Rome

Rome
Name	Rome
Caption	The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of ancient Roman engineering.
Coordinates	41, 54, N, 12...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Italy
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Lazio
Subdivision type2	Metropolitan city
Subdivision name2	Metropolitan City of Rome Capital
Established title	Founded
Established date	753 BC
Founder	Romulus and Remus (legendary)
Government type	Mayor–council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Roberto Gualtieri
Area total km2	1285
Population total	2,860,009
Population as of	2023
Population demonym	Roman
Timezone	CET
Utc offset	+1
Timezone DST	CEST
Utc offset DST	+2
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	00100; 00118 to 00199
Area code	06
Website	www.comune.roma.it

Rome. The capital city of Italy and the special municipality of Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, it is also the country's most populous comune. Located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula within Lazio along the shores of the Tiber, it has been a major human settlement for almost three millennia, serving as the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire. As one of the world's oldest continuously occupied cities, its history spans 28 centuries and its vast historical, artistic, and cultural heritage has led to its nickname, the "Eternal City."

History

According to legend, the city was founded in 753 BC by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, descendants of the Trojan prince Aeneas. The early city was ruled by kings, including Numa Pompilius and the Etruscan Tarquinius Superbus, before the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC. The Republic expanded through conflicts like the Punic Wars against Carthage and the Macedonian Wars, producing famed figures such as Scipio Africanus, Gaius Marius, and Julius Caesar. The latter's assassination led to the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus, initiating the Pax Romana, a period of stability overseen by emperors like Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius. The empire's division and the sack of Rome by Alaric I marked its decline, with the city later becoming the heart of the Papal States and the center of Catholicism. It was annexed into the Kingdom of Italy in 1870 after the Capture of Rome and witnessed the rise of Fascism under Benito Mussolini before becoming the modern Italian republic's capital.

Geography

The city is situated in the Lazio region of central Italy, approximately 27 kilometers inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. It spans an area of over 1,285 square kilometers, encompassing the famous Seven Hills of Rome, including the Palatine Hill and the Capitoline Hill. The primary river is the Tiber, which flows southward and is joined by the Aniene within the city. The territory extends to the coastal enclave of Ostia and includes parts of the Castelli Romani area. The climate is classified as Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, influenced by its proximity to the sea and the Apennine Mountains.

Government and politics

As the capital of Italy, it hosts the nation's principal governmental institutions: the official residence of the President is the Palazzo del Quirinale, the Italian Parliament meets at the Palazzo Madama and Palazzo Montecitorio, and the Prime Minister's office is at Palazzo Chigi. The city itself is administered as a special comune, led by a directly elected Mayor and a 48-member City Assembly, currently under the leadership of Roberto Gualtieri. It is also the seat of the Roman Curia, the administrative apparatus of the Holy See, and hosts numerous international organizations, including the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme.

Culture

The city's cultural influence is immense, having been the epicenter of the Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque artistic movements. It is home to globally renowned institutions such as the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, and the Galleria Borghese, featuring works by Caravaggio and Bernini. The city's Cinecittà studios have been the filming location for iconic movies like La Dolce Vita and Ben-Hur. Roman cuisine, with signature dishes like pasta alla carbonara and saltimbocca alla Romana, is celebrated worldwide. Major annual events include the Festa di Noantri in Trastevere and the prestigious Rome Film Festival.

Economy

As Italy's political and administrative center, the economy is dominated by public administration, defense, and services, with major employers including government ministries and international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization. Tourism is a vital sector, driven by millions of annual visitors to ancient sites and museums. The city is a significant hub for banking and finance, hosting the headquarters of major companies like Eni and Telecom Italia. High-tech and research sectors are growing, centered around districts like EUR and partnerships with universities such as Sapienza University of Rome. The Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport is Italy's busiest airport, facilitating international trade and connectivity.

Landmarks

The city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dense with iconic monuments from various eras. Ancient engineering marvels include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Trajan's Market. Impressive remnants of the Aurelian Walls and the Baths of Caracalla showcase imperial grandeur. Religious architecture is epitomized by St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, and the Trevi Fountain. Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces abound, such as the Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and the numerous works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini that define the city's piazzas and churches.

Category:Capital cities in Europe Category:Communes of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital Category:Populated places established in the 8th century BC