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According to mythology Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus who were raised by wolves. Some of the most spectacular remains of the Roman Empire, the Renaissance and Medieval times can be found in Rome. Rome really blossomed during the 15th century in a renaissance that saw the popes spend vast amounts of money on fine buildings such as the Sistine Chapel and St Peters Basilica. It is also the founding city of the Catholic religion even though the Vatican City is considered an independent state within Italy. Amazingly the Vatican alone contains more art works and cultural treasures than can be found in most cities around the world. The Vatican centres around the Holy See, or papal state, and the current incumbent is Pope Benedict XVI, formerly known as Josef Cardinal Ratzinger. The official language within the Vatican is Latin though of course Italian and English are both widely spoken there too. The entirety of Romes Old city has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within Rome there are some incredible old buildings, as well as the neighbourhoods of the Jewish Ghettos, which are worth seeing. The highlight of Old Rome is the Pantheon which is in great shape for a building which dates back to 125 AD. Within the Pantheon there are fine coffers and an oculus to see for those who are interested in the architecture of this unique building. The oculus is actually a hole in the ceiling so if it is raining you will not necessarily get sheltered in the Pantheon. Rome is located between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apennine Mountains and was built on the banks of the River Tiber. Another geographical characteristic of Rome is that it is known as the city of seven hills. Depending on what time of year you go to Rome it can be very hot. If you want to avoid large crowds of tourists it is worth going to Rome in August as many Romans leave the city for their holidays. Rome does have its own beach resort called the Lido di Ostia. Nearby you can see the Ostia Antica which was the old harbour of the Roman Empire whose remains are still visible today. Romes airport is named after one the most famous Italians who ever lived, the painter, architect and sculptor Leonardo Da Vinci. There are many vehicles available for hire at the airport through Rhino car hire. Having a car will save you a small fortune on taxis, especially from those citizens of Rome who try to make you think that their car is a taxi when it is not. A rental car is also a good idea as certain buses, like the number 64 which goes to the Vatican is notorious for being filled with pick pockets and thieves. The main road which goes around the centre of Rome is known as the GRA. Dont fall into the trap of paying touts who offer to lead you to parking spaces in Rome. One of the best areas to go looking for restaurants in Rome is the Aventino Testaccio. This part of Rome is also where the Baths of Caracalla can be found. Other baths in Rome (the Romans loved a good bathe) are the Baths of Diocletian.
Article Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.net Article Url: http://www.bharatbhasha.net/travel.php/144726 Article Added on Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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