European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 27, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                J Italy and the tourists by Michael Abrams staff photographer Alt roads Lead to Rome the proverb says. And that is not surprising since the City was once the capital of an Empire that reached from Scotland to Asia minor. Over the centuries history was played out Here. The temples the Arches the Heaters and the palaces built by one emperor trying to outdo the other still remain standing As a reminder of past glory. After the fall of the Empire Rome became the spiritual Center of Christendom. Today her sister across the tiber River Vatican City remains just that. The capital of Italy has lived through the ups and Downs of history from a provincial town during the exile of the Popes in Avignon to the glory Days of the Renaissance to the Rule of Mussolini when Rome grew to be the largest City on the Mediterranean. Today like in the Days of the 18th Century when it was one of the highlights of every englishman s grand tour of Europe Rome is one of those cities that can t be missed. When in Rome do As the romans do goes another popular proverb. And what the tourists do could be added to that because there Are some things you will want to do just for the fun of saying that you did it. Like pitching a Coin Over your Shou Der into the fabulous Trevi Fountain Rome s largest. Or visiting St. Peter s at the Vatican its dome the world s largest. Take a walk through the roman part of the City past Trajan s column past the roman forum to the colosseum where christians and Lions inspired Many a a movie for Hollywood like a Good roman take a break at one of the Many cafes before if you can afford it shopping at the exclusive stores along via Condotti. Too poor now for a second Coffee rest your feet at another popular tourist Stop the Spanish Steps. Between Here and the nearby subway Stop Street vendors sell jewelry and leather goods More Friendly to the pocketbook. And As the Sun sets on the italian capital find a Nice restaurant with delicious local cuisine and enjoy a Good bottle of wine which brings another proverb to mind. In Vino Veritas. Enjoy. Is photos by Michael Abrams the Vittorio Emanuele Monument in Piazza Venezia honors Italy s first King Vittorio Emanuele ii. The Trevi Fountain Rome s largest is a big tourist draw above. The ruins of the roman forum Date from about 500 . To and. 400 below. A Swiss guard stands at attention at the Vatican above. The colosseum and St. Peter s Square right Are also popular tourist attractions. The Spanish Steps in Piazza i Spagna arc a Good place to people watch. 14 stripes Magazine october 27, 1994 october 27, 1994 stripes Magazine 75