Book excerpt: The Rome Travel Guide is the most up-to-date, reliable and complete guide to the Eternal city. Travelers will find everything they need for an unforgettable visit presented in a convenient and easy-to-use format. Includes quick information on planning a visit, navigating the city, experiencing Italian culture and exploring the beauty of Rome. Also includes an Italian phrasebook to help you talk to the locals. Rome is the capital city and a special comune of Italy. Rome also serves as the capital of the Lazio region. With 2,879,728 residents in 1,285 km², it is also the country's most populated comune. It is the fourth most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. Rome is an enchanting city where you'll discover a romantic blend of culture and history, use our travel tips to help plan your visit.