Rome
<p>Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one 
of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded 
in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always 
been and remains the Eternal City.</p>
<p>Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art 
flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman 
legions swept outward, conquering all of Italy. These victorious armies then 
swept across the Mediterranean and beyond to conquer most of the known world. 
With Rome's establishment as capital of the western world, a new ascent to glory 
began.</p>
<p>Today's Rome, with its splendid churches, ancient monuments and palaces, spacious 
parks, tree-lined boulevards, fountains, outdoor cafes and elegant shops, is 
one of the world’s most attractive and exciting cities. Among the most famous 
monuments is the Colosseum. As you walk its cool, dark passageways, imagine 
the voices that once filled the arena as 50,000 spectators watched combats between 
muscled gladiators and ferocious animals.</p>
<p>Stop to see the remains of the Forum, once the city's political and commercial 
center. In later times, Rome's squares were enhanced with such imposing structures 
as the Vittorio Emanuele Monument and grandiose fountains like the Fontana di 
Trevi. Join the millions who stand in awe of Christendom’s most magnificent 
church and admire the timeless masterpieces of Michelangelo's frescoes in the 
Sistine Chapel.</p>
<p>Rome jars the senses and captures the soul. Grasp all you can during the short, 
precious time you have available in the Eternal City. With so much to see and 
do, a day or two will only allow you a sampling of the city's marvelous treasures.</p>
<p><i>Caution: As in many big cities and tourist destinations purse snatching 
and pickpocketing is common. Valuable jewelry and excess cash are best left 
in a safety deposit box in your hotel.</i></p>
<p> <b>Shopping </b>For most visitors shopping for beautiful Italian leather articles, 
designer shoes, fashions for men and women, linens, knitwear, silk scarves and 
ties is a favorite pastime. Except for tourist-oriented shops, the majority 
of stores are closed on Sundays. Some of the department stores, such as Rinascente, 
open in the late afternoon on Sundays.</p>
<p><b>Cuisine</b> Rome's choice of restaurants is mindboggling as is the variety 
of cuisine. Whether your meal is at a top-rated restaurant or a rustic trattoria, 
you can be sure that you will enjoy your food, especially when accompanied by 
wines from the hill towns surrounding Rome.</p>
<p><b>Other Sights</b> Rome's attractions are endless, and depending on how much 
time you have at your disposal a careful selection has to be made about what 
to see. Be aware of horrendous traffic conditions and major construction work 
all around the city in preparation of Jubilee 2000, the Holy Year. Some of the 
sights not to be missed:</p>
<p>Piazza Venezia - This busy square is easily recognized by its imposing Vittorio 
Emanuele II Monument. The white marble structure was inaugurated in 1911 as 
a symbol of Italy’s unification.</p>
<p>The Forum - Once the civic heart of ancient Rome, today the remains include 
a series of ruins, marble fragments, isolated columns and some worn arches.</p>
<p>Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without a stop at this awe-inspiring 
theater, which is among the world’s most celebrated buildings. Here ancient 
Rome flocked to see gladiatorial contests and numerous other spectacles.</p>
<p>Trevi Fountain - Take a stroll to Rome's famous fountain. A spectacular fantasy 
of mythical sea creatures and cascades of splashing water, the fountain is one 
of the city's foremost attractions. Legend has it that visitors must toss a 
coin into the fountain to ensure their return to Rome.</p>
<p>St. Peter's Square - Part of Vatican City, this square created by Bernini 
is considered one of the loveliest squares in the world. Twin Doric colonnades 
topped with statues of various saints and martyrs flank either side of the square. 
In the center stands an 84-foot obelisk, brought from Egypt in 37 A.D.</p>
<p>St. Peter's Basilica - At the head of the square stands Christendom's most 
magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site where St. Peter was 
buried. Throughout the following 200 years, such Renaissance masters as Bramante, 
Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini worked on its design and created an unparalleled 
masterpiece. Of special note are Michelangelo's Pieta and the bronze canopy 
over the high altar by Bernini. The immense dome was designed by Michelangelo.</p>
<p>Vatican Museum - To see this museum's immense collection would take days. 
As you enter, there are special posters that plot a choice of four color-coded 
itineraries. They are repeated throughout the museum and are easy to follow. 
It is a good idea to pickup a leaflet at the main entrance and concentrate on 
exhibits of major interest. Of course, the Sistine Chapel is a must. Most likely 
you may have to wait in line to enter. </p>
