Italy

Rome is Italy’s capital and the seat of Parliament and government; the president resides at the Quirinale Palace. It became the national capital in 1871 after Italian unification, replacing Turin and then Florence. The “Eternal City” also uniquely contains Vatican City, the independent microstate and center of the Roman Catholic Church. To distinguish the options: Milan is the financial and fashion hub; Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance; Venice is famed for canals and gondolas. Memory tip: Rome ruled—think Roman Empire, so Rome rules Italy today. Or: Rome governs, Milan markets, Florence flourishes art, Venice voyages by water.