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Rome (Roma), a phenomenal mix of history, legend and monuments, is at the heart of the Western world's two great historical powers: the Catholic Church and the Roman Empire. Deservedly, it is on most travellers' 'must-see' list, so brace yourself for the summertime crush. Realistically, you need at least a week to explore Rome -one of the great pleasures of being in the city is wandering through the many beautiful piazzas (squares), stopping frequently for a caffe and paste (pastries).
Whatever time you devote to Italy's capital, put on your walking shoes, buy a good map and plan your time carefully - the city will eventually seem less chaotic and overwhelming than it first appears.
Rome's origins lie in a group of Etruscan, Latin and Sabine settlements on the surrounding hills. It is, however, the legend of Romulus and Remus that has captured the popular imagination. They were the twin sons of Rhea Silvia and the Roman war god Mars, and were raised by a she-wolf after being abandoned on the banks of the Tiber (Tevere). The myth says Romulus killed his brother during a battle over who should govern, and then established the city on Palatine Hill.
Orientation
Rome is a vast city, but the historical centre is relatively small. Most of the major sights are west - and within walking distance - of the central train station, Stazione Termini.
Plan an itinerary if your time is limited. Many of the major museums and galleries are open all day until 5 or 7 pm, and some remain open until 10 pm. Many museums are closed on Monday, but it is a good idea to check.
The main bus terminus is in Piazza dei Cinquecento, directly in front of the train station. Many intercity buses arrive and depart from the Piazzale Tiburtina, in front of the Stazione Tiburtina, accessible from Termini on the Metropolitana Linea B.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Piazza del Campidoglio
This piazza, designed by Michelangelo in 1538, is on the Capitolino (Capitoline Hill), the most important of Rome's seven hills. Capitolino was the seat of the ancient Roman government and is now the seat of Rome's municipal government.
The two palaces flanking the piazza make up the Musei Capitolini, well worth visiting for their collections of ancient Roman sculpture, including the famous Capitoline Wolf, an Etruscan statue dating from the 6th century BC. They are open 10 am to 9 pm Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is 6 €.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria d'Aracoeli is between the Campidoglio and the Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II at the highest point of the Capitoline Hill. The church is built on the site where legend says the Tiburtine Sybil told the Emperor Augustus of the coming birth of Christ.
Piazza Venezia
This piazza is overshadowed by the neoclassical monument dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II, which is often referred to by Italians as the macchina da scrivere (typewriter) because it resembles one. Built to commemorate Italian unification, the piazza incorporates the Altare della Patria and the tomb of the unknown soldier, as well as the Museo del Risorgimento. Also in the piazza is the 15th-century Palazzo Venezia, which was Mussolini's official residence and now houses a museum.
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