The Eternal City’s ancient monuments and spectacular galleries has for centuries been a major international attraction. No city in the world is as beautiful as Rome, and few as glamorous. To the uninitiated, Romans give the impression that looking gorgeous and spending as much time as possible on their telefonni is the centre of, and end-all of, their existence. But Rome and Romans have much more to offer than this. A city of amazing history, and intriguing Culture, it is not to be missed.

The Vatican
This tiny, independent city was founded in AD 90, when the first monument was built on what was believed to be the site of St Peter’s martyrdom. Confined behind the wall after the Italian Unification of 1870, and acting as an independent state since 1929, the Vatican  leads a separate existence from the rest of Rome, and Italy. Due to this, it sites observe a strict dress code: You will not be allowed in if you wear clothing that bares your legs or shoulders. It is a place of contrast. Credit cards aren’t accepted, yet the Vatican is a duty-free zone!

Once inside the first stop has to be St Peter’s Basilica. The dome, completed in 1590 to Michelangelo’s detailed specifications, was the largest brick construction ever built. At the top there are fabulous views of the Vatican Gardens, Bernini’s piazza and the city beyond. Below the dome, Bernini’s curlicued bronze canopy triumphs over the altar. Under the chapels, one containing Michelangelo’s Pietà,are the tombs of recent popes.

The Vatican Museums are so huge that there are four colour coded itineraries to choose from. The basilica end of the route has the Sistine Chapel, containing Michelangelo’s frescoes of the Creation and the Last Judgement, and luscious Renaissance works by Botticelli, Rosselli and Signorelli.

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