If you're planning to spend a long weekend in the Italian capital, you'll need to know where the population and steets are located. Rome's street pattern is a reflection of its long history. For example, you'll find that the Via del Corso, which runs from Piazza Venezia to the Popolo square, has been around since the Middle Ages, when it was used as a horse racetrack.
Rome's population is divided by region, so you can find out what's popular in each area. The southern region is known for its friendliness and warm character, and many neighborhoods and citizens in the city enjoy leisurely days and business. Northern Italy is more prosperous, and many southern Italians feel overtaxed due to subsidized projects in the south. Meanwhile, southerners resent the higher income and better employment opportunities in the north. Some political movements have called for regional autonomy within a federal system, but most Romans are opposed to this.
The outer city is increasingly becoming a suburb, but it still has a historical center located on the eastern bank of the Tiber River. The city is a renowned repository of monuments from every period of European history, including ancient ruins like the Colosseum. The city is home to the Pantheon, one of the most complete temples of antiquity. You'll also find numerous churches and palaces scattered throughout the city. A rich artistic tradition has also made Rome a major center of performing arts and creative study.