Ever since Romulus and Remus scampered up the banks of the Tiber River to found Rome, it has been a major center of trade, art, culture and religion. It was first ruled by Etruscan kings but they were overthrown in about 509 BC and the new leaders founded a republic which quickly came to dominate most of Italy and much of the civilized world. It was here that the drama between Julius Caesar, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony was played out, that the first emperor Augustus began the artistic restoration of the great city and transformed it "from a city of brick to a city of marble," and here that in 324 emperor Constantine granted religious freedom to all Christians and the first great Roman churches, including St. Peters, were built. But by this time though the most powerful city in the world was in decline and in 410 it was sacked by barbarians and the magnificent Roman Empire came to an end.

Revitalized in the Renaissance by great artists like Michaelangelo, today Rome is still a magical city. Now Italy's largest with over 6 million inhabitants it really does have something for everyone. Whether you want to see some artifacts from the Villinovan (iron age) civilization on the Palatine Hill, attend mass at the Vatican, check out a few of the world famous restaurants or shop for a new Gucci bag on Via Condotti, you won't be disappointed. Referred to by many as The Eternal City, Lord Byron called it "the soul of Italy." Whatever you want to call it you'll find most Romans warm and friendly and relaxed (unless they are behind the wheel) and that Rome itself is truly a timeless treasure trove.