Estimated visitors annually:
15 million.

Area:
577 square miles (within this area is Vatican City, the world's smallest independent sovereign state, comprising 100 acres and 200 residents)

Time Zone:
Greenwich Mean Time plus one hour: Time in Rome is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in New York.(7 hours ahead of central time in Chicago, etc.)

International Dialing Code:
Rome's city code is 06. The country code is 39. Calling cards can be purchased at tobacco stores, post offices and some bars in Rome to use in placing calls from public or private phones. To call the operator: dial 10.

Emergency: police:
113(local) 112 (national); fire: 115; ambulance: 113 Emergency calls are free from phone booths.

Currency:
Italian Lira (L.) ) are the monetary medium. At present and until July 1, 2002, Italian currency is still being accepted during the transition time following the introduction of euro currency... The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks and stores.

Customs Regulations:
Telephone: 06 49711 for information.

Rome is at its best weather wise in April and May and again from September - mid October. The heat can be intense in July and August. Winters are rainy and cool, rather than cold. Many businesses close in August.

National Holidays:
Jan. 1 New Year's Day
Jan. 6 Epiphany
Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary each year - Mar. or April)
1st Mon. of May Labor Day
June 29 SS. Peter and Paul's Day
August 15 Feast of the Assumption
November 1 All Saints' Day
December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Dec. 25 Christmas Day
Dec. 26 St. Stephen's Day (Boxing Day)

Public rest rooms:
In short supply except in museums, restaurants and large department stores

Smoking:
Smoking is not allowed in museums, churches, and art galleries. It is discouraged, but allowed, in restaurants. Trains have separate non- smoking compartments.

Electricity:
220volt A/C). Most hotels have 110V shaver outlets. Plugs have 2 round pins or sometimes 3 pins in a vertical row. American appliances will need a plug adapter and will require a transformer if they do not have a dual voltage capability.

Visitors with disabilities:
The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's are wheelchair accessible. Many of the ancient historic sites require climbing of innumerable steps and are unsuitable for anyone not in prime physical condition. There are toilets for the disabled at the two Rome airports, at Stazione Termini and at St. Peter's Square.

Children:
Children under 4 not occupying a seat travel free on Italian railways. Traveling with children requires a different, more relaxed itinerary, but there are many possibilities for family enjoyment available (see Attractions for Children section).

Churches:
There are four Irish Catholic churches in Rome and two others for English speakers. There are also Anglican, Scottish Presbyterian, Methodist, Jewish and Muslim worship centers.

How to get around:

Bus:
Buses are the main form of public transportation. Orange buses run by ATAC have low cost, frequent service around the city. Blue COTRAL buses cover the region and the suburbs of Rome. Driving and walking in Rome are both hazardous. As a result, the buses are crowded and traffic is slow. Bus operates Mon-Sat 5:30 AM - 11:30 PM Night buses on key routes run less frequently from midnight - 5:30AM. Late night buses have a conductor who sells tickets. During the regular daytime and evening hours tickets must be purchased in advance from automatic machines, shops and news stands. For more information call 167 431784.

Subway:
Metro is a subway system with two main lines: A and Bit is primarily a commuter service and does not travel close to the city center attractions.

Taxi:
Taxis Licensed taxis are yellow and white with a "taxi" sign on the roof. Be sure to use only these. When hailing a cab, be sure the meter is set at zero. Drivers are not supposed to stop on the street to pick up fares. They are supposed to wait at taxi stands. Stands can be found at Termini, Piazza Venezia, Largo Argentina, Piazza S. Sonnino, Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza San Silvestro.

Air Travel:
Flights arrive at Leonardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Fiumicino. Shuttle trains link the airport with Stazione Termini in the city center. Taxis are expensive from the airport. A prepaid "car with driver" is available at the SOCAT desk in the International arrivals hall.

Rail Service:
Most trains arrive and depart from Stazione Terminal, which is conveniently located for most of the central city. Train information: 147 888088 (toll free)

Note:
Traffic drives on the right side of the road in Italy. Pedestrians should exercise extreme caution. The drivers take the right of way and often do not look for pedestrians.