| Cruise Region : Europe |
| Company : Azamara Cruises |
| Ship : Azamara Onward |
| Journey Start : Thu 29 Jun 2028 |
| Journey End : Sun 06 Aug 2028 |
| Count Nights : 38 nights |
| Day | Date | Port | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 29.06 Thu | Piraeus (Athens) / Greece | 18:30 | |
| 2 | 30.06 Fri | Mykonos / Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 3 | 1.07 Sat | Volos / Greece | 07:30 | 20:00 |
| 4 | 2.07 Sun | Thessaloniki / Greece | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 5 | 3.07 Mon | Kepez (Canakkale) / Turkey | 13:00 | 20:00 |
| 6 | 4.07 Tue | Istanbul / Turkey | 08:00 | |
| 7 | 5.07 Wed | Istanbul / Turkey | 14:00 | |
| 8 | 6.07 Thu | Cesme / Turkey | 09:00 | 20:00 |
| 9 | 7.07 Fri | Patmos / Greece | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| 10 | 8.07 Sat | Piraeus (Athens) / Greece | 06:00 | 17:00 |
| 11 | 9.07 Sun | Kusadasi (Ephesus) / Turkey | 09:00 | 19:00 |
| 12 | 10.07 Mon | Rhodes / Greece | 09:00 | 20:00 |
| 13 | 11.07 Tue | Amorgos / Greece | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 14 | 12.07 Wed | Heraklion / Greece | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 15 | 13.07 Thu | Monemvasia / Greece | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| 16 | 14.07 Fri | Argostoli, Kefalonia (Ionian Islands) / Greece | 09:00 | 22:00 |
| 17 | 15.07 Sat | Corfu / Greece | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 18 | 16.07 Sun | Day at sea / Sea | 15:00 | |
| 19 | 17.07 Mon | Venice / Italy | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| 20 | 18.07 Tue | Opatija / Croatia | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 21 | 19.07 Wed | Zadar / Croatia | 08:00 | 22:00 |
| 22 | 20.07 Thu | Sibenik / Croatia | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 23 | 21.07 Fri | Split / Croatia | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 24 | 22.07 Sat | Dubrovnik / Croatia | 08:00 | 22:00 |
| 25 | 23.07 Sun | Kotor / Montenegro | 09:30 | 17:00 |
| 26 | 24.07 Mon | Day at sea / Sea | 15:00 | |
| 27 | 25.07 Tue | Chania (Souda), Crete / Greece | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| 28 | 26.07 Wed | Piraeus (Athens) / Greece | 05:00 | 17:00 |
| 29 | 27.07 Thu | Syros / Greece | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 30 | 28.07 Fri | Bodrum / Turkey | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 31 | 29.07 Sat | Rhodes / Greece | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| 32 | 30.07 Sun | Agios Nikolaos / Greece | 09:00 | 20:00 |
| 33 | 31.07 Mon | Monemvasia / Greece | 09:00 | 20:00 |
| 34 | 1.08 Tue | Day at sea / Sea | 15:00 | |
| 35 | 2.08 Wed | Syracuse / Italy | 08:00 | 22:00 |
| 36 | 3.08 Thu | Giardini-Naxos / Italy | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| 37 | 4.08 Fri | Amalfi / Italy | 08:00 | 22:00 |
| 38 | 5.08 Sat | Sorrento, Capri / Italy | 08:00 | 18:00 |
| 39 | 6.08 Sun | Rome (Civitavecchia) / Italy | 06:00 |
Piraeus is the gateway to Athens , which, in turn, is rightfully considered the center of the centers of the whole world, with the main attraction - the acropolis. Piraeus is an old port city serving the port of Athens, the largest port in Greece to date. Piraeus is part of the great Athens, which boasts an abundance of attractions, including unique monuments of national fine art. More than two hundred museums and galleries, including the University History Museum, the Ceramics Archaeological Museum and many others, will hospitably welcome you within their walls and familiarize themselves with the culture of this area.
Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 square kilometres (33.0 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 metres (1,119 feet) at its highest point. There are 10,134 inhabitants (2011 census), most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).
Volos (Greek: Βόλος) is a coastal port city in Thessaly situated midway on the Greek mainland, about 330 kilometres (205 miles) north of Athens and 220 kilometres (137 miles) south of Thessaloniki. It is the capital of the Magnesiaregional unit. Volos is the only outlet to the sea from Thessaly, the country's largest agricultural region. With a population of 144,449 (2011), it is an important industrial centre, while its port provides a bridge between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Volos is the newest of the Greek port cities, with a large proportion of modern buildings erected following the catastrophic earthquakes of 1955. It includes the municipal units of Volos, Nea Ionia and Iolkos, as well as smaller suburban communities. The economy of the city is based on manufacturing, trade, services and tourism. Home to the University of Thessaly, the city also offers facilities for conferences, exhibitions and major sporting, cultural and scientific events. Volos participated in the 2004 Olympic Games, and the city has since played host to other athletic events, such as the European Athletic Championships. Volos hosted the 7th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics from 27 July to 5 August 2013.
The second-largest city in Greece and the capital of Central Macedonia, Thessaloniki (more correctly in Greek, "Thessaloniki"), is today the cultural capital of the country: the city is known for its festivals and events. Moreover, it is also a city with over 3,000 years of history, where traces of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, as well as the once-dominant Jewish population, have been preserved. The old city center, located north of the modern center, miraculously 1 survived the great fire of 1917. 2 It is now a UNESCO World Heritage.
Kepez is a coastal town in the province of Çanakkale, Turkey, located 3 km from the city center of Çanakkale. As of 2010, the town had a population of 11,744. To the south of Kepez was the ancient city of Dardanos. North of Dardanos lies the Dardanos Tumulus, where in late 1959, an entrance to a monumental tomb was accidentally discovered and excavated. The tomb, built from finely carved stone blocks, consists of a 5.20-meter-long covered dromos, an antechamber, and a burial chamber.
Çanakkale, which translates as "fortress of potters," became known for its pottery craft. Its strategic location on the shore of the Dardanelles Strait earned it the name "Gateway to the Aegean Coast" — according to legend, this is where Alexander the Great crossed, followed centuries later by the conquering army of the Ottomans.
Istanbul – the largest city in Turkey, located on the Bosphorus. Until 1930 it was known as Constantinople and served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. The city and its surroundings preserve monuments of ancient civilizations, including temples, palaces and fortifications. Today Istanbul is an important cultural, commercial and industrial hub. Tourists come not only to admire its historic landmarks, but also to shop at world-famous Turkish bazaars, where you can buy spices, jewelry, antiques, colorful hookahs and bargain like a local.
Istanbul – the largest city in Turkey, located on the Bosphorus. Until 1930 it was known as Constantinople and served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. The city and its surroundings preserve monuments of ancient civilizations, including temples, palaces and fortifications. Today Istanbul is an important cultural, commercial and industrial hub. Tourists come not only to admire its historic landmarks, but also to shop at world-famous Turkish bazaars, where you can buy spices, jewelry, antiques, colorful hookahs and bargain like a local.
Patmos is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, most famous for being the location of the vision given to the disciple John in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, and where the book was written.
One of the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese complex, it has a population of 2,998 and an area of 34.05 km2(13.15 sq mi). The highest point is Profitis Ilias, 269 metres (883 ft) above sea level. The municipality of Patmos, which includes the offshore islands of Arkoi (pop. 44), Marathos (pop. 5), and several uninhabited islets, has a total population of 3,047 (2011 census) and a combined land area of 45.039 square kilometres (17.390 sq mi). It is part of the Kalymnos regional unit.
Patmos' main communities are Chora (the capital city), and Skala, the only commercial port. Other settlements are Grikou and Kampos. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The mayor of Patmos is Gregory Stoikos.
Piraeus is the gateway to Athens , which, in turn, is rightfully considered the center of the centers of the whole world, with the main attraction - the acropolis. Piraeus is an old port city serving the port of Athens, the largest port in Greece to date. Piraeus is part of the great Athens, which boasts an abundance of attractions, including unique monuments of national fine art. More than two hundred museums and galleries, including the University History Museum, the Ceramics Archaeological Museum and many others, will hospitably welcome you within their walls and familiarize themselves with the culture of this area.
Kuşadası is a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast, and the center of the seaside district of the same name within Aydın Province. Kuşadası is 95 km (59 mi) south of İzmir, and 71 km (44 mi) from Aydın. The municipality's primary industry is tourism.
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands of Greece and is also the island group's historical capital. Administratively the island forms a separate municipality within the Rhodes regional unit, which is part of the South Aegean administrative region. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Rhodes. The city of Rhodes had 50,636 inhabitants in 2011. It is located northeast of Crete, southeast of Athens and just off the Anatolian coast of Turkey. Rhodes' nickname is The island of the Knights, named after the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who once conquered the land.
Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The name of the U.S. state of Rhode Island is thought to be based on this island.
Heraklion or Heraclion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is the fourth largest city in Greece. According to the results of the 2011 census, the population of the city proper was 166,209 inhabitants, the municipality's was 173,993 while the Heraklion urban area has a population of 225,574 and it extends over an area of 684.3 km2 (264.2 sq mi).
Heraklion is the capital of Heraklion regional unit.
The Bronze Age palace of Knossos, also known as the Palace of Minos, is located nearby.
Monemvasia — The Rock Fortress of the Aegean
Monemvasia is a unique fortified town carved into a massive rock on an island off the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese (Laconia). Nearly invisible from the mainland, its name means "single entrance," reflecting its strategic importance during the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods.
Today, Monemvasia enchants visitors with its preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets, Byzantine churches, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It offers a timeless atmosphere, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in history and tranquility.
Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia, the largest island of the Ionian archipelago in Greece. Located on the western coast of the island, the city is known for its picturesque promenades, charming cafes, and neoclassical buildings. Argostoli is also home to many historical landmarks, including the Archaeological Museum of Kefalonia and Valiianos Square, where visitors can see remnants of the destruction caused by the 1953 earthquake that nearly destroyed the city. Strolling through its streets, travelers can enjoy the harmonious blend of traditional Greek architecture and modern life.
The city is also an excellent starting point for exploring Kefalonia’s natural beauty. Just a few kilometers from Argostoli are famous beaches like Lourdas and Melissani, as well as the famous Dragonera Cave, where visitors can admire stalactites and stalagmites. From Argostoli, it is also easy to go on excursions to unique nature reserves, such as the turtle sanctuary, home to the rare Caretta caretta sea turtles. The city is an ideal place to combine cultural tourism with the exploration of the island's natural wonders.
Corfu or Kerkyra is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands, forms the northwesternmost part of Greece. The island is part of the Corfu regional unit, and is administered as a single municipality, which also includes the smaller islands of Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi. The municipality has an area of 610,9 km2, the island proper 592,8 km2. The principal city of the island and seat of the municipality (pop. 32,095) is also named Corfu. Corfu is home to the Ionian University.
The island is bound up with the history of Greece from the beginnings of Greek mythology. Its history is full of battles and conquests. Ancient Korkyra took part in the Battle of Sybota which was a catalyst for the Peloponnesian War, and, according to Thucydides, the largest naval battle between Greek city states until that time. Thucydides also reports that Korkyra was one of the three great naval powers of fifth century BC Greece, along with Athens and Corinth. Medieval castles punctuating strategic locations across the island are a legacy of struggles in the Middle Ages against invasions by pirates and the Ottomans. Two of these castles enclose its capital, which is the only city in Greece to be surrounded in such a way. As a result, Corfu's capital has been officially declared a Kastropolis ("castle city") by the Greek government. From medieval times and into the 17th century, the island, having successfully repulsed the Ottomans during several sieges, was recognised as a bulwark of the European States against the Ottoman Empireand became one of the most fortified places in Europe. The fortifications of the island were used by the Venetians to defend against Ottoman intrusion into the Adriatic. Corfu eventually fell under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars. Corfu was eventually ceded by the British Empire along with the remaining islands of the United States of the Ionian Islands, and unification with modern Greece was concluded in 1864 under the Treaty of London.
In 2007, the city's old quarter was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, following a recommendation by ICOMOS.
Corfu is a very popular tourist destination. The island was the location of the 1994 European Union summit.
Venice is the most famous and unusual city in the world. It is located in northern Italy on the Adriatic coast. The territory of the city is cut by more than 150 canals and ducts through which more than 400 bridges are thrown.
Venice is a resort city, which is a center of international tourism of world significance, a venue for art and architectural exhibitions, international film festivals. Absolutely unusual atmosphere reigning in the city falls in love with itself at first sight. Narrow streets, with small cozy cafes, sliding gondolas and serenades of gondoliers, set in a romantic mood, and attract lovers from all over the world.
Split – the Pearl of Dalmatia
Split is Croatia’s second-largest city on the Adriatic coast. Its landmark is the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO site, surrounded by narrow streets and the Cathedral of St. Domnius.
Life pulses along the Riva promenade, lined with cafés and restaurants. Nearby are beaches, including the famous Bacvice.
Split is also an important port, offering easy access to Croatian islands such as Hvar, Brač and Korčula. Its Mediterranean atmosphere and Dalmatian cuisine make it a perfect holiday destination.
Dubrovnik is a Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Its total population is 42,615 (census 2011). In 1979, the city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.
The prosperity of the city was historically based on maritime trade; as the capital of the maritime Republic of Ragusa, it achieved a high level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries, as it became notable for its wealth and skilled diplomacy.
In 1991, after the break-up of Yugoslavia, Dubrovnik was besieged by Serbian and Montenegrin soldiers of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) for seven months and suffered significant damage from shelling. After repair and restoration works in the 1990s and early 2000s, Dubrovnik re-emerged as one of the top tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.
Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro. It is located in a secluded part of the Gulf of Kotor. The city has a population of 13,510 and is the administrative center of Kotor Municipality.
The old Mediterranean port of Kotor is surrounded by fortifications built during the Venetian period. It is located on the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. Some have called it the southern-most fjord in Europe, but it is a ria, a submerged river canyon. Together with the nearly overhanging limestone cliffs of Orjen and Lovćen, Kotor and its surrounding area form an impressive landscape.
Since the early 2000s Kotor has seen an increase in tourists , many of them coming by cruise ship. Visitors are attracted by the natural environment of the Gulf of Kotor and by the old town of Kotor. Kotor is part of the World Heritage Site dubbed the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor.
The fortified city of Kotor was also included in UNESCO's World Heritage Site list as part of Venetian Works of Defence between 15th and 17th centuries: Stato da Terra – western Stato da Mar in 201
Chania (Souda), Crete — Charm and History
Chania, located on the northwest coast of Crete, attracts travelers with its historical atmosphere and picturesque Venetian harbor. The narrow streets, buildings, and cozy cafes create a unique charm, blending Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements.
Souda is an important seaport and ferry port situated in the bay of Souda, east of Chania. The port plays a key role in the island's transport network and is strategically important for the region. Around Chania, there are archaeological sites, including the remains of ancient cities, and natural attractions such as caves and World War II memorials.
Piraeus is the gateway to Athens , which, in turn, is rightfully considered the center of the centers of the whole world, with the main attraction - the acropolis. Piraeus is an old port city serving the port of Athens, the largest port in Greece to date. Piraeus is part of the great Athens, which boasts an abundance of attractions, including unique monuments of national fine art. More than two hundred museums and galleries, including the University History Museum, the Ceramics Archaeological Museum and many others, will hospitably welcome you within their walls and familiarize themselves with the culture of this area.
Syros is a picturesque island in the Cyclades, known for its rich history and diverse architecture. Its capital, Ermoupoli, is one of the few Greek towns where Byzantine churches stand alongside neoclassical mansions. Once Greece’s major maritime hub, the city still retains an air of elegance and cultural depth.
The island is perfect for travelers seeking more than just beach vacations. It offers peaceful coves, scenic trails, and delicious local cuisine — from fresh seafood to "lagano," a traditional bread baked with olive oil. Fun fact: Ermoupoli is home to one of the oldest theaters in Greece — Apollon, modeled after Milan's La Scala.
Bodrum is a famous Turkish resort on the Aegean Sea, located in the province of Mugla. The city is located in the extreme southwest of the country, on the coast of ancient Caria, which today is called the Turkish Riviera. Bodrum is perhaps the most international of all cities in Turkey. It is famous for its restaurants, night clubs, the atmosphere of eternal celebration and the bohemian lifestyle. This combination is especially attractive for young people from Europe and liberated Turks who come here in the summer to swim, soak up the sun, and “hang out” in open-air pubs, discos and bars. Curious tourists in these parts are attracted by the desire to get acquainted with the millenary history of the region, to see the ancient and medieval monuments located here.
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands of Greece and is also the island group's historical capital. Administratively the island forms a separate municipality within the Rhodes regional unit, which is part of the South Aegean administrative region. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Rhodes. The city of Rhodes had 50,636 inhabitants in 2011. It is located northeast of Crete, southeast of Athens and just off the Anatolian coast of Turkey. Rhodes' nickname is The island of the Knights, named after the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who once conquered the land.
Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The name of the U.S. state of Rhode Island is thought to be based on this island.
Agios Nikolaos or Aghios Nikolaos is a coastal town on the Greek island of Crete, lying east of the island's capital Heraklion, north of the town of Ierapetra and west of the town of Sitia.
In the year 2011, the Municipality of Agios Nikolaos, which takes in part of the surrounding villages, claimed 27,074 inhabitants. The town is a municipality of the Crete region and sits partially upon the ruins of the ancient city of Lato pros Kamara.
Agios Nikolaos was settled in the late Bronze Age by Dorian occupants of Lato, at a time when the security of the Lato hillfort became a lesser concern and easy access to the harbour at Agios Nikolaos became more important.
The name Agios Nikolaos means Saint Nicholas. Its stress lies on the second syllable of the word "Nikolaos". Agios Nikolaos or Ayios Nikolaos (alternative romanizations of the Greek Άγιος Νικόλαος) is a common placename in Greece and Cyprus, since Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and of all of Greece.
Monemvasia — The Rock Fortress of the Aegean
Monemvasia is a unique fortified town carved into a massive rock on an island off the southeastern coast of the Peloponnese (Laconia). Nearly invisible from the mainland, its name means "single entrance," reflecting its strategic importance during the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods.
Today, Monemvasia enchants visitors with its preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets, Byzantine churches, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It offers a timeless atmosphere, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in history and tranquility.
Амальфи это город и коммуна в провинции Салерно, в регионе Кампания, Италия, в заливе Салерно. Он расположен в устье глубокого ущелья, у подножия горы Монето Черрето (1315 метров, 4314 футов), в окружении драматических скал и прибрежных пейзажей. Город Амальфи был столицей морской республики, известной как герцогство Амальфи, важной торговой державой в Средиземноморье между 839 и около 1200 годами.
В 1920-х и 1930-х годах Амальфи был популярным местом отдыха британского высшего класса и аристократии.
Амальфи - главный город побережья, на котором он расположен, называется Costiera Amalfitana (побережье Амальфи) и сегодня является важным туристическим направлением вместе с другими городами на том же побережье, такими как Позитано, Равелло и другие. Амальфи включен в список объектов Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО.
Покровителем Амальфи является святой Андрей, апостол, мощи которого хранятся здесь, в соборе Амальфи (Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea / Duomo di Amalfi).
Sorrento is a town overlooking the Bay of Naples in Southern Italy. A popular tourist destination due to its variety of small antique shops and location on the Amalfi Coast, it can be reached easily from Naples and Pompeii as it is at the south-eastern end of the Circumvesuviana rail line. The town is most commonly known for its small shops selling an arrangement of ceramics, lacework and marquetry (woodwork).
The Sorrentine Peninsula has views of Naples, Vesuvius and the Isle of Capri. The Amalfi Drive, connecting Sorrento and Amalfi, is a narrow road that threads along the high cliffs above the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ferries and hydrofoils connect the town to Naples, Amalfi, Positano, Capri and Ischia. Sorrento's sea cliffs and luxury hotels have attracted celebrities including Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti.
Limoncello, a digestif made from lemon rinds, alcohol, water and sugar, is produced in Sorrento. Other agricultural production includes citrus fruit, wine, nuts and olives.
Rome is the capital city and a special comune of Italy (named Comune di Roma Capitale). Rome also serves as the capital of the Lazio region. With 2,872,800 residents in 1,285 km2(496.1 sq mi), it is also the country's most populated comune. It is the fourth-most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. It is the centre of the Metropolitan City of Rome, which has a population of 4,355,725 residents, thus making it the most populous metropolitan city in Italy. Rome is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, within Lazio (Latium), along the shores of the Tiber. The Vatican City (the smallest country in the world) is an independent country inside the city boundaries of Rome, the only existing example of a country within a city: for this reason Rome has been often defined as capital of two states.
Rome's history spans 28 centuries. While Roman mythology dates the founding of Rome at around 753 BC, the site has been inhabited for much longer, making it one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in Europe. The city's early population originated from a mix of Latins, Etruscans, and Sabines. Eventually, the city successively became the capital of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, and is regarded as the birthplace of Western civilization and by some as the first ever metropolis. It was first called The Eternal City (Latin: Urbs Aeterna; Italian: La Città Eterna) by the Roman poet Tibullus in the 1st century BC, and the expression was also taken up by Ovid, Virgil, and Livy. Rome is also called the "Caput Mundi" (Capital of the World). After the fall of the Western Empire, which marked the beginning of the Middle Ages, Rome slowly fell under the political control of the Papacy, which had settled in the city since the 1st century AD, until in the 8th century it became the capital of the Papal States, which lasted until 1870. Beginning with the Renaissance, almost all the popes since Nicholas V (1447–1455) pursued over four hundred years a coherent architectural and urban programme aimed at making the city the artistic and cultural centre of the world. In this way, Rome became first one of the major centres of the Italian Renaissance, and then the birthplace of both the Baroque style and Neoclassicism. Famous artists, painters, sculptors and architects made Rome the centre of their activity, creating masterpieces throughout the city. In 1871, Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, which, in 1946, became the Italian Republic.
Rome has the status of a global city. In 2016, Rome ranked as the 14th-most-visited city in the world, 3rd most visited in the European Union, and the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. Its historic centre is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The famous Vatican Museums are among the world's most visited museums while the Colosseum was the most popular tourist attraction in world with 7.4 million visitors in 2018. Host city for the 1960 Summer Olympics, Rome is the seat of several specialized agencies of the United Nations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The city also hosts the Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) as well as the headquarters of many international business companies such as Eni, Enel, TIM, Leonardo S.p.A., and national and international banks such as Unicredit and BNL. Its business district, called EUR, is the base of many companies involved in the oil industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and financial services. Rome is also an important fashion and design centre thanks to renowned international brands centered in the city. Rome's Cinecittà Studios have been the set of many Academy Award–winning movies.