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Rome, “the eternal city”, is the capital of Italy and home to the Vatican and the Pope. Italian old romance and culture meet modern urban fashion. This modernized city has been around since 9th century when it transformed from a small village into the great empire of Rome. However this alluring city has actually been around for 2,800 years. Founded by Romulus (where it gets it’s name) and ruled by the greeks for a few hundred years, the power was finally turned over to the Germanics, and later to Italian rule. This city has seen it all and has been around since long before most civilizations were even created. With almost 3 million people living here, Rome is Italy’s largest city. Home to the Vatican City and the residents of the Pope of the Catholic Church, ancient architecture and a flare of multi-cultures; Rome is a perfect place to spend a semester soaking up the culture and the history, and enjoying all of the sites the city has to offer.

Rome Pictures

Things to do in Rome

The Colosseum and Pantheon are two of the oldest buildings in Rome, dating back to BC. While the Colosseum has seen its better days, the Pantheon is still completely intact, which is pretty impressive for a building built in 27 BC. You can take an audio guided tour through the Colosseum and experience first hand the site where so many brave gladiators fought to the bitter end. The Roman Forum epitomizes the saying “If walls could talk”… This ancient preserved area of the city is now just ruins. However at one time it was the seat of the Roman Empire Government, the most powerful government in the world. In the Piazza di Trevi the Trevi Fountain can be found. It is an absolutely gorgeous hand carved monument that projects water out from the stone it was carved from, overlooking the large fountain. The legend is that if you throw one coin into the fountain you will return to Rome, two stones and you will get married. The Villa Borghese is a beautifully refinished mansion converted into an art gallery. It once was part of the Borghese family estate. Such works by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini are found here. In Rome there are so many churches you can’t even count them all. Some are larger and more popular than others, yet all seem to entice a crowd.

In The Vatican City (the Holy City), which should be noted is a separate entity from Rome or Italy, there are many wonderful things to see. First, the Vatican Museum is one of the largest art galleries in the world, behind Florence’s Uffizi Gallery. It is most famous for its spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms and the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel made famous by Michelangelo’s frescos. The frescoes in the Sistine Chapel scale the whole length of the room and are so detailed and exquisite. Most visitors to this city take a guided tour because it is the easiest and most efficient way to see the whole museum and church. At the other end of the Sistine Chapel is St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, and by far the most famous. It is considered the center of the catholic world and there are many wonderful art pieces and frescoes that relay the message of Christ. Be advised that there is a strict dress code when entering and in St. Peter’s Basilica. Cleavage and stomachs may not be shown, and shoulders must also be covered.
Outside of the Basilica is the famous St. Peter’s Square where the Pope gives his masses and speeches. Finally the Swiss Guards that stand out in front of the basilica switch out guards a few times a day. This is called the changing of the Swiss guards. Swiss guards have been keeping the Vatican safe for many generations.

Nightlife in Rome

While Rome is not the most crazy city when it comes to its nightlife, there are still many exciting and thrilling things to do here after the sun sets. When the sun sets on this city, the old buildings and statues become lit up by golden lights at their bases. Taking a stroll through the city at night you will be able to see this spectacular sight. There are also several bars and cafes located all around the city and along the Tibet river. They serve anything from cappuccinos and lattes to beer and wine, and are always served with a tasty treat on the side.

Colleges and Classes in Rome

Università La Sapienza, Università Tor Vergata, and Università Roma Tre are the most notable universities in Rome. Lorenzo De Medici also offers a program to abroad students, mostly from the United States. Take note that your home institution may already have a relationship with a specific university in Rome. So check with your school. Then you can hop over to StudentUniverse.com to pick out your cheap airfare to get you where you need to go.

Travel From Rome

Rome has one of the best train systems in Europe, and the best in Italy by far. Because of its relatively central location, many trains go in and out of this large hub to all destinations both in the country and out. You can take a Eurostar express train to Naples, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, Venice, and Milan to see DaVinci’s Last Supper painting. Taking a bus or train into Tuscany to the Chianti region is a good opportunity to see the beautiful landscape and take in a wine tasting or two. Overnight trains offer sleeping rooms with bunk beds and regular cars with upright seats. Either way, it is a good deal to get to amazing places like France, Switzerland, and Sicily. StudentUniverse provides excellent deals on train and eurostar fairs.

Rome Study Abroad Tips

• Restaurants in the touristy areas have more expensive food of lesser quality–so check out more hole-in-the-wall places for a better bargain, and tastier food!
• There are two lines that run underground, the A and the B line.
• Be conscious of gypsies and vagrants.