Rome’s rich history is evident throughout the city. Rome was the center of the vast Roman Empire and the city has many outstanding relics of the Roman period, including the Coliseum and Pantheon. Later, as the Roman Empire began to fall, the city became the center of the Christian world. The Vatican with its many museums and impressive Saint Peter’s Basilica is located in the heart of Rome. Numerous artists and architects have left their mark on Rome, especially in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Lazio is most known for its capital city, but there are many places of interest throughout the region, including the early Etruscan settlements in the north. There is an impressive collection of Etruscan artifacts at the Museo Archeologico in Tarquinia and Etruscan tombs just southeast of the town. Other interesting sights include the bizarre Sacro Bosco gardens in Bonmarzo, Lake Bracciano with its lovely lakeside villages and the Castelli Romani.