Rome Guide
The Eternal City has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. And for good reason; Rome does not just offer travelers the best of the old world and the new. The city streets, fountains, villas, churches and piazzas are a veritable museum, a collection of galleries that span several historical eras - sometimes even blurring the lines between the centuries. For example, your Rome hotel may be housed in a renovated Renaissance palace. Or your 5-star hotel in Rome may overlook the very site where a Caesar was murdered or a Pope ascended.

The center of Rome's municipal government is Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio). It has been the seat of power since the days of ancient Rome. Deserted and beautifully lit at night, the piazza was designed by Michelangelo in 1538. It is bordered by three buildings (also by Michelangelo): the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, which together house the Capitoline Museums, and the Palazzo Senatorio at the rear.

The Coliseum, the Forum and the Pantheon are the most easily identifiable of the ancient structures. These buildings were once the entertainment, cultural and spiritual centers, respectively, of the ancient city. The Forum was the great social gathering place, strategically located between the Capitoline and Palatine hills where most Romans lived. Beginning as a simple market, it grew over the centuries as result of the city's growth and the Emperors' generosity. Later, it was slowly destroyed in the same way as future rulers used its materials to build monuments to their own greatness.

The Holy See is, of course, a country within a country. A completely autonomous state, the Vatican is one of the richest countries in the world. The Sistine Chapel is only the beginning of the incredible repository of priceless artwork gathered from around the world. Both the faithful and the curious will be awed by the opulence and the power of the Vatican.

Rome is just as famous for its cuisine and cafe culture as it is for its great religious and historic artifacts. Most visitors agree that it is not the great sites of the city that seduce them, but the small treasures that they find along the way. So when in Rome, do as the do as the Romans do: take your time to enjoy the simple delights of the day.

Quick Guide to Rome Attractions

For more information why not check out our guide to top Rome travel sites and our world travel section for information about other popular destination.

Rome is a fascinating city for every type of traveller. We hope that by offering a wide selection of Rome hotels we can make planning your trip to Rome a bit simpler. For a Rome hotel situated in the historic district the Royal Gabrinus Hotel in Rome is one of the most popular hotels in Rome. An excellent Rome hotel with reasonable rates is the Best Western Hotel Piccadilly Rome accommodation. This hotel offers comforatable accommodation close to the major attractions including the Colosseum and San Giovanni. If you want nothing less than from a hotel in Rome than 5 star luxury then you will want to short list the Grand Hotel Plaza Rome. There is not better way to experience Rome than from an Italian luxury hotel practically on the Spanish Steps and one that has over 100 years of history. The hotel was built in 1860 and the decor includes painted ceilings, terraces and it also close to all the best sites. See what Rome hotels are available on your travel dates with our simple to use search and booking engine on this page.

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