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Looks like heaven
Travel Vacations Destinations
Italy
In central Italy where the River Aniene joins the TIber lies Rome, a powerful political and economic centre for 2,500 years. No only does the city ooze history, both ancient and more modern, it is also the capital of a thoroughly sophisticated and forward-thinking nation. Most visitors are awestruck by the sheer pace of life here, mainly fuelled by espresso coffee, but there are also moments of tranquil reflection. Whether shopping on the Via Veneto, visiting ancient ruins or admiring the
work of Leonardo Da Vinci, visitors rarely go away disappointed.
Rome is one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively intact, so central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character. With more than 900 churches and basilicas, it has been for centuries the centre of the Christian world. Among the most important of the churches are San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Lorenzo Fuori Ie Mura.
In the middle of Rome is Vatican City, a separate sovereign state and the enclave of the Holy See. Here is Saint Peter's Basilica and its huge forecourt designed under the direction of Pope Alexander VII so that the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessing from the fat;:ade of the church. In Vatican City there are also the prestigious Vatican Library, the Raphael Rooms and other important works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Giotto and Botticelli. The Vatican Museums, founded by Pope Julius II in the sixteenth century, display works from the fabulous and extensive collection of the Roman Catholic Church, including the worldfamous Sistine Chapel.
Rome boasts a wealth of important art treasures to tempt the visitor. The best an be found in the Galleria Borghese, the Palazzo Doria Pamphili, the Capitoline museums, the Museo Nazionale delle Terme, the Galleria Colonna, and the Palazzo Barberini with its National Gallery of Antique Art.
Created by: Journey Discount 2008 | www.journeydiscount.com