National capital of Italy and the country's largest city standing on the river Tiber . Known as the "Eternal City" .

Built on seven hills, Rome was founded in 753 BCby Romulus the son of Mars the Roman god of War. Its character and architectural slendour derive mainly from two periods - the first three centuries of the Roman Empire and the three centuries, mid 15th to mid 18th centuries of the Renaissance and Baroque.

The influence of painter, sculptor and architect Michelangelo was crucial - the Farnese Palace demonstrates his architecural genius.

Places of interest include : The Vatican, The Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, The Pantheon, The Arch of Titus, The Arch of Constantine, The Trevi Fountain.

**** NEW**** Rome, Italy – More than 100 events with music, art, cinema, sport, 500 artists and an expected one million people will attend the a “White Night” of Rome, planned for September 18. More info......