A trip to Rome isn't complete without a visit to Palazzo Venezia. Before 1797 the palace served as the embassy of the Venetian Republic, hence the name Palazzo Venezia. The building became state property in 1916 and has borne witness to many historic moments. The leading politician and fascist Mussolini even had his headquarters here and frequently addressed the crowd from the balcony at the front of the palace. The building is currently in use as a museum. Admire the magnificent renaissance paintings and the many fine sculptures by famous Italian artists. [Read more]

In the heart of Rome lies the nucleus of the Roman Catholic Church: the Vatican. This city-state has had its own post office, papal guard, radio station, newspaper, publishing firm, shops and papal offices since 1929. For centuries it has invested its wealth in valuable works of art. The majority of these works can be admired in St Peter's Basilica and the Musei Vaticani. Enjoy the history of art as you take in works by Michelangelo, Rafael and Leonardo de Vinci. The highlight of the Vatican is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel, which teems with nuns, monks, and other men and women of the cloth. If you're not a real culture vulture, a trip to the Vatican is still worthwhile. The view of Rome from the top of St Peter's is breathtaking. [Read more]

Rome was in danger of being viewed as a city that accepted historical art alone. Then came a museum for contemporary art, and now there's also one for modern art: Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo. The museum opened in 2003 and is a huge success. It holds many exhibitions of both national and international artists, who can now finally show their work in Rome. The building itself is a work of art. Reason enough to distance youself from antiquity and visit this museum. [Read more]