Introduction
Rome is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It is the capital of Italy and home to some of the world’s most impressive historical sites, like the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Rome is also a major cultural center, with world-renowned museums, art galleries, and music venues. Even if you’ve never been to Rome, chances are you have heard stories about it and seen pictures of its grand monuments.

History
Rome was founded in 753 B.C., making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It was once the center of the Roman Empire, which stretched from Britain to Egypt. During this time, Rome became a major center of power and culture, and it was home to some of the most influential leaders in history, like Julius Caesar and Augustus. The city eventually fell in 476 A.D., but many of its monuments still survive in their original form.

Geography
Rome is located on the Tiber River in the Lazio region of central Italy. It is surrounded by hills and mountains and has a Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The city covers more than 1,300 square kilometers, making it one of the largest cities in Europe.

Population
Rome is home to more than 2.8 million people, making it the third most populous city in Italy and one of the largest cities in Europe. Rome also attracts millions of visitors each year, with more than 14 million people visiting the city in 2019 alone.

Culture
Rome is steeped in tradition and culture. It is home to some of the world’s most famous art and architecture, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. The city also boasts some of Italy’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities. Rome also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs for people to enjoy.

Activities
Rome is a great city for visitors looking for an authentic Italian experience. Visitors can explore the city’s ancient monuments and buildings, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. There are also plenty of museums and galleries to visit, including the Vatican Museums and the Capitoline Museums. For those looking to get outside, Rome has plenty of parks and gardens to explore, such as Villa Borghese, Villa Doria Pamphili, and Villa Ada. Of course, you can’t visit Rome without trying some of its famous food. From pizza to pasta to gelato, there are plenty of delicious dishes to try.

Best Places To Visit Near Rome
Rome is an amazing city, but there are plenty of other places worth visiting nearby. Here are a few of the best places to visit near Rome:

1. Tivoli

Tivoli is a small town located just outside Rome. It is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Villa d’Este is a 16th-century villa with gardens filled with fountains, statues, and grottoes. Hadrian’s Villa is an ancient villa owned by Emperor Hadrian from 100-138 A.D., and it is filled with ruins from his time as emperor. Tivoli is also known for its thermal springs and historic center.

2. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman port city located just outside Rome. It was founded in the 4th century B.C., and it was once one of the busiest ports in the world. Today it is a sprawling archaeological site filled with ruins from its heyday, including an amphitheater, baths, apartments, and temples. Visitors can explore the ruins on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about Ostia Antica’s history and architecture.

3. Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo is a small town located on Lake Albano outside Rome. It is home to the papal summer residence, which has been used by popes since the 17th century. Visitors can take a tour of the residence or explore the adjacent gardens and park. The town itself has plenty to offer as well, with historic churches and cobblestone streets lined with cafes and restaurants serving delicious Italian food.

4. Tuscia

Tuscia is a region located north of Rome filled with hills, forests, and medieval towns like Viterbo and Civita di Bagnoregio. This region is known for its thermal springs and spa towns, like Bagnaccio di Viterbo or Saturnia. Visitors can enjoy hiking or biking through the hills or explore the many castles and churches that dot the landscape.

5. Frascati

Frascati is a small hill town located just outside Rome. It is known for its white wines, which were served at the Vatican during Pope Clement VII’s reign in 1534. Today, visitors can visit vineyards around Frascati to sample these wines or explore some of its historic sights like Villa Aldobrandini or Palazzo Chigi-Saracini.

6. Lago di Bracciano

Lago di Bracciano is a lake located north of Rome that is known for its natural beauty and medieval towns that line its shores. Visitors can take a boat tour around the lake or explore some of its towns like Trevignano Romano or Anguillara Sabazia on foot or by bike. There are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy around Lago di Bracciano, from swimming and sailing to bird watching or fishing.

7. Anzio

Anzio is a coastal town located south of Rome that was once an important port in Ancient Rome. Today it is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, including Lido di Anzio that stretches for miles along its coast. Visitors can take advantage of these beaches for swimming or sunbathing or explore some of Anzio’s historic sites like Villa Sarsina or Roman ruins like Grottoni di Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.

Popular Tours Near Rome

1. Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour

Explore one of Rome’s most popular attractions on this small-group tour of the Vatican Museums. You will get an in-depth look into some of the world’s most famous masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes and Raphael’s School of Athens frescoes as you stroll through galleries like the Pinacoteca Vaticana and Cortile del Belvedere with your guide. You will also get access to areas normally closed to visitors like Bramante Staircase and Pio Clementino Museum at the end of your tour. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore one of Rome’s most iconic sites! Book a Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour here.

2. Colosseum Underground Tour

Discover one of Rome’s most iconic sites on this underground tour of the Colosseum! Your guide will lead you through this ancient structure as you learn about its history from its construction by Emperor Vespasian in 72 A.D., to its use as an arena for gladiatorial games during the Roman Empire, to its present day status as a tourist attraction. You will get access to some areas normally closed off from public view like the underground chambers beneath the Colosseum where gladiators waited before their battles began! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore this ancient site! Book a Colosseum Underground Tour here.

3. Ancient Ostia Half-Day Tour

Explore one of Rome’s most iconic archaeological sites on this half-day tour of Ancient Ostia! Your guide will lead you through this sprawling site as you learn about its history from its foundation as a Roman port city in 4th century B.C., to its glory days when it was one of the busiest ports in the world during Roman times, to its present day status as an archaeological site filled with ruins from its heyday. You will get access to areas normally closed off from public view like its ancient baths and Temples of Hercules! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to explore one of Rome’s most fascinating sites! Book an Ancient Ostia Half-Day Tour here.

Conclusion
Rome is an incredible city with plenty to see and do for visitors looking for an authentic Italian experience! It is home to some amazing historical sites like the Colosseum or Villa d’Este as well as plenty of museums and galleries for visitors to explore! There are also plenty of places worth visiting near Rome like Tivoli or Castel Gandolfo that offer amazing experiences! Don’t forget to check out some popular tours near Rome like a Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour or an Ancient Ostia Half-Day Tour! No matter what you decide to do during your visit to Rome, you are sure to have an incredible time!