Experience the history and culture of Rome

Rome is often called the “Eternal City,” but it could just as easily be described as an open-air gallery where art is woven into everyday life. While the Vatican Museums hold some of the most famous masterpieces, the broader city reflects an even richer continuity of artistic achievement, from the Renaissance to the Baroque.

One of the most influential figures in Rome’s artistic landscape is Michelangelo (1475–1564), whose impact extends far beyond his famous Sistine Chapel frescoes in the Vatican. His presence is felt in projects like the design of the Capitoline Hill, where he reshaped a central civic space into a harmonious Renaissance piazza. He also designed the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a magnificent church built on the ancient site of the Baths of Diocletian. Michelangelo’s works demonstrate a powerful blend of classical inspiration and Renaissance emotional intensity.

Another defining figure of Rome’s artistic heritage is Raphael (1483–1520), whose refined style symbolizes the harmony of the High Renaissance. Although best known for the "Raphael Rooms” in the Vatican—a suite of four reception rooms painted for Pope Julius II—Raphael’s impact extends across Rome through his architectural designs and commissions for private patrons. Some of his most stunning frescoes can be seen at Villa Farnesina, which were commissioned by the prominent banker Agostino Chigi. Raphael died on his 37th birthday and was buried with honor in the Pantheon.

The Baroque era added another dramatic layer to the city’s appearance, largely through the work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680). His expressive sculptures and fountains transformed public spaces into theatrical displays of movement and emotion. The Fountain of the Four Rivers in the UNESCO-listed Piazza Navona is a prime example, combining dynamic figures and flowing water to create a vivid sense of energy. Bernini’s work shows how art in Rome is not confined to museums but also exists in bustling public squares.

Together, these artists contributed to Rome’s evolution into a global center of art. Their works invite visitors to encounter beauty and history at every turn, making Rome a living testament to artistic innovation.

Pasta carbonara, or pasta alla carbonara, is one of Italy’s most beloved dishes, celebrated for its simplicity and rich, comforting flavor. Originating from the Lazio region, particularly Rome, carbonara showcases how a handful of high-quality ingredients can create a deeply satisfying meal.

Traditionally, the ingredients for carbonara sauce include egg, a hard Italian cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, guanciale (salt-cured pork cheek) and freshly ground black pepper. The guanciale is sautéed until the meat becomes crispy, releasing its flavorful fat. It is then combined with warm, al dente pasta—typically, spaghetti—followed by the remaining ingredients. The skillful addition of the eggs, cheese and, if necessary, a spoonful of pasta cooking water creates the dish’s signature velvety texture. While some variations outside Italy include cream, the silkiness of authentic carbonara can be achieved without it.

While there is no consensus as to the origins of carbonara, there are several possible theories. The dish may have been invented by Italian carbonai (coal workers), who cooked over open fires. Another prevalent explanation is that carbonara was developed shortly after World War II, marking a fusion between traditional Italian cooking techniques and the bacon and egg rations of American soldiers stationed near Rome.

Regardless of the dish’s exact origin, pasta carbonara has become a symbol of Roman cuisine and Italian culinary philosophy—emphasizing quality ingredients, balance and technique.

The founding of Imperial Rome was a gradual process rooted in the earlier history of the Roman Kingdom and Republic. According to tradition, Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus, who became its first king. Over time, Rome transitioned from monarchy to republic in 509 BC, establishing a system in which elected officials and the Senate governed.

The Republic expanded its power across the Italian peninsula and eventually dominated the Mediterranean world. However, as Rome grew, internal tensions increased, including conflicts between social classes, the strain of governing vast territories and competition among powerful military leaders. These pressures weakened republican institutions and set the stage for the rise of imperial rule.

Julius Caesar (c. 100 BC–44 BC) played a pivotal role in this transformation. A brilliant general and politician, Caesar expanded Rome’s territories, most notably through his conquest of Gaul. Rising tensions between Caesar and the Senate eventually erupted into a civil war between Caesar and his rival Pompey. After emerging victorious, Caesar declared himself “dictator for life” in 44 BC, effectively ending the traditional balance of power within the Republic. His accumulation of power alarmed many senators, leading to his assassination later that year.

The aftermath of Caesar’s death led to another series of civil wars, ultimately resulting in the rise of his adopted heir, Octavian (63 BC–14 AD). In 27 BC, Octavian—later known as Augustus—established the Roman Empire by consolidating power over his rivals. Unlike Julius Caesar, Augustus established a more stable system of rule, carefully maintaining the appearance of republican traditions while holding ultimate authority. He ushered in the Pax Romana, a long period of peace and prosperity that allowed the empire to flourish.

Augustus also transformed Rome’s physical landscape. He famously claimed to have found Rome “a city of brick” and left it “a city of marble.” Under his rule, temples, forums and public buildings were constructed or restored, reinforcing Rome’s status as a grand imperial capital.

Together, Caesar and Augustus symbolize the end of one era and the beginning of another. Their leadership reshaped Rome’s political system and laid the foundations for an empire that endured for centuries.