Rome, as a millennium long center of power, culture (having been the cradle of one of the globe's greatest civilizations ever) and religion, has exerted a huge influence over the world in its roughly 2800 years of existence. The historic center of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With wonderful palaces, millennium old churches, grand romantic ruins, opulent monuments, ornate statues and graceful fountains. Rome has had an immensely rich historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making it one of Europe's and the world's most visited, famous, influential and beautiful capitals.