Rome, the capital city and special comune of Italy, as well as the capital of the Lazio region, is situated in the central-western portion of the Italian peninsula along the banks of the Tiber River. The city is characterized by its iconic seven hills—Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal—which were originally built by the Rome of the Kings. Additionally, the Aniene River flows into the Tiber north of the historic center within modern Rome.
Located 24 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea, the central part of Rome ranges from 13 meters above sea level. Within Rome lies Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, which is an independent enclave. Rome’s founding dates back to 753 BC, when it was established by King Romulus and his twin brother Remus, who, according to legend, were nursed by a she-wolf as infants.
Rome, often referred to as the Eternal City and Caput Mundi (Capital of the World), boasts a rich history spanning over 2800 years. The city is renowned for its magnificent architecture, with over 280 fountains and 900 churches adorning its streets. Once the heart of the mighty Roman Empire, Rome ruled over vast territories in Europe, western Asia, and Northern Africa for over 1000 years.
Today, Rome is celebrated for its cultural heritage and is home to a population of 2.8 million within the city limits and 4.3 million in the metropolitan area. While petty crimes like bag snatching and pickpocketing occasionally occur, Rome is generally considered a safe city for travelers. The predominant language spoken in ancient Rome was Latin, although Greek, Oscan, and Etruscan were also used. However, English is not widely spoken among locals, with only a few individuals, such as tour guides and hotel staff, proficient in the language. Football reigns as the most popular sport among Romans.
Rome Weather
Rome typically experiences Mediterranean weather, with temperatures ranging from 37°F to 89°F throughout the year. It rarely dips below 28°F or exceeds 95°F. Summers in Rome are characterized by short, hot, humid, and dry conditions with clear skies. Winters, on the other hand, are long, cold, wet, and partly cloudy, with the coldest months being December, January, and February.
While snowfall is rare in Rome, major snowfalls are even rarer, although light snow or flurries may occasionally occur during some winters. Therefore, the best time to visit Rome is from October to April, when temperatures are milder and hotel rooms are often available at lower costs. This period offers pleasant weather for exploring the city’s rich history and cultural attractions without the discomfort of extreme temperatures.
Rome Tourism
Rome attracts a high rate of tourism due to its status as home to two of the world’s most renowned destinations, drawing in over 4 million visitors each year and contributing significantly to Rome’s income. The Vatican Museums rank as the 37th most visited destination globally, while the Colosseum holds the 39th spot.
Moreover, Rome boasts a plethora of popular sightseeing spots that captivate visitors from around the globe. Iconic landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, Vatican City, and the Pantheon are among the must-see attractions.
Additionally, Rome holds immense significance for Christian pilgrimages dating back to the Middle Ages. Visitors from all corners of the world flock to Vatican City, which serves as the epicenter of Christianity. Within the Vatican City and Italian territory, numerous sacred sites await exploration. Pilgrims can embark on a comprehensive pilgrimage tour, visiting seven pilgrim churches within a span of 24 hours. These churches include St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Lorenzo fuori le mura, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and San Sebastiano fuori le mura.
