, Rome can truly be
classified a "global city".
