+29Rome is the capital city of Italy, located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula. It is situated within the Lazio region, specifically in the Metropolitan City of Rome. As a major urban center, Rome is globally notable for its immense historical significance, having been the heart of the Roman Empire, and for serving as the center of the Catholic Church, hosting the independent state of Vatican City within its borders.
According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC. The city's key architectural features span over two millennia, including iconic structures from the Roman Republic and Empire such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, as well as vast contributions from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city serves as Italy's political capital and a global hub for culture, tourism, and religion.
Rome is a major international transportation hub. It is served by two primary airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino Airport. The city has an extensive public transportation network including a metro system, buses, and trams. The historic center is largely pedestrian-friendly, though vehicle access is restricted in many zones. The city is accessible year-round, though some sites may have limited hours or require advance booking due to high tourist demand.
Rome features a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The landscape is primarily urban, built upon the famous Seven Hills of Rome along the banks of the Tiber River. The original natural vegetation of the area was a mixed Mediterranean forest, though this has been largely replaced by urban development and cultivated green spaces such as the extensive Villa Borghese gardens. The human influence on the natural environment is absolute and total.
Rome's history spans 28 centuries. It grew from a small settlement into the capital of the Roman Kingdom, then the Roman Republic, and ultimately the Roman Empire, which became the dominant power in the ancient world. Following the Empire's decline, the city maintained its significance as the seat of the Papacy. It served as the capital of the Papal States and later became the capital of the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1871. Its historical layers are visibly preserved in its architecture and urban plan.