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Rome is home to one of the world's greatest ancient civilisations. There are plenty of artistic and architectural wonders, piazzas and the Pope - a lot for a visitor to see and do. The city of Rome covers an area of approximately 150 square km. The population of Rome is approximately 3.8 million. It is about 20 km inland, and about halfway down the West coast of Italy. Although the city of Rome is vast, the historic centre is fairly small. Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct

The best time to visit Rome is April - June/September to October. July to August is best avoided, as Rome is extremely crowded and hot. Winters in Rome are fairly chilly, but the sun shines often, and visitors may find that prices are lower than at other times of the year.

Rome city has banks on almost every corner. Normal business hours are 8:45am-1: 30pm, 2:45pm-4pm Monday to Friday. Some pharmacies in Rome are open 24 hours, such as:

FARMACIA RISORGIMENTO
Piazza Risorgimento 44 (Prati) tel
Phone: 06 3722157

FARMACIA INTERNAZIONALE
Piazza Barberini 49 (Center)
Phone: 06 4825456

FARMACIA LIPPI
Via Arenula 73 (Center)
Phone: 06 68803278

Getting around Rome using public transport: Rome's metro system is very useful and quite safe as long as you are alert. Although the bus network in Rome is extensive and buses run frequently, the metro is much simpler to master. One could choose to take a taxi in Rome - these are white or yellow, and have an identification number on the front door. Taxis in Rome can be found in every part of the city, in special taxi parkings.

There is much to see and do in Rome. Rome has a unique preserved ancient town, Ostia Antica, which was formerly a port. Abandoned by the Romans, this trading centre declined and finally became buried in silt. Much of the area is now excavated, and you can explore streets where some of the ancient character lingers. Mosaics and columns, frescoes decorating walls, which still stand high and fascinating marble-seated communal public toilets, are just some of the sights to see there.

Rome's fantastic sets of Piazzas are an ideal place to visit in order to experience everyday life in Romme. Piazza di Spagna, at the foot of Spanish Steps is perhaps the most popular spot. Its beauty is further enhanced by Bernini's boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain. The stunning, Piazza Navona was built on the ruins of Domitian's stadium. It's lined with baroque palaces and holds three fountains, including Bernini's Fountain of the Rivers. Piazza Barbeni, Piazza Venezia and The Campo de' Fiori are also worth a visit, when in Rome.

Most of the major sights in Rome are within a reasonable distance of the central railway station, Stazione Termini.

Visiting a market in Rome can be an enjoyable thing to do. Try visiting PORTAPORTESE, located at Piazza di Portaportese (Trastevere district) It is only open on Sundays, but is Rome's most famous market.