The Eternal City

Rome is the capital city of Italy and one of the oldest settlements to be continuously populated in Europe. Roman Poet Tibullus called it “The Eternal City” in 1 BC, as by then its history had already spanned 400 years. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome came under control of the Catholic Church and became home to the Pope. Today the Pope resides in The Vatican, a city and country unto itself, within the boundaries of Rome. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, located within The Vatican, is a striking feature of the Roman skyline. It is the most recognized example of Renaissance Architecture, which consciously used elements of ancient Greek and Roman design, such as stone columns, pilasters, arches and pediments. Construction began on the Basilica in April 1506 and was completed in November 1626. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most revered Catholic sites in the world.

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