Rome, the ‘Eternal
City’, capital of
Italy
and
the
Catholic Church, is
a modern, lively and
fashionable city. It
lies roughly in the
center of the region of
Lazio
(Latium),
between
the Tyrr-
henian Sea to the west
and
the
Apennine
Mountains to the east.
The Tiber River curves
through the City and
Ancient Rome is situated
on the left bank, as are the original Seven Hills of Rome and
the more modern shopping areas, while the Vatican City is
on the right bank of the Tiber.
Many Romans today are employed in tourist related indus-
tries, as well as in government, film-making and some other
small-scale industries. The citizens of Rome still enjoy a
relaxed way of life, and live and love life to the fullest. It is
believed locally that on the last day of the world the Romans
will throw a great farewell party, a gastronomic feast with
wine flowing from the City’s many fountains – “La Dolce
Vita!”.
Rome is unique because of its many fine buildings that span
so many centuries of history and it is richer in masterpieces,
both architectural and artistic, than most any other city in the
World.
The Colosseum (72 A.D.) at Piazzale del Colosseo, is
Ancient Rome’s best known monument and was the arena of
games and gladiators. The largest structure of its kind ever
built, it was capable of seating 50,000 spectators. Only about
one-third of the original building remains.
1
The Arch of Constantine, next to the Colosseum, was
erected in 315 A.D. and honored the Emperor’s Victory over
Pagan forces and Rome’s conversion to Christianity as a result
of Constantine’s battlefield vision of a cross.
2
Civitavecchia
(Rome)
The unit of currency in this port
of call is the euro. There are 8
euro coins denominated in 2 and 1 euros, along with 50, 20,
10, 5, 2, and 1 cent pieces. Every euro coin carries a common
European face. On the obverse, each Member State decorates the
coins with their own motifs. No matter which motif is on the coins
they can be used anywhere inside the Member States. There are 7
euro notes. In different colors and sizes,