In the Eternal City one can see many layers of history, from ancient to modern times, existing side by side. The center of the Catholic Church and the third most visited city in Europe, Rome has something for every seeker of culture and adventure. Once the center of the greatest empire on Earth, its universities, libraries, and museums are repositories of culture going back centuries. The Vatican Museums house many of the world’s great art treasures and are a favorite among art lovers worldwide. The Colosseum stands as both a great monument to the vast empire that was ancient Rome, while at the same time giving a warning to future generations about power and decadence. The city is known for its architecture, which spans centuries and offers a glimpse into the distant past as well as its influence on development through the years. Rome is one of Italy’s and the world’s great cities, a title it has held for centuries, a thought and an idea expressed in its past, and presently on display in the Eternal City.