There is a church in Rome that, even though in the city centre, is far from the immediate tourist eye, hence often neglected. San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica is certainly mentioned in the guidebooks, but probably for its position tucked away on top of a steep staircase or for not being included in many of the city tours, it's never crowded. While the entrance might not offer … [Read more...]

Autumn is starting and while it's one of my favourite seasons, in Italy it can be pretty wet. If you are worried about what to do in Rome when it rains, fret not. First of all, there are many places to visit in Rome with a bad weather, and second, even in Fall you will find lovely days. Autumn in Rome is actually very nice. The colours of the falling leaves give a romantic … [Read more...]

Why do we travel to Italy? Architecture? Art? That, too, but let's face it, some treats of Italian culinary tradition are as inspiring as the Colosseum. With each neighbourhood basting its own character, the food markets in Rome reflect the nature and personality of their rione. Fresh seasonal produce, spices, fragrant bread and pastries, sauces and anything else you can … [Read more...]

So popular among tourists from all over the world that finding some hidden gems in Rome is becoming harder by the day. Hard but not impossible. Of course, places that once were considered strongholds of "secret Rome" are now not so secret anymore. Guides from many travel outlets, mainstream and less mainstream, will very likely tell you to go and admire St. Peter's cupola … [Read more...]

Designed by Italian architect Paolo Portoghesi with the collaboration of Iraqi architect Sami Mousawi and Italian engineer Gigliotti, Rome's grand mosque is reportedly one of the largest (if not the largest) in Europe. Mutual talks about the project started in the early 1970s between Italy and Saudi Arabia, with Rome's Council chipping in with a donation of a … [Read more...]

That's right, in Rome, wherever you start digging you are bound to find a new wonder, just because the ones under the sky are not enough. A great place to start exploring underground Rome is its Domitian Stadium beneath Piazza Navona. If you've been to the Eternal City, no doubt you've already seen Piazza Navona, and maybe even had an expensive coffee enjoying the view … [Read more...]

As spring had begun just in time to fill the city with colorful flowers, I waited for a slightly rainy day to inspire some shots at the non-Catholic cemetery in Rome, known also as the Protestant Cemetery, in Testaccio neighborhood. Here is buried a wealthy collection of artists, writers, poets, philosophers and ordinary people. Most are foreigners, resting here because they … [Read more...]

Who has been to Rome even only once is now thinking that a tour in Trastevere is probably wasted, as this is possibly one of the most popular, touristy and well-known neighborhoods in the city. While the first two (popular and touristy) are quite true, the third attribute is not quite appropriate. Hundreds of thousands of people, be them foreign tourists or Italians, as soon … [Read more...]

Doing the research for an article I wrote for Forbes Travel Guide on the wonders that lie beneath the surface of the Italian capital, this new aspect (new for me, at least) of the Eternal City has been sparking my own passion for history even more. Every time new diggings are planned, be it for the new metro line or for a shopping mall, a new piece of underground Rome is … [Read more...]

Been, or planning a trip to Rome? I'm positive that one of the first attractions you'll consider visiting is the mighty Colosseum. Hardly in need of any introduction, the Amphitheatrum Flavium is one of Rome’s most visited and photographed landmarks, one of those must-sees no guidebook would ever dare forgetting. It must be its look, its majesty or its ancient wisdom … [Read more...]