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The Rome train station was named after the ancient Baths of Diocletian, which can be found across the street from the main entrance of the station. When the Roma Termini station was built in 1931 and completed in 1950, it was a great success both in capability and design. After the completion of the station many stations strived to live up to the standards set forth by the Termini station. It was an inspiration to many architects attempting their own masterpieces.
This is the principal railway station of Rome, as well as the cross roads of all public transportation in Rome. The railway platform has been in use since 1864, but the current building which houses it was inaugurated in the Holy Year of 1950. The architecture is characterized by the extremely long, modernist facade in travertine stone, and by the gravity-defying double curve of the roof.
The station has regular train services to all major Italian cities as well as daily international services to Paris, Munich, Genève and Basel. With its 29 platforms and over 150 million passengers each year, Roma Termini is one of the largest train stations in Europe.
Termini is also the main hub for public transport inside Rome. Both current Rome Metro lines (A and B) intersect at Termini metro station, and a major bus station is located at Piazza Cinquecento, the square in front of the station. However, the main tram lines of the city cross at Porta Maggiore, some 500 metres east of the station.
Rome, known as the Eternal City has attracted visitors for over 2,000 years. It is one of the most magnificent and romantic cities in the world. Rome has an attractive mix of grandiose sights and bustling city life. Life is sweet - the cake is there for the eating. Italian designer shopping, smooth ice cream, frothy cappuccino and exquisite wines to name but a few things.
Where do you start to summarize the history of the Eternal City? A good date might be 21 April 753 B.C. The day when Romulus is said to have founded the city after murdering his twin brother Remus. During the following centuries Rome grew into a powerful empire whose peak was during the rule of Marcus Aurelius in 161-180 A.D. Just like the ancient city, Rome today is built on seven hills: Capitolino, Palatino, Quirinale, Viminale, Esquilino, Celio and Aventino. The central area is called Campo Marzio, named after the Roman god of war, and was the ancient army's training grounds. This is where many of the famous sights are located. Other well-known areas are Trastevere, on the other side of the River Tibern, and Monti. Little Pigneto is considered the most Roman neighborhood.
Rome does not go to sleep at sunset. Open air symphonic concerts, ballet and opera performances, live rock and jazz are all available.
Rome lays claim to two pro football teams, Roma and Lazio. Rivalry is fierce between them. Basketball is gaining in popularity. It is played in the Palazzo dello Sport designed for the 1960 Olympics.
The city's 300 fountains, its sculpture, its glorious panorama of ancient, medieval, Renaissance, baroque and modern art, music and architecture are all part of the reason that Pope Gregory XIVs remark in the 16th century is still true today. Pope Gregory said of the joys of exploring and discovering the city, "a lifetime is not enough."
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