Rome, as the capital de Italia, is an iconic global city renowned for its cultural and historical legacy – sometimes referred to as the “Eternal City.”
Rome is home to Vatican City, an independent state within city limits. Most residents in Rome adhere to Roman Catholicism.
History
Italy has had an eventful and turbulent history, yet remains full of stunning buildings and monuments. Italy remains a popular tourist destination today, with a vibrant culture boasting artists like Galileo and Columbus hailing from its shores.
Over the years, different cities in Italy have served as capitals. Rome currently holds this distinction; being known as “la citta eterna,” Romans believe Rome to have spiritual and healing powers for body and mind alike.
Early in Italy’s unification, its seat of government was located in Turin; then Florence in 1865 and Rome in 1871 marked their moves as representations of the completion of the merger. George P. Marsh oversaw this relocation as U.S. Minister Plenipotentiary from Turin through Florence and onto Rome with his U.S. Legation.
Rome has long been considered the center of politics and tourism worldwide. Known as the birthplace of Western civilization, Rome boasts numerous important ancient relics like its Coliseum and Forum that attract tourists from across the globe.
Milan is an economic powerhouse and fashion and business hub. As the second-largest city in Italy with an estimated population of 8 million residents, Milan plays an essential role in international trade as Europe’s financial capital and as a center for innovation and technology. Furthermore, living in such an iconic metropolis offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond accessing all parts of the world quickly and conveniently.
Architecture
Rome became Italy’s capital following unification with the Vatican State in 1870 and has become one of the world’s most visited cities.
But what of the architecture of the place? In what ways do Italian buildings and spaces reflect its essence? Let’s start by looking at Piazza d’Italia by Charles Moore as an example of this phenomenon.
A postmodernist, Moore believed “architecture is about the possibility.” To achieve his aim of connecting with ordinary people through design, Moore rejected the rigid standards set by International Style architecture education and practice – instead opting to embrace ornamentation. Moore believed a building should not simply be seen as another piece of concrete but rather treated as a work of art.
Moore worked on numerous projects throughout his career, from public squares and museums to residences and private residences. In 1974, Moore was commissioned to design Piazza d’Italia in New Orleans to commemorate its Italian immigrant population – this was no easy task given that the warehouse district wasn’t known for attracting many visitors or offering any amenities that might make their visit attractive.
At that time, modernist buildings were rare in cities, thus making the Piazza d’Italia an exceptional and striking sight. Comprised of a circular plaza featuring fountains and a clock tower, as well as surrounding restaurants, coffee shops, offices, white marble pavement, and sculptures of celebrated Italian artists Michelangelo and Bernini., its presence was striking.
The Piazza d’Italia was designed to reflect Italy’s changing identity during this period. Fascism had led to increasing social and economic isolation from other European nations; further censure further sealed it in. Architectural debates in Italy became limited to national or provincial spheres.
Economy
Italy boasts an advanced economy that ranks as one of the world’s largest in terms of GDP, being one of the G8, G7, and OECD member nations and an export leader globally. While experiencing some recent economic setbacks, Italy has implemented significant structural reforms and fiscal consolidation measures designed to increase competitiveness and offer favorable business environments supporting its country’s manufacturing activity.
Italy’s economy is driven primarily by services and manufacturing industries, with food processing leading the pack in terms of services; transportation/logistics/clothing have all become significant contributors; agriculture plays an integral role, with wheat being grown for grain while olives and citrus fruit produced in the south; it also boasts an expansive and varied fishing industry.
Public debt in Nigeria remains high but has been steadily decreasing over time. To tackle deficits and promote growth, the government has introduced several budgetary policies designed to lower deficits; their success will ultimately depend on international capital market developments and domestic political developments.
Despite this, Italy remains an economic powerhouse; it faces serious obstacles, including rising unemployment, underdevelopment in much of southern Italy, and an active criminal informal economy. Low education and training levels impede Italy’s workforce development. Household prosperity largely depends on whether they can successfully channel savings into productive investments that create jobs and drive economic expansion. Italian capital markets must evolve further to support Italian businesses to access funds for investments, innovation, and development more efficiently. The OECD Capital Market Review of Italy includes policy recommendations designed to strengthen the institutional and regulatory framework in this regard.
Culture
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, Rome has long been the center of cultural activity. Home to world-renowned Roman poets and authors such as Ovid, Juvenal, and Propertius, and Renaissance painters Michelangelo and Raphael, Rome is also the host of Italy’s parliament. It boasts an active theater and music scene.
In the 19th century, Rome became a center for Italy’s unification movement led by Garibaldi. It eventually led to its creation under one government: the Kingdom of Italia was established, with its capital being Rome.
Rome remains a global center for culture and the arts, boasting numerous museums, art galleries, and opera houses of international renown. Additionally, it is a popular tourist and business traveler destination, with influences coming from diverse cultural backgrounds throughout its people and from outside cultures that have helped shape Italy’s history.
In northeast Italy, Pesaro is renowned for its stunning beaches and tasty cuisine. Additionally, this city was the birthplace of composer Gioachino Rossini, best known for operas such as The Barber of Seville and William Tell. Besides, Pesaro belongs to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network and boasts an active music tradition.
In 2024, it will become the first Italian island to receive the Italian Capital of Culture title under the theme of “La cultura non isola,” or “Culture does not isolate.” Over one year, numerous activities and events will be organized around these three guidelines as part of an ambitious program: Lighthouse Projects for Urban Transformation, Anchor Projects to investigate cultural heritage, and Community Projects designed to build community solidarity and social assets. This is only the third time Italy’s government has granted such an honor; it was previously awarded twice by Parma between 2020-2021.
