Difference between revisions of "Rome"

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|+ style="font-size: larger;"|'''Comune di Roma'''
 
|+ style="font-size: larger;"|'''Comune di Roma'''
 
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|align="center" width="140px"|[[Image:Rome city flag.png|100px]]
 
|align="center" width="140px"|[[Image:Rome city flag.png|100px]]
|align="center" width="140px"|[[Image:Roma01.jpg|100px|]]
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|align="center" width="140px"|[[Image:Roma01.png|100px|]]
 
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|align="center" width="140px"|City [[flag]]
 
|align="center" width="140px"|City [[flag]]
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|align="center" colspan=2 style="border-bottom:3px solid gray;"|<small>City [[motto]]: ''Senatus Populusque Romanus &ndash; [[SPQR]]''<br/>(The Senate and the People of Rome)</small>
 
|align="center" colspan=2 style="border-bottom:3px solid gray;"|<small>City [[motto]]: ''Senatus Populusque Romanus &ndash; [[SPQR]]''<br/>(The Senate and the People of Rome)</small>
 
|-
 
|-
|Founded|| [[21 April]][[753 BC]] mythical,<br/> [[1st millennium BC]]
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|Founded|| [[21 April]] [[753 BC]] mythical,<br/> [[1st millennium BC]]
 
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|Region||[[Latium]]
 
|Region||[[Latium]]
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|[[Time zone]]||[[Central European Time|CET]], [[UTC]]+1
 
|[[Time zone]]||[[Central European Time|CET]], [[UTC]]+1
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|Coordinates||{{coor dm|41|54|N|12|29|E|region:IT_type:city(2546807)}}
 
 
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|align="center" colspan=2|[http://www.comune.roma.it/ www.comune.roma.it]
 
|align="center" colspan=2|[http://www.comune.roma.it/ www.comune.roma.it]
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|align="center" colspan=2 style="border-bottom:3px solid gray;"|[[Image:Lightmatter colosseum.jpg|250px]]<br><small>The [[Colosseum]] is the international symbol of Rome</small>
 
|align="center" colspan=2 style="border-bottom:3px solid gray;"|[[Image:Lightmatter colosseum.jpg|250px]]<br><small>The [[Colosseum]] is the international symbol of Rome</small>
 
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{{ITdot|Rome}}
 
'''Rome''' ([[Italian language|Italian]] and [[Latin]]: ''Roma'') is the capital of [[Italy]] and of its [[Latium]] region. It is located on the [[Tiber]] and [[Aniene]] [[rivers]], near the [[Mediterranean Sea]], at {{coor dm|41|54|N|12|29|E|type:city(2,546,807)_region:IT}}. The [[Vatican City]], a sovereign [[enclave]] within Rome, is the seat of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the home of the [[Pope]].
 
  
Rome is the largest city and ''[[comune]]'' in Italy; the ''comune'' or municipality is one of the largest in Europe with an area of 1290 square kilometers. Within the city limits, the population is 2,546,807 ([[2004]]); almost 4&nbsp;million live in the general area of Rome as represented by the [[Province of Rome]]. The current [[mayor of Rome]] is [[Walter Veltroni]].
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''For the car marque'' [[ROMA]] ''click here''
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'''Rome''' is the [[capital]] of [[Italy]] and of its region, called [[Latium]]. It is located across the confluence of the [[Tiber]] and [[Aniene]] [[rivers]]. It was once the capital of the [[Roman Empire]], the most powerful, largest and longest lasting empire of classical Western civilization. The [[Vatican City|Vatican]], a sovereign [[enclave]] within Rome, is the seat of the [[Roman Catholic Church]]located at St. Peters square, and the home of the [[Pope]].
  
With a [[GDP]] of €75 billion (higher than [[New Zealand]]'s and equivalent to [[Singapore]]'s &#8212; all three have roughly the same population of around 4 million), in the year [[2001]] the ''comune'' of Rome produced 6.5% of [[Italy]]'s total [[GDP]], the highest rate among all of [[Italy]]'s cities.  
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Rome is the largest ''[[comune]]'' in Italy and it is also one of the largest European capital cities in land area, with an area of 1,285 square kilometers. The ''comune'' territory extends up to the [[Tyrrhenian Sea]], with the district of [[Ostia]], on the south-west, located on the shore. Within the city limits, the population is about 2.5 million; almost 3.8 million live in the urbanised area of Rome, as represented by the province of Rome, making it second in population to [[Milan, Italy|Milan]]. The current [[Mayor of Rome]] is [[Walter Veltroni]].
  
The city's history extends nearly 2,800 years, during which time it has been the seat of [[ancient Rome]] (the [[Roman Kingdom]], [[Roman Republic]], [[Roman Empire]]), and later the [[Papal States]], [[Kingdom of Italy]] and [[Italy|Italian Republic]].
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With a [[gross domestic product]] of €97 billion in the year 2005, the ''comune'' of Rome produced 6.7% of Italy's GDP, which is the highest proportion of GDP produced by any single one of Italy's ''comunes''.
  
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The city's history extends nearly 2,800 years, during which time it has been the seat of [[ancient Rome]] and, later, the [[Papal States]], [[Italy|Kingdom of Italy]] and Italian Republic (modern Italy). Rome is also called "''la Città Eterna''" (the Eternal City), "l'''Urbe''" (the latin for the City pre-eminently) and "''The City of the Seven Hills''".
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
  
{{Main|History of Rome}}
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The civilization of ancient Rome originated in the [[8th century BC|8th]] or [[9th century BC]], when the tribe of the [[Latini]] migrated to the [[Italian peninsula]] to settle around the River [[Tiber]]. For almost a thousand years, Rome was a very important city in the [[Western world]] and possibly the largest city in the world, with around 1.5 to 2 million inhabitants, as the capital of the expansive [[Roman Empire]]. With the rise of [[Christianity]], Rome became the center of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the popes. The slow [[decline of the Roman Empire]] heralded the beginning of the [[Middle Ages]], but the city regained prominence as the cultural capital of [[Western Roman Empire]] for several hundred years leading up to the [[Renaissance]]. Rome remains influential today, as the capital of Italy, as center of the Catholic Church, and as a major metropolis.
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In [[Roman mythology]], Rome was built on [[April 21]] [[753 BC]] by the twin descendants of the [[Trojan]] prince [[Aeneas]], [[Romulus and Remus]]. Romulus killed Remus in a quarrel over where their city was to be located and became the first of seven Kings of Rome, as well as the source of the city's name.
  
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Central Rome is dominated by the traditional [[Seven hills of Rome|seven hills]] that hark back to the Latin founding myth of the city.  These seven hills are the Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Caelian, Aventine, Capitoline, and Palatine Hills.  The [[Tiber River]] and its islands are an important additional component of the city, flowing south through the western portion of the central zone.
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==Geography==
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===Location and layout===
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Rome is located on the [[Tiber River]] 24 km (15 miles) inland from the [[Tyrrhenian Sea]]. The city was built on a defendable hill dominating the last high-banked river crossing where traverse was faciliated by a midstream isle.
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Much of Rome is located within the old city walls. The [[Servian Wall]] was built twelve years after [[Gauls]]' conquest of the city in 390 BC. The wall enclosed most of the [[Esquiline]] and [[Caelian|Caelian Hill]] and contained the entire area of the other five. Rome grew beyond the [[Servian Wall]] but no more walls were constructed until [[270]], when [[Aurelian]] began building the [[brick]]-faced concrete [[Aurelian Walls]]. The new wall is almost twelve miles long and was the wall Italian forces had to breach in 1870. The wall is still largely intact.
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The ancient city within the walls covers about four percent of the modern municipality's 582 square miles. The old city is the smallest of Rome's twelve administrative zones. The walled city center is made up of 22 ''rioni'' (districts), sorrounding it are 35 ''quartieri urbani'' (urban sectors), and within the city limits are six large ''suburbi'' ([[suburbs]]). The ''comune'' of Rome located outside the municipal boundaries about doubles the area of the actual city.
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A belt [[highway]] describes a huge circle around the capital about six miles out from the city center. The circle ties together the antique roads that led to Rome: the [[Via Flaminia]], the [[Via Aurelia]] and [[Via Appia]]. Large amounts of modern apartment buildings are located in the districts outside the center, where contemporary architecture has not gone unnoticed. Many street frontages and show windows often change to keep up with the times and the Romans have suceeded in harmonizing the old and the new.
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Though small, the old city center contains about 300 hotels and 300 ''[[pensioni]]'', over 200 palaces, 900 churches, eight of Rome's major parks, the residence of the Italian president, the houses of the [[Parliament]], offices of the city and city government, and many great and well-known monuments. The old city also contains thousands of workshops, offices, bars, and restaurants. Millions of tourists visit Rome anually, making it one of the most touristic cities in the world.
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==Climate==
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Rome's climate is at its most comfortable from April through June or early July. By August, the temperature during the heat of the day often exceeds 35° C (95° F). Many businesses close during August, and Romans traditionally abandon the city for cooler climes. The average high temperature in December is about 13° C (55° F).
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==Economy==
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Today, Rome has a dynamic and diverse economy with thriving innovation, technologies, communications and service sectors. It produces 6.7% of the national GDP (more than any other city in Italy). Rome grows 4,4% annually and continues to grow at a higher rate than any other city in the rest of the country. Rome's economic growth began to surpass that of its rivals, [[Naples]] and [[Milan]] after World War II. [[Tourism]] is inevitably one of Rome's chief industries, with many notable museums including the [[Vatican Museum]], and the [[Borghese Gallery]]. The city is also a centre for [[banking]] as well as electronics and aerospace industries.
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Many international headquarters, government ministries, conference centres, sports venues and museums are located in Rome's principal business districts: the [[Esposizione Universale Roma]] (EUR); the ''Torrino'' (further south from the EUR); the ''Magliana''; the ''Parco de' Medici-Laurentina'' and the so-called ''Tiburtina-valley'' along the ancient Via Tiburtina.
  
 
==Demographics==
 
==Demographics==
For nearly all of Roman history, people from all over the world lived in Rome as a center of learning, trade and commerce. Many were merchants, some were slaves, some were important officials from distant colonies. The slave population was very large, and made a massive proportion were living in the city. Many of the slaves came from all over the areas Rome conquered, from [[Britannia]] to [[Carthage]]. Today, the population is very diverse, though the [[Italian]] population is still much larger than that of the immigrants. The Italian population is estimated around 80%.
 
  
==Economy==
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{| table BORDER=5 CELLSPACING=4 CELLPADDING=5 style="font-size: 95%" text-align:left"
Today Rome has a dynamic and diversified economy, bent on innovation, technologies, communication and tertiary, which produces 6,5% of the national [[GDP]] (more than any other city in the country) and continues to grow at higher rates than that of the rest of Italy.
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{| border=1 cellspacing=3 cellpadding=4 style="float:center; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:200px; background:#505050; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
[[Tourism]] is one of Rome's chief industries, but the city is also a center of the banking, publishing, insurance, [[fashion]], high-tech, housing, cinematographic (built on the large [[Cinecittà]] studios, often called [[Hollywood]] on the [[Tiber]]) and aerospace industries.
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|- style="text-align:center; background:#505050;"
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|- tr BGCOLOR=darkred
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!align=center colspan=2| City of Rome <br>Population by year
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|-
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|330 || 1,000,000
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|-
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|530 || 100,000
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|-
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|1000 ||  20,000
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|-
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|1750 || 156,000
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|-
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|1800 || 163,000
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|-
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|1820 || 140,000
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|-
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|1850 || 185,000
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|-
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|1858 || 182,000
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|-
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|1871 || 212,000
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|-
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|1881 || 273,000
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|-
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|1901 || 422,000
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|-
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|1911 || 518,000
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|-
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|1921 || 660,000
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|-
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|1931 || 930,000
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|-
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|1936|| 1,150,000
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|-
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|1951 || 1,651,000
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|-
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|1961 || 2,187,000
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|-
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|1971 || 2,781,000
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|-
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|1981 || 2,839,000
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|-
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|1991 || 2,775,000
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|-
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|2001 || 2,546,000
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|}
  
Many international headquarters are located in Rome's principal business/office districts: the EUR ([[Esposizione Universale Roma]]), which is as well one of the most exclusive residential area in south-west of Rome (with government ministries, conference and trade centers, parks, an artificial lake, sports venues, museums, gardened villas and apartment complexes); the Torrino (further south from the EUR), the Magliana (with the new Toyota Italia headquarter), the Parco de' Medici-Laurentina area, the so-called "Tiburtina-valley" along the ancient Via Tiburtina etc.
 
  
==Transportation==
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At the time of the Roman Empire, Rome was for many centuries the world greatest city, with over one million estimated residents. After the fall of empire, due to barbaric invasions, the population of Rome declined to only 20,000 inhabitants in the dark ages. Afterwards, the population began to rise in the Renaissance and surpassed one hundred thousand residents in XVII century.
[[Image:eur05.jpg|thumb|250px|A Panoramic towards the [[Esposizione Universale Roma|EUR]] district from the [[Torrino]] district.]]
 
[[Image:eur09.jpg|thumb|250px|A view of the [[Palalottomatica]] sports palace (formerly known as [[Palaeur]]) from the park around the artificial
 
lake. Rome, [[Esposizione Universale Roma|EUR]] district.]]
 
Rome has an intercontinental [[airport]] named [[Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport - FCO]], but more commonly known as [[Fiumicino]], which also is [[Italy]]'s chief airport, and the [[Giovan-Battista Pastine]] international airport (commonly referred to as [[Ciampino Airport]]), a joint civilian and military airport southeast of the city-center, along the [[Via Appia]], which handles mainly charter flights and regional European flights including some low-cost airlines. A third airport, called [[Aeroporto dell'Urbe]], is located in the north of the city along the ancient [[Via Salaria]] and handles mainly helicopters and private flights. A fourth airport, called [[Aeroporto di Centocelle]], in the eastern part of Rome between the [[Via Prenestina]] and the [[Via Casilina]], has been abandoned for some years now, but is currently being redeveloped as one of the largest public parks in Rome.
 
  
A [[Metro|subway]] system operates in Rome called the "Metropolitana" or [[Rome Metro]] which was opened in [[1955]]. There are 2&nbsp;lines (A&nbsp;&&nbsp;B), a third (C) and a new branch of the B-line (B1) are under construction, while a fourth line (D) has been planned. The frequent archaeological findings delay underground work.
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There were about 200,000 people living in Rome in 1870, when it became the capital of the new [[Kingdom of Italy]]. In the fascist period, between the last decades of the 19th century and World War II, Rome grew rapidly and surpassed 1,000,000 residents. The EUR district was built during this period. After WWII and the Nazi military occupation, which seriously damaged the city, Rome experienced another great change in demographics during the "economic miracle" of the 1950s and '60s. But in the late 1980s and '90s, Rome's population began to fall because many residents, in order to escape traffic and pollution, moved to the external urban belt.  
Today's (2005) total length is 38 km. The two existing lines, A & B, only intersect at one point, [[Termini Station (Rome)|Termini Station]], the main train station in Rome (which also is the largest train station in Europe, underneath and around which exists now a lively shopping center known as the "Forum Termini" with more than 100 shops of various types).
 
Other important stations includes: [[Tiburtina]] (second-largest, which is currently being redeveloped and enlarged to become the main high-speed train hub in the city), [[Ostiense]], [[Trastevere]], [[Tuscolana]], [[S. Pietro]].
 
  
The Rome Metro is part of an extensive transport network made of a tramway network, several suburban and urban lines in and around the city of Rome, plus an "express line" to [[Fiumicino]] Airport. Whereas most [[Trenitalia|FS]]-Regionale lines (Regional State Railways) do provide mostly a suburban service with more than 20 stations scattered throughout the city, the Roma-Lido (starting at [[Ostiense]] station), the Roma-Pantano (starting nearby [[Termini]]) and the Roma-Nord (starting at [[Flaminio]] station) lines offer a metro-like service.  
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At present, like most western European capitals, Rome has accumulated a substantial immigrant population. Italy's official statistics bureau ([[ISTAT]]) in 2005 estimates, states that 145,000 immigrants live in the Rome's comune, or 5.69 percent of the total comune population. The foreign population in the urban area of Rome consists in 206,000 persons, or 5.37 percent of the total urban area population. The foreign population in the metro area of Rome is about 248,000 persons or 4.67 percent of the total metro area population. By far the largest number of immigrants are Eastern European, with the largest numbers of foreigners coming from [[Romania]], [[The Philippines]], [[Poland]], [[Albania]], [[Peru]], [[Bangladesh]], and [[Ukraine]].[http://demo.istat.it/strasa2005/index.html]
  
Rome also has a comprehensive [[bus]] system. The web site (translated in english) of the [http://www.atac.roma.it/index.asp?lng=2 public transportation company (ATAC)] allows a route to be calculated using the buses and subways. [http://www.atac.roma.it/biglietti/index.asp?COD=320&LNG=2 Metrebus integrated fare system] allows holders of tickets and integrated passes to travel on all companies vehicles, within the validity time of the ticket purchased.
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==Religion==
  
Chronic congestion caused by [[automobile|cars]] during the [[1970s]] and [[1980s]] led to the banning of unauthorized traffic from the central part of city during workdays from 6.00 a.m to 6 p.m. (this area is officially called Zona a Traffico Limitato, [[Z.T.L.]] in short). Heavy traffic due to night-life crowds during week-ends led in recent years to the creation of other Z.T.L.s in the Trastevere and S. Lorenzo districts during the night, and to the experimentation of a new night Z.T.L. also in the city center (plans to create a night Z.T.L. in the Testaccio district as well are underway).
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The [[Religion in ancient Rome|Religio Romana]] constituted the major religion of the city in antiquity. However, other religions remained represented within its ever-changing boundaries, and by the 4th century Christianity was widespread alongside the ancient cults.
  
In recent years, parking-spaces along the streets in wide areas of the city have been converted to pay-parkings, as new underground parkings spread throughout the city.
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During his reign, Emperor [[Constantine I]] legalized Christianity. However, it was [[Theodosius II]] who made it the official religion of the Roman Empire, allowing a rapid spread of the religion which similarly continued to spread thereafter. Rome was established as the center of the Catholic Church. Consequently, a great number of some of the most important religious buildings of Christianity were erected in the city.
  
In spite of all these measures, traffic remains an unsolved problem, as in the rest of the world's cities.
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Across the river Tiber from the old Roman Forum and its centers of pre-Christian worship is the [[Vatican City]], an autonomous country inside the city and the center of Catholicism. There are currently over 900 [[Churches of Rome|churches in Rome]], including many world famous locations, housing a wide collection of masterpieces of religious art.
  
==Education==
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In Rome there is also the largest [[mosque]] in Europe, designed by the Italian achitect [[Paolo Portoghesi]] and inaugurated on [[June 21st]], [[1995]].
  
[[image:rome.jpg|thumb|450px|Rome's skyline]]
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==Culture==
  
Rome continues to be the major education and research center of Italy, with many major universities that offer degrees in all fields. Among the prestigious educational establishments in Rome is the [[University of Rome La Sapienza]] (founded [[1303]]), which is Europe’s biggest university with almost 150,000 students. The city is also home to three other public universities: [[University of Rome Tor Vergata|Università degli studi di Roma “Tor Vergata”]], more commonly called ''Roma 2'', [[University of Roma Tre]] and the Istituto Universitario di Scienze Motorie.
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[[Image:Rome panorama sb1.jpg|900px|thumb|center|Panorama over Rome]]
  
Undisputed as the greatest repository of western art of the last 3,000 years of human history, Rome is home to many foreign academic institutions, as well, such as The American Academy, The British School, The French Institute, The German Archaeological Institute, The Swedish Institute, and The Finnish Institute, The Japan Foundation.
 
  
Several private universities are as well located in Rome, as:
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===Ancient Rome===
*LUISS University (Libera università internazionale degli studi sociali), probably the most prestigious private university in Rome;
 
*Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, a renowned university in Italy;
 
*John Cabot University, a private American University;
 
*LUMSA University (Libera Universita Maria SS. Assunta);
 
*University of Malta, an International University;
 
*Libera Università di Roma "Leonardo da Vinci";
 
*Libera Università Degli Studi "S. Pio V";
 
*UPTER University;
 
*I.S.S.A.S. University.
 
  
Still located in Rome are the [[Academia di Santa Cecilia]] - the world's oldest academy of music (founded [[1584]]), [[Saint John's University, New York|St. John's University]]'s Rome campus which is located at the Pontificio Oratorio San Pietro, several academies of fine arts, colleges of the church, medical and Health research instituts.
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[[Image:Colosseum-2003-07-09.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[Colosseum]] in Rome]] One of the symbols of Rome is the [[Colosseum]], the largest [[amphitheatre]] ever built in the [[Roman Empire]]. Originally capable of seating 50,000 spectators, it was used for [[gladiator]]ial [[combat]]. It was built in the [[70s]] and completed in [[80]]. The great complex of the [[Imperial Forums]] consist of a series of monumental ''[[forum (Roman)|fora]]'' (public squares), constructed in Rome over a period of one and half centuries, between [[46 BC]] and AD [[113]]. The forums were the heart of the late [[Roman Republic]] and of the [[Roman Empire]]. The list of the very important monuments of ancient Rome includes the [[Roman Forum]], the [[Domus Aurea]], the [[Pantheon, Rome | Pantheon]], the [[Trajan's Column]], the [[Trajan's Market]], the [[Catacombs of Rome]], the [[Circus Maximus]], the [[Baths of Caracalla]], the [[Arch of Constantine]], the [[Pyramid of Cestius]], the [[Bocca della Verità]]. Moreover, the archeological site of [[Ostia]] preserves intact a whole ancient roman town.
  
==Monuments and sights==
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===The Renaissance and the Baroque===
*[[:Category:Monuments and sights of Rome|''See Wikipedia's category "Monuments and sights of Rome"'']]
 
  
==Houses of worship==
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[[Image:Palazzo dei Senatori in the Piazza del Campidoglio.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The [[Piazza del Campidoglio]]]][[Image:Roma-piazza_del_popolo2.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The [[Piazza del Popolo]]]]
===Churches===
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Rome was the major world center of the Renaissance, and that left a profound mark on the city. The most impressive masterpiece of Renaissance in Rome is the [[Piazza del Campidoglio]] by [[Michelangelo]], with the Palazzo Senatorio, seat of city govt. In this period the great aristocratic families of Rome used to build opulent dwellings as the [[Palazzo del Quirinale]], now seat of the President of the Republic, the [[Palazzo Venezia]], the [[Palazzo Farnese]], the [[Palazzo Barberini]], the [[Palazzo Chigi]], now seat of the Prime Minister of Italy, the [[Palazzo Spada]], the [[Palazzo della Cancelleria]], the [[Villa Farnesina]].
Rome is home to over 900&nbsp;churches.  
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Rome is also famous for her huge and majestic squares, often adorned with obelisks, many of those built in the XVII century. The principal squares are [[Piazza del Popolo]], [[Piazza Navona]], [[Piazza di Spagna]], [[Campo de' Fiori]], [[Piazza dell'Esedra|Piazza Esedra]], [[Piazza Venezia]], [[Palazzo Farnese|Piazza Farnese]], [[Santa Maria sopra Minerva|Piazza Minerva]]. One of the most emblematic examples of the baroque art is the [[Fontanta di Trevi]] by [[Gian Lorenzo Bernini]]. Other notable baroque palaces of XVII century are the [[Palazzo Madama]], now seat of the[[Italian Senate]] and the [[Palazzo Montecitorio]], now seat of the [[Chamber of Deputies of Italy]].
  
====Basilicas====
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===Neoclassicism===
=====Patriarchal basilicas=====
 
* ''[[Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano|San Giovanni in Laterano]]'' (St.&nbsp;John in Lateran)
 
* ''[[St. Peter's Basilica|San Pietro in Vaticano]]'' (St.&nbsp;Peter's)
 
* ''[[Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls|San Paolo fuori le Mura]]'' (St.&nbsp;Paul outside the Walls)
 
* ''[[Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore|Santa Maria Maggiore]]'' (St.&nbsp;Mary Major)
 
* ''[[Basilica di San Lorenzo fuori le Mura|San Lorenzo fuori le Mura]]'' (St.&nbsp;Lawrence outside the Walls)
 
  
=====Other basilicas=====
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[[Image:RomaAltarePatriaTramonto.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II]]]]
* [[Sant'Agnese fuori le mura]] (St.&nbsp;Agnes outside the Walls)
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In 1870, Rome became capital city of the new Kingdom of Italy. And neoclassicism, a building style influenced by architecture during the late 800s, became a predominant style in Roman buildings. In this period many great palaces in neoclassical styles were built to host ministries, embassies and other governing agencies. One of the best-known symbol of Roman neoclassicism is the [[Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II]] or "Altar of Fatherland", where the grave of the Unknown Soldier, that represents the 650,000 Italian fallen in [[World War I]], is located.
* [[Sant'Andrea delle Fratte]]
 
* [[Basilica dei Santi Apostoli|Santi Apostoli]] (Holy Apostles)
 
* [[San Bernardo alle Terme]]
 
* [[Basilica di San Clemente|San Clemente]] (St.&nbsp;Clement)
 
* [[Santi Cosma e Damiano (Rome)|Santi Cosma e Damiano]] (SS.&nbsp;Cosmas and Damian)
 
* [[Santa Croce in Gerusalemme]]
 
* [[San Lorenzo in Lucina]]
 
* [[Basilica di San Marco (Rome)|San Marco]] (St.&nbsp;Mark)
 
* [[Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri|Santa Maria degli Angeli]]
 
* [[Santa Maria in Aracoeli]]
 
* [[Santa Maria sopra Minerva]]
 
* [[San Pietro in Vincoli]] (St.&nbsp;Peter in Chains)
 
* [[Basilica di Santa Prassede|Santa Prassede]] (St.&nbsp;Praxedis)
 
* [[Basilica di San Saba (Rome)|San Saba]]
 
* [[Santa Sabina]]
 
* [[San Sebastiano fuori le mura]]
 
* [[Santi Quattro Coronati]]
 
* [[Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere|Santa Maria in Trastevere]]
 
  
====Other important churches====
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===The Fascist Architecture===
<!-- As they get their articles, just remove the links: they'll automatically be linked via the link to "Category:Churches of Rome" at the beginning of this section. PLEASE LEAVE THIS HERE.-->
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{{see also|Aestheticization as propaganda}}
{{Main|Churches of Rome}}
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[[Image:Roma-palciviltàlavoro02.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana]]]]
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The Fascist regime that ruled in Italy between 1922 and 1943 developed an original architectural style, characterized by feast and the resarch of a link with ancient Rome architecture. The most important fascist style site in Rome is the [[E.U.R.]] district, acronym for [[Esposizione Universale Roma]], built in 1935. It was originally conceived for the [[Esposizione universale (1942)|1942 world exhibition]], and was called "E.42" (''"Esposizione 42"''). However, the world exhibition never took place due to [[Italy]] entering the [[Second World War]] in [[1940]]. The most representative building of the Fascist style at E.U.R. is the ''Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana'' (1938-1943), the iconic design of which has been labeled the [[Cube|cubic]] or Square [[Colosseum]].
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After World War II, the Roman authorities found that they already had a germ of an off-centre [[business district]] that other capitals were still planning ([[London Docklands]] and [[La Defense]] in Paris). Also the Palazzo della Farnesina, the actual seat of Italian Foreign Ministry, was designed in 1935 in fascist style.
  
The following do not yet have Wikipedia articles, but are important nonetheless:
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===Villas and gardens===
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[[Image:Villa borghese.jpg|thumb|200px| [[Villa Borghese]]]]
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The surroundings of Rome are characterized by numerous and large green areas and opulent ancient villas. The most important are: [[Villa Borghese]], with a large landscape garden in the naturalistic English manner, containing a number of buildings, museums (see Galleria Borghese) and attractions; [[Villa Doria Pamphili]], the largest public landscaped park of Rome with an area of 1.8 km²; [[Villa Torlonia]], a splendid example of [[Art Nouveau]] mansion that was the roman residence of Benito Mussolini; [[Villa Albani]], commissioned by [[Alessandro Cardinal Albani]] to house his collection of antiquities and Roman sculpture, which soon filled the casino that faced the Villa down a series of formal parterres.
  
* [[Santa Cecilia in Trastevere]];
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===Museums and galleries===
* [[San Francesco a Ripa]];
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The list of most important museums and galleries of Rome includes: the [[National Museum of Rome]], the [[Museum of Roman Civilization]], the [[Villa Giulia]] National Etruscan Museum, the [[Capitoline Museums]], the [[Borghese Gallery]], the Museum of [[Castel Sant'Angelo]], the National Gallery of Modern Art.
* [[San Giorgio al Velabro]];
 
* [[San Giovanni dei Fiorentini]];
 
* [[Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza]];
 
* [[San Lorenzo in Miranda|San Lorenzo in Miranda (temple of Antoninus and Faustina)]]
 
* [[Madonna dei Monti]];
 
* [[Santi Marcellino e Pietro]];
 
* [[Santa Maria della Pace (Rome)|Santa Maria della Pace]];
 
* [[Santo Stefano Rotondo]];
 
  
===Non-Christian places of worship===
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===Education and music===
* [[Great Synagogue of Rome]]
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[[Image:Auditorium Roma Sala Santa Cecilia2.jpg|thumb|400px|left|The [[Parco della Musica]] [[auditorium]], designed by [[Renzo Piano]] ]]
* [[Great Mosque of Rome and Islamic Cultural Center]]
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Rome is the greatest italian high education center, hosting the largest university in Europe, the [[La Sapienza]] University, with 150,000 students from all over the world. The city has also other two public universities, the [[University of Rome Tor Vergata]] and the [[Third University of Rome]], and many private universities as the [[LUISS University of Rome]], the [[Maria SS. Assunta University of Rome]], the [[John Cabot University]], the [[Motor Science University of Rome]], the [[S. Pio V University of Rome]], the [[Biomedical University of Rome]].
  
<gallery>
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Rome is also one of the world most important centers of music, hosting the [[Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia]]. The facilities of the Academy are now located on the premises of the new [[Parco della Musica]] in Rome, one of the largest musical venues in the world. In addiction, Rome has an [[opera house]], the [[Teatro dell'Opera di Roma]].
Image:Sicht vom petersdom roma.jpg|View over Rome from St. Peter's Basilica.
 
Image:RomeSinagogue.jpg|Rome's main [[Synagogue]] in the old [[Jewish]] Ghetto district, on the banks of the [[Tiber]] river.
 
</gallery>
 
  
 
==Administrative subdivision of Rome==
 
==Administrative subdivision of Rome==
  
{{Main|Administrative subdivision of Rome}}
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[[Image:Municipi_di_Roma.png|thumb|300px|Map showing the 19 [[Municipi of Rome]].]]
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The '''administrative subdivision of Rome''' consists of the 19 sub-municipalities ([[Municipi]]) of [[Rome]]'s municipality. Originally, the city was divided into 20 sub-municipalities, but the XIV, what is now the Comune di Fiumicino, voted some years ago to become a full municipality itself and eventually detached from Rome.
  
 +
===List of ''Municipi''===
 +
The territory of the commune of Rome is divided into 20 ''Municipi'' (area subdivisions):
  
==Province of Rome==
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*'''[[Municipio 1]]''' – Includes the traditional Rioni: [[Monti (rione of Rome)|Monti]], [[Trevi (rione of Rome)|Trevi]], [[Colonna (rione of Rome)|Colonna]], [[Campus Martius|Campo Marzio]], [[Ponte (rione of Rome)|Ponte]], [[Parione]], [[Regola (rione of Rome)|Regola]], [[Sant'Eustachio (rione of Rome)|Sant'Eustachio]], [[Pigna (rione of Rome)|Pigna]], [[Campitelli]], [[Sant'Angelo (rione of Rome)|Sant'Angelo]], [[Trastevere]], [[Esquilino (rione of Rome)|Esquilino]], [[Ludovisi]], [[Sallustiano]], part of [[Castro Pretorio]], [[Celio (rione of Rome)|Celio]].
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*'''[[Municipio 2]]''' – Includes the districts: [[Flaminio]], [[Parioli]], [[Pinciano]], [[Salario]] and a part of the [[Trieste]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 3]]''' – Includes:  [[San Lorenzo]], [[Stazione Tiburtina]]; [[Nomentano (part of)]], [[Università La Sapienza]], [[Verano]], [[Bologna]], and [[Policinico]].
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*'''[[Municipio 4]]''' – Includes the districts: [[Monte Sacro]], [[Monte Sacro Alto]], [[Val Melaina]], [[Castel Giubileo]], [[Marcigliana]], [[Casal Boccone]], [[Tor S. Giovanni]] and a part of the [[Trieste]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 5]]''' – Includes the districts: [[Pietralata]], [[Ponte Mammolo]], [[S. Basilio]], [[Settecamini]], [[Tor Cervara]], [[Tor Sapienza]], [[Acqua Vergine]] and parts of the [[Tiburtino]] and of the [[Collatino]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 6]]''' – Includes parts of the districts: [[Tiburtino]], [[Prenestino-Labicano]], [[Tuscolano]] and [[Collatino]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 7]]''' – Includes the districts: [[Prenestino]], [[Centocelle]], [[Alessandrino]], [[La Rustica]] and parts of the [[Tuscolano]], [[Collatino]], [[Don Bosco]], [[Tor Cervara]], [[Tor Sapienza]] and [[Torre Spaccata]].
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*'''[[Municipio 8]]''' – Includes the districts: [[Lunghezza]], [[S. Vittorino]], [[Torre Angela]], [[Borghesiana]] and parts of the [[Don Bosco]], [[Acqua Vergine]], [[Torre Spaccata]], [[Torre Maura]], [[Torrenova]] and [[Torre Gaia]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 9]]''' – Includes parts of the districts: [[Prenestino-Labicano]], [[Tuscolano]] and [[Appio Latino]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 10]]''' – Includes: [[Appio Claudio]], [[Capannelle]], and parts of [[Tuscolano]], [[Don Bosco]], [[Appio Pignatelli]], [[Torre Maura]], [[Torrenova]], [[Torre Gaia]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 11]]''' – Includes parts of: [[Appio Latino]], [[Ostiense]], [[Ardeatino]], [[Appio Pignatelli]], [[Torricola]] and [[Cecchignola]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 12]]''' – Includes: [[Giuliano-Dalmata]], [[Esposizione_Universale_Roma|EUR]], [[Fonte Ostiense]], [[Vallerano]], [[Castel di Decima]], [[Torrino]] and parts of [[Ostiense]], [[Castel di Leva]] and [[Cecchignola]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 13]]''' – Includes: [[Ostia Ponente]], [[Ostia Levante]], [[Castel Fusano]], and parts of [[Tor de' Cenci]], [[Mezzocamino]].
 +
*'''[[Muncipio 14]]''' – Includes parts of: [[Portuense]], [[Gianicolense]], [[Magliana Vecchia]], [[Ponte Galeria]], [[Pisana]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 16]]''' – Includes parts of: [[Portuense]], [[Gianicolense]], [[Maccarese]], [[Pisana]], [[Castel di Guido]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 17]]''' – Includes the Rioni [[Prati (rione of Rome)|Prati]] and [[Borgo (rione of Rome)|Borgo]] and parts of the districts [[Trionfale]], [[Della Vittoria]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 18]]''' – Includes parts of:[[Aurelio]], [[Trionfale]], [[Primavalle]], [[Castel di Guido]], [[Casalotti]].
 +
*'''[[Municipio 19]]''' – Includes parts of: [[Aurelio]], [[Trionfale]], [[Primavalle]], [[Della Vittoria]].
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*'''[[Municipio 20]]''' – Includes: [[Tor di Quinto]], [[La Giustiniana]], [[La Storta]], [[Cesano]] and parts of [[Della Vittoria]], [[Tomba di Nerone]].
  
:''Main article: [[Province of Rome]].''
+
===Vatican City===
  
==Symbols and trivia==
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[[Image:Vatican Saint Peter's Square.JPG|250px|thumb|right|[[Saint Peter's Square]]]]
Rome is commonly identified by several proper symbols, including the [[Roman Colosseum|Colosseum]], the she-wolf (''Lupa capitolina''), the imperial eagle, and the symbols of [[Christianity]]. The famous acronym '''[[SPQR]]''' recalls the ancient age and the unity between [[Roman Senate]] and Roman people.
+
The city of Rome surrounds the Vatican City, the [[enclave]] of the [[Holy See]], which is a separate sovereign state. It hosts [[Saint Peter's Square]] with the [[Saint Peter's Basilica]].  The open space before the basilica was redesigned by [[Gian Lorenzo Bernini]], from [[1656]] to [[1667]], under the direction of [[Pope Alexander VII]], as an appropriate forecourt, designed "so that the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessing, either from the middle of the façade of the church or from a window in the Vatican Palace" (Norwich 1975 p 175). In Vatican City there are also the prestigiuous [[Vatican Museums]] with the [[Sistine Chapel]], the [[Raphael Rooms]] and other important works of [[Leonardo Da Vinci]], [[Raphael]], [[Giotto]], [[Botticelli]].
  
Rome is called "L'Urbe" (The City), "''Caput mundi''" (head of the world), "Città Eterna" (eternal city), and "Limen Apostolorum" (the threshold of the apostles).
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==Transportation==
  
The town's colors are golden yellow and red (garnet): they stand, respectively, for christian and imperial dignities.
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Rome has an intercontinental [[airport]], the [[Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport - FCO]], but more commonly known as [[Fiumicino]], which also is Italy's chief airport, and the Giovan Battista Pastine international airport (commonly referred to as [[Ciampino Airport]]), a joint civilian and military airport southeast of the city-center, along the [[Via Appia]], which handles mainly charter flights and regional European flights including some low-cost airlines. A third airport, called Aeroporto dell'Urbe, is located in the north of the city along the ancient [[Via Salaria]] and handles mainly helicopters and private flights. A fourth airport, called Aeroporto di Centocelle, in the eastern part of Rome between the Via Prenestina and the Via Casilina, has been abandoned for some years now, but is currently being redeveloped as one of the largest public parks in Rome.
 +
[[Image:Roma-stazione termini.jpg|thumb|300px| [[Termini Station]], the largest railway station in Europe.|left]]
  
Rome has two holidays of its own: [[April 21]] ([[the founding of Rome]]), and [[June 29]] (the feast of its patron saints, [[Saint Peter|Peter]] and [[Paul of Tarsus|Paul]]). Other locally important dates are [[December 8]] (the [[Immaculate Conception]]) and [[January 6]] ([[Epiphany (feast)|Epiphany]]).
+
A 2-line [[Metro|subway]] system operates in Rome called the "Metropolitana" or [[Rome Metro]]. Construction works for the first branch started in the 1930s. The line had been planned to quickly connect the main train station (Termini) with the newly planned E42 area in the southern suburbs, where the 1942 [[Esposizione universale (1942)|World Fair]] was supposed to be held. The event never took place because of war. The area was later partly redesigned and renamed [[Esposizione Universale Roma|EUR]] (Esposizione Universale di Roma: Rome Universal Exhibition) in the 1950s to serve as a modern business district. The line was finally opened in 1955 and it is now part of the B Line. The A line opened in 1980 from Ottaviano to Anagnina stations, later extended in stages (1999 - 2000) to Battistini. In the 1990s an extension of the B line was opened from Termini to Rebibbia. A new branch of the B line (B1) is under construction, as is a third line, called C. A fourth line, line D, is under development. The frequent archaeological findings delay underground work.
  
The ''Grande Raccordo Anulare'' (commonly shortened "Il GRA" or "Il Raccordo"), which is more than 80 km long, once encircled the city. Rome has since grown past this round motorway, with new districts well beyond it.
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This underground network is generally reliable (although it may become very congested at peak times and during events, especially the A line) as it is relatively short. As of 2005, total length is 38 km. The two existing lines, A & B, only intersect at one point, [[Termini Station (Rome)|Termini Station]], the main train station in Rome (which also is the largest train station in Europe{{citation needed}}, underneath and around which now exists as a lively shopping center known as the "Forum Termini" with more than 100 shops of various types). Other stations includes: Tiburtina (second-largest, which is currently being redeveloped and enlarged to become the main high-speed train hub in the city), Ostiense, Trastevere, Tuscolana, S. Pietro, Casilina, Torricola.
  
Some proverbs about the Eternal City:
+
[[Image:Metro rome.png|thumb|300px|Map of Rome Metro.]]
*When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
+
The Rome Metro is part of an extensive transport network made of a tramway network, several suburban and urban lines in and around the city of Rome, plus an "express line" to Fiumicino Airport. Whereas most [[Trenitalia|FS]]-Regionale lines (Regional State Railways) do provide mostly a suburban service with more than 20 stations scattered throughout the city, the Roma-Lido (starting at Ostiense station), the Roma-Pantano (starting nearby Termini) and the Roma-Nord (starting at Flaminio station) lines offer a metro-like service.
*All roads lead to Rome.
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Rome also has a comprehensive [[bus]] and light rail system. The English web site of the ATAC public transportation company allows a route to be calculated using the buses, light rail and subways.[http://www.atac.roma.it/index.asp?lng=2] The Metrebus integrated fare system allows holders of tickets and integrated passes to travel on all companies vehicles, within the validity time of the ticket purchased.[http://www.atac.roma.it/biglietti/index.asp?COD=320&LNG=2]
*Rome wasn't built in a day.
 
*Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's.
 
  
During its long history, Rome has always had a scarcity of native inhabitants, so by tradition a "true" Roman is one whose family has lived in Rome for no less than 7 generations: this is the original "Romano de Roma" (in ''Romanesco'', the local [[dialect]] of [[Italian language|Italian]]).
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Chronic congestion caused by cars during the 1970s and 1980s led to the banning of unauthorized traffic from the central part of city during workdays from 6 am to 6 pm. This area is officially called Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL). Heavy traffic due to night-life crowds during weekends led in recent years to the creation of other ZTLs in the Trastevere and S. Lorenzo districts during the night, and to experimentation with a new night ZTL also in the city center (plans to create a night ZTL in the Testaccio district as well are underway). In recent years, parking spaces along the streets in wide areas of the city have been converted to pay parking, as new underground parking spread throughout the city. In spite of all these measures, traffic remains an unsolved problem, as in many of the world's cities.
  
For the autonomistic party [[Lega Nord]], Rome is the symbol of the allegedly parasytical Italian central government, crystalized in their slogan ''Roma ladrona'' ("Thief Rome").
+
==Events==
  
<gallery>
+
* ''Roma Sana'' April: Mediterranean Trade Fair for Natural Products with exhibitions of biological products, conferences and tasting.
Image:Roma01.jpg|''Senatus PopulusQue Romanus''. Great Seal of Rome's municipality
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* ''Roman Summers'', from June to September: Various events from music to theater, literary meetings and cinema. Events that take place in the most characteristic places in Rome that attract the participation of thousands of artists from all over the world.
Image:polizia-roma.gif|Seal of Rome's [[City]] [[Police]], with the seal and the she-wolf.
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*''Roma Europa Festival'', September: Annual appointment for modern [[art]] and [[theatre]], music and dance, with artists from of all Europe.
</gallery>
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* ''RomeFilmFest'', October: Film Festival help in the Auditorium. [http://www.romacinemafest.org Official website]
 +
* ''Festival Romics'', October: Comics and Cartoon Festival: exhibitions, cartoon film showings of designers and publishing companies.
 +
* ''Roma Jazz Festival'', October: Festival of jazz music since of 1876. Italian and international artists.
 +
* ''Republic day - June, 2'': Military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali, with "[[Frecce Tricolori]]".
  
{{commons|Roma}}
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===Cultural and religious events===
 +
*''Rome’s Good Friday Procession'' in April. On Good Friday, a procession lead by the pope moves from the Via Crucis, from the Colosseum and up Monte Palatino, re-enacting the 14 stations of the cross from the death of Jesus to placement of his body in the tomb.
 +
* ''Literature Festival'', from May to June: Readings of works of famous contemporary writers, accompanied by music, in the setting of Basilica di Massenzio. ([http://www.festivaldelleletterature.it/index.asp?lang=en])
 +
*''International Urban Theatre Festival'': In September, the Festival Internazionale del Teatreo Urbano that transforms Rome into an urban theatrical stage.
 +
*''Rome Jazz Festival'': In October, international artists gather at various venues for the eclectic Rome Jazz Festival.
 +
*''Roman Jewish holiday'', the Mo’ed di Piombo, stems from 1793 (5553 in the Hebrew calendar). Rome’s Jewish Temple is illuminated at night as the rabbi explains the meaning underscoring the celebration.
  
==References==
+
===White Night===
 +
Series of events at venues throughout Rome in September: concerts, special outdoor performances, churches and monuments open to the public at this time, museums open all night with free entrance, shops open all night. ([http://www.lanottebianca.it/index.asp?lang=en&destinazione=cosa_])
  
*Spielvogel, J. (1991) Western Civilization Volume I To 1715. West Publishing Company. ISBN 0-314-82893-1
 
*Chambers, M. et al. (1991) The Western Experience Volume I To 1715, Fifth Edition. McGraw-Hill, Inc. ISBN 0-07-010625-7
 
*Upshur, J. et al. (1991) World History, Combined Edition. West Publishing Company. ISBN 0-314-79265-1
 
*Webster, H. (1924) Early European History, Revised Edition. D. C. Heath and Company.
 
*Hughes, R (1951) The Making of Today's World. Allyn and Bacon.
 
*Tenney, M. (1967) Zondervan's Pictorial Bible Dictionary. Zondervan. ISBN 0-310-23560-X
 
  
==External links==
 
  
*[http://www.comune.roma.it/cultura/ Official Site of the City of Rome]
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==See also==
*[http://www.romasotterranea.it/ Roma Sotterranea/Subterranean Rome]
+
*[[Eurovision Song Contest 1991]]
 +
*[[Symbols and Trivia of Rome]]
 +
*[[Popular Shopping Areas and Markets in Rome]]
 +
*[[Large Cities Climate Leadership Group]]
  
*[http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/Europe/Italy/Lazio/Roma/Rome/home.html Bill Thayer's Gazetteer of Rome]
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Arc/5319/eng.htm Andrea Pollett's Virtual Roma]
 
*[http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Agora/9259/roma_ant.htm Roma Antica e Roma Moderna], in Italian
 
*[http://www.activitaly.it/inglese/home_ing.html Activitaly's up-to-date guide of Rome]
 
*[http://www.forbeginners.info/rome/ Rome for Beginners]
 
*[http://www.alberghi-a.roma.it/info.htm Informations and useful numbers about Rome]
 
  
=== Ancient Rome ===
+
==External links==
*[http://www.romeartlover.it/Rome.htm Rome in the footsteps of an XVIIIth&nbsp;Century traveller]
 
*[http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/ Encyclopædia Romana, by James Grout]
 
*[http://www.maquettes-historiques.net/page4.html La maquette de Rome]
 
*[http://intranet.grundel.nl/thinkquest/introduction.html "Forum Romanum", a ThinkQuest site]
 
*[http://www.vroma.org/~forum/ "Forum Romanum" Project at VRoma]
 
*[http://www.roma-antiqua.de/pages/start/index.php Roma Antiqua &#8212; die Antiken Stätten Roms], in German
 
  
=== Christian Rome ===
+
*[http://www.romacinemafest.org Official site of the RomeFilmFest]
*[[:Category:Churches of Rome|''See Wikipedia's category "Churches of Rome"'']]
+
*[http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=41890000&x=12500000&z=11&l=4&m=a WikiSatellite view of Rome at WikiMapia]
 +
*[http://maps.google.com/maps?q=rome&spn=0.039455,0.126549&t=k&hl=en Google Maps satellite images of Rome]
 +
*[http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=41.900872&ln=12.483902&z=4&k=2&a=1 Photos of Rome displayed over Google Maps]
  
=== Galleries ===
 
*[http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov:81/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=15316 Satellite image of Rome] at [[NASA]]'s [[Earth Observatory]]
 
*[http://myweb.lmu.edu/fjust/Rome.htm Ancient Rome, Images and Pictures]
 
*[http://map.cs.telespazio.it/fontane/index.html Fontanelle di Roma], including the aqueducts
 
*[http://www.compart-multimedia.com/virtuale/us/roma/movie.htm A virtual travel of Rome] pictures and virtual reality movies
 
*[http://www.rome.info/pictures/ Free Rome Pictures]
 
*[http://sabin.ro/gallery/album412 Rome Photo Gallery]
 
*[http://digilander.libero.it/fotogian/roma.html Photos of Rome]
 
*[http://www.photoroma.com/ PhotoRoma]
 
*[http://www2.siba.fi/~kkoskim/rooma/pages/MAIN.HTM Vedute di Roma]
 
*[http://www.secretrome.com Pictures of Rome]
 
*[http://rome.arounder.com/fullscreen.html Arounder.Com] (QTVR panoramas)
 
  
=== Maps ===
+
{{Regional Capitals of Italy}}
*[http://www.italy-weather-and-maps.com/maps/italy/lazio.gif Rome and environs (Lazio)]
+
{{Regions of Italy}}
*[http://www.statravel.co.uk/images/off/short_breaks/map/map_rom.gif downtown Rome]
 
*[http://www.walkingrome.com/links/Pianta-di-Roma-Web.jpg downtown Rome (WalkingRome)]
 
*[http://www.activitaly.it/infobase/index.php?lang=en Interactive map (Activitaly)]
 
*[http://www.duke.edu/~rkl7/Images/Rome%20City%20map.jpg Map of Ancient Rome]
 
  
 +
[[Category:Rome| ]]
 
[[Category:Capitals in Europe]]
 
[[Category:Capitals in Europe]]
[[Category:Holy cities]]
 
[[Category:Roman sites of the Lazio]]
 
[[Category:Rome|*]]
 
[[Category:Host cities of the Summer Olympic Games]]
 

Latest revision as of 06:09, 1 May 2012

Comune di Roma
100px Roma01.png
City flag City seal
City motto: Senatus Populusque Romanus – SPQR
(The Senate and the People of Rome)
Founded 21 April 753 BC mythical,
1st millennium BC
Region Latium
Mayor Walter Veltroni
(Left-Wing Democrats)
Area
 - City Proper

 1290 km²
Population
 - City (2004)
 - Metropolitan
 - Density (city proper)

2,546,807
almost 4,000,000
1,974/km²
Time zone CET, UTC+1
www.comune.roma.it
Lightmatter colosseum.jpg
The Colosseum is the international symbol of Rome

For the car marque ROMA click here


Rome is the capital of Italy and of its region, called Latium. It is located across the confluence of the Tiber and Aniene rivers. It was once the capital of the Roman Empire, the most powerful, largest and longest lasting empire of classical Western civilization. The Vatican, a sovereign enclave within Rome, is the seat of the Roman Catholic Churchlocated at St. Peters square, and the home of the Pope.

Rome is the largest comune in Italy and it is also one of the largest European capital cities in land area, with an area of 1,285 square kilometers. The comune territory extends up to the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the district of Ostia, on the south-west, located on the shore. Within the city limits, the population is about 2.5 million; almost 3.8 million live in the urbanised area of Rome, as represented by the province of Rome, making it second in population to Milan. The current Mayor of Rome is Walter Veltroni.

With a gross domestic product of €97 billion in the year 2005, the comune of Rome produced 6.7% of Italy's GDP, which is the highest proportion of GDP produced by any single one of Italy's comunes.

The city's history extends nearly 2,800 years, during which time it has been the seat of ancient Rome and, later, the Papal States, Kingdom of Italy and Italian Republic (modern Italy). Rome is also called "la Città Eterna" (the Eternal City), "l'Urbe" (the latin for the City pre-eminently) and "The City of the Seven Hills".

History

The civilization of ancient Rome originated in the 8th or 9th century BC, when the tribe of the Latini migrated to the Italian peninsula to settle around the River Tiber. For almost a thousand years, Rome was a very important city in the Western world and possibly the largest city in the world, with around 1.5 to 2 million inhabitants, as the capital of the expansive Roman Empire. With the rise of Christianity, Rome became the center of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the popes. The slow decline of the Roman Empire heralded the beginning of the Middle Ages, but the city regained prominence as the cultural capital of Western Roman Empire for several hundred years leading up to the Renaissance. Rome remains influential today, as the capital of Italy, as center of the Catholic Church, and as a major metropolis.

In Roman mythology, Rome was built on April 21 753 BC by the twin descendants of the Trojan prince Aeneas, Romulus and Remus. Romulus killed Remus in a quarrel over where their city was to be located and became the first of seven Kings of Rome, as well as the source of the city's name.


Central Rome is dominated by the traditional seven hills that hark back to the Latin founding myth of the city. These seven hills are the Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Caelian, Aventine, Capitoline, and Palatine Hills. The Tiber River and its islands are an important additional component of the city, flowing south through the western portion of the central zone.

Geography

Location and layout

Rome is located on the Tiber River 24 km (15 miles) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city was built on a defendable hill dominating the last high-banked river crossing where traverse was faciliated by a midstream isle.

Much of Rome is located within the old city walls. The Servian Wall was built twelve years after Gauls' conquest of the city in 390 BC. The wall enclosed most of the Esquiline and Caelian Hill and contained the entire area of the other five. Rome grew beyond the Servian Wall but no more walls were constructed until 270, when Aurelian began building the brick-faced concrete Aurelian Walls. The new wall is almost twelve miles long and was the wall Italian forces had to breach in 1870. The wall is still largely intact.

The ancient city within the walls covers about four percent of the modern municipality's 582 square miles. The old city is the smallest of Rome's twelve administrative zones. The walled city center is made up of 22 rioni (districts), sorrounding it are 35 quartieri urbani (urban sectors), and within the city limits are six large suburbi (suburbs). The comune of Rome located outside the municipal boundaries about doubles the area of the actual city.

A belt highway describes a huge circle around the capital about six miles out from the city center. The circle ties together the antique roads that led to Rome: the Via Flaminia, the Via Aurelia and Via Appia. Large amounts of modern apartment buildings are located in the districts outside the center, where contemporary architecture has not gone unnoticed. Many street frontages and show windows often change to keep up with the times and the Romans have suceeded in harmonizing the old and the new.

Though small, the old city center contains about 300 hotels and 300 pensioni, over 200 palaces, 900 churches, eight of Rome's major parks, the residence of the Italian president, the houses of the Parliament, offices of the city and city government, and many great and well-known monuments. The old city also contains thousands of workshops, offices, bars, and restaurants. Millions of tourists visit Rome anually, making it one of the most touristic cities in the world.

Climate

Rome's climate is at its most comfortable from April through June or early July. By August, the temperature during the heat of the day often exceeds 35° C (95° F). Many businesses close during August, and Romans traditionally abandon the city for cooler climes. The average high temperature in December is about 13° C (55° F).

Economy

Today, Rome has a dynamic and diverse economy with thriving innovation, technologies, communications and service sectors. It produces 6.7% of the national GDP (more than any other city in Italy). Rome grows 4,4% annually and continues to grow at a higher rate than any other city in the rest of the country. Rome's economic growth began to surpass that of its rivals, Naples and Milan after World War II. Tourism is inevitably one of Rome's chief industries, with many notable museums including the Vatican Museum, and the Borghese Gallery. The city is also a centre for banking as well as electronics and aerospace industries. Many international headquarters, government ministries, conference centres, sports venues and museums are located in Rome's principal business districts: the Esposizione Universale Roma (EUR); the Torrino (further south from the EUR); the Magliana; the Parco de' Medici-Laurentina and the so-called Tiburtina-valley along the ancient Via Tiburtina.

Demographics

City of Rome
Population by year
330 1,000,000
530 100,000
1000 20,000
1750 156,000
1800 163,000
1820 140,000
1850 185,000
1858 182,000
1871 212,000
1881 273,000
1901 422,000
1911 518,000
1921 660,000
1931 930,000
1936 1,150,000
1951 1,651,000
1961 2,187,000
1971 2,781,000
1981 2,839,000
1991 2,775,000
2001 2,546,000


At the time of the Roman Empire, Rome was for many centuries the world greatest city, with over one million estimated residents. After the fall of empire, due to barbaric invasions, the population of Rome declined to only 20,000 inhabitants in the dark ages. Afterwards, the population began to rise in the Renaissance and surpassed one hundred thousand residents in XVII century.

There were about 200,000 people living in Rome in 1870, when it became the capital of the new Kingdom of Italy. In the fascist period, between the last decades of the 19th century and World War II, Rome grew rapidly and surpassed 1,000,000 residents. The EUR district was built during this period. After WWII and the Nazi military occupation, which seriously damaged the city, Rome experienced another great change in demographics during the "economic miracle" of the 1950s and '60s. But in the late 1980s and '90s, Rome's population began to fall because many residents, in order to escape traffic and pollution, moved to the external urban belt.

At present, like most western European capitals, Rome has accumulated a substantial immigrant population. Italy's official statistics bureau (ISTAT) in 2005 estimates, states that 145,000 immigrants live in the Rome's comune, or 5.69 percent of the total comune population. The foreign population in the urban area of Rome consists in 206,000 persons, or 5.37 percent of the total urban area population. The foreign population in the metro area of Rome is about 248,000 persons or 4.67 percent of the total metro area population. By far the largest number of immigrants are Eastern European, with the largest numbers of foreigners coming from Romania, The Philippines, Poland, Albania, Peru, Bangladesh, and Ukraine.[1]

Religion

The Religio Romana constituted the major religion of the city in antiquity. However, other religions remained represented within its ever-changing boundaries, and by the 4th century Christianity was widespread alongside the ancient cults.

During his reign, Emperor Constantine I legalized Christianity. However, it was Theodosius II who made it the official religion of the Roman Empire, allowing a rapid spread of the religion which similarly continued to spread thereafter. Rome was established as the center of the Catholic Church. Consequently, a great number of some of the most important religious buildings of Christianity were erected in the city.

Across the river Tiber from the old Roman Forum and its centers of pre-Christian worship is the Vatican City, an autonomous country inside the city and the center of Catholicism. There are currently over 900 churches in Rome, including many world famous locations, housing a wide collection of masterpieces of religious art.

In Rome there is also the largest mosque in Europe, designed by the Italian achitect Paolo Portoghesi and inaugurated on June 21st, 1995.

Culture

Panorama over Rome


Ancient Rome

The Colosseum in Rome

One of the symbols of Rome is the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. Originally capable of seating 50,000 spectators, it was used for gladiatorial combat. It was built in the 70s and completed in 80. The great complex of the Imperial Forums consist of a series of monumental fora (public squares), constructed in Rome over a period of one and half centuries, between 46 BC and AD 113. The forums were the heart of the late Roman Republic and of the Roman Empire. The list of the very important monuments of ancient Rome includes the Roman Forum, the Domus Aurea, the Pantheon, the Trajan's Column, the Trajan's Market, the Catacombs of Rome, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Constantine, the Pyramid of Cestius, the Bocca della Verità. Moreover, the archeological site of Ostia preserves intact a whole ancient roman town.

The Renaissance and the Baroque

Rome was the major world center of the Renaissance, and that left a profound mark on the city. The most impressive masterpiece of Renaissance in Rome is the Piazza del Campidoglio by Michelangelo, with the Palazzo Senatorio, seat of city govt. In this period the great aristocratic families of Rome used to build opulent dwellings as the Palazzo del Quirinale, now seat of the President of the Republic, the Palazzo Venezia, the Palazzo Farnese, the Palazzo Barberini, the Palazzo Chigi, now seat of the Prime Minister of Italy, the Palazzo Spada, the Palazzo della Cancelleria, the Villa Farnesina. Rome is also famous for her huge and majestic squares, often adorned with obelisks, many of those built in the XVII century. The principal squares are Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Esedra, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Farnese, Piazza Minerva. One of the most emblematic examples of the baroque art is the Fontanta di Trevi by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Other notable baroque palaces of XVII century are the Palazzo Madama, now seat of theItalian Senate and the Palazzo Montecitorio, now seat of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy.

Neoclassicism

In 1870, Rome became capital city of the new Kingdom of Italy. And neoclassicism, a building style influenced by architecture during the late 800s, became a predominant style in Roman buildings. In this period many great palaces in neoclassical styles were built to host ministries, embassies and other governing agencies. One of the best-known symbol of Roman neoclassicism is the Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II or "Altar of Fatherland", where the grave of the Unknown Soldier, that represents the 650,000 Italian fallen in World War I, is located.

The Fascist Architecture

Template:Rellink

The Fascist regime that ruled in Italy between 1922 and 1943 developed an original architectural style, characterized by feast and the resarch of a link with ancient Rome architecture. The most important fascist style site in Rome is the E.U.R. district, acronym for Esposizione Universale Roma, built in 1935. It was originally conceived for the 1942 world exhibition, and was called "E.42" ("Esposizione 42"). However, the world exhibition never took place due to Italy entering the Second World War in 1940. The most representative building of the Fascist style at E.U.R. is the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (1938-1943), the iconic design of which has been labeled the cubic or Square Colosseum. After World War II, the Roman authorities found that they already had a germ of an off-centre business district that other capitals were still planning (London Docklands and La Defense in Paris). Also the Palazzo della Farnesina, the actual seat of Italian Foreign Ministry, was designed in 1935 in fascist style.

Villas and gardens

The surroundings of Rome are characterized by numerous and large green areas and opulent ancient villas. The most important are: Villa Borghese, with a large landscape garden in the naturalistic English manner, containing a number of buildings, museums (see Galleria Borghese) and attractions; Villa Doria Pamphili, the largest public landscaped park of Rome with an area of 1.8 km²; Villa Torlonia, a splendid example of Art Nouveau mansion that was the roman residence of Benito Mussolini; Villa Albani, commissioned by Alessandro Cardinal Albani to house his collection of antiquities and Roman sculpture, which soon filled the casino that faced the Villa down a series of formal parterres.

Museums and galleries

The list of most important museums and galleries of Rome includes: the National Museum of Rome, the Museum of Roman Civilization, the Villa Giulia National Etruscan Museum, the Capitoline Museums, the Borghese Gallery, the Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo, the National Gallery of Modern Art.

Education and music

Rome is the greatest italian high education center, hosting the largest university in Europe, the La Sapienza University, with 150,000 students from all over the world. The city has also other two public universities, the University of Rome Tor Vergata and the Third University of Rome, and many private universities as the LUISS University of Rome, the Maria SS. Assunta University of Rome, the John Cabot University, the Motor Science University of Rome, the S. Pio V University of Rome, the Biomedical University of Rome.

Rome is also one of the world most important centers of music, hosting the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. The facilities of the Academy are now located on the premises of the new Parco della Musica in Rome, one of the largest musical venues in the world. In addiction, Rome has an opera house, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.

Administrative subdivision of Rome

The administrative subdivision of Rome consists of the 19 sub-municipalities (Municipi) of Rome's municipality. Originally, the city was divided into 20 sub-municipalities, but the XIV, what is now the Comune di Fiumicino, voted some years ago to become a full municipality itself and eventually detached from Rome.

List of Municipi

The territory of the commune of Rome is divided into 20 Municipi (area subdivisions):

Vatican City

The city of Rome surrounds the Vatican City, the enclave of the Holy See, which is a separate sovereign state. It hosts Saint Peter's Square with the Saint Peter's Basilica. The open space before the basilica was redesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, from 1656 to 1667, under the direction of Pope Alexander VII, as an appropriate forecourt, designed "so that the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessing, either from the middle of the façade of the church or from a window in the Vatican Palace" (Norwich 1975 p 175). In Vatican City there are also the prestigiuous Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms and other important works of Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Giotto, Botticelli.

Transportation

Rome has an intercontinental airport, the Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport - FCO, but more commonly known as Fiumicino, which also is Italy's chief airport, and the Giovan Battista Pastine international airport (commonly referred to as Ciampino Airport), a joint civilian and military airport southeast of the city-center, along the Via Appia, which handles mainly charter flights and regional European flights including some low-cost airlines. A third airport, called Aeroporto dell'Urbe, is located in the north of the city along the ancient Via Salaria and handles mainly helicopters and private flights. A fourth airport, called Aeroporto di Centocelle, in the eastern part of Rome between the Via Prenestina and the Via Casilina, has been abandoned for some years now, but is currently being redeveloped as one of the largest public parks in Rome.

File:Roma-stazione termini.jpg
Termini Station, the largest railway station in Europe.

A 2-line subway system operates in Rome called the "Metropolitana" or Rome Metro. Construction works for the first branch started in the 1930s. The line had been planned to quickly connect the main train station (Termini) with the newly planned E42 area in the southern suburbs, where the 1942 World Fair was supposed to be held. The event never took place because of war. The area was later partly redesigned and renamed EUR (Esposizione Universale di Roma: Rome Universal Exhibition) in the 1950s to serve as a modern business district. The line was finally opened in 1955 and it is now part of the B Line. The A line opened in 1980 from Ottaviano to Anagnina stations, later extended in stages (1999 - 2000) to Battistini. In the 1990s an extension of the B line was opened from Termini to Rebibbia. A new branch of the B line (B1) is under construction, as is a third line, called C. A fourth line, line D, is under development. The frequent archaeological findings delay underground work.

This underground network is generally reliable (although it may become very congested at peak times and during events, especially the A line) as it is relatively short. As of 2005, total length is 38 km. The two existing lines, A & B, only intersect at one point, Termini Station, the main train station in Rome (which also is the largest train station in EuropeTemplate:Citation needed, underneath and around which now exists as a lively shopping center known as the "Forum Termini" with more than 100 shops of various types). Other stations includes: Tiburtina (second-largest, which is currently being redeveloped and enlarged to become the main high-speed train hub in the city), Ostiense, Trastevere, Tuscolana, S. Pietro, Casilina, Torricola.

File:Metro rome.png
Map of Rome Metro.

The Rome Metro is part of an extensive transport network made of a tramway network, several suburban and urban lines in and around the city of Rome, plus an "express line" to Fiumicino Airport. Whereas most FS-Regionale lines (Regional State Railways) do provide mostly a suburban service with more than 20 stations scattered throughout the city, the Roma-Lido (starting at Ostiense station), the Roma-Pantano (starting nearby Termini) and the Roma-Nord (starting at Flaminio station) lines offer a metro-like service. Rome also has a comprehensive bus and light rail system. The English web site of the ATAC public transportation company allows a route to be calculated using the buses, light rail and subways.[2] The Metrebus integrated fare system allows holders of tickets and integrated passes to travel on all companies vehicles, within the validity time of the ticket purchased.[3]

Chronic congestion caused by cars during the 1970s and 1980s led to the banning of unauthorized traffic from the central part of city during workdays from 6 am to 6 pm. This area is officially called Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL). Heavy traffic due to night-life crowds during weekends led in recent years to the creation of other ZTLs in the Trastevere and S. Lorenzo districts during the night, and to experimentation with a new night ZTL also in the city center (plans to create a night ZTL in the Testaccio district as well are underway). In recent years, parking spaces along the streets in wide areas of the city have been converted to pay parking, as new underground parking spread throughout the city. In spite of all these measures, traffic remains an unsolved problem, as in many of the world's cities.

Events

  • Roma Sana April: Mediterranean Trade Fair for Natural Products with exhibitions of biological products, conferences and tasting.
  • Roman Summers, from June to September: Various events from music to theater, literary meetings and cinema. Events that take place in the most characteristic places in Rome that attract the participation of thousands of artists from all over the world.
  • Roma Europa Festival, September: Annual appointment for modern art and theatre, music and dance, with artists from of all Europe.
  • RomeFilmFest, October: Film Festival help in the Auditorium. Official website
  • Festival Romics, October: Comics and Cartoon Festival: exhibitions, cartoon film showings of designers and publishing companies.
  • Roma Jazz Festival, October: Festival of jazz music since of 1876. Italian and international artists.
  • Republic day - June, 2: Military parade on Via dei Fori Imperiali, with "Frecce Tricolori".

Cultural and religious events

  • Rome’s Good Friday Procession in April. On Good Friday, a procession lead by the pope moves from the Via Crucis, from the Colosseum and up Monte Palatino, re-enacting the 14 stations of the cross from the death of Jesus to placement of his body in the tomb.
  • Literature Festival, from May to June: Readings of works of famous contemporary writers, accompanied by music, in the setting of Basilica di Massenzio. ([4])
  • International Urban Theatre Festival: In September, the Festival Internazionale del Teatreo Urbano that transforms Rome into an urban theatrical stage.
  • Rome Jazz Festival: In October, international artists gather at various venues for the eclectic Rome Jazz Festival.
  • Roman Jewish holiday, the Mo’ed di Piombo, stems from 1793 (5553 in the Hebrew calendar). Rome’s Jewish Temple is illuminated at night as the rabbi explains the meaning underscoring the celebration.

White Night

Series of events at venues throughout Rome in September: concerts, special outdoor performances, churches and monuments open to the public at this time, museums open all night with free entrance, shops open all night. ([5])


See also


External links



Regional Capitals of Italy
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