Rome
| Rome | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Administration | |
| Local name | Roma |
| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Lazio |
| Province | Rome |
| Mayor | Roberto Gualtieri (since 2021) |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 41° 54′ 00″ North 12° 30′ 00″ East |
| Area | 2,053 km2 |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 2,746,984 inhabitants (in 2025) |
| Density | 1,338 inhabitant/km² |
Demonym |
Romans |
| Tourism | |
| Tourist site(s) | Colosseum |
| Heritage | The Vatican, Ancient Rome, Baroque and Renaissance Rome. |
| Edit | see template |
Rome (in Italian: Roma), nicknamed the "Eternal City" (in Italian: Città eterna), is the capital of Italy and the capital city of the region of Latium. It has a population of approximately 2.8 million, making it the largest city in Italy.
Capital of the Roman Empire during Antiquity, and today the seat of the Vatican, Rome has exerted a major influence on world history. With the unification of Italy (the ‘'Risorgimento’'), the city became the capital of Italy and the seat of public institutions.
Rome is one of Italy’s major economic hubs (along with Milan) and is home to the headquarters of numerous companies. It is also an important media center for the country (newspapers, radio stations, television networks, and so forth).
Rome is visited by nearly 12 million tourists each year.
Geography[change | change source]
Rome is located 1,107 km southeast of Paris, 477 km southeast of Milan, and 189 km northwest of Naples. It lies in the Latium region, in central Italy. Crossed by the Tiber, it lies 27 km from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its area is approximately 1,285 km2, making it the largest municipality in Italy, surpassing Paris, London, and New York in size. Twenty-nine municipalities border the Italian capital.
The city of Rome comprises seven hills: the Capitoline Hill, the Palatine, the Viminal, the Quirinal, the Esquiline, the Caelian and the Aventine. The hills of Rome still encompass the entire city center. The Capitoline Hill is home to the Senate Palace, which serves as Rome's city hall. As for the Palatine Hill, our vocabulary preserves its historical legacy: it gave rise to the word "palace" and the adjective "palatine" because of the residence of Emperor Augustus, which was once built on this hill.
Demographics[change | change source]
In its early days (in the 6th century), the city likely had a population of 17,000.
At the height of the Roman Empire, Rome was the largest and most populous city in the world, with 1 to 1,200,000 inhabitants. No city in Europe would reach such a population again until the 
19th century.
However, following the various sacks after the fall of the Roman Empire, its population gradually declined, eventually shrinking to approximately 50,000 inhabitants by the early Middle Ages—just 5% of its peak population during the Empire. By the 16th century, it had a population of 100,000.
After Rome became the capital of Italy, the population exceeded 500,000 by around 1900, and this number continued to rise throughout the 20th century.
From the 1980s to the 2000s, the population stagnated and even declined slightly. From 2002 to 2007, the population increased, rising from 2,800,000 to 2,890,000 inhabitants. Immigration (particularly from Eastern Europe) has always constituted a large community (approximately 360,000 "legal" foreigners). Today, its population ranks it as the fourth-largest city in Europe after London, Berlin, and Madrid.
History[change | change source]
Rome from Antiquity to the Renaissance[change | change source]
According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. on the Palatine Hill by Romulus, son of the god of war (Mars). Romulus and his brother Remus had been taken in and raised by a she-wolf. Since then, the she-wolf has been one of the symbols of Rome.
To learn more, read the article: Foundation of Rome.Between the 1st and 7th centuries, the Roman state—which began as a cluster of villages on the site of the Seven Hills of Rome—expanded its territory enormously until it became the Roman Empire, with Rome remaining its capital. Its form of government was first a monarchy, then a republic, before becoming an empire after Julius Caesar.
Under the Empire, the ancient city had a population of about half a million (the largest city in the world at the time). Many monuments were built: temples, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. Throughout the Empire, the Romans built Roman cities modeled after their capital.
Christianity, which developed in Rome during the Empire, became the official religion in the 4th century.
With the invasions of the Barbarians into Europe, Rome was captured in the 5th century, leading to its partial destruction. This was followed by a thousand years during which the city's activity and power were diminished. The city nevertheless remained the seat of the popes, except from 1309 to 1378, a period during which the legitimate popes settled in Avignon. Later, from 1378 to 1429, other popes competing with the popes of Rome continued to reside in Avignon and even in Pisa. This latter period is known as the Western Schism.
Subsequently, the popes restored much of Rome's former splendor, attracting the greatest artists, such as Michelangelo and Raphael. The great aristocratic families built palaces such as the Palazzo Farnese and the Palazzo Borghese.
Rome was the major center of the ancient world, and later, during the Renaissance, this central role was restored with the establishment of the Vatican.
From the Renaissance to the Present Day[change | change source]
Rome was annexed by Napoleon Bonaparte to the Kingdom of Italy, which he had created. After his defeat in 1815, Rome returned to the control of the Pope.
In the mid-19th century, with the Italian unification (the Risorgimento), it became the capital of the new Kingdom of Italy and then of the republic beginning in 1946. It is therefore the seat of the state institutions.
Fascism gave Rome a central role. New buildings were constructed: Benito Mussolini wanted it to become the capital of the fascist regime. Suburban areas and the outskirts were developed. The 1942 World's Fair, which was to be held there, was canceled.
After the war, the city continued to expand with the creation of new neighborhoods.
Rome leveraged its exceptional ancient heritage to benefit from the events organized in the city (Olympic Games, World Cup, etc.).
 Did you know?
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| SPQR | ||
| S. P. Q. R. stands for Senatus PopulusQue Romanus, which means "the Senate and People of Rome". | ||
Monuments of Rome[change | change source]
Religious architecture[change | change source]
Religious architecture is very prominent in Rome; it bears witness to the city's glorious past.
The first places of worship were Roman temples. They were not used for ceremonies, but rather to house the cult statue of the deity. There must have been around a hundred temples in Rome.
Churches are an integral part of the city’s heritage. There are hundreds of them, and their history reflects Rome’s economic, cultural, and political past. Some of them were former Roman temples (such as the Pantheon).
To learn more, read the article: Pantheon (Rome).Rome's cathedral is the Basilica of St. John Lateran, which is one of the four major patriarchal and papal basilicas. Millions of pilgrims from around the world make this pilgrimage each year.
- See also: St. Peter's Basilica, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of St. Mary Major, Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
There are also numerous tombs (particularly along the Via Appia), mausoleums, and several catacombs (including those of Saint Sebastian) that can be visited.
Roman architecture[change | change source]
As the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome boasted many imposing buildings. The city's wealth was derived from trade and taxes collected from the Empire's colonies.
The Colosseum is the largest of the amphitheaters, with a capacity of 50,000 spectators and a height of 50 meters. Built under Vespasian in 72 and inaugurated in 80 by his son Titus, it hosted circus games (gladiatorial combat, wild beasts, naval battles, etc.).
The Roman Forum formed the political, commercial, and judicial heart of the city. It housed numerous temples and institutions (the Curia, the basilicas, etc.). Some emperors had their own forums built (Caesar, Trajan, etc.). The Via Sacra was a route taken during religious processions heading toward the Capitol. Trajan’s Market had more than 150 shops at the time. Arches (whether triumphal or not) served to glorify the emperor who had built them and were used during religious ceremonies (the arches located on the Via Sacra were triumphal arches).
The Baths of Caracalla could accommodate more than 1,500 people. The Circus Maximus was the venue for chariot races.
However, some Roman monuments were converted into other buildings (churches, city halls, etc.).
- See also other Roman monuments: Aurelian Wall, Porta Maggiore, Claudian Aqueduct
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Civil architecture[change | change source]
The city's civil architecture forms a rather eclectic ensemble, ranging from medieval manor houses to luxurious papal villas, including the square Colosseum, an emblem of Fascist Italy, and the modern and contemporary buildings of the EUR district.
Many squares are very famous. The Piazza Venezia is the center of Rome both today and in the past (it features several buildings from different eras). In the Vatican City lies the St. Peter's Basilica, opening onto St. Peter's Square. The Vatican Museums house rich collections. The Spanish Steps, or Piazza di Spagna, where its famous staircase is located. Piazza Navona was built on the site of an ancient circus, which explains its oval shape; Bernini then created one of his most beautiful works there: the Fountain of the Four Rivers.
The villas and palaces of noble, papal, and cardinal families are open to visitors. Most of them were decorated or built by well-known artists (such as Raphael, Bramante, or Michelangelo).
When Rome was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy, its status as the nation's capital led to the construction of numerous buildings to serve administrative purposes: the Quirinal Palace, seat of the government; the Palazzo Madama, seat of the Senate; the Palazzo Montecitorio, seat of the Chamber of Deputies; and the Palazzo Koch, seat of the Bank of Italy.
When Mussolini came to power, many things changed. Numerous historic neighborhoods were demolished to make way for wide avenues and new buildings. Architecture was put at the service of the regime. Peasants were forced to stay away from the city center because what Mussolini feared most was that they would become city dwellers: unemployed or workers. The latter were his worst enemies, as they often joined socialist and communist political movements, ideologies opposed to fascism.
The symbol of this new architecture is the square Colosseum, located in the suburbs of Rome (in the EUR district).
Outside of urban Rome, one can discover beautiful villas (Villa d'Este, Hadrian's Villa...).
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The Farnese Palace, now the seat of the French Embassy -
The ‘'Vittoriano’', located in Piazza Venezia -
Other[change | change source]
A person can take a stroll through the city's many parks. There are numerous obelisks brought back from Egypt by the Romans (such as the one in the Vatican) or built specifically for the city. There are also 14 monumental columns, including the Column of Trajan.
Culture[change | change source]
Arts[change | change source]
Rome is the cradle of Ancient Rome; the emperors built numerous structures there and brought in artists from across the Empire. Roman sculpture draws heavily on Greek sculpture. Indeed, many Roman marble copies of Greek sculptures (in bronze or stone) have been discovered. The defining characteristic of this type of sculpture is primarily realism. However, the Romans differed from the Greeks in many ways. The body is "idealized" and "perfect."
The face was very important to the Romans. It was through the face that one emperor could be distinguished from another. This is why an emperor could decide how he should be depicted. Symbolism was very present: everything was chosen to represent something very specific.
After the official adoption of Christianity, prestigious Roman art fell into disuse. Early Christian art emerged (even though it had already existed since around 200). Some beautiful examples can be found in the Catacombs of St. Sebastian. It is characterized by an abundance of symbolic images (the dove, the Chrism, or the fish...).
The Middle Ages were marked by the construction of numerous towers by local lords to expand their power.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, Rome also became one of the main centers for the spread of the Renaissance. The popes and aristocrats attracted the most renowned artists of the time. Some came there to study antiquities and Roman art. Michelangelo built St. Peter’s Basilica and decorated the Sistine Chapel, while Raphael painted numerous frescoes...
The Baroque era was a continuation of the Renaissance; it reflected a desire to impress the faithful in churches and thus limit the growing influence of the Reformation (Protestantism). Movement and form were emphasized. Bernini is an example of a Baroque artist.
In the 17th century, Rome lost its role as the European capital, and artistic production declined.
With its new status as the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, Rome had to adapt to the changes of the modern world. Fascism transformed the city's appearance. The buildings constructed during this period served the fascist regime and were profoundly modern in contrast to the city's ancient history.
Museums[change | change source]
Rome is home to a large number of museums. Located on the Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums house a vast collection of Roman and Etruscan antiquities. The Villa Borghese features a significant collection of sculptures (including several works by Bernini). There are also many museums dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The Vatican Museums welcome several million tourists each year.
To learn more, read the article: Category:Museums of Rome and the Vatican.-
Laocoon and His Sons, an ancient sculpture group housed in the Vatican Museums. -
Statue of Marcus Aurelius, housed in the Capitoline Museums -
The Villa Borghese
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Cinema[change | change source]
Rome has served as the setting for countless famous films. It is home to its own major film studio complex, Cinecittà, where films such as Gladiator, Ben Hur, and Martin Scorsese‘s Gangs of New York were shot. Federico Fellini, the renowned Roman director, used Rome as a setting for some of his films: his film La Dolce Vita and the scene where Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni bathe in the Trevi Fountain (which was relatively unknown at the time) are particularly famous. Sergio Leone filmed The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly there.
Many films are associated with Rome (even if some were not shot on location), primarily due to its history: the peplum genre, such as Gladiator or Ben-Hur, and religious and esoteric genres, such as [Angels & Demons]]. Other filmmakers have filmed or acted in the city: Dario Argento, Alberto Sordi, Vittorio De Sica, Sergio Leone, and others.
Gastronomy[change | change source]
Roman cuisine originally refers to the cuisine of Ancient Rome (see Food in Ancient Rome).
Modern traditional Roman cuisine consists of dishes made with local ingredients (vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, seafood, etc.). You can enjoy many types of pasta, including the famous "pasta alla carbonara," prepared with bacon, cream, and egg yolk. "Antipasti" and "bruschetta" accompany the meal, typical of the Mediterranean region.
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"Spaghetti alla carbonara" -
Bruschetta -
Gnocchi with tomato sauce (gnocchi al pomodoro) -
Cacio e pepe, a pasta dish from Rome.
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Religion[change | change source]
The first religion practiced in Rome was that of the Romans. Roman religion is polytheistic and consists of a body of myths and a highly detailed mythology. The head of their religion was Jupiter. There was a "cycle" of ceremonies that they followed scrupulously (the Ides, the Lupercalia, etc.). The Penates were the creators of domestic wealth, while the Lares were the protectors of the home. But with the expansion of the empire, new foreign gods were incorporated, and mystery cults emerged (Mithras...).
In the 1st century, Christianity began to spread. However, Christians were martyred for refusing to worship the Roman gods (because Christianity is monotheistic) and to participate in the cult of the emperor. To some, they were a threat to the cohesion of the Empire (for this reason Marcus Aurelius allowed the executions of Christians to proceed).
With the conversion of Constantine I in 313 and the establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the Empire, the spread of Christianity began. The Roman religion was quickly abandoned, and many temples were ransacked before being converted into churches. The great preachers of the time sought to erase all traces of this "pagan" era. The first "official" churches were built.
The spectacular art of the Baroque and Renaissance periods brought the Christian religion to prominence.
Politics[change | change source]
Since June 2016, the city's mayor has been Virginia Raggi, of the Five Star Movement.
Economy[change | change source]
Rome has a fairly dynamic and diversified economy. However, industry did not develop until after World War II. This explains the low percentage of employment in this sector (about 20%). It is primarily focused on heavy industry, luxury goods, film, printing (and publishing). More recently, it has been turning toward high technology. The service sector accounts for 75% of the workforce. The heart of the business district is the Esposizione Universale di Roma (EUR) neighborhood.
Nationally, Rome ranks first in Italy for economic growth. It is beginning to surpass its Lombard rival, Milan.
Transportation[change | change source]
The two main airports are Rome Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino Airport.
The capital has several railway stations, the most important of which is Termini Station, located in the city center.
Rome has two metro lines (A and B) that connect at Termini Station.
Intercity buses have their terminal at Tiburtina.
Tourism[change | change source]
Tourism is one of the capital's major assets. Rome is the most visited city in Italy in terms of tourist numbers and the second most visited city in the world (after Paris). The historic center accounts for the vast majority of visits (97%).
Sister cities[change | change source]
Rome is twinned with only one city: Paris. The slogan for this twinning is: "Only Rome is worthy of Paris, and only Paris is worthy of Rome". However, it has numerous partnerships and friendship pacts with cities around the world.
Education[change | change source]
Rome is a major university center and has many schools. There are 528 elementary schools, 152 high schools, and 3 art institutes. It ranks first in Italy for the number of preschools, elementary schools, high schools, and middle schools. La Sapienza University is one of the oldest (1303) and largest universities in the world (and the largest in Europe) in terms of student enrollment (150,000).
Sports[change | change source]
Rome hosted the Olympic Games in 1960 and the first edition of the Paralympic Games that same year. In the third week of May, the Rome Masters takes place, the second-most important clay-court tournament after the Roland Garros tournament. The Rome Marathon, meanwhile, passes through many of the city's historic sites, such as the Roman Forum and St. Peter's Basilica.
Clubs[change | change source]
- The Associazione Sportiva Roma (AS Roma) and the Società Sportiva Lazio (SS Lazio), the city’s two soccer clubs, which regularly face off in the Italian Soccer Championship during the "Rome derby." They play at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.
- The Rome Gladiators, an American football club.
Sports facilities[change | change source]
- The Rome Olympic Stadium (known as the Stadio Olimpico) is Rome's largest stadium, with a seating capacity of 73,000 seats.
- The PalaLottomatica, Rome's Sports Palace, is used for concerts and sports matches.
- The Flaminio Stadium, used for rugby matches.
Did you know?
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| The Capital of Christianity | ||
| There are more than 500 churches in Rome. | ||
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