As
symbol of Christianity and centre of influence for artistic
movements, Rome, the capital of Italy since 1870, offers many
pleasant surprises to art lovers and visitors fascinated by
this country. At least three days are needed to visit the city.
The origin of Rome lies in mythology; the twins Romulus and
Remus, born of a union between the god Mars and a Vestal Virgin,
were thrown into the Tiber and landed on the banks below the
Palatine where they were nourished by a she-wolf. Romulus later
drew a furrow around this spot where the city was to be built.
Rome subsequently
became a republic but it was eventually split by political rivalries.
Julius (101-44 BC) emerged as leader, overthrew his adversaries
and conquered Gaul in 51 BC. He was nominated consul and dictator
for life but was murdered in March 44 BC. He was succeeded by
his great-nephew Octavian to whom the Senate granted the title
Augustus. He became the first Roman emperor and extended Rome's
domination throughout the Mediterranean basin. After his death,
he was followed by a long line of emperors. Some of his successors,
particularly Caligula, Nero and Domitian, were notorious for
their acts of folly and cruelty, while others like Vespasian,
Titus, Trajan and Hadrian made great contributions to civilisation.
Christianity
became organised at the end of the 1 C, but it was not until
the Edict of Milan in 313 that there was freedom of worship
and that churches could be built. The popes shaped Rome into
the Eternal City. During the Renaissance, many erudite sovereign
pontiffs were patrons of the arts and attracted to their court
the greatest artists of that period such as Raphael and Michelangelo.
Among the patrons were Sixtus IV, who commissioned the Sistine
Chapel, Julius II, Leo X, Sixtus V, a great builder, and Paul
III, who was responsible for the Farnese Palace.The best views
of this great city, which sprawls over seven hills, are from
the belvederes of the Janiculum (Gianicolo, Aventine or Pincio.
Luxury shops are clustered around piazza del Popolo, via del
Corso and piazza di Spagna. The via Veneto is lined with plush
hotels and cafe terraces, a favourite meeting place of tourists
from all dealers. Buses are convenient for getting around (tickets
can be bought from tobacconists) but the best way to discover
the city is on foot.
Millennium