Basic Facts
Rome, the capital of Italy, rises on the banks of the Tevere about 25
kilometers from its main outlet in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Of course, Italian
is the common language throughout Rome, but you will find that many Italians can
speak some English.
Rome is situated at the center of an undulating plain, the
Campagna Romana, which is confined to one side by the hills of Monte Mario,
Gianicolo and Monteverde and on the other side by smaller hills of volcanic
origin - the so-called "Seven Hills."
When
in Rome
Piazza di Spagna
An incredible, almost theatrical square with the lovely Spanish steps
leading up to the chiesa di Trinità dei Monti. One of the world's most
important fashion shows is held here, the steps being used as a catwalk. The
steps have also been featured in many a romantic movie. It is now an international meeting point. The fountain
known as the 'Barcaccia' (boat) was commissioned by Urbano Barberini to
commemorate the alliance made with the King of France, whose coat of arms can be
seen on Trinità dei Monti. The square leads into several famous streets, via dei
Condotti, Via Frattina and Via Borgognona with their luxurious boutiques, and
via del Babuino with its antique shops. (Click
here for a website that presents an incredible 3600
view of the Piazza, the Spanish steps and more; plus more information.)
Coliseum
The Flavian Amphitheatre was built in 72 A.D. by the Roman emperor Vespasian
and it was finished by his son Titus in 80 A.D. The Flavian amphitheatre took
the name Coliseum from the huge statue of Nero stood at the entrance of the
Golden house.
The Coliseum was damaged by many earthquakes and was
transformed into a fortress by Frangipane family which then passed to the
Annibaldi family. In the 1312 Henry VII gave it to the Senate and the Roman
people. The Coliseum became a quarry and the blocks of travertine were taken
for the construction of the Palazzo Venezia, and then thanks to the pope
Benedict XIV the building became a sacred place in memory of all the blood
poured from the Christian martyrs.
St. Peters Cathedral
People come by the millions each year to receive the Pope's blessing,
traditionally given on Sundays at noon.
St Peter's has undergone many
transformations since the original Constantine basilica of 320 AD.
The top of its majestic dome (designed by Michelangelo).
provides the best vantage point from which to marvel at Bernini's magnificent
colonnade surrounding the square. The gilded bronze canopy above the altar and Michelangelo's Pietà. Bramante, Pietro da Cortona and Canova are just some of the many artists
who worked together on this monumental basilica's decoration and design.
Other Sites in Rome
These are too numerous to mention, but
certainly you'll want to put
the Vatican on your schedule,
the Forum,
the Pantheon and many
other sites in and just outside of Roma (see our Links page for lots of
information about all of what Rome offers!).
Other Cities to Visit…
Below is a list of popular cities to visit while in Europe.
Please note that although some of the distances below seem lengthy and imposing,
many students take a night train and sleep for the majority of the trip.
Also, Europe offers very inexpensive flights (i.e.
RyanAir.com) that may save time but may take
more preparation and planning.
| City/Country |
Travel Time, Eurail
(from Rome) |
| Florence |
2 hours |
|
Naples |
1.5 hours |
| Venice |
4.5 hours |
| Capri (Italy) |
7 hours |
| Pisa |
3 hours |
| Milan |
4 hours |
| Amsterdam |
17.5 |
| Paris |
12.5 hours |
| Barcelona |
21.5 hours |
| Munich |
10.5 hours |
| Vienna |
12 hours |
| Zurich |
8.5 hours |
**visit
www.bahn.de for more train information
.
