The cruise port closest to Rome is Civitavecchia, 44 miles away, and a bus ride of an hour and a half away. Rome: Is the capital of Italy, largest populated comune in the country with 2.9 million residents and fourth-most populated city in the European Union.  Interestingly enough, Rome became the capital of the Italian Republic only in 1946 after World War II, but 1871 has also been mentioned.  Turin and Florence were capitals before Rome. Founded in 753 BC, and some say this is the birthplace of Western Civilization. The Pope has lived here since the first century AD. I've been here several times, Here is a summary of my stay in 2010: My Best Lunch Ever , just off the Spanish Steps, in the Eden Hotel. La Terrazza dell'Eden. I had a  Roman Holiday . Went to all the traditional tourist attractions:  Trevi Fountain. So after lunch walked down the Spanish Steps.  Why so-called?  The Spanish Ambassador to the Vatican lives near here. Walked around St. Peter's Square.  No Pop