Capital of Italy and Latium, the city lies 20 m. above sea level on the banks of the Tiber, in the Campagna di Roma. This is the most highly populated and largest city in Italy (municipality covering 1,507.6 sq/km.), an historical and cultural centre of extraordinary importance, the capital of the Roman Catholic Church.
Founded by the Latin peoples around the eighth century BC. (tradition dates it to 753) near the Isola Tiberina, perhaps on the Palatine Hill, it was at first a monarchy until Tarquinius Superbus, the last king, was expelled and it became a Republic (509 BC.). In the fourth and third centuries BC. it went to war with its neighbours (Latins, Etruscans, Aequi, Volsci, Sabini, Samnites, Umbrians, etc.) for supremacy over the area and the whole of central-southern Italy, until in 264 BC. it gained control of the peninsula. The Punic Wars (264-146) and the Macedonian Wars (215-168) marked the first great Roman conquests and prepared Rome for rule over the lands then known. After the battle of Actium (31 BC.) when Anthony was defeated by Octavian, the latter took the title of Emperor, opening the greatest period in Roman history, marked by conquest but also by great urban development of the city. Rome began to decline in the 3rd century AD. (under the Severi dynasty): the Western Roman Empire (divided from the Eastern Empire) fell in 476 AD. to Odoacer, king of the Heruli. After an initial period of decadence linked to the Greek-Gothic war (535-553) and frequent battles with the Lombards, the city gradually succeeded in reorganizing under papal guidance and, after the arrival of the Franks and the creation of the Patrimony of St. Peter (the early nucleus of the Papal States) the Popes succeeded in combining temporal and spiritual power. Subsequently, Rome was always subject to the power of the Papacy, alternating darker periods, such as the exile of the Pontiff to Avignone (1305-1370) and the Western schism (1378-1414), with others of great urban, artistic and cultural development, most importantly the Renaissance, mainly associated with Pope Julius II. After the Napoleonic period (1798-1799 and 1809-1815) the town was the scene of Risorgimento turmoil, such as the proclamation of the Roman Republic in 1848, upheld by Mazzini, and the attempt on it by Garibaldi, thwarted at Mentana in 1867. Rome was finally united with the Kingdom of Italy in 1870, the year which marked the end of the Papal States. In 1929, under the Lateran Treaty the Vatican City State was created within the city's perimeter, its sole sovereign the Pope.
Ancient Rome reached its maximum urban expansion (perhaps a million inhabitants) in the 3rd century AD., surrounded by the Aurelian walls which still define the city's historical centre. After the fall of the Empire, Rome had a rapidly declining population, reduced to a few tens of thousands of inhabitants. In successive centuries development was marked by important construction work, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries, still within its ancient boundaries. Only when Rome became the capital of Italy (1871) did it rapidly begin to grow, spreading beyond the central area at the start of this century. Expansion was often haphazard and motivated by speculation, leading to the construction of working class suburbs (the so-called `borgate'), lacking in essential services, while administrative offices and company headquarters were concentrated in the city centre.
In view of the importance and the size of Rome, one can only mentionthose important monuments which are of extraordinary archeological, cultural and artistic value. Old Roman remains include the Colosseum (1st century AD.), the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forum, Trajan's Column (113 AD.), the Column of Marcus Aurelius (193 AD.), the Arch of Titus (1st century AD.), the Arch of Constantine (315 AD.), the Basilica of Massenzio (312 AD.), the Pantheon (1st-2nd century AD., housing the tombs of the Kings of Italy and Raffaello), the Baths of Caracalla (217 AD.) and the evocative ancient Appian Way. Civil buildings include: Palazzo del Museo Capitolino (16th century), Palazzo dei Conservatori (16th century), Palazzo Venezia (15th century), Palazzo della Cancelleria (15th century), Palazzo Farnese (16th century), Palazzo Barberini (17th century, Baroque), Villa della Farnesina (Renaissance). Places of particular beauty are Parco di Villa Borghese, Piazza Navona in Baroque style, the steps of Trinità dei Monti with Piazza di Spagna, Campidoglio. There are numerous artistic fountains, the most famous being Fontana di Trevi (18th century), and Fontana di Fiumi (17th century). There are also countless religious buildings: the proto-Christian churches of S. Costanza, S. Giovanni in Laterano, S. Maria Maggiore, S. Sabina, S. Paolo Fuori le Mura, S. Pietro in Vincoli (housing the famous `Moses' by Michelangelo) and the Renaissance S. Maria del Popolo (frescoes by Raffaello and Caravaggio). Rome is, however, thought of principally as the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. The Basilica of St. Peter, built at the start of the 4th century, was rebuilt by Pope Julius II, at the beginning of the 16th century under the direction of Bramante. Michelangelo added the famous cupola and the Basilica was completed in 1589. Ornate and majestic, it houses some of the greatest of all masterpieces, such as Michelangelo's famous Pietà, the monument of Clement XIII by Canova, Bernini's Funeral monument for Urban VIII; Bernini's altar canopy is 29 m. high. Outside stretches the monumental Piazza S. Pietro (St. Peter's Square), a Bernini's masterpiece, with its majestic colonnade of 284 columns, topped by 140 statues.
The agricultural sector is of little importance in the city's economy, with few activities of any note, nor has industry ever developed to any extent, by political choice; what does exist is restricted to local commerce, present in the food, garment, publishing, building, precision engineering, pharmaceutical, television and film sectors. Approximately two thirds of the working population are employed in the services sector where public employment (ministries, central organs of State, embassies), tourism, banking, transport and head offices of the principal nationalized industries and organisations and private enterprises are important.
Events: Fiera di Roma (May-June), Antique Furniture Salons (May), Quadrennial of Art, Performances at the Baths of Caracalla, Festa della Befana in Piazza Navona (6th January-Epiphany), Festa dei Noantri at Trastevere (July).
Famous People: Giuseppe Gioachino Belli (poet, 1791-1863), Cesare Pascarella (poet, 1858-1940), Carlo Alberto Salustri called Trilussa (poet, 1871-1950), Julius Caesar (Roman general and statesman, 100-44 BC.), Ettore Petrolini (actor, 1886-1936), Enrico Fermi (physicist, 1901-1954), Pius XII (Pope, 1876-1958), Gregory the Great (Pope, 540-604).
Cultural Institutions: University La Sapienza (founded in 1303), Catholic University, Politecnico, Gallery of Modern Art, Musei Capitolini (works by Caravaggio and Bernini among others), Vatican Museums with Gallerie degli Arazzi, Stanze di Raffaello and Sistine Chapel (Last Judgement by Michelangelo), Borghese Museum and Gallery, Roman Museum, Museo di Villa Giulia (archeological), Museo di Palazzo Venezia, Gallery of Ancient Art, Galleria Doria Pamphili, Galleria Colonna, Galleria Spada, Museum of Rome, Museum of Castel S. Angelo, Lincei Academy, Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of S. Cecilia, Academy of Dramatic Art, Arcadia Academy, Dante Alighieri National Society, National Research Centre, Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana, various foreign academies, Vatican Library, Central National Library, State Archives.
In the Province: Civitavecchia (port), Tivoli, Velletri, Marino and Albano Laziale (wines), Nettuno, Genzano di Roma (Infiorata del Corpus Domini), Frascati (Tuscolan Museum).
Situated 291 m. above sea level on a hill, in a panoramic position overlooking the valley of the Sacco River in the heart of Ciociaria (region named after an ancient type of footwear called `ciocia') lies Frosinone. An ancient centre of the Volsci Frusino peoples, proud opponents of Rome, this town was conquered by the Romans and became a Municipium in 386 BC. In medieval times it was in the hands of the Byzantines and Lombards, until in 817 the Franks gave it to the Church.
Monuments: Church of S. Benedetto (19th century Baroque), Cathedral (originally Romanesque, rebuilt after the War), Church of S. Lucia (Neo-classical).
Traditional agriculture is based on forests and pastures; over the last thirty years, the population has considerably increased and industry has developed, with aid from the Mezzogiorno Fund and with the construction of the Rome-Naples stretch of motorway. Today there are many factories, mainly sited along the principal roads and railway lines, operating in the engineering, textile, plastics and foodstuff sectors.
Events: various musical events, including the opera season in autumn.
Famous People: Nicola Ricciotti (patriot, 1802-1844).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Civic Library.
In the Province: Cassino (car factory), Fiuggi (spa), Anagni (Museum of Southern Latium), Alatri (Acropolis, folklore festival in August), Ferentino (Acropolis, Romanesque Duomo), Campo Catino (winter sports), Veroli (Abbey Museum), San Donato Val di Comino (Museo del Capriolo).
This town rises 21 m. above sea level in the heart of the Agro Pontino reclaimed area, about 8 km. from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The town was founded with the name of Littoria in 1932, at the site of a service centre for the Pontine reclamation works (Quadrato) and became capital of the Province two years later. Latina grew up round an octagonal nucleus with the Piazza del Popolo in the centre and then expanded along the main roads leading out of the town.
The economy of Latina, built as the chief market town in a large agricultural area, was until the fifties, based on the primary sector (cereals, fodder, beetroot, vegetables animal breeding). After the Second World War, it underwent extensive industrial development, and was included in the areas receiving aid from the Mezzogiorno Fund. Today it lies in one of the most highly industrialized areas of Latium, with food (sugar, canning, pasta), textile, engineering, wood processing, chemical and building material factories.
Cultural Institutions: Conservatorio di S. Cecilia, Civic Theatre, Antiquarium.
In the Province: Lido di Latina (7 km. away, seaside resort), Gaeta (commercial port), Terracina (seaside resort), Aprilia (agricultural-industrial centre), Formia (remains of Roman pools), Priverno (abbey of Fosdinova), Sezze (Antiquarium), Sermoneta (nearby, abbey of Valvisciolo), Fondi (Lake Fondi), Sabaudia (Circeo Park), Cori (Temple of Hercules).
This town lies 405 m. above sea level on the southern edge of a large hollow, once an ancient lake, at the foot of the Sabini and Reatini mountains and to the right of the Velino River.
An ancient Sabine centre, Rieti was a Roman Municipium in Imperial times. It was continually sacked during the Barbarian invasions and became part of the Duchy of Spoleto (6th century); it was destroyed in 1149 by Ruggero the Norman. It then became a free municipality, and an ally of the Pope. Rieti subsequently came under the Alfani Signoria and in 1397 became part of the Papal States, sharing their vicissitudes. After being annexed to the Kingdom of Italy (1860) it was first part of Umbria and later of Latium.
Monuments: Duomo (of medieval origin, with 17th century alterations), Palazzo Vescovile (13th century) housing the Volte del Vescovado, Arco del Vescovo (13th century), Palazzo Comunale (18th century), Palazzo del Governo (16th century), Church of S. Agostino (of 14th century origin), Church of S. Francesco (13th century, 17th century alterations).
The local economy is traditionally based on agriculture on the fertile surrounding plain (wheat, vegetables, fruit, beetroot, fodder). Industry has developed to a certain extent and factories linked to agriculture (mills, pasta and sugar factories) have now been flanked by textile (synthetic fibres), engineering and wood processing companies (Rieti-Cittaducale industrial complex). Tourism is centred mainly round nearby Terminillo, Latium's principal ski resort.
Events: Festa del Sole (July).
Famous People: Marcus Terentius Varro (Roman writer, 114-27 BC.), Vespasian (Roman Emperor, 9-79 AD.), Antonio Gherardi (artist, 1638-1702), Angelo Maria Ricci (poet, 1776-1850), Giuseppe Ottavio Pitoni (musician , 1657-1743).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Civic Archeological Museum with Art Gallery, Museum of the Treasure of the Duomo, Flavio Vespasiano Theatre.
In the Province: Cittaducale (industrial centre), Leonessa (ski resort), Antrodoco (spa, Gole del Velino), Greccio (Franciscan monastery), Fara in Sabina (Benedictine Abbey of Farfa), Scandriglia (Sabin Studies Institute).
Viterbo is situated 326 m. above sea level on the gentle hills between Lake Bolsena and Lake Vico.
Of Etruscan origin, it was romanized (Vicus Elbii) though never became of particular importance. It was handed over to the Church in medieval times and was the scene of disputes between the Empire and the Papacy; it was unsuccessfully besieged by Frederick II of Swabia (1243). From that date, the town was almost constantly a Papal ally, and the seat of a number of conclaves for the election of Popes. After the turbulent period of the Signorie (14th century) the town finally came under the influence of Rome in 1431.
The historical centre has an interesting structure, is still surrounded by turreted walls (11th-13th century) and preserves much of its medieval appearance, especially in the attractive S. Pellegrino district.
Monuments: Palazzo Papale (13th century) with a seven-arched loggia, Cathedral (12th century with Renaissance façade and Gothic bell tower), Church of S. Maria Nuova (Romanesque), S. Sisto (9th-12th century), S. Maria della Verità (originally 12th century, improved in the 15th century, contemporary frescoes), S. Giovanni in Zoccoli (11th century, Romanesque), Church of S. Francesco (13th century, Gothic style), Palazzo Farnese (15th century), Casa Poscia (14th century), Palazzo Chigi (Renaissance, 15th century), Fontana Grande (13th century).
Viterbo is a busy agricultural and commercial centre (cereals, fruit, olives, grapes, vegetables) but industrial activity is unimportant; there are a few food factories (pasta, oil mills), and also tanning, paper and electrotechnical manufacturers. The active service sector is linked to transport, banking and public administration. Cultural activities are developing, and are linked to the recently built University.
Events: Opera, concert and prose season, theatrical performances at Ferento Roman theatre (8 km. away), Antique Clock Salon (spring), Festa di S. Rosa (3rd September), with characteristic procession.
Famous People: Lorenzo da Viterbo (artist, c. 1440-1476), Antonio Massari called `Pastura' (artist, c. 1450-1509), Francesco D'Antonio Zacchi called `Balletta' (artist, 15th century).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Historical Archives, University, Civic Museum (with archeological section and Art Gallery), Museo della Confraternita.
In the Province: Montefiascone (typical wines), Tuscania (Museo Nazionale, environmental interest), Tarquinia (Archeological Museum, Etruscan necropoli), Sutri (Antiquarium, Roman amphitheatre), Bolsena (Museo del Lago di Bolsena), Bagnoregio (Centro Studi Bonaventuriani) and Bomarzo (Parco dei Mostri).