Rome is magnificent and brutal at the same time and on today's program we're exploring and

understanding the eternal city. Hi I'm Rick Steve's 2,000 years ago the word Rome meant

civilization itself. Today Rome lives amidst the rubble of that

ancient empire and it remains a cultural powerhouse the capital of both Italy and

Catholicism as you peel through its fascinating and jumbled layers of both Italy and Catholicism.

As you peel through its fascinating and jumbled layers, you'll find Rome's buildings, cats,

all that laundry, crazy traffic, and two and a half million Romans endlessly entertaining. To prepare us for the Eternal City, two of Rome's best

tour guides, Susanna Perucini and Francesca Caruso, join us. Because Rome is like an old

lady but still very charming.

You have to go beyond the wrinkles.

It's also a wonderful opportunity for Americans to confront a different sense of time

and to immerse themselves in an ancient civilization that they are very connected to themselves.

It's Rome on Travel with Rick Steeves.

Travel with Rick Steeves is made possible in part by American Airlines with 4,

4,000 flights to 250 cities in 40 countries around the world every day.

It's easy to book your next flight at AA.com.

American Airlines knows why you fly.

I'm Rick Steeves. This is Travel with Rick Steeves. Today we're going to Rome. Rome is a

magical city. I could spend more time in Rome, I suppose along with maybe Paris, London, and

Niston, both in any other city in Europe.

And of course the thing about Rome is it has so much history.

Not only does have a lot of history, but it's a vibrant opportunity to connect with today's Italy.

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