Rome Information

Rome is located halfway down Italy's west coast about 20km (12mi) inland. It's a vast city but the historic centre is quite small. Most of the major sights are within reasonable distance from the central railway station, Stazione Termini. In fact it's possible to walk from the Colosseum, through the Forum, up to Piazza di Spagna and across to the Vatican all in one day, but you wouldn't really want to cram them all in to one day.

All the major monuments are west of the train station, but make sure you take a map. While exploring the lesser known parts of Rome can be enjoyable, it can also be quite confusing and time consuming, not to mention sometimes frustrating.

The Palatine Hill and the Forum are the centre of ancient Rome. Via del Corso runs north from the Forum to Piazza del Popolo, with the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain to the east. The Vatican is northwest of the Forum, across the River Tiber.

Holy See (Vatican City) is probably per square foot the richest independent state in the world, making up for it's total lack of natural resources with an astonishing collection of priceless art treasures. The Vatican is probably the most hysterically, hyperbolically lavish display of wealth you'll ever see. For art lovers it's the mecca of meccas. With iconic treasures ranging form the Sistine Chapel to Bernini's piazza.

Capitoline Hill is now the seat of the city's municipal authorities, was the centre of government of ancient Rome and is the geographical centre of modern Rome. It is especially pretty at night when it is usually deserted. The piazza were designed by Michelangelo in 1538. It is bordered by three buildings (also by Michelangelo) the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, which house the Capitoline Museums, and the Palazzo Senatorio at the rear.

Built over 900 years, the Roman Forum was the commercial, political and religious centre of Rome from the Republican era until the 4th century AD. The importance of the Forum declined along with the Roman Empire. During medieval times it was was used to graze cattle and extensively plundered for its precious marbles.