Let's just start by saying that literally every corner in Italy's capital is romantic. Which means that, if you are looking for romantic things to do in Rome for couples, you won't have to look too hard. If you are sensitive to art and beauty, you are bound to get emotional at every step. However, if you are wishing to surprise your other half with something she or he hasn't … [Read more...]
San Pietro in Vincoli Basilica in Rome, see the chains that held Saint Peter captive
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...]
What to do in Rome when it rains
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...]
Finding the best food markets in Rome
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...]
Hidden gems in Rome, how to visit Rome like a local
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...]
Ancient pharmacy Santa Maria della Scala, a hidden gem in Rome
A gem, maybe not so hidden, but truly a gem. The ancient pharmacy Santa Maria della Scala in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood has been serving customers and healing patients from the 16th century up to 1954, when the friars who were managing it stopped growing their own herbs and spices in the backyard of their monastery. Located in the first floor of the ancient … [Read more...]
Popstairs, new street art project in Rome
The other day, leaving home and going to catch the train, I was met by a lovely surprise: Rome's street art fever had reached my otherwise anonymous neighborhood, and now thanks to great street artist Diavù (Instagram https://instagram.com/diavu), it turns out I live near Ingrid Bergman. After revamping many grey areas of the Italian capital, this new street art project aims … [Read more...]
Ancient Rome around every corner of the modern city
A while ago I joined a fascinating tour in the footsteps of the notoriously famous Borgia family, starting from pope Alexander VI and his lovers Vannozza Cattanei, with whom he had all his children, and the beautiful and young Giulia Farnese once he sent Vannozza to be retired, and strolling around the known and lesser known areas of the city center, our guide made us notice … [Read more...]
Faith and history at Santa Croce in Gerusalemme Basilica in Rome
It's been a while since I haven't updated this little blog of mine, and for a number of good reasons, among which are a heavy workload, my decision to redecorate and refurbish my house (almost done!), and frequent updates of my other blog focused on my international travels, Chasing The Unexpected. Obviously, I haven't forgotten about this blog of mine about Rome, and since I … [Read more...]
Shapes, lights and patterns of Rome’s grand mosque
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...]
5 places to admire the best mosaics in Rome
With a couple of thousands of years of history, art and aqueducts under its collective belts, many are the experiences the Eternal City has to offer its visitors. History buffs are in their very element, leaping from a century to another one in the same day, from the BCs to Renaissance years up to the most modern archaeology such as Rome's old gasometer. While many are the … [Read more...]
Close up and personal with gladiators in the Colosseum dungeon
As part of my leisure time, it is no secret that I love wandering the streets of both ancient and modern Rome. Many times I've been to the Colosseum, and while I'm aware that it's not exactly a hidden gem of the Italian capital, I admit that every time I visit or even just stare at it, I find new angles for my ongoing researching routine. I have seen it from outside, inside … [Read more...]
Photo essay – Rome street art in Ostiense neighborhood
Apart from ancient art, Rome boasts also some pretty exquisite modern craft, and one of the most accessible and easy to find is the street art in Ostiense neighborhood, right near the city's old gasometer. Here are some shots I took, the first post I devote to Rome street art, in the wait to explore more of the eternal city's contemporary … [Read more...]
When the Vatican Museums open only for you
What happens when you get the chance to visit the Vatican Museums without the usual, never-ending crowd? You can easily get used to it. And spoiled, very spoiled. With an average of some 20,000 visitors per day, these holy galleries and their legendary Sistine Chapel are no doubt among the most popular not-to-miss experiences for whoever travels to Rome, but as well as a … [Read more...]
So you love Piazza Navona. Try beneath and visit colossal Domitian Stadium
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...]
Tears and beauty, charmed by the Non-Catholic cemetery in Rome
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...]
Uncovering secret Trastevere with Scopri Roma
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...]
Rome underground tour to explore what lies beneath the surface
One of my favourite tours in Rome is the one I took with Walks of Italy where we explored what lies beneath the surface of the Italian capital. Our Rome underground tour brought us to the most ancient times of Roman civilisation. One of the best underground Rome tours, we had a diverse range of experiences below street level. We explore paganism in a Mithraic temple and saw … [Read more...]
Gore and entertainment, digging into Rome’s Colosseum
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...]