Rome, the capital of Italy, is a large cosmopolitan city with an artistic, architectural, and cultural history that has influenced the entire world, dating back nearly 3,000 years. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum testify to the power of the ancient Roman Empire. In the Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church, you'll find St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, home to masterpieces such as the Sistine Chapel frescoed by Michelangelo.