Rome

The city's fortunes began to improve in the 11th century, although progress slowed down at the beginning of the 14th century, when the popes settled in Avignon. The papacy returned to Rome in 1377, and after the middle of the 15th century the city became a centre of Renaissance culture. Massive papal patronage of the arts began to enrich Rome. During the papacy (1447-1455) of Nicholas V the defence walls were repaired, palaces built, and churches restored. Major artists and architects now worked in Rome, and by the end of the century it had supplanted Florence as the primary focal point of the Renaissance. The sack of the city in 1527 by Habsburg mercenaries was a temporary setback. During the 16th century Michelangelo, Bramante, Raphael, and other artists worked for the popes, and construction of the new St Peter's Basilica progressed. It was not until the reign (1585-1590) of Pope Sixtus V, however, that the dense, confused medieval urban pattern began to be modernized. Three major streets were laid out to radiate from the Piazza del Popolo to the centre of the city. Sixtus also built squares and fountains, and restored the Acqua Felice aqueduct. In addition, old churches were refurbished, and St Peter's dome was completed.

The dramatic Baroque style that characterized Counter-Reformation Rome was predominant in structures of the 17th century. Sculptors and architects such as Gianlorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini changed the face of Rome during this period. In the 18th century Rome enjoyed a period of relative quiet under papal rule. Structures built in a subdued rococo style in the early part of the century later gave way to Neo-Classic structures. In 1797 Napoleon Bonaparte took Rome and appropriated many art treasures. Ultimately, after the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Rome came under papal control again. Napoleon's occupation of Italy, however, had stimulated a nationalist reaction, and in 1861 Italy was unified under the House of Savoy. Because of Rome's position as papal headquarters it had to be forcibly taken by the kingdom of Italy in 1870. The pope then declared himself a “prisoner of the Vatican”.

After the city became the capital of united Italy in 1871, a period of feverish growth followed, and whole new districts were built. By the beginning of the 20th century the entire area within the ancient walls had been built up, and the city began to expand outwards. High embankments were built along the Tiber to prevent flooding, and Rome was extensively modernized. The dictatorship (1922-1943) of Benito Mussolini was marked by the destruction of old quarters and the construction of such pompous projects as the Via dell'Impero (now Via dei Fori Imperiali). In 1929 the Vatican became an independent papal enclave. Declared an open city during World War II, Rome was spared heavy bombing. Post-war growth continued at a rapid pace, and new residential developments now extend far out into the countryside.

A century ago, Rome was a quiet city; its people were living largely in the past. It is today not only the capital and nerve centre of Italy but, as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the headquarters of major international agencies and multinational corporations, has assumed a place of worldwide importance. Restoration of ancient monuments and landmarks is ongoing; in July 2000 the Colosseum reopened for theatre performances.