Rome Italy is one of the most famous cities in the world. Rich with history and culture; Rome is the most visited city in Italy and was the 13th most visited city in the world in 2016. Millions of tourist's flock to this city annually to visit such tourist attractions as the Roman Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican. On this page are lists of interesting facts about Rome including its history, who founded the city, why it is so famous, and what some of the famous attractions are.
Rome Italy Quick Facts
Rome (Roma in Italian) is the capital city of Italy.
Rome is located in central Italy in in the country's Lazio region, approximately 17 miles (27 kilometer) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The population of the city of Rome is 2.868 million (in 2014).
The city of Rome has a total area of 496.1 square miles (1,285 sq. km).
Rome has a Mediterranean climate; it has mild winters and long warm summers.
Rome Italy Interesting Facts
Rome's nickname is the "Eternal City" due to its existence as a city for nearly 3,000 years.
One of the most famous ancient buildings in the world is the Roman Colosseum. This gigantic amphitheater is located in the center of Rome. The Colosseum was where the ancient Romans would view spectacular events including gladiator fights, plays, executions, and even mock sea battles.
Rome is the only city in the world to have a sovereign state located entirely within it, Vatican City.
Top Tourist Attractions in Rome Italy
Rome has many famous tourist attractions; 10 of the most famous are listed below.
Roman Colosseum
The Roman Forum
The Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
The Vatican
Circus Maximus
Trajan's Market
The Arch of Titus
Palazzo Farnese
Arch of Constantine
Seven Hills of Rome
Ancient Rome was founded on seven hills which are listed below.
Aventine Hill
Caelian Hill
Capitoline Hill
Esquiline Hill
Palatine Hill
Quirinal Hill
Viminal Hill
Rome Italy History Facts
Rome is widely believed to have gotten its name from the mythological founder of the city, Romulus. However, there are numerous other theories including that it was derived from the ancient Greek word "rhome", meaning strength.
There is archaeological evidence that the land that is now the current day city of Rome has had human inhabitants for over 10,000 years, and likely much longer.
According to mythology Rome was founded around 753 BC by its first ruler Romulus. According to legend he was abandoned in the area and raised, along with his brother Remus, by a she-wolf.
This city was the capital of the Roman Kingdom followed by the Roman Republic and then the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire grew to encompass all modern-day Italy, all the land bordering the Mediterranean and large areas in modern day Europe. At its peak size, around 117 AD the Roman Empire controlled approximately 1.9 million square miles (4.9 square kilometers).
In 1870 Italy became a unified country with the capture of Rome from the Papal States (territories controlled by the Catholic Church).
