subject: Rome: The Eternal City [print this page] No tour of Italy would be complete without a trip to the countrys historic capital, Rome. Not for nothing is it known as the Eternal City. It has, in its time, been the centre of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, the Kingdom of Italy and (since 1946) the Italian Republic. The entire centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting diverse architecture from across Rome's long history.
The Colosseum is one of the worlds most visited tourist destinations, attracting 4 million visitors each year. All those tourists will be treated to one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. The Colosseum is itself almost 2000 years old. It was originally constructed on the outskirts of the city, but since then Rome has grown and enveloped it, so it is now seen by many as the city's unofficial heart.
For those who prefer to live in the present, Rome can also offer those taking a tour of Italy the countrys very best nightlife. There is a plethora of nightclubs and bars to appeal to all tastes. Well known hotspots include Akab Cave in Testaccio. With a dance floor in a cave (hence the name) and a Japanese style garden out back, it offers the tourist a style that goes beyond the simply gimmicky. Another venue not lacking in character is the Micca Club. As well as the obligatory music, there is a stage for live performances and those visiting on a Sunday will be treated to a flea market. You don't get that down the local Funky Buddha.
The Rock Castle Caf is a popular venue with both locals and tourists. Located, as the name suggests, in the dungeons of the Palazzo Cenci, you can enjoy a cocktail and a dance in a uniquely medieval setting. Roman venues do not typically have a set house style of music: instead, the style of music rotates on a semi-regular basis depending on which DJ or band is playing on any particular night. If you have a particular fondness for New Wave, electro, dance or house, best to make sure which clubs are playing it that night before you set out.
Italy is known for its fashion and Rome, along with Milan, is one of the two chicest cities on the globe. Some of Italys oldest jewellery and clothing lines were founded in the city and the modern tourist can still find parades of boutique fashion houses selling the very coolest in designer ware.
The sports fan will also find much to attract them in Rome. The city has hosted a number of major sporting events across its history. It was the site of the 1960 Summer Olympic Games, utilising a number of the citys ancient sites as event venues (e.g. the gymnastics were held at the Roman Baths of Caracalla). Both the 1934 and 1990 Football World Cups were held in the city, the latter famously introducing high art to a traditionally populist sport with a performance by the Three Tenors the night before the final. Romes long tradition of attracting sports fans looks set to continue as the city is currently bidding to host the 2020 Summer Olympics Games.
Whether you plan to spend an entire holiday in the city or want to make it just one stop on your wider tour of Italy, you cant go wrong with Rome. Once the centre of the worlds mightiest civilisation, the Eternal City still shines with arts, history and culture.
