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Rome has been called the Head of the World (Caput Mundi) and the Eternal City due to its great beauty and heritage. Rome’s history spans an impressive two and a half thousand years, proudly displaying remnants from the ancient Roman empire and the Italian Renaissance. Founded in 753 BC by Remus and Romulus, Rome was a republic and the center of the great Roman Empire. The city fell in 476 AC and was invaded by barbarians. The Italian Renaissance began around 1377, establishing Rome as one of the greatest art centers of the world. This was the age of Constantine the Great, Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Botticelli. Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1871, and in 1946 that of the Italian Republic.
Today, the city of Rome is a cosmopolitan place, bustling with the activity and the enthusiasm of 2.7 million residents in addition to the ever-ubiquitous tourists. Situated on the Tiber River, Rome is the most popular tourist destination in Italy, the third most visited city in Europe, and the 11th most visited city in the world. Rome’s economy is predominantly based on government operations and tourism. Among other things, Rome produces printed materials, high fashion, pharmaceuticals, and metal products.
Rome’s influence on western civilization is well established. The city is recognized as a center of education and the arts, with global influence in culture, politics, literature, music, fashion, film, media, and cuisine. It is the world’s 35th richest city in purchasing power, and the 18th most expensive city in the world.
Since 1929, Rome has been the site of the Vatican, the Catholic Church’s epicenter. Vatican City, a walled enclave, is an independent state with its own currency. It is the smallest country in the world based on an area of 3.2 km by .44 square kilometers, and a population of 900 citizens. This is where the Pope and the Holy See live. The Pope is protected by the Swiss Guard in addition to police force services. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, two of the world’s marvels, are both located inside Vatican City.
