From this point of time, the “Roman Republic” was established. The word “Republic” comes from Latin. The Latin word “res publica” refers to “public matters” or “matters of the state”. The Roman Republic ruled from 510 BC to 23 BC. It is the oldest republic known in history. So when we say that the US is the oldest democracy, we are making a mistake. While the US democracy has existed for less than 250 years, the history of Roman Republic existed for over 500 years. Hannibal of Carthage threatened the Republic of Rome but failed. But perhaps, Rome is the most famous for its famous general and citizen, Julius Caesar.

Julius Caesar was a Roman politician and general. He conquered the vast area from Gauls to the north of his province in France though he didn’t have any such orders. In the year 49 BC, he conquered Rome and after that he ruled the province as a dictator. His military excellence took him to Egypt where he met Cleopatra. But when he returned, he was assassinated by his own men. Thus the history of Rome has been a continuous witness to treachery, deceit, power and its loss.

Michelangelo painted the chapel ceiling from 1508 to 1512. He covered about 12000 square feet. He painted the ceiling under the patronage of Pope Julius II. Michelangelo did not want to take payment for the work as he resented the fact that the Pope would be using his art to glorify himself. After about hundreds of years, the Sistine Chapel in Rome is known to be the best achievement of Michelangelo till date. The Sistine Chapel has got its name from another Pope. The name of this Pope is Pope Sixtus IV. The old Cappella Magna was started between 1477 and 1480 by him. So he is famous.

The Sistine Chapel in Rome has been decorated in a beautiful manner. The walls have been divided into three categories. The lower tier has been decorated with frescoed wall hangings. These have been done in silver and gold. Furthermore, the central tier is divided into The Life of Moses and The Life of Christ. The upper tier again has two zones. The window contains the lower zone and contains the paintings Gallery of Popes and Lives. The arched tops of windows have “lunettes”. These contain the painting called Ancestors of Christ, also done by Michelangelo. The Sistine Chapel in Rome has one of the most famous art works in the whole world. If you visit Rome, don’t forget to visit the Sistine Chapel too.

The Romans believe that Rome was founded in 753 BC. They celebrate it every year on April 21. Fireworks, banquets and gladiator shows are part of this unique celebration whose parallel can not be found anywhere else in the world. No where in the world can there be seen such a unique celebration where citizens celebrate the birth of their city. An interesting fact about Rome, Italy is that the world’s largest church can be found here. It is called St. Peter’s Basilica and is found in the Vatican City. The Colosseum is a huge amphitheater which can sit 50000 people. This is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The climate of Rome is Mediterranean in nature. It is temperate and mild in nature. April to June are the most comfortable months of the year. Since it has a Mediterranean climate, so unlike other countries, Italy receives rainfall in winter that is from the months of September to mid May. May to September is the driest period of the season. An interesting fact about Rome is that it houses the Pasta Museum. This museum showcases the different machines used to make pasta and also the paintings which are related to pasta in some way or the other.

The first hotel we will talk about is SuiteDreams. This hotel costs $249 for a stay. The rooms are modern, minimalist and chic. This is a small hotel having less than a dozen rooms. It is run by a family. According to one guest; the staff is very helpful and friendly. The hotel is quiet, clean and relaxed. The hotel is also located at a strategic position- a ten minute walk from Termini station. The hotel is also good because it is located near to many attractions.  The next hotel in Rome we will talk about is Caesar House Residenze Romane.

According to one guest, this hotel has very good sleeping arrangements; a comfy bed and good pillows. The bathrooms are large and water supply great. The staff is extremely punctual, which is always a good trait for a hotel. Breakfasts are always on time “piping hot and delicious”, according to the guest. This hotel is also located at a convenient spot from where it is easy to access other modes of transport. The hotel costs $279 for a stay.

Hotel Artorius is another one such hotel. The hotel is located not only at a convenient spot but also assures cleanliness, breakfast, staff and accommodation quality. It is within easy walking distance of the Termini and also other sites. One also finds a lot of good restaurants and little shops around this hotel. A stay in this hotel costs $230. These are some of the hotels in Rome.

Nero had built a lot of riches. But the rulers who came after him wanted to wipe his memory. So they buried his golden palace. But they were unsuccessful. Not only that, since, the palace was buried, so most of the palace was retrieved wholly. In the Rome city break, you can visit this palace which is still under reconstruction and see for yourself the renovation work. The visitors will have to follow a special route to see the palace under renovation. Once the renovation is complete however, you will be able to go back inside the palace once more.

The palace has thirty rooms. It is still not known how many of them will be opened to the public. But other attractions of Nero will be on show and if you are on a Rome city break, you should see the Sala Ottagonale. This is an eight-sided building where Nero gathered to entertain his guests. You can also the chalk marks which Raphael had left after he admired the murals of the building.

Rome is the capital of Italy, the Papal States and was the chief center of the Roman Empire. It has a lot to offer. If you visit Vatican City, you can also see St. Peter’s Basilica, which is the largest church of the world.