Rome

Rome is one of the most fascinating cities in the world with an awe-inspiring amount of history, culture and heritage thanks to its long and varied past which spans over 2000 years. According to legend the city of Rome was founded on the 21st April 753 BC by Romulus but gradually the power of the city grew throughout the centuries to form a mighty Empire which, at its peak, covered most of Europe, north Africa and parts of Asia. The Emperors created a stunning legacy of  palaces and monuments but after the fall of the Empire in the middle ages the city of Rome was almost completely  abandoned. 

As home to the Pope, Rome regained power during the Renaissance when the influence and patronage of the church saw great artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael leave their own mark on the city. Rome was annexed to the French Empire for a short period under Napoleon but it was in 1871 that the city officially became the capital of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy.

The 20st century saw Rome fall come under the Fascist power of Mussolini but it escaped with only minimal damage from the Second World War. The city gained acclaim in the 1950’s and 60’s when the idea of ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life) was immortalized in films and major film stars and celebrities flocked to the city. The various layers of the past are still very much visible around the city centre of Rome,  giving meaning to its nickname ‘the Eternal City’. While modern-day life can be chaotic, crowded and disorganized, the fabulous sights which lie around every corner remain a testament to Rome’s illustrious past and make it one of the most surprising and enticing cities in which to live.