| ancient city, now the capital of Italy, is also Mecca for | | | | a museum under the sky. |
| all Catholics and one of the most popular tourist | | | | Pantheon – a temple, devoted to all Roman |
| destinations in Italy. Its nickname, “the eternal | | | | gods is also an outstanding monument of the Roman |
| city” emphasizes its long history and the | | | | art. It was built abou 125 A.D. |
| important role Rome has always played in major | | | | Constantine Arch of the IV century A.D. is the most |
| European events. | | | | famous triumphal arch and it is in rather good condition. |
| Modern Rome with its population of about 4 millions is | | | | It’s one of the latest symbols of the roman |
| the biggest Italian city and the centre of the Lazio | | | | power. |
| province. | | | | The biggest and the most powerful pagan city, Rome |
| Roman history began about 3000 years ago, when, | | | | later became one of the most important Christian |
| according to some myths and legends, Rome was | | | | centers as well. Vatican, the residence of the Pope, is |
| founded by two brothers – Romul and Rem. | | | | located inside Roman borders, but it’s the state, |
| This legend has a sad end – Romul killed his | | | | though the smallest one in the world. Holy place for all |
| brother and gave the city his own name. Since that | | | | Catholics, Vatican receives a lot of religious travelers |
| time began the rise of the Roman Empire, which has | | | | from all over the world. The centre of the state is St |
| reached its peak about 2 centuries B.C. The significant | | | | Peters Basilica, which is the largest church in the world. |
| part of the attractions in the city is has to do with this | | | | Renaissance epoch is also strongly connected with |
| period – several centuries before Christ birth and | | | | Rome. Greatest artists, architects and sculptors of that |
| several centuries after it. However the roman art of | | | | time lived and worked here. They left a lot of |
| that time represent a copy of the art in ancient | | | | masterpieces, which we still can enjoy. |
| Greece. The gods and their images are the same, only | | | | The Sistine Chapel in Vatican – is the leading |
| the names have changed. | | | | historic, artistic and religious monument of the |
| But still, there are a lot of outstanding and unique | | | | Renaissance was built 1475 and1483. It’s the |
| objects and monuments. | | | | Pope’s chapel and a place where the new |
| The main symbol of the Roman glory is Coliseum. | | | | Pope is being elected. Due to the beautiful frescos of |
| Today we would call it the central stadium. It has | | | | Michelangelo it is also a very popular museum. |
| witnessed a countless number of the | | | | Trevi Fountain was created in XVIII century on |
| gladiators’ fights and the deaths of the first | | | | demand of the Pope Clement XII. It’s richly |
| Christians (though the latter it’s not a historically | | | | decorated and represents the statue of Ocean on the |
| proofed fact). Coliseum wasn’t restores. Its | | | | big shell, which is a chariot. |
| ruins mean much more… | | | | Piazza di Spagna began to develop in XVIII century |
| Another Ancient Rome landmark is Roman Forum. It | | | | and later become one of the city’s most |
| was commercial and political centre of the city, where | | | | popular places. Spanish Steps – a long staircase, |
| the main historical events took place. Today it’s | | | | connecting the square with the Trinita' dei Monti church. |