Rome (Roma), Italy

Rome, as viewed from the belvedere at Villa Boghese park
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Viw_from_Villa_Borghese_2.jpg
Author: Aviad2001


Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It covers 1,285 sq km (496 sq mi) and has a population of over 2.7 million people (2011 estimate). It is a city on the Tiber River, in the Lazio Region, on the central-western part of the Italian Peninsula.

The city of Rome has a history going back 2,700 years. It has been the capital of the Roman Kingdom (753BC-509BC), Roman Republic (508BC-27BC), Roman Empire (27BC-AD476), the seat of the Papacy (since the 1st century AD), the capital of the Papal States (AD752-1870), the Kingdom of Italy (1861-1946) and the present Italian Republic (1946-).

Rome is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world. It ranks as the 11th most visited city in the world and the 3rd most visited in the European Union in 2007, and is also the top tourist destination in Italy. The Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are among the top tourist attractions in the world, receiving over 4 million visitors each, every year.

Capitoline Hill, Rome
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Capitoline_Hill_Rome_1.JPG
Author: Pascal Reusch


Interior of Santa Costanza, Rome
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:S_Costanza_1160909-10-11.JPG
Author: Lalupa


The city center of Rome is about 19 km from the coast, but it extends all the way to the seaside. The highest point in the city is the peak of Monte Mario, at 139 m (456 ft). The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The hottest months are July and August, when average high temperates reach over 30°C (86°F). January is the coldest month, when the average low drops to 2.7°C (36.9°F). November and December are the wettest months, with precipitations of 129.6mm (5.1 in) and 111mm (4.37 in) respectively.

Going to Rome

By Plane
There are two international airports serving Rome. Both airports may also be identified with the IATA code of ROM.

The Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) is the main airport for flag carriers and mainstream airlines. The Leonardy Express train service connects it with Roma Termini, the central railway station. Tickets for the 30-minute ride costs €17 from the Termini news stand. Much cheaper is the Metropolitan train, which doesn't go to the central railway station, but other stations such as Tiburtina Station, Ostiense Station and Trastevere Station. The price is just €8.

Ciapino International Airport (CIA) is used mostly by low-cost carriers. There is a bus service to the Metro Line A for €1.20.

Piazza Venezia, Rome
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Piazza_Venezia_a_Roma.jpg
Author: Zavijavah

Tourist Areas of Rome

Districts of Rome

Rome comprises 22 districts known as rioni.