Description: Rome and Athens both share the distinction of retaining a "divine essence" and having seven hills. With its wealth of history and impressive grandeur, Rome has been identified with Christianity for over 2000 years. Rome was the living dream of 19th century artists, whether in the legend of Romulus and Remus, the imperial ruins, or the sombre streets on the banks of the Tiber: for a long time the journey to Rome was an initiation into aestheticism. From the relics of imperial splendour to Mussolini's monumentalism and Fellini's decadent madness, Rome changes from one generation to the next, adapting, but never losing its soul. Rome, the eternal city, gives the impression of a city made lethargic by too much wealth, but at the same time twinkling with the brilliance of a star. This book is an outstanding account of a fascinating city in which every readers will discover their favourite cliche: ancient stones, churches, gardens, squares and fountains, red and yellow ochre, stray cats and flower bedecked terraces.

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