Welcome to travel guide on Eternal City!

Enjoy the energy and vibrancy of Rome, its cafés, restaurants, shops and many other Roman attractions. A city of contrast with old and new, Baroque and Roman and changing view all over the city.
Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire and has been filled with history for thousands of years. There is much to see and do!

Rome, the “Eternal City”, is located on the River Tiber between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. It was centre of  the Roman Empire and today is the home of the Italian government. Rome is also the main headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church, with the Pope residing in Vatican City.

Rome city centre is about 24 kilometres inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, with the city area extending to the very shore. The city was founded on 21st April, 753 BC. Rome’s altitude ranges from 13 metres above sea level, at Piazza del Popolo, to 120 metres above sea level, the peak of Monte Mario which is 139 metres high.

The Rome city area covers about 1,285 square kilometres (580 square miles), including many green areas. The urban area of Rome is 5,352 square kilometres (2,066 square miles). The population of Rome, as at December 2006, is 2,705,603 for the city area and about four million including the suburbs. It’s currency is the Euro (EUR); main language is Italian and main religion is Roman Catholic.

Rome has a typical Mediterranean climate which is great for spending time outdoors around the many parks and gardens to be found in and around the city.

Summer is hot with temperatures often higher than 35°C at noon. Winter is mild with the average December daytime temperature being 13°C. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September/October) are great times to visit Rome, having warm weather and clear skies.

In August the temperature often exceeds 32°C (90°F). Traditionally, many businesses closed during August and Romans left the city for holiday resorts, but this trend is decreasing with the city remaining fully functional during the whole summer due to growing tourism as well as change in the population's work habits.