Rome is located in the central part of the country and is Italy's capital and 'Eternal City', a living monument to a 3,000-year history that shaped the civilisation of our Western world. It incorporates the independent state of the Vatican City, the seat of the Pope, head of the Roman Catholic Church. The majestic dome of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City dominates the Roman skyline. The city's great masterpieces of renaissance and baroque art and architecture, the emblems of past grandeur provide a backdrop for the elegant designer boutiques, pavement cafes and inviting trattorias.