![\"ancient](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/italy-perfect-rome-david-edkins-grlIoctRp1o-unsplash.jpg\")
Dive deeper into ancient Roman history on your next visit! (credit)
Dive deeper into ancient Roman history on your next visit! (credit)
When thinking of Rome’s ancient history, the Colosseum often the first thing that comes to mind. Perhaps you’ve already toured Italy’s most famous ancient arena or visited the Forum or stood and gazed up at the impressive dome of the Pantheon. While these ancient Roman sights are a must, especially for first-time visitors, the Eternal City is full of fascinating places to delve deeper into Rome’s rich past. Even better, many of them are far less crowded! Here are some incredible places to explore Rome’s ancient history beyond the Colosseum.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Italy-perfect-rome-Domus-Aurea.jpg\")
Explore the ruins of Emperor Nero’s Golden House.
You can start your exploration right next to the Colosseum at the Colle Oppio and Terme di Traiano Park, a nicely maintained park where you’ll find the ruins of Trajan’s baths and Emperor Nero’s once lavish Golden House, called the Domus Aurea. Book a tour to the Domus Aurea to marvel at the grandiose architecture of this once-glorious palace. Then stroll through the pretty Colle Oppio Park and see the ruins of Trajan’s Baths. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy Rome’s storied past amidst beautiful greenery. Bonus: The park has one of the best views of the Colosseum too!
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/italy-perfect-rome-torre-argentina.jpg\")
View looking over the Roman ruins at the Largo di Torre Argentina.
Surrounded by modern day Rome, it’s often a surprise to come across the intriguing Largo di Torre Argentina, home to the ruins of four ancient Roman temples and the remnants of Pompey’s Theatre. This archaeological site is also famously known as the location where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Today, it doubles as a sanctuary for Rome’s stray cats, adding a unique and charming twist to your historical exploration. Find out more about this lovely neighborhood and our Sonata vacation apartment rental nearby.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/italy-perfect-rome-Teatro-Marcello.jpg\")
Stroll around the Teatro di Marcello.
Sometimes mistaken for its more famous counterpart, the Colosseum, the Teatro di Marcello was commissioned by Julius Caesar and completed by Augustus. This ancient theater stands as a testament to Rome’s architectural brilliance, and its impressive structure even served as an inspiration for the Colosseum. While you can only see the theater from the outside, is a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Roman engineering.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/italy-perfect-rome-etruscan-museum-villa-giulia.jpg\")
Marvel at the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia.
Not all ancient history in Rome is about the Romans! Delve into the pre-Roman history of Italy at the National Etruscan Museum in the stunning Villa Giulia. This museum houses an extraordinary collection of Etruscan artifacts, from exquisite pottery to intricate jewelry, architectural elements and so much more. It provides a captivating look at the civilization that laid the foundations for Rome’s grandeur. Curious about the Etruscans? Learn more about the Etruscans in Italy here. This museum is surprisingly large, so if you really enjoy history you’ll want to plan at least a few hours at the National Etruscan Museum.
\n\nTucked away just a couple of blocks from the Colosseum is one of Rome’s most unexpected and fascinating historical spots: the Basilica di San Clemente. This multi-layered church reveals the evolution of Roman architecture, with each level representing different historical periods. From the 12th-century basilica with its gorgeous gold mosaics to the 4th-century church below and finally the 1st-century Mithraeum, San Clemente offers a unique and immersive experience through Rome’s rich history. While entry to the basilica is free, be sure to book your visit to the excavation site below the church in advance.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/italy-rome-gabriella-clare-marino-6hjzhuvo3nQ-unsplash.jpg\")
Explore the Parco degli Acquedotti near Rome. (credit)
Spend some time just outside of the city at the awe-inspiring Parco degli Acquedotti, part of the Appian Way Regional Park located southeast of Rome. Here, you can walk beside Rome’s ancient aqueducts, which stretch scenically across the landscape. These monumental structures, once essential for the city’s water supply, offer a picturesque and serene setting to appreciate the engineering marvels of ancient Rome.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/italy-perfect-terme-di-caracalla.jpg\")
Stand amidst the impressive Terme di Caracalla.
To truly understand the splendor of ancient Rome, head to the Terme di Caracalla, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient Roman baths. Built in the 3rd century AD, these grand thermal baths could accommodate thousands of bathers and featured a range of facilities, including gyms, libraries and gardens. The sheer scale and sophistication of the baths provide a vivid insight into the daily life and social customs of ancient Romans. Enjoy our walking tour that starts at the Terme di Caracalla and leads past ancient sites and beautiful gardens to reach the panoramic Giardino degli Aranci.
\nWe hope you enjoy exploring Rome’s ancient history and uncovering the layers of civilization that have shaped this timeless city. These are just a handful of suggestions beyond the most popular spots that offer a unique and captivating perspective on Rome’s past. Book a stay now in one of our Rome vacation apartment rentals and set off to discover a deeper connection with the Eternal City’s heritage!
\nThe post Where to See Rome’s Ancient History Beyond the Colosseum appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Dive deeper into ancient Roman history on your next visit! (credit)\nWhen thinking of Rome’s ancient history, the Colosseum often the first thing that comes to mind. Perhaps you’ve already toured Italy’s most famous ancient arena or visited the Forum or stood and gazed up at the impressive dome of the Pantheon. While these ancient Roman sights are a must, especially for first-time visitors, the Eternal City is full of fascinating places to delve deeper into Rome’s rich past. Even better, many of them are far less crowded! Here are some incredible places to explore Rome’s ancient history beyond the Colosseum.\nExplore the ruins of Emperor Nero’s Golden House.\nThe Colle Oppio and Terme di Traiano Park\nYou can start your exploration right next to the Colosseum at the Colle Oppio and Terme di Traiano Park, a nicely maintained park where you’ll find the ruins of Trajan’s baths and Emperor Nero’s once lavish Golden House, called the Domus Aurea. Book a tour to the Domus Aurea to marvel at the grandiose architecture of this once-glorious palace. Then stroll through the pretty Colle Oppio Park and see the ruins of Trajan’s Baths. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy Rome’s storied past amidst beautiful greenery. Bonus: The park has one of the best views of the Colosseum too!\nView looking over the Roman ruins at the Largo di Torre Argentina.\nLargo di Torre Argentina\nSurrounded by modern day Rome, it’s often a surprise to come across the intriguing Largo di Torre Argentina, home to the ruins of four ancient Roman temples and the remnants of Pompey’s Theatre. This archaeological site is also famously known as the location where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Today, it doubles as a sanctuary for Rome’s stray cats, adding a unique and charming twist to your historical exploration. Find out more about this lovely neighborhood and our Sonata vacation apartment rental nearby.\nStroll around the Teatro di Marcello.\nTeatro di Marcello\nSometimes mistaken for its more famous counterpart, the Colosseum, the Teatro di Marcello was commissioned by Julius Caesar and completed by Augustus. This ancient theater stands as a testament to Rome’s architectural brilliance, and its impressive structure even served as an inspiration for the Colosseum. While you can only see the theater from the outside, is a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Roman engineering.\nMarvel at the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia.\nNational Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia\nNot all ancient history in Rome is about the Romans! Delve into the pre-Roman history of Italy at the National Etruscan Museum in the stunning Villa Giulia. This museum houses an extraordinary collection of Etruscan artifacts, from exquisite pottery to intricate jewelry, architectural elements and so much more. It provides a captivating look at the civilization that laid the foundations for Rome’s grandeur. Curious about the Etruscans? Learn more about the Etruscans in Italy here. This museum is surprisingly large, so if you really enjoy history you’ll want to plan at least a few hours at the National Etruscan Museum.\n\nBasilica di San Clemente\nTucked away just a couple of blocks from the Colosseum is one of Rome’s most unexpected and fascinating historical spots: the Basilica di San Clemente. This multi-layered church reveals the evolution of Roman architecture, with each level representing different historical periods. From the 12th-century basilica with its gorgeous gold mosaics to the 4th-century church below and finally the 1st-century Mithraeum, San Clemente offers a unique and immersive experience through Rome’s rich history. While entry to the basilica is free, be sure to book your visit to the excavation site below the church in advance.\nExplore the Parco degli Acquedotti near Rome. (credit)\nParco degli Acquedotti\nSpend some time just outside of the city at the awe-inspiring Parco degli Acquedotti, part of the Appian Way Regional Park located southeast of Rome. Here, you can walk beside Rome’s ancient aqueducts, which stretch scenically across the landscape. These monumental structures, once essential for the city’s water supply, offer a picturesque and serene setting to appreciate the engineering marvels of ancient Rome.\nStand amidst the impressive Terme di Caracalla.\nBaths of Caracalla\nTo truly understand the splendor of ancient Rome, head to the Terme di Caracalla, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient Roman baths. Built in the 3rd century AD, these grand thermal baths could accommodate thousands of bathers and featured a range of facilities, including gyms, libraries and gardens. The sheer scale and sophistication of the baths provide a vivid insight into the daily life and social customs of ancient Romans. Enjoy our walking tour that starts at the Terme di Caracalla and leads past ancient sites and beautiful gardens to reach the panoramic Giardino degli Aranci.\nWe hope you enjoy exploring Rome’s ancient history and uncovering the layers of civilization that have shaped this timeless city. These are just a handful of suggestions beyond the most popular spots that offer a unique and captivating perspective on Rome’s past. Book a stay now in one of our Rome vacation apartment rentals and set off to discover a deeper connection with the Eternal City’s heritage!\nThe post Where to See Rome’s Ancient History Beyond the Colosseum appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2024-06-07T12:08:49-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-07-30T11:14:45-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/italy-perfect-rome-david-edkins-grlIoctRp1o-unsplash.jpg", "tags": [ "ancient Rome", "Art in Rome", "Colosseum", "Etruscans", "Rome architecture", "Rome history", "Rome museums", "Rome things to do", "Rome Tourism", "Terme di Caracalla", "Rome" ], "summary": "Ready to uncover the ancient history of the Eternal City? Here are seven incredible places to explore Rome's past beyond the Colosseum." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=63413", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/find-vacation-rentals-and-city-tours-in-rome-italy.html", "title": "Find Vacation Rentals and City Tours in Rome, Italy", "content_html": "![\"Tours](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/italy-perfect-rome-tours.jpg\")
There is a lot to see in the city of Rome. It can be a daunting task to figure out how to see as much as possible when you are in the process of planning a Rome vacation. Thankfully for you, and many others, there are some great city tours that will take you through and past some of the most wondrous attractions the city has to offer. Get acquainted with Rome even further from the comfort of a Vacation Perfect vacation rental. Look at our vacation rentals and check out these city tours in Rome.
\nExplore Rome\u2019s remarkable ancient sites on this private tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Take the stress out of visiting these top Roman attractions and let your professional guide navigate the ancient sites while bringing the history vibrantly to life.
\nDiscover the masterpieces of the Vatican on this art historian-led private tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. With approximately four miles of halls and corridors to choose from, at the discretion of our guide and your preferences, this is the best way to be selective while not missing the highlights.
\nIn this three-hour Rome food tour, accompanied by a food writer, chef or culinary educator, this tour explores some of the city’s delicious specialties, with an emphasis on its revered street food culture. Rome shines brightly as one of Europe’s top food destinations, with a gastronomic culture that can be traced back to ancient Roman times. Look at how this history, and more recent outside influences, make for a unique, stimulating, and diverse eating experience. During the tour, you will walk through the historic city center of Trastevere on the hunt for the best coffee, chocolate, pizza and gelato.
\nIf you want to see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time, then hop on a bus tour. Roam around Rome all you like with this Hop-on, Hop-off Rome bus ticket. Hop on and off near the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Trevi fountain and more.
\nYou are going to learn a lot about Rome\u2019s past and present on these city tours. You\u2019ll have plenty of energy to explore even more after relaxing in your Vacation Perfect rental property. To learn more about Rome, read our travel guide at Italy Perfect for more things to do and how to plan your vacation. Contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to learn about renting a vacation rental in Rome.
\nThe post Find Vacation Rentals and City Tours in Rome, Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "There is a lot to see in the city of Rome. It can be a daunting task to figure out how to see as much as possible when you are in the process of planning a Rome vacation. Thankfully for you, and many others, there are some great city tours that will take you through and past some of the most wondrous attractions the city has to offer. Get acquainted with Rome even further from the comfort of a Vacation Perfect vacation rental. Look at our vacation rentals and check out these city tours in Rome.\nColosseum And Ancient Rome Private Tour\nExplore Rome\u2019s remarkable ancient sites on this private tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Take the stress out of visiting these top Roman attractions and let your professional guide navigate the ancient sites while bringing the history vibrantly to life.\nVatican Museums Private Tour\nDiscover the masterpieces of the Vatican on this art historian-led private tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. With approximately four miles of halls and corridors to choose from, at the discretion of our guide and your preferences, this is the best way to be selective while not missing the highlights.\nFoodies Private Tour\nIn this three-hour Rome food tour, accompanied by a food writer, chef or culinary educator, this tour explores some of the city’s delicious specialties, with an emphasis on its revered street food culture. Rome shines brightly as one of Europe’s top food destinations, with a gastronomic culture that can be traced back to ancient Roman times. Look at how this history, and more recent outside influences, make for a unique, stimulating, and diverse eating experience. During the tour, you will walk through the historic city center of Trastevere on the hunt for the best coffee, chocolate, pizza and gelato.\nHop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour\nIf you want to see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time, then hop on a bus tour. Roam around Rome all you like with this Hop-on, Hop-off Rome bus ticket. Hop on and off near the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Trevi fountain and more.\nExplore The Streets Of Rome\nYou are going to learn a lot about Rome\u2019s past and present on these city tours. You\u2019ll have plenty of energy to explore even more after relaxing in your Vacation Perfect rental property. To learn more about Rome, read our travel guide at Italy Perfect for more things to do and how to plan your vacation. Contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to learn about renting a vacation rental in Rome.\nThe post Find Vacation Rentals and City Tours in Rome, Italy appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2023-04-05T06:17:12-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-04-05T06:17:12-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/italy-perfect-rome-tours.jpg", "tags": [ "Rome", "Rome history", "Rome things to do", "Rome Tourism", "Rome tours", "Rome tours and experiences", "Rome vacation apartment rentals" ], "summary": "With such a rich history, here's our top selection of tours in Rome to help you discover the history of the Eternal City during your stay." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=63269", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/rediscover-rome-why-you-need-to-return-to-the-eternal-city.html", "title": "Rediscover Rome: Why You Need to Return to the Eternal City", "content_html": "![\"rediscover](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/italy-perfect-rome-colosseum.jpg\")
If you\u2019ve visited Italy even once, you\u2019ve very likely walked between the iconic monuments of Rome trying to soak in as much of the city as you possibly could. With so much history on every corner, the city may seem to be frozen in time: the same wonderful museums you remember from your first visit or the restaurants that left an indelible impression on your heart. But Rome isn\u2019t called eternal for nothing, and the best way to remain so is to constantly evolve into something that threads the fine line between familiar and surprising. Rome is evolving and undergoing its own renaissance, and in the process reaffirming its spot at the top of any good traveler\u2019s bucket list. It’s time to rediscover Rome, and here’s where to start!
\nYou couldn\u2019t possibly fit all of the incredible museums of Rome into one visit, and it would seem almost unfair to stack the deck so firmly against that by adding more. However, if you are returning to Rome or simply looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there is no shortage of new exhibits, installations and buildings to explore.
\n\nThe most interesting is right in the heart of the city center, at the Baths of Diocletian, one of the most famous arms of the National Museum of Rome. The Museum of Rescued Art (Museo dall\u2019Arte Salvata) showcases priceless artifacts that have been recovered by the Italian state after being stolen or illegally exported over the centuries, and tells a story that goes beyond their individual composition. They symbolize the cultural heritage of Italy and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to track, trace and recover it for future generations. According to the Minister of Culture, Dario Franceschini, \u201cThe Museum\u2019s exhibits will change according to the outcomes of investigative operations, international returns, and recoveries in areas affected by natural disasters. When each new exhibit arrives, artifacts displayed up to that point will be returned to their original locations.\u201d
\n![\"rediscover](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/rome-circo-massimo-tommao-wang-Xt-UK8q127I-unsplash.jpg\")
Learn the fascinating history of the Circo Massimo. (credit)
If you\u2019re looking to get a little more immersed in the past, the Circo Massimo Experience allows visitors to jump back in time (literally). The walking tour uses augmented and virtual reality to bring people through the life cycle of the epic stadium, from the vendors and shops to the great Arch of Titus, which appears before viewers in its actual height. The visit is available in eight languages and tickets can be purchased online or at outlets around the city. For families looking to explore together, there are reduced rates and packages available.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/rome-maxxi-mimmo-sigismondi-F1_LDo2cagc-unsplash.jpg\")
See Rome’s modern side at MAXXI. (credit)
Although Rome has certainly got the ancients covered, there\u2019s plenty to offer for those in search of more modern art. Until the end of March 2023, the historic Palazzo Bonaparte, which served as the residence for the French ruler\u2019s mother, will host a major collection of Vincent Van Gogh. With more than fifty works on display, all of which are on loan from the Kr\u00f6ller M\u00fcller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands, visitors will have a rare occasion to view pieces such as The hospital garden in Saint-R\u00e9my (1889), The Ravine (1889), and his seminal Self Portrait (1887).
\nIf that\u2019s not modern enough, head to MAXXI, the museum of 21st-century art in Flaminio, just north of the city center. The building, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a refreshingly labyrinthine structure whose motto is \u201cMore than Meets the Eye.\u201d With mixed media pieces from around the world, a vast collection of art and architecture and special exhibitions throughout the year, MAXXI lives up to its promise and will change the way you think about Roman museums.
\n![\"Rome\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/spaghetti-cacio-pepe.jpg\")
Try the classic Roman dish cacio e pepe – and then explore new flavors in Rome.
The Roman holy pasta trinity of amatriciana, cacio e pepe and carbonara is still alive and well, with many of the most storied restaurants in the city serving up copious bowls as they have done for generations. But, for the first time in a very long time, a new crop of chefs has joined the fold, and in so doing have reinvigorated the dining scene.
\nMany of Rome\u2019s most exciting new restaurants are headed by young Italians who have trained either at home or abroad and want to pay tribute to both their heritage and their discipline. The city center, long the domain of historic trattorie or the dreaded \u201ctourist menu\u201d is now a playground of new flavors and culinary styles. Housed in a 15th-century palazzo just steps from Piazza di Spagna, Ristorante Ad Hoc offers a \u201crevisitation\u201d of classic Roman and Mediterranean dishes, all of which are prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Near Campo de\u2019 Fiori, the young chefs and sommeliers at 53 Untitled take an even more liberal twist on the classics, with tapas style offerings that can be crafted into a full tasting menu and paired with an impressive selection of natural wines. If you want something truly decadent, head over to Campocori, where the low lit, funky dining room evokes Art Deco cool with a menu that plays all the right notes. After a long day “gladiating” near the Circo Massimo, there\u2019s no place like Aventina, a shop, restaurant and butcher that sets a table for you right in the middle of the action.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
While the center is undergoing a long overdue culinary facelift, many others have opted to set up shop in some of the lesser-visited areas of the city. The young chef duo behind Dogma, in the San Giovanni neighborhood, do so with a menu focusing on grilled local fish specialties. Across town in Monteverde, Friccico Mangia e Bevi has a rich menu of dishes with locally sourced ingredients and surprises like homemade foie gras. Just north of Rome\u2019s main university and off of the central Piazza Bologna, the team behind Mamma Orso recreates the ambiance of a loving grandmother\u2019s home while delivering a creative and comforting menu of favorites. And, of course, no list of new restaurants would be complete without mentioning Stefano Callegari\u2019s Roman\u00e8 on the up-and-coming Via Cipro in Prati; the inventor of the famous \u201ctrappezzino\u201d has finally opened a restaurant with a full menu, and it\u2019s definitely worth the trip.
\n![\"Outdoor](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/italy-perfect-trastevere-at-night.jpg\")
Head to Trastevere for atmosphere and great new nightlife spots.
On your first visit to Rome, chances are good that you searched high and low for the one thing that many travelers to Italy dreams of: ice cubes. More often than not, you were lucky if you found a bar that had even heard of serving drinks with ice, let alone one that actually practiced the fine art. But those days are thankfully now firmly in the past – where they belong. The cocktail has landed in Rome and with it a wave of new bars serving wine and spirits that will make you glad you came back.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Ever the epicenter of cool, Trastevere is home to some of the city\u2019s best new cocktail bars and is well worth an evening out. Gintoneria di Santo Trastevere proves once and for all that the Gin and Tonic is here to stay, with more than 130 different labels on offer. They\u2019ve also got an extensive cocktail list and a small menu, should you need some nibbles to keep the night alive. Further south in the neighborhood, the St\u00e4dlin Sound & Cocktail Bar is located inside of a former mill built at the end of the 19th century. The industrial decor feels more like SoHo than Rome but the swarms of impossibly cool Romans will leave you with no doubt about where you\u2019re sitting.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Although there\u2019s never been a shortage of good wine in Rome, the enoteca has undergone a serious, well-deserved makeover in recent years. Those looking to explore a vast list of the seemingly limitless varietals in the country would be well advised to visit Quartino in the Esquilino neighborhood. Along with its sister store Astemio in nearby Monti, Quartino offers hundreds of labels ranging from obscure to ostentatious, and the menu is perfect for those who don\u2019t want anything on the plate to outshine what\u2019s in the glass.
\nIf you\u2019d like to focus almost entirely on the natural wine craze sweeping the city, head over to Enoteca L\u2019Antidoto back in Trastevere, where you\u2019ll find hundreds of small batch wines and a passionate staff that is happy to talk for hours about each and every one of them. As the hours turn into days on your Roman holiday, you might just consider making a new habit of coming back. After all, you wouldn\u2019t want to miss anything, would you?
\nReady to rediscover Rome and plan your next stay in the Eternal City? Check out our beautiful Rome vacation rentals and contact us to book your Roman holiday!
\nThe post Rediscover Rome: Why You Need to Return to the Eternal City appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "If you\u2019ve visited Italy even once, you\u2019ve very likely walked between the iconic monuments of Rome trying to soak in as much of the city as you possibly could. With so much history on every corner, the city may seem to be frozen in time: the same wonderful museums you remember from your first visit or the restaurants that left an indelible impression on your heart. But Rome isn\u2019t called eternal for nothing, and the best way to remain so is to constantly evolve into something that threads the fine line between familiar and surprising. Rome is evolving and undergoing its own renaissance, and in the process reaffirming its spot at the top of any good traveler\u2019s bucket list. It’s time to rediscover Rome, and here’s where to start!\nRescued Museums, Virtual Chariots & More than Modern Art\nYou couldn\u2019t possibly fit all of the incredible museums of Rome into one visit, and it would seem almost unfair to stack the deck so firmly against that by adding more. However, if you are returning to Rome or simply looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there is no shortage of new exhibits, installations and buildings to explore.\n\nThe most interesting is right in the heart of the city center, at the Baths of Diocletian, one of the most famous arms of the National Museum of Rome. The Museum of Rescued Art (Museo dall\u2019Arte Salvata) showcases priceless artifacts that have been recovered by the Italian state after being stolen or illegally exported over the centuries, and tells a story that goes beyond their individual composition. They symbolize the cultural heritage of Italy and the tireless efforts of law enforcement to track, trace and recover it for future generations. According to the Minister of Culture, Dario Franceschini, \u201cThe Museum\u2019s exhibits will change according to the outcomes of investigative operations, international returns, and recoveries in areas affected by natural disasters. When each new exhibit arrives, artifacts displayed up to that point will be returned to their original locations.\u201d\nLearn the fascinating history of the Circo Massimo. (credit)\nIf you\u2019re looking to get a little more immersed in the past, the Circo Massimo Experience allows visitors to jump back in time (literally). The walking tour uses augmented and virtual reality to bring people through the life cycle of the epic stadium, from the vendors and shops to the great Arch of Titus, which appears before viewers in its actual height. The visit is available in eight languages and tickets can be purchased online or at outlets around the city. For families looking to explore together, there are reduced rates and packages available.\nSee Rome’s modern side at MAXXI. (credit)\nAlthough Rome has certainly got the ancients covered, there\u2019s plenty to offer for those in search of more modern art. Until the end of March 2023, the historic Palazzo Bonaparte, which served as the residence for the French ruler\u2019s mother, will host a major collection of Vincent Van Gogh. With more than fifty works on display, all of which are on loan from the Kr\u00f6ller M\u00fcller Museum in Otterlo, Netherlands, visitors will have a rare occasion to view pieces such as The hospital garden in Saint-R\u00e9my (1889), The Ravine (1889), and his seminal Self Portrait (1887).\nIf that\u2019s not modern enough, head to MAXXI, the museum of 21st-century art in Flaminio, just north of the city center. The building, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a refreshingly labyrinthine structure whose motto is \u201cMore than Meets the Eye.\u201d With mixed media pieces from around the world, a vast collection of art and architecture and special exhibitions throughout the year, MAXXI lives up to its promise and will change the way you think about Roman museums.\nTry the classic Roman dish cacio e pepe – and then explore new flavors in Rome.\nA New Spin on Roman Cuisine\nThe Roman holy pasta trinity of amatriciana, cacio e pepe and carbonara is still alive and well, with many of the most storied restaurants in the city serving up copious bowls as they have done for generations. But, for the first time in a very long time, a new crop of chefs has joined the fold, and in so doing have reinvigorated the dining scene.\nMany of Rome\u2019s most exciting new restaurants are headed by young Italians who have trained either at home or abroad and want to pay tribute to both their heritage and their discipline. The city center, long the domain of historic trattorie or the dreaded \u201ctourist menu\u201d is now a playground of new flavors and culinary styles. Housed in a 15th-century palazzo just steps from Piazza di Spagna, Ristorante Ad Hoc offers a \u201crevisitation\u201d of classic Roman and Mediterranean dishes, all of which are prepared with locally sourced ingredients.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nA post shared by @ad_hoc_rome\n\n\n\nNear Campo de\u2019 Fiori, the young chefs and sommeliers at 53 Untitled take an even more liberal twist on the classics, with tapas style offerings that can be crafted into a full tasting menu and paired with an impressive selection of natural wines. If you want something truly decadent, head over to Campocori, where the low lit, funky dining room evokes Art Deco cool with a menu that plays all the right notes. After a long day “gladiating” near the Circo Massimo, there\u2019s no place like Aventina, a shop, restaurant and butcher that sets a table for you right in the middle of the action.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nA post shared by A V E N T I N A (@aventina.roma)\n\n\n\nWhile the center is undergoing a long overdue culinary facelift, many others have opted to set up shop in some of the lesser-visited areas of the city. The young chef duo behind Dogma, in the San Giovanni neighborhood, do so with a menu focusing on grilled local fish specialties. Across town in Monteverde, Friccico Mangia e Bevi has a rich menu of dishes with locally sourced ingredients and surprises like homemade foie gras. Just north of Rome\u2019s main university and off of the central Piazza Bologna, the team behind Mamma Orso recreates the ambiance of a loving grandmother\u2019s home while delivering a creative and comforting menu of favorites. And, of course, no list of new restaurants would be complete without mentioning Stefano Callegari\u2019s Roman\u00e8 on the up-and-coming Via Cipro in Prati; the inventor of the famous \u201ctrappezzino\u201d has finally opened a restaurant with a full menu, and it\u2019s definitely worth the trip.\nHead to Trastevere for atmosphere and great new nightlife spots.\nThe Rebirth of the Bar\nOn your first visit to Rome, chances are good that you searched high and low for the one thing that many travelers to Italy dreams of: ice cubes. More often than not, you were lucky if you found a bar that had even heard of serving drinks with ice, let alone one that actually practiced the fine art. But those days are thankfully now firmly in the past – where they belong. The cocktail has landed in Rome and with it a wave of new bars serving wine and spirits that will make you glad you came back.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nA post shared by Santo Trastevere (@santotrastevere)\n\n\n\nEver the epicenter of cool, Trastevere is home to some of the city\u2019s best new cocktail bars and is well worth an evening out. Gintoneria di Santo Trastevere proves once and for all that the Gin and Tonic is here to stay, with more than 130 different labels on offer. They\u2019ve also got an extensive cocktail list and a small menu, should you need some nibbles to keep the night alive. Further south in the neighborhood, the St\u00e4dlin Sound & Cocktail Bar is located inside of a former mill built at the end of the 19th century. The industrial decor feels more like SoHo than Rome but the swarms of impossibly cool Romans will leave you with no doubt about where you\u2019re sitting.\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nA post shared by Quartino (@quartino_enoteca)\n\n\n\nAlthough there\u2019s never been a shortage of good wine in Rome, the enoteca has undergone a serious, well-deserved makeover in recent years. Those looking to explore a vast list of the seemingly limitless varietals in the country would be well advised to visit Quartino in the Esquilino neighborhood. Along with its sister store Astemio in nearby Monti, Quartino offers hundreds of labels ranging from obscure to ostentatious, and the menu is perfect for those who don\u2019t want anything on the plate to outshine what\u2019s in the glass.\nIf you\u2019d like to focus almost entirely on the natural wine craze sweeping the city, head over to Enoteca L\u2019Antidoto back in Trastevere, where you\u2019ll find hundreds of small batch wines and a passionate staff that is happy to talk for hours about each and every one of them. As the hours turn into days on your Roman holiday, you might just consider making a new habit of coming back. After all, you wouldn\u2019t want to miss anything, would you?\nReady to rediscover Rome and plan your next stay in the Eternal City? Check out our beautiful Rome vacation rentals and contact us to book your Roman holiday!\nThe post Rediscover Rome: Why You Need to Return to the Eternal City appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2022-12-22T10:52:20-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-10-22T08:34:03-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Virginia DiGaetano", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/virginia-digaetano", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0fd042a507b26bdec1ff3fd5a548f7c486c1d342d39dbe0e26aca77aa229d88d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Virginia DiGaetano", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/virginia-digaetano", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0fd042a507b26bdec1ff3fd5a548f7c486c1d342d39dbe0e26aca77aa229d88d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/italy-perfect-rome-colosseum.jpg", "tags": [ "ancient Rome", "Art in Rome", "Featured", "Rome", "Rome history", "Rome museums", "Rome things to do", "Rome Tourism", "Winter in Italy" ], "summary": "From modern museums to special exhibits and exciting new dining spots, there's never been a better time to rediscover Rome." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=63140", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/take-your-family-on-these-luxury-italy-tours.html", "title": "Take Your Family on These Luxury Italy Tours", "content_html": "![\"Italy](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/luxury-italy-tours.jpg\")
One of the best ways to explore Italy’s scenic views and iconic landmarks is by planning ahead and booking luxury Italy tours to maximize your sightseeing or indulge in Italian cuisine experiences. There are various beautiful ways to see Italy. Whether with family or friends, splurging on a luxury tour of Italy\u2019s most famous sites is a lovely way to appreciate the art, architecture and culture. But first, you need to narrow down where you want to stay. Vacation Perfect has a place for you near many of the best locations in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. Please take a look at our Italy Perfect vacation properties and dream about the tours that you can take to see the highlights and learn about Italy\u2019s rich culture and artistic traditions, whether you\u2019re a history buff or a foodie who loves Italian cuisine.
\nStep back in time to the fascinating days of ancient Rome on this private guided tour that includes skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Take the stress out of visiting these top Roman attractions and let your professional guide navigate the ancient sites.
\nSee the best of Rome on this private half-day tour of the Eternal City’s most iconic sights, including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Pantheon. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Rome or travelers with limited time.
\nSkip the line to visit Florence’s famous Renaissance gardens. Highlights include a six-meter Egyptian obelisk from the time of Rameses II, grottoes, and the Fountain of Neptune.
\nTravel with a local historian to Venice’s labyrinth of canals in a private, covered boat. Explore the San Marco Neighborhood and Grand Canal.
\nWe know that you will be able to find exciting luxury Italy sightseeing tours while you stay here. See some of the best iconic landmarks in the world while on tour while staying at the most accommodating vacation rentals in Italy with Vacation Perfect. Check with Vacation Perfect for the most beautiful vacation rentals for you and your family. Our travel blog has many more resources to learn about what to see and things to do in Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, Amalfi, and Emilia-Romagna. Get in touch with us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to learn about renting a vacation apartment or villa in Italy.
\nThe post Take Your Family on These Luxury Italy Tours appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "One of the best ways to explore Italy’s scenic views and iconic landmarks is by planning ahead and booking luxury Italy tours to maximize your sightseeing or indulge in Italian cuisine experiences. There are various beautiful ways to see Italy. Whether with family or friends, splurging on a luxury tour of Italy\u2019s most famous sites is a lovely way to appreciate the art, architecture and culture. But first, you need to narrow down where you want to stay. Vacation Perfect has a place for you near many of the best locations in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. Please take a look at our Italy Perfect vacation properties and dream about the tours that you can take to see the highlights and learn about Italy\u2019s rich culture and artistic traditions, whether you\u2019re a history buff or a foodie who loves Italian cuisine.\nColosseum and Ancient Rome Private Tour\nStep back in time to the fascinating days of ancient Rome on this private guided tour that includes skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Take the stress out of visiting these top Roman attractions and let your professional guide navigate the ancient sites.\nHighlights of Rome Private Full Day Tour\nSee the best of Rome on this private half-day tour of the Eternal City’s most iconic sights, including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Pantheon. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Rome or travelers with limited time.\nFlorence Boboli Gardens Tour\nSkip the line to visit Florence’s famous Renaissance gardens. Highlights include a six-meter Egyptian obelisk from the time of Rameses II, grottoes, and the Fountain of Neptune.\nVenice Grand Canal Private Boat Tour\nTravel with a local historian to Venice’s labyrinth of canals in a private, covered boat. Explore the San Marco Neighborhood and Grand Canal.\nFind The Perfect Italy Tour For You\nWe know that you will be able to find exciting luxury Italy sightseeing tours while you stay here. See some of the best iconic landmarks in the world while on tour while staying at the most accommodating vacation rentals in Italy with Vacation Perfect. Check with Vacation Perfect for the most beautiful vacation rentals for you and your family. Our travel blog has many more resources to learn about what to see and things to do in Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, Amalfi, and Emilia-Romagna. Get in touch with us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to learn about renting a vacation apartment or villa in Italy.\nThe post Take Your Family on These Luxury Italy Tours appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2022-09-29T09:10:32-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-09-29T09:10:49-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/luxury-italy-tours.jpg", "tags": [ "florence", "Florence things to do", "Florence Tourism", "Florence tours", "Florence tours and experiences", "Italy tours", "Rome", "Rome things to do", "Rome Tourism", "Rome tours", "Rome tours and experiences", "Venice", "Venice things to do", "Venice tours", "Venice tours and experiences", "Travel Planning" ], "summary": "One of the best ways to explore Italy's scenic views and iconic landmarks is by planning ahead and booking Italy tours to maximize your sightseeing or indulge in Italian cuisine experiences." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=62556", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/guide-to-street-art-in-rome.html", "title": "Open Air Museum: Your Guide to Street Art in Rome", "content_html": "![\"street](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/street-art-in-rome-credit-gabriella-clare-marino-unsplash.jpg\")
Street art in Rome depicting the iconic Italian actress Anna Magnani by David Diav\u00f9 Vecchiato (credit)
Any trip to Rome will include hours spent walking through the city to admire the architecture and history that greets you at every turn. The capital, with its incredible wealth of museums and historical sites, never ceases to amaze those who visit it or even those who have lived a lifetime there. It\u2019s no small wonder why it really is the Eternal City. True to its nickname, Rome has been the epicenter of cultural, historical and artistic moments from nearly the beginning of humanity to the present day.
\nWhile the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain may be the first images that come into your mind when you think of a walk through Rome, it is the colorful bursts of street art that continue to infuse the city with creativity and spirit. While to some street art, or graffiti as it is also known, may seem like a sign of urban decay, the artists decorating Rome are dedicated to bringing beauty and social commentary to neighborhoods that may have once been neglected. While it may not be everyone\u2019s idea of fine art, graffiti is undeniably a vital part of the history of Rome, and no visit is complete without taking it all in!\u00a0
\n![\"street](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/street-art-in-rome-credit-bradley-weber.jpg\")
Street art in Rome (credit)
Though it became popularly known in urban centers like New York and Detroit during the 1970s, graffiti has existed for thousands of years in some form. Indeed, even the word itself is from the Italian word \u201cto scratch\u201d (graffiare) and evidence of graffiti has been documented all over the Roman Empire. Most famously, of course, is in the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii, where The Ancient Graffiti Project has collected and meticulously catalogued etchings, poems and images that were recovered from towns that were tragically frozen in time.
\nHowever, the leap from ancient scrawling to modern day tagging didn\u2019t occur until the late 1970s, when American hip hop artists like Fab Five Freddy traveled to Rome to showcase their work. This new and little understood medium of graffiti was displayed at the Galleria La Medusa on via del Babuino, one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. Nevertheless, and despite the fact that world renowned artists like Keith Haring used Rome as their canvas, modern graffiti was still an obscure and misunderstood art form.
\n![\"street](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/rome-street-art-gabriella-clare-marino-unsplash.jpg\")
Ancient and modern textures in the historic center of Rome (credit)
By the mid 1990s, Rome had become something of a mecca for street artists from all over Europe, most leaving their tags on subway cars in the same way that they had done in New York throughout the 70s. However, the arrival of the Great Jubilee in Rome in 2000 meant that thousands of Catholic pilgrims would be streaming into the city, many of whom would do so on public transport. Just as the Pope promised to wash away the sins of the congregation, so to did the Italian government wash way the graffiti from its transport system.
\nHowever, graffiti did not disappear from the city, instead becoming a more deliberate movement and recognized form of artistic expression amongst a younger generation of Italians. It is still a contentious subject: most recently, anonymous street artist Geco drew the ire of the former Rome mayor Virginia Raggi for his outlandish, tongue in cheek designs (one of which, atop a massive building in the city, says \u201cGeco gives you wings”). But street artists have also been instrumental in transforming some of the more neglected areas of the Italian capital, making it a dynamic place to live, work, and visit.
\n![\"street](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/street-art-in-rome-credit-beverly-yuen-thompson.jpg\")
Roman street art
Despite (or maybe because of) the tension between the government and graffiti, street art in Rome has become more well respected both by the art world and the inhabitants of the city itself, making it incredibly interesting to seek out over the course of a visit. While it can seem a bit daunting to tackle an entire city, there are a few great resources that can help you navigate the many artists and their most famous work, some of which might be right under your nose.
\nIf you\u2019re looking for a crash course in contemporary Roman art, the best place to start is surely M.U.Ro, or the Museo Urbano di Roma, a non-profit project that offers street art tours in English of the Quardraro neighborhood. While it is a fair distance outside of the city center, it is worth the trip for those who want to go off the beaten path. They also have special tours for children and families that talk about how to bring out the creative genius in even the littlest spirits (without ruining your walls once you get home).
\nIf you\u2019re looking to go it alone and see what you can identify, dedicated graffiti enthusiasts have created this interactive map that shows every significant piece of street art in Rome\u2019s up and coming San Lorenzo neighborhood, which is just next to Termini Station and the historic center. Besides being one of the city\u2019s most artistic and creative areas, San Lorenzo is easily one of the most fascinating districts in Rome. If you long for the energy of Berlin, London\u2019s Shoreditch, or New York in the 1990s, San Lorenzo delivers.
\nIf you\u2019d like to expand your search to the whole city, the Rome Tourism Board has compiled a fantastic street art map that will give you a sense of how much there is to see (and how important it is to the identity of the city itself). Even if you\u2019re still not a fan of graffiti after a trip to Rome, you\u2019ll undoubtedly be convinced that it is an important piece of what makes it such a special place.
\n![\"street](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/blu-street-art-in-rome-credit-riccardo-cuppini.jpg\")
Colorful street art by Blu (credit)
Graffiti artists are sometimes as mysterious and intriguing as the art itself: after all, Banksy\u2019s ability to remain anonymous after all these years is part of what has made him such a legend. Like Banksy and Geco, the Roman street artist Blu chooses to keep his identity a secret, but he is responsible for some of the most significant street art not only in Rome but around the world. Blu often uses his work to comment on political and social issues and his murals can be found in previously neglected (now up and coming) Ostiense and Pigneto. However, not all artists choose to remain a mystery.
\n![\"street](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/alice-pasquini-street-art-in-rome-credit-bruno.jpg\")
Alice Pasquini’s mural on via dei Sabelli in Rome (credit)
One of Rome\u2019s most prolific and influential street artists is Alice Pasquini, a classically trained artist and painter who is behind some of the most incredible murals in the city. Her mural on via dei Sabelli in San Lorenzo runs the entire length of the street and depicts women throughout history and into the future. Pasquini also works on social and political themes such as gender equality, domestic violence and democracy, turning them all into beautiful pieces that speak to and reflect the lives of those who live among them. Artists like these are what make graffiti in Rome such a fascinating subject, and one which continues to symbolize the iconoclastic character of an ever-changing city.
\nThe post Open Air Museum: Your Guide to Street Art in Rome appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Street art in Rome depicting the iconic Italian actress Anna Magnani by David Diav\u00f9 Vecchiato (credit)\nAny trip to Rome will include hours spent walking through the city to admire the architecture and history that greets you at every turn. The capital, with its incredible wealth of museums and historical sites, never ceases to amaze those who visit it or even those who have lived a lifetime there. It\u2019s no small wonder why it really is the Eternal City. True to its nickname, Rome has been the epicenter of cultural, historical and artistic moments from nearly the beginning of humanity to the present day.\nWhile the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain may be the first images that come into your mind when you think of a walk through Rome, it is the colorful bursts of street art that continue to infuse the city with creativity and spirit. While to some street art, or graffiti as it is also known, may seem like a sign of urban decay, the artists decorating Rome are dedicated to bringing beauty and social commentary to neighborhoods that may have once been neglected. While it may not be everyone\u2019s idea of fine art, graffiti is undeniably a vital part of the history of Rome, and no visit is complete without taking it all in!\u00a0\nStreet art in Rome (credit)\nRoman Graffiti throughout History\nThough it became popularly known in urban centers like New York and Detroit during the 1970s, graffiti has existed for thousands of years in some form. Indeed, even the word itself is from the Italian word \u201cto scratch\u201d (graffiare) and evidence of graffiti has been documented all over the Roman Empire. Most famously, of course, is in the ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii, where The Ancient Graffiti Project has collected and meticulously catalogued etchings, poems and images that were recovered from towns that were tragically frozen in time.\nHowever, the leap from ancient scrawling to modern day tagging didn\u2019t occur until the late 1970s, when American hip hop artists like Fab Five Freddy traveled to Rome to showcase their work. This new and little understood medium of graffiti was displayed at the Galleria La Medusa on via del Babuino, one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. Nevertheless, and despite the fact that world renowned artists like Keith Haring used Rome as their canvas, modern graffiti was still an obscure and misunderstood art form.\nAncient and modern textures in the historic center of Rome (credit)\nBy the mid 1990s, Rome had become something of a mecca for street artists from all over Europe, most leaving their tags on subway cars in the same way that they had done in New York throughout the 70s. However, the arrival of the Great Jubilee in Rome in 2000 meant that thousands of Catholic pilgrims would be streaming into the city, many of whom would do so on public transport. Just as the Pope promised to wash away the sins of the congregation, so to did the Italian government wash way the graffiti from its transport system.\nHowever, graffiti did not disappear from the city, instead becoming a more deliberate movement and recognized form of artistic expression amongst a younger generation of Italians. It is still a contentious subject: most recently, anonymous street artist Geco drew the ire of the former Rome mayor Virginia Raggi for his outlandish, tongue in cheek designs (one of which, atop a massive building in the city, says \u201cGeco gives you wings”). But street artists have also been instrumental in transforming some of the more neglected areas of the Italian capital, making it a dynamic place to live, work, and visit.\nRoman street art\nWhere to find Roman street art (and who to look for!)\nDespite (or maybe because of) the tension between the government and graffiti, street art in Rome has become more well respected both by the art world and the inhabitants of the city itself, making it incredibly interesting to seek out over the course of a visit. While it can seem a bit daunting to tackle an entire city, there are a few great resources that can help you navigate the many artists and their most famous work, some of which might be right under your nose.\nIf you\u2019re looking for a crash course in contemporary Roman art, the best place to start is surely M.U.Ro, or the Museo Urbano di Roma, a non-profit project that offers street art tours in English of the Quardraro neighborhood. While it is a fair distance outside of the city center, it is worth the trip for those who want to go off the beaten path. They also have special tours for children and families that talk about how to bring out the creative genius in even the littlest spirits (without ruining your walls once you get home).\nIf you\u2019re looking to go it alone and see what you can identify, dedicated graffiti enthusiasts have created this interactive map that shows every significant piece of street art in Rome\u2019s up and coming San Lorenzo neighborhood, which is just next to Termini Station and the historic center. Besides being one of the city\u2019s most artistic and creative areas, San Lorenzo is easily one of the most fascinating districts in Rome. If you long for the energy of Berlin, London\u2019s Shoreditch, or New York in the 1990s, San Lorenzo delivers.\nIf you\u2019d like to expand your search to the whole city, the Rome Tourism Board has compiled a fantastic street art map that will give you a sense of how much there is to see (and how important it is to the identity of the city itself). Even if you\u2019re still not a fan of graffiti after a trip to Rome, you\u2019ll undoubtedly be convinced that it is an important piece of what makes it such a special place.\nColorful street art by Blu (credit)\nGraffiti artists are sometimes as mysterious and intriguing as the art itself: after all, Banksy\u2019s ability to remain anonymous after all these years is part of what has made him such a legend. Like Banksy and Geco, the Roman street artist Blu chooses to keep his identity a secret, but he is responsible for some of the most significant street art not only in Rome but around the world. Blu often uses his work to comment on political and social issues and his murals can be found in previously neglected (now up and coming) Ostiense and Pigneto. However, not all artists choose to remain a mystery.\nAlice Pasquini’s mural on via dei Sabelli in Rome (credit)\nOne of Rome\u2019s most prolific and influential street artists is Alice Pasquini, a classically trained artist and painter who is behind some of the most incredible murals in the city. Her mural on via dei Sabelli in San Lorenzo runs the entire length of the street and depicts women throughout history and into the future. Pasquini also works on social and political themes such as gender equality, domestic violence and democracy, turning them all into beautiful pieces that speak to and reflect the lives of those who live among them. Artists like these are what make graffiti in Rome such a fascinating subject, and one which continues to symbolize the iconoclastic character of an ever-changing city.\nThe post Open Air Museum: Your Guide to Street Art in Rome appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2021-12-03T12:19:48-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-04-05T10:22:47-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Virginia DiGaetano", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/virginia-digaetano", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0fd042a507b26bdec1ff3fd5a548f7c486c1d342d39dbe0e26aca77aa229d88d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Virginia DiGaetano", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/virginia-digaetano", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0fd042a507b26bdec1ff3fd5a548f7c486c1d342d39dbe0e26aca77aa229d88d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/street-art-in-rome-credit-gabriella-clare-marino-unsplash.jpg", "tags": [ "Art in Rome", "Rome", "Rome history", "Rome museums", "Rome things to do", "Rome Tourism", "walking in Rome" ], "summary": "Colorful bursts of street art infuse the Eternal City with creativity and spirit. Find out more about the surprising history of street art in Rome!" }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=62089", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/virtual-tours-rome-museums.html", "title": "Visit These Rome Museums Virtually from Home", "content_html": "![\"Campidoglio](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/italy-perfect-rome-campidoglio.jpg\")
Explore the Capitoline Museums in Rome virtually
Rome isn’t just the capital of Italy, it’s also one of the country’s capitals of art and culture. From the majesty of the Vatican Museum’s collections to the world-class art and sculptures on display at the Galleria Borghese and incredible Roman ruins, there’s so much to discover in the Eternal City. Simply walking the streets of Rome and admiring ancient Roman masterpieces like the Colosseum or the Baroque splendor of the Trevi Fountain is a feast for the eyes. If you’re planning a trip to Rome, or have just been missing Italy, you’ll love the new virtual tours of Rome’s civic museums that include some of the best museums and historic sites in the city. The tours also introduce gems that you might not normally consider for your visit. Completely free and available in English, these virtual tours are perfect for an artistic coffee break or helping your plan that next Roman holiday.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rome-palazzon-nuovom-musei-capitolini.jpg\")
Step inside the Palazzo Nuovo at the Capitoline Museums (credit)
Considered the oldest museums in the world, the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) are among the most visited in Rome – and for good reason. Here you can delve into the history of ancient Rome with the impressive collection of statues and other artifacts as well as a collection of medieval and Renaissance art and much more. The museums are housed in two buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, located on the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio. This lovely trapezoidal shaped square was designed by Michelangelo and is famous for its bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius from about 176 AD. While the one in the piazza is a copy, you can see the original inside the Capitoline Museums.
\nIf you haven’t visited yet, you’ll love the new virtual tour of the Capitoline Museums. We think it’s one of the most detailed and interesting virtual tours we’ve ever seen! You start right in Piazza del Campidoglio and can step into either building to start exploring the galleries. The images are 360 degrees so it feels as if you’re walking right through space with the ability to look up at the gorgeous coffered ceilings and take in the full visual experience of actually being in the gallery. There’s even information available in English for key items in the collection. Keep an eye out for the audio guide and video symbols for even more detailed information.
\nTip: If you get lost while exploring, click on the pin point icon in the lower right to bring up a map of the museum to select where to go next. You can even to straight to the gorgeous gallery space with the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius on the first floor. Find the Capitoline Museums virtual tour here.
\n![\"Ara](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rome-ara-pacis-museum.jpg\")
See the Ara Pacis from every angle – from home! (credit)
The Museum of the Ara Pacis (Museo dell’Ara Pacis) is home to the Ara Pacis, an ancient altar dedicated to the Roman goddess of Peace and commissioned to honor Emperor Augustus in the year 9 BC. While originally located outside of Rome, the monument was moved into the city in 1938 and is located along the Tiber River in the center of the city. The altar is now protected by a building designed by the architect Richard Meier that was inaugurated in 2006. Although an unexpected example of modern architecture in the heart of Rome, the glass walls and numerous skylights allow you to see the altar in as much natural light as possible. The best part of the virtual tour is that you can move all the way around and right into the altar and look at it from every direction. Enjoy a virtual tour of the Museum of the Ara Pacis to find out more about this fascinating monument.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rome-mercato-di-traiano-museum.jpg\")
Go inside Trajan’s Market on a virtual tour (credit)
For an even more in depth experience of ancient Roman art and architecture, you’ll want to visit Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano), which sits along the Imperial Fora in the center of Rome. Although the name comes from the earlier idea that this space was a shopping area, it is now thought to have been the strategic administrative heart of Imperial Rome under Emperor Trajan. The city of Rome manages the archaeological complex, which is also home to the Museum of the Imperial Fora (Museo dei Fori Imperiali) that has a collection of artifacts uncovered from many ancient Roman forums. In addition to getting a close up look at Roman architecture, you can also learn more about the site over time as it transformed into a noble residence, a military fortress, a convent and more.
\nThe virtual tour of Trajan’s Market begins in the Great Hall and from there you can explore the ground floor and the first floor. TIP: Don’t miss the view from the Panoramic Terrace on the first floor that overlooks Trajan’s Forum and the Vittoriano. Explore Trajan’s Market & Museum of the Imperial Fora virtual tour here.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rome-museo-della-mura-porta_san_sebastiano.jpg\")
The Museo della Mura (credit)
Did you ever imagine walking along Roman walls from the comfort of your own home? Thanks to the city of Rome’s virtual tours, you can also visit the Museo della Mura (Museum of the Walls) located at the Porta San Sebastiano right at the beginning of the Appian Way. Great for architecture lovers, the archaeological museum delves into the history of Roman wall construction and building techniques. You’ll also have the chance to see an incredibly well-preserved section of the Aurelian Wall, the protective city walls built between 271-275 AD. Throughout the virtual tour, you’ll also learn about Porta San Sebastiano in more modern times, too. TIP: Don’t miss the drone images from the top of the terrace where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the walls and the very start of the Appian Way. Find the virtual tour of the Museo della Mura here.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rome-piazza-navona-museo-di-roma.jpg\")
The Museo di Roma just off Piazza Navona (credit)
Of course there aren’t just museums about ancient Rome to explore on these virtual tours. The city of Rome has also created online experiences of their other museums, including a beautiful virtual tour of the Museo di Roma located in the elegant Palazzo Braschi on Piazza Navona. Explore the galleries to learn more about the history of Rome through the museum’s excellent collection of artwork and sculptures. Or take a virtual tour of the Centrale Montemartini, an early 20th-century thermoelectric power station that has been transformed into a gallery space. Enjoy the unexpected juxtaposition of industrial design with ancient Roman statues as you explore this unique site. Dig deeper into Napoleonic history with a virtual tour of the Napoleonic Museum of Rome. Finally, set off on a virtual tour of the museums of Villa Torlonia to discover the fascinating history of this grandiose Neoclassical villa that was also Mussolini’s state residence.
\nFind the links to all of the virtual tours of Rome’s civic museums here. We hope you’ll enjoy these online tours until you can come back to visit in person. When you’re ready to plan that trip, contact our team and we’ll help you find that perfect Rome vacation rental for your home base while you explore all the art and cultural experiences the Eternal City offers!
\nThe post Visit These Rome Museums Virtually from Home appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "Explore the Capitoline Museums in Rome virtually\nRome isn’t just the capital of Italy, it’s also one of the country’s capitals of art and culture. From the majesty of the Vatican Museum’s collections to the world-class art and sculptures on display at the Galleria Borghese and incredible Roman ruins, there’s so much to discover in the Eternal City. Simply walking the streets of Rome and admiring ancient Roman masterpieces like the Colosseum or the Baroque splendor of the Trevi Fountain is a feast for the eyes. If you’re planning a trip to Rome, or have just been missing Italy, you’ll love the new virtual tours of Rome’s civic museums that include some of the best museums and historic sites in the city. The tours also introduce gems that you might not normally consider for your visit. Completely free and available in English, these virtual tours are perfect for an artistic coffee break or helping your plan that next Roman holiday.\nStep inside the Palazzo Nuovo at the Capitoline Museums (credit)\nCapitoline Museums\nConsidered the oldest museums in the world, the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) are among the most visited in Rome – and for good reason. Here you can delve into the history of ancient Rome with the impressive collection of statues and other artifacts as well as a collection of medieval and Renaissance art and much more. The museums are housed in two buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, located on the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio. This lovely trapezoidal shaped square was designed by Michelangelo and is famous for its bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius from about 176 AD. While the one in the piazza is a copy, you can see the original inside the Capitoline Museums.\nIf you haven’t visited yet, you’ll love the new virtual tour of the Capitoline Museums. We think it’s one of the most detailed and interesting virtual tours we’ve ever seen! You start right in Piazza del Campidoglio and can step into either building to start exploring the galleries. The images are 360 degrees so it feels as if you’re walking right through space with the ability to look up at the gorgeous coffered ceilings and take in the full visual experience of actually being in the gallery. There’s even information available in English for key items in the collection. Keep an eye out for the audio guide and video symbols for even more detailed information.\nTip: If you get lost while exploring, click on the pin point icon in the lower right to bring up a map of the museum to select where to go next. You can even to straight to the gorgeous gallery space with the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius on the first floor. Find the Capitoline Museums virtual tour here.\nSee the Ara Pacis from every angle – from home! (credit)\nMuseum of the Ara Pacis\nThe Museum of the Ara Pacis (Museo dell’Ara Pacis) is home to the Ara Pacis, an ancient altar dedicated to the Roman goddess of Peace and commissioned to honor Emperor Augustus in the year 9 BC. While originally located outside of Rome, the monument was moved into the city in 1938 and is located along the Tiber River in the center of the city. The altar is now protected by a building designed by the architect Richard Meier that was inaugurated in 2006. Although an unexpected example of modern architecture in the heart of Rome, the glass walls and numerous skylights allow you to see the altar in as much natural light as possible. The best part of the virtual tour is that you can move all the way around and right into the altar and look at it from every direction. Enjoy a virtual tour of the Museum of the Ara Pacis to find out more about this fascinating monument.\nGo inside Trajan’s Market on a virtual tour (credit)\nTrajan’s Market & Museum of the Imperial Fora\nFor an even more in depth experience of ancient Roman art and architecture, you’ll want to visit Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano), which sits along the Imperial Fora in the center of Rome. Although the name comes from the earlier idea that this space was a shopping area, it is now thought to have been the strategic administrative heart of Imperial Rome under Emperor Trajan. The city of Rome manages the archaeological complex, which is also home to the Museum of the Imperial Fora (Museo dei Fori Imperiali) that has a collection of artifacts uncovered from many ancient Roman forums. In addition to getting a close up look at Roman architecture, you can also learn more about the site over time as it transformed into a noble residence, a military fortress, a convent and more.\nThe virtual tour of Trajan’s Market begins in the Great Hall and from there you can explore the ground floor and the first floor. TIP: Don’t miss the view from the Panoramic Terrace on the first floor that overlooks Trajan’s Forum and the Vittoriano. Explore Trajan’s Market & Museum of the Imperial Fora virtual tour here.\nThe Museo della Mura (credit)\nMuseo della Mura\nDid you ever imagine walking along Roman walls from the comfort of your own home? Thanks to the city of Rome’s virtual tours, you can also visit the Museo della Mura (Museum of the Walls) located at the Porta San Sebastiano right at the beginning of the Appian Way. Great for architecture lovers, the archaeological museum delves into the history of Roman wall construction and building techniques. You’ll also have the chance to see an incredibly well-preserved section of the Aurelian Wall, the protective city walls built between 271-275 AD. Throughout the virtual tour, you’ll also learn about Porta San Sebastiano in more modern times, too. TIP: Don’t miss the drone images from the top of the terrace where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the walls and the very start of the Appian Way. Find the virtual tour of the Museo della Mura here.\nThe Museo di Roma just off Piazza Navona (credit)\nMore Museums to Discover!\nOf course there aren’t just museums about ancient Rome to explore on these virtual tours. The city of Rome has also created online experiences of their other museums, including a beautiful virtual tour of the Museo di Roma located in the elegant Palazzo Braschi on Piazza Navona. Explore the galleries to learn more about the history of Rome through the museum’s excellent collection of artwork and sculptures. Or take a virtual tour of the Centrale Montemartini, an early 20th-century thermoelectric power station that has been transformed into a gallery space. Enjoy the unexpected juxtaposition of industrial design with ancient Roman statues as you explore this unique site. Dig deeper into Napoleonic history with a virtual tour of the Napoleonic Museum of Rome. Finally, set off on a virtual tour of the museums of Villa Torlonia to discover the fascinating history of this grandiose Neoclassical villa that was also Mussolini’s state residence.\nFind the links to all of the virtual tours of Rome’s civic museums here. We hope you’ll enjoy these online tours until you can come back to visit in person. When you’re ready to plan that trip, contact our team and we’ll help you find that perfect Rome vacation rental for your home base while you explore all the art and cultural experiences the Eternal City offers!\nThe post Visit These Rome Museums Virtually from Home appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2021-05-19T10:50:14-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-15T10:05:14-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Laura Thayer", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/laurathayer", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/925e65d1bff8121e935d2ce55fe4f897bc7a0a055203c530d0183ef0112b097d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Laura Thayer", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/laurathayer", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/925e65d1bff8121e935d2ce55fe4f897bc7a0a055203c530d0183ef0112b097d?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/italy-perfect-rome-campidoglio.jpg", "tags": [ "Art in Rome", "Rome", "Rome architecture", "Rome history", "Rome museums", "Rome Tourism", "Rome vacation apartment rentals" ], "summary": "Whether you're planning a trip to Rome or just missing Italy, the free virtual tours of Rome's civic museums are perfect for an artistic coffee break. You might just discover some gems for your next visit to the Eternal City!" }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=60900", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/rome-trastevere-guide.html", "title": "A Guide to Rome\u2019s Trastevere Neighborhood", "content_html": "![\"Trastevere](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/italy-perfect-trastevere-street-scene.jpg\")
A classic Italian scene in Trastevere
Trastevere is one of those Roman neighborhoods that live up to all of the superlatives and cliches. Ivy-draped ochre buildings. Check. Narrow cobblestones streets. Check. Piazzas, markets and cafes filled with locals. Check. Even if it is only for a few days, you can live like a local with our Trastevere neighborhood guide.
\nTrastevere is a popular area with tourists and locals alike and it’s easy to see why. This fun and lively neighborhood dates back to the earliest days in Rome. It’s located across the river from Imperial Rome and was originally an Etruscan settlement. For much of its history, this area wasn’t considered a part of the city and that created a fierce sense of identity that is still evident today. There is even the much-loved annual Festa de\u2019 Noantri (Festival of Us) that blends sacred and profane as it brings together residents to celebrate every July. While many travelers head to Trastevere for the restaurants, lively atmosphere and artisan shops, read on to discover more about this fascinating Roman neighborhood.
\nBookmark this Trastevere neighborhood guide for your next trip to Rome. We hope you’ll be exploring the cobblestone streets of the Eternal City very soon! Contact us and our team will help you find the perfect apartment rental in Rome.
\n![\"Basilica](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/italy-perfect-rome-trastevere-basilica.jpg\")
The remarkable mosaics in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere
The perfect place to begin exploring the neighborhood is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere where the grand Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere dominates the charming square with its central fountain that is among the oldest in Rome. Once the site of Rome\u2019s earliest Christian worship, the interior is a study in beautiful excess. The multicolored floors were laid in the 12th century and the Pietro Cavallini mosaics from the late 13th century in the apse dazzle.\u00a0
\nJust around the corner, the small permanent collection in the Museo di Roma in Trastevere is dedicated to popular life in Rome from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. It includes personal belongings of the great Roman poet Trilussa (1871-1950) in addition to 19th-century paintings depicting Roman life. There are often contemporary photography exhibits here as well.
\nWalk along the Via della Lungara in the direction of Vatican City to both the Galleria Corsini and Villa Farnesina. The private collection of Prince Tommaso Corsini was donated to the state and what you see displayed inside the Palazzo Corsini is exactly as it was in the late 1700s. Works include paintings by Caravaggio, Van Dyck and Guido Reni. Cross the street to the Villa Farnesina to see frescoes by Raphael in a palace that dates back to the Roman empire and was home to the wealthy Siena banker Agostino Chigi. Raphael’s fresco of the Triumph of Galatea is a masterpiece and there are many more works created by Raphael and his workshop in the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche.
\n
![\"Villa](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/villa-farnesina-raphael-Loggia-of-Cupid-and-Psyche.jpg\")
Frecoes by the school of Raphael in the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche at Villa Farnesina (credit)
Explore the botanical gardens that were once the private gardens for Palazzo Corsini. Today it’s an oasis of calm and green that’s ideal for a moment of relax while sightseeing. The gardens are especially lovely in the spring and we particularly enjoy the peaceful Japanese garden anytime of the year.\u00a0
\nJust across Ponte Cestio, a particularly photogenic ancient Roman bridge, you’ll find the Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island). The small island is the only one in the Tiber as it flows through Rome and is a great spot for strolling along the river.
\nWhile in the neighborhood, learn how to make all of the delicious pasta dishes you have been eating with a pasta-making class at Grano e Farina. If walking the cobblestones is not enough of a workout for you, take a yoga class or book a private Pilates session at Ryoga.\u00a0
\nOutdoor dining in Trastevere
While the charming labyrinth of streets in Trastevere can be peaceful during the day, it’s a vibrant atmosphere after dark. From your pre-dawn cappuccino to a very late night Negroni, there is always something open in Trastevere. These are some of our favorite addresses for coffee, pasta and gelato.\u00a0
\nBar San Calisto in Piazza di San Calisto is the soul of the neighborhood. Open from very early to very late, there is almost always a table filled with locals boisterously playing cards. In the morning there are pastries and the gelato is good and a no-frills Spritz or Negroni is an all-day offering.\u00a0
\nThe Roman-style pizzeria Ai Marmi at Viale Trastevere 53/59 opens at 6:30, early by Roman standards, which is a great thing if you have hungry kids. Make sure to order some fried zucchini flowers too.\u00a0
\nThe menu at Osteria der Belli, a Sardinian-Roman hybrid, leans heavily towards fresh seafood. Start with platters of saut\u00e9ed mussels and swordfish carpaccio and move on to spaghetti alle vongole or grilled calamari. If you would like to cook at home in your Rome vacation rental apartment, the pasta shop down the street is owned by the same family.\u00a0
\nMa Che Siete Venuti a F\u00e0 is a popular local pub with 16 craft beers on tap. Swipe one of the few outside chairs with a view of Piazza Trilussa and have a glass of wine at the Enoteca Ferrara. Night owls will enjoy the scene with DJs and strong drinks at G Bar.\u00a0The Trastevere branch of the mini-empire, Trapizzino has an incredible wine selection primarily from small Lazio producers.\u00a0
\nSuppl\u00ec, a breaded rice ball stuffed with cheese and/or meat and vegetables is a classic Roman snack. To try one or pick up something for dinner head to Suppl\u00ec Roma, a small storefront with only a couple of high top tables.\u00a0
\nDon\u2019t get tricked by the bright lights and garish colors at many of the flashier gelato shops. Hunt out some superb gelato at both Otaleg and Fior di Luna. Both are small independent shops that rigorously source their ingredients and make their gelato on-site.\u00a0
\n![\"Street](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/italy-perfect-rome-trastevere-neighborhood.jpg\")
Trastevere is lovely for strolling
Trastevere has a unique and somewhat eccentric vibe for shopping that we enjoy. Twice Vintage is a carefully edited collection of designer skirts, shoes, jackets and dresses.\u00a0Anna Retico creates brightly colored jewelry from hand blown glass and translucent PVC.\u00a0Teenagers will love the quirky Elvis Lives where they can shop for socks and t-shirts emblazoned with the only in Rome exhalation Daje.\u00a0
\nFrom the most obscure label that produces scents of sea monsters to your favorite Dyptique candle Roma Store Profumi probably stocks it. Another reason to visit is the shop windows are a rotating art installation. Cereria Di Giorgio has been providing candles to many of Rome\u2019s churches for more than 100 years. The store on Viale Trastevere is packed with every kind of candle you can imagine.\u00a0
\nTrays of cookies are baked all day long and tantalizingly displayed in the window at the beloved historic shop Biscottificio Innocenti. A wax paper bag filled with anise-scented and jam-filled cookies from this family-owned bakery is a wonderful souvenir. Take our advice and buy twice as much as you think you need.\u00a0
\nThe daily food market in Piazza San Cosimato is worth a visit even if you don\u2019t cook. This is a real market for the neighborhood and the stalls sell fresh produce, cheese and cured meats as well as a fish stand and a butcher. The market is open Monday to Saturdays from 6am to 1:30pm.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/rome-fontana-dellAcqua-Paola.jpg\")
The impressive Fontana dell’ Acqua Paola (credit)
While meandering through Trastevere, enjoy a walk up to the Gianicolo (Janiculum), the second highest hill in Rome. From here you’ll savor one of the most captivating panoramas overlooking the city. Start out at the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, also known as the Fontanone (big fountain), a massive marble fountain built in 1612. It was created as a monument to celebrate the end of the Acqua Paola and is named after Pope Paul V who restored the ancient Roman aqueduct. You’ll hear the water flowing before you arrive and it’s certainly an unexpectedly beautiful Roman spot.
\n![\"Rome](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/italy-perfect-rome-view-from-gianicolo-hill.jpg\")
A stunning view over Rome from the Gianicolo hill at the sunset
For the best view on the Gianicolo, you’ll want to walk up to the Belvedere del Gianicolo. Not far from the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, follow either one of the two Passeggiata del Gianicolo pathways from Via Garibaldi up to Piazzale Garibaldi where you’ll find the large monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the general who fought for the unification of Italy. Head to the overlook nearby for a sweeping view where you can spot all the key monuments and sites in Rome. If you find yourself at the belvedere at about noon, stay to watch the Cannone of Gianicolo that is fired every day from just below. The daily tradition started in 1847 when Pope Pio IX instituted it as a way to coordinate time around the city.
\nThe post A Guide to Rome’s Trastevere Neighborhood appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "A classic Italian scene in Trastevere\nTrastevere is one of those Roman neighborhoods that live up to all of the superlatives and cliches. Ivy-draped ochre buildings. Check. Narrow cobblestones streets. Check. Piazzas, markets and cafes filled with locals. Check. Even if it is only for a few days, you can live like a local with our Trastevere neighborhood guide.\nTrastevere is a popular area with tourists and locals alike and it’s easy to see why. This fun and lively neighborhood dates back to the earliest days in Rome. It’s located across the river from Imperial Rome and was originally an Etruscan settlement. For much of its history, this area wasn’t considered a part of the city and that created a fierce sense of identity that is still evident today. There is even the much-loved annual Festa de\u2019 Noantri (Festival of Us) that blends sacred and profane as it brings together residents to celebrate every July. While many travelers head to Trastevere for the restaurants, lively atmosphere and artisan shops, read on to discover more about this fascinating Roman neighborhood.\nBookmark this Trastevere neighborhood guide for your next trip to Rome. We hope you’ll be exploring the cobblestone streets of the Eternal City very soon! Contact us and our team will help you find the perfect apartment rental in Rome.\nThe remarkable mosaics in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere\nWhat to See and Do in Trastevere\nThe perfect place to begin exploring the neighborhood is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere where the grand Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere dominates the charming square with its central fountain that is among the oldest in Rome. Once the site of Rome\u2019s earliest Christian worship, the interior is a study in beautiful excess. The multicolored floors were laid in the 12th century and the Pietro Cavallini mosaics from the late 13th century in the apse dazzle.\u00a0\nJust around the corner, the small permanent collection in the Museo di Roma in Trastevere is dedicated to popular life in Rome from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. It includes personal belongings of the great Roman poet Trilussa (1871-1950) in addition to 19th-century paintings depicting Roman life. There are often contemporary photography exhibits here as well.\nWalk along the Via della Lungara in the direction of Vatican City to both the Galleria Corsini and Villa Farnesina. The private collection of Prince Tommaso Corsini was donated to the state and what you see displayed inside the Palazzo Corsini is exactly as it was in the late 1700s. Works include paintings by Caravaggio, Van Dyck and Guido Reni. Cross the street to the Villa Farnesina to see frescoes by Raphael in a palace that dates back to the Roman empire and was home to the wealthy Siena banker Agostino Chigi. Raphael’s fresco of the Triumph of Galatea is a masterpiece and there are many more works created by Raphael and his workshop in the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche.\n\nFrecoes by the school of Raphael in the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche at Villa Farnesina (credit)\nExplore the botanical gardens that were once the private gardens for Palazzo Corsini. Today it’s an oasis of calm and green that’s ideal for a moment of relax while sightseeing. The gardens are especially lovely in the spring and we particularly enjoy the peaceful Japanese garden anytime of the year.\u00a0\nJust across Ponte Cestio, a particularly photogenic ancient Roman bridge, you’ll find the Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island). The small island is the only one in the Tiber as it flows through Rome and is a great spot for strolling along the river.\nWhile in the neighborhood, learn how to make all of the delicious pasta dishes you have been eating with a pasta-making class at Grano e Farina. If walking the cobblestones is not enough of a workout for you, take a yoga class or book a private Pilates session at Ryoga.\u00a0\nOutdoor dining in Trastevere\nEating and Drinking in Trastevere\nWhile the charming labyrinth of streets in Trastevere can be peaceful during the day, it’s a vibrant atmosphere after dark. From your pre-dawn cappuccino to a very late night Negroni, there is always something open in Trastevere. These are some of our favorite addresses for coffee, pasta and gelato.\u00a0\nBar San Calisto in Piazza di San Calisto is the soul of the neighborhood. Open from very early to very late, there is almost always a table filled with locals boisterously playing cards. In the morning there are pastries and the gelato is good and a no-frills Spritz or Negroni is an all-day offering.\u00a0\nThe Roman-style pizzeria Ai Marmi at Viale Trastevere 53/59 opens at 6:30, early by Roman standards, which is a great thing if you have hungry kids. Make sure to order some fried zucchini flowers too.\u00a0\nThe menu at Osteria der Belli, a Sardinian-Roman hybrid, leans heavily towards fresh seafood. Start with platters of saut\u00e9ed mussels and swordfish carpaccio and move on to spaghetti alle vongole or grilled calamari. If you would like to cook at home in your Rome vacation rental apartment, the pasta shop down the street is owned by the same family.\u00a0\nMa Che Siete Venuti a F\u00e0 is a popular local pub with 16 craft beers on tap. Swipe one of the few outside chairs with a view of Piazza Trilussa and have a glass of wine at the Enoteca Ferrara. Night owls will enjoy the scene with DJs and strong drinks at G Bar.\u00a0The Trastevere branch of the mini-empire, Trapizzino has an incredible wine selection primarily from small Lazio producers.\u00a0\nSuppl\u00ec, a breaded rice ball stuffed with cheese and/or meat and vegetables is a classic Roman snack. To try one or pick up something for dinner head to Suppl\u00ec Roma, a small storefront with only a couple of high top tables.\u00a0\nDon\u2019t get tricked by the bright lights and garish colors at many of the flashier gelato shops. Hunt out some superb gelato at both Otaleg and Fior di Luna. Both are small independent shops that rigorously source their ingredients and make their gelato on-site.\u00a0\nTrastevere is lovely for strolling\nShopping in Trastevere\nTrastevere has a unique and somewhat eccentric vibe for shopping that we enjoy. Twice Vintage is a carefully edited collection of designer skirts, shoes, jackets and dresses.\u00a0Anna Retico creates brightly colored jewelry from hand blown glass and translucent PVC.\u00a0Teenagers will love the quirky Elvis Lives where they can shop for socks and t-shirts emblazoned with the only in Rome exhalation Daje.\u00a0\nFrom the most obscure label that produces scents of sea monsters to your favorite Dyptique candle Roma Store Profumi probably stocks it. Another reason to visit is the shop windows are a rotating art installation. Cereria Di Giorgio has been providing candles to many of Rome\u2019s churches for more than 100 years. The store on Viale Trastevere is packed with every kind of candle you can imagine.\u00a0\nTrays of cookies are baked all day long and tantalizingly displayed in the window at the beloved historic shop Biscottificio Innocenti. A wax paper bag filled with anise-scented and jam-filled cookies from this family-owned bakery is a wonderful souvenir. Take our advice and buy twice as much as you think you need.\u00a0\nThe daily food market in Piazza San Cosimato is worth a visit even if you don\u2019t cook. This is a real market for the neighborhood and the stalls sell fresh produce, cheese and cured meats as well as a fish stand and a butcher. The market is open Monday to Saturdays from 6am to 1:30pm.\nThe impressive Fontana dell’ Acqua Paola (credit)\nBeautiful Views of Rome from the Gianicolo\nWhile meandering through Trastevere, enjoy a walk up to the Gianicolo (Janiculum), the second highest hill in Rome. From here you’ll savor one of the most captivating panoramas overlooking the city. Start out at the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, also known as the Fontanone (big fountain), a massive marble fountain built in 1612. It was created as a monument to celebrate the end of the Acqua Paola and is named after Pope Paul V who restored the ancient Roman aqueduct. You’ll hear the water flowing before you arrive and it’s certainly an unexpectedly beautiful Roman spot.\nA stunning view over Rome from the Gianicolo hill at the sunset\nFor the best view on the Gianicolo, you’ll want to walk up to the Belvedere del Gianicolo. Not far from the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, follow either one of the two Passeggiata del Gianicolo pathways from Via Garibaldi up to Piazzale Garibaldi where you’ll find the large monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the general who fought for the unification of Italy. Head to the overlook nearby for a sweeping view where you can spot all the key monuments and sites in Rome. If you find yourself at the belvedere at about noon, stay to watch the Cannone of Gianicolo that is fired every day from just below. The daily tradition started in 1847 when Pope Pio IX instituted it as a way to coordinate time around the city.\nThe post A Guide to Rome’s Trastevere Neighborhood appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2021-05-06T04:00:27-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-10-22T08:38:11-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/italy-perfect-trastevere-street-scene.jpg", "tags": [ "Art in Rome", "Rome", "Rome history", "Rome Tourism", "Rome vacation apartment rentals", "shopping in Rome", "Trastevere", "travel tips" ], "summary": "Trastevere is one of those Roman neighborhoods that live up to all of the superlatives and cliches. Ivy-draped ochre buildings. Check. Narrow cobblestones streets. Check. Piazzas, markets and cafes filled with locals. Check. Even if it is only for a few days, you can live like a local with our Trastevere neighborhood guide." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=60773", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/art-exhibitions-in-rome.html", "title": "10 Great Places to see Art Exhibitions in Rome: Beyond the Vatican Museums", "content_html": "There is certainly no shortage of art to see when you are visiting Rome. Pop into just about any church, there are over 900, and you can find sculptures by Bernini and Michelangelo and paintings by Caravaggio. The Vatican Museums are arguably one of the world’s finest collections of art and absolutely worth a visit but there are also many other world-class exhibitions in Rome.
\n\n
All kinds of shows come to Rome including ancient treasures that are loaned from other Italian regions and museums from around the world. Many of these museums have rich permanent collections in addition to temporary exhibitions. To help you explore even more of Rome’s artistic treasures in Renaissance cloisters and modern palazzos, we have put together this list of 10 great places to see art exhibitions in Rome.
\n![\"Museo](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Museo-dellAra-Pacis.jpg\")
Richard Meier via Wiki Commons
The striking and modern Richard Meier glass and travertine building along the Lungotevere houses the ancient monument the Ara Pacis Augustae. This triumphal piece was commissioned by the Roman senate in 13 BC to honor the emperor, Augustus. The Museo dell\u2019Ara Pacis offers a virtual reality experience of the monument and has a small exhibition space downstairs for visiting shows.\u00a0
\nThe Scuderie del Quirinale is at the top of one of Rome\u2019s famous seven hills (the Quirinale) and is part of the Palazzo Quirinale, which is an official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Built in the 1700s, the building was once used as the carriage house and stables of the palazzo. Today it hosts major art exhibitions in Rome. The climb to the top floor offers a view out towards San Pietro. The bookstore is worth a visit for unusual and interesting Roman and museum themed gifts.\u00a0
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Palazzo-Bonaparte-Rome.jpg\")
Ciorano via Wiki Commons
Piazza Venezia is a chaotic traffic circle that is best known for the massive Vittoriano monument. The Palazzo Bonaparte stands at the beginning of the famous shopping street the via del Corso and has recently opened to the public after years of renovations. Once the home to Maria Letizia Ramolino, you may know her better as the mother of Napoleon Bonaparte, who used her enclosed green shuttered balcony to watch over the piazza.\u00a0The Suprema Style and Giada apartments are a nice stroll.
\nAcross the street from the Palazzo Bonaparte is the Palazzo Venezia. Over the centuries, this palace has been home to a pope, the Venetian and the Austrian embassy to Rome and the headquarters of the Fascist party. Today it is a small museum that has an eclectic collection of furniture, paintings and few Bernini sculptures. The real secret here is the quiet garden in the middle that is free and open to the public.\u00a0
\nThe Chiostro del Bramante is one of Rome\u2019s prettiest spaces. Built by the Renaissance era architect and rival of Michelangelo, Donato Bramante was originally part of a monastery complex. The church next door is home to four Sibyl frescoes painted by Raphael. Look for the special room next to the cafe where you can view them. The exhibition space showcases major modern artists.\u00a0 The Italy Perfect Cortigiana apartment is right there.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Palazzo-Braschi-Rome.jpg\")
Livioandronico2013 via Wiki Commons
The Palazzo Braschi is one of the Renaissance palaces that ring the Piazza Navona. Modern by Roman standards, it was built on the footprint of a fifteenth-century construction and centuries of political and financial problems beset its completion. After WWII, it even served as shelter for 300 homeless families. After extensive repairs and renovations undertaken by the Italian state today, the palace is home to the Museo di Roma and hosts art, sculpture and photography shows. The views over the three fountains in the piazza are special. It’s very convenient to our Pasquino apartment.
\nInside the 15th century,\u00a0Palazzo Altemps is an enthralling selection of Classical sculpture collected by Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in the 17th century. The Ludovisi Battle sarcophagus dates to the 3rd century and is remarkable for its fine detail depicting the Romans fighting the Ostrogoths. Purchase the combined ticket for a few euros more and you will have entry to the three other museums that are part of the Museo Nazionale Romano.\u00a0
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Palazzo-Barberini.jpg\")
Gobbler via Wiki Commons
The Palazzo Barberini is home to Rome\u2019s National Gallery of Ancient Art. In this vast palace, you can visit famous works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Lippi and Rafael. The site of personal gardens and vineyards of the Sforza family in the 15th century was purchased by the Barberini family in 1625. Three of Italy\u2019s greatest architects, Maderno, Borromini and Bernini all worked on the building. Don\u2019t miss the hidden garden and magnificent oval spiral staircase. This is easy to reach from the Italy Perfect apartments nearby such as Corelli Charm.
\nA short stroll from Termini train station is the\u00a0Palazzo Merulana. The former Health Department had been abandoned for decades, but it has been painstakingly restored into a gleaming light-filled space. The permanent collection is works of 20th-century artists from Rome and Italy, including pieces by Boetti, De Chirico and Pirandello.
\nThe Centrale Montemartini is an unconventional mix of form and function where Roman sculptures and mosaic floors from the Capitoline Museum collection are placed among the massive engines and turbines that once powered the city.\u00a0 The former power plant-turned-museum is in the Ostiense neighborhood where you can explore a thriving street art and modern dining scene.\u00a0
\nReady to explore some of Rome\u2019s best museums? Get in touch with the Italy Perfect team today to find a vacation rental that is perfect for your trip.\u00a0
\nThe post 10 Great Places to see Art Exhibitions in Rome: Beyond the Vatican Museums appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "There is certainly no shortage of art to see when you are visiting Rome. Pop into just about any church, there are over 900, and you can find sculptures by Bernini and Michelangelo and paintings by Caravaggio. The Vatican Museums are arguably one of the world’s finest collections of art and absolutely worth a visit but there are also many other world-class exhibitions in Rome.\n\nArt Exhibitions in Rome\nAll kinds of shows come to Rome including ancient treasures that are loaned from other Italian regions and museums from around the world. Many of these museums have rich permanent collections in addition to temporary exhibitions. To help you explore even more of Rome’s artistic treasures in Renaissance cloisters and modern palazzos, we have put together this list of 10 great places to see art exhibitions in Rome.\nRichard Meier via Wiki Commons\nMuseo dell\u2019Ara Pacis\u00a0\nThe striking and modern Richard Meier glass and travertine building along the Lungotevere houses the ancient monument the Ara Pacis Augustae. This triumphal piece was commissioned by the Roman senate in 13 BC to honor the emperor, Augustus. The Museo dell\u2019Ara Pacis offers a virtual reality experience of the monument and has a small exhibition space downstairs for visiting shows.\u00a0\nThe Scuderie del Quirinale\nThe Scuderie del Quirinale is at the top of one of Rome\u2019s famous seven hills (the Quirinale) and is part of the Palazzo Quirinale, which is an official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Built in the 1700s, the building was once used as the carriage house and stables of the palazzo. Today it hosts major art exhibitions in Rome. The climb to the top floor offers a view out towards San Pietro. The bookstore is worth a visit for unusual and interesting Roman and museum themed gifts.\u00a0\nCiorano via Wiki Commons\nPalazzo Bonaparte\nPiazza Venezia is a chaotic traffic circle that is best known for the massive Vittoriano monument. The Palazzo Bonaparte stands at the beginning of the famous shopping street the via del Corso and has recently opened to the public after years of renovations. Once the home to Maria Letizia Ramolino, you may know her better as the mother of Napoleon Bonaparte, who used her enclosed green shuttered balcony to watch over the piazza.\u00a0The Suprema Style and Giada apartments are a nice stroll.\nPalazzo Venezia\nAcross the street from the Palazzo Bonaparte is the Palazzo Venezia. Over the centuries, this palace has been home to a pope, the Venetian and the Austrian embassy to Rome and the headquarters of the Fascist party. Today it is a small museum that has an eclectic collection of furniture, paintings and few Bernini sculptures. The real secret here is the quiet garden in the middle that is free and open to the public.\u00a0\nChiostro del Bramante\nThe Chiostro del Bramante is one of Rome\u2019s prettiest spaces. Built by the Renaissance era architect and rival of Michelangelo, Donato Bramante was originally part of a monastery complex. The church next door is home to four Sibyl frescoes painted by Raphael. Look for the special room next to the cafe where you can view them. The exhibition space showcases major modern artists.\u00a0 The Italy Perfect Cortigiana apartment is right there.\nLivioandronico2013 via Wiki Commons\nPalazzo Braschi\nThe Palazzo Braschi is one of the Renaissance palaces that ring the Piazza Navona. Modern by Roman standards, it was built on the footprint of a fifteenth-century construction and centuries of political and financial problems beset its completion. After WWII, it even served as shelter for 300 homeless families. After extensive repairs and renovations undertaken by the Italian state today, the palace is home to the Museo di Roma and hosts art, sculpture and photography shows. The views over the three fountains in the piazza are special. It’s very convenient to our Pasquino apartment.\nPalazzo Altemps\nInside the 15th century,\u00a0Palazzo Altemps is an enthralling selection of Classical sculpture collected by Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in the 17th century. The Ludovisi Battle sarcophagus dates to the 3rd century and is remarkable for its fine detail depicting the Romans fighting the Ostrogoths. Purchase the combined ticket for a few euros more and you will have entry to the three other museums that are part of the Museo Nazionale Romano.\u00a0\nGobbler via Wiki Commons\nPalazzo Barberini\nThe Palazzo Barberini is home to Rome\u2019s National Gallery of Ancient Art. In this vast palace, you can visit famous works by Caravaggio, Bernini, Lippi and Rafael. The site of personal gardens and vineyards of the Sforza family in the 15th century was purchased by the Barberini family in 1625. Three of Italy\u2019s greatest architects, Maderno, Borromini and Bernini all worked on the building. Don\u2019t miss the hidden garden and magnificent oval spiral staircase. This is easy to reach from the Italy Perfect apartments nearby such as Corelli Charm.\nPalazzo Merulana\nA short stroll from Termini train station is the\u00a0Palazzo Merulana. The former Health Department had been abandoned for decades, but it has been painstakingly restored into a gleaming light-filled space. The permanent collection is works of 20th-century artists from Rome and Italy, including pieces by Boetti, De Chirico and Pirandello.\nCentrale Montemartini\nThe Centrale Montemartini is an unconventional mix of form and function where Roman sculptures and mosaic floors from the Capitoline Museum collection are placed among the massive engines and turbines that once powered the city.\u00a0 The former power plant-turned-museum is in the Ostiense neighborhood where you can explore a thriving street art and modern dining scene.\u00a0\nReady to explore some of Rome\u2019s best museums? Get in touch with the Italy Perfect team today to find a vacation rental that is perfect for your trip.\u00a0\nThe post 10 Great Places to see Art Exhibitions in Rome: Beyond the Vatican Museums appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2019-12-18T12:06:30-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-08-30T10:31:59-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/St-Peters-Vatican-City-Sunset-River_DSC9845-Edit.jpg", "tags": [ "Art in Rome", "Rome", "Rome architecture", "Rome Tourism", "travel tips", "Italian Culture", "Tourist Information", "Travel Planning" ], "summary": "To help you explore more of Rome's artistic treasures in Renaissance, we have put together this list of 10 great places to see art exhibitions in Rome." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=60555", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/fountains-in-rome.html", "title": "A Guide to the Fountains in Rome and Why You Shouldn\u2019t Miss them", "content_html": "In a city of stunning and ancient architecture, it really says something that the fountains in Rome stand out on their own as beautiful attractions. The fountains are not only architectural marvels, but also gathering places for locals, settings for street musicians and the perfect places to relax with an after-dinner gelato. There are also little fountains scattered throughout Rome that are meant to be used for drinking water (these are called “nasone”), where travelers can fill up water bottles. So make sure to have a bottle with you as you\u2019re wandering around.
\n\n
Roman fountains are so beloved by Italians and visitors that Respighi, an Italian composer, wrote the beautiful “Fountains of Rome” symphonic poem in 1918, that honors four of the great Roman fountains. Each of the four movements depicts one of Rome\u2019s fountains during a different time of the day. It was first performed on March 11, 1917 at Rome’s Teatro Augusteo under the direction of Antonio Guarnieri. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a day of discovering the city’s famous and ubiquitous fountains. And now, without further ado, some of our favorite fountains in Rome!
\n![\"Trevi](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-Guide-to-the-Fountains-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect4.jpg\")
Let\u2019s start with one of the most famous fountains in Rome — the Trevi Fountain. This is not only the most famous fountain in Rome, but probably the most famous fountain in the world. It\u2019s also the largest Baroque fountain in Rome! Legend is that if a traveler throws a coin over her left shoulder with her right hand and it lands in the fountain, then she is guaranteed to return to Rome. Three Coins in the Fountain is a charming Academy Award-winning movie from times past. It is estimated that about 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain every day. In 2016, almost $1.5 million was thrown into the fountain; this money is used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome\u2019s impoverished population, and therefore stealing any money from the fountain is illegal. Fun fact: this is also the fountain where Italy Perfect\u2019s Pat, took a little swim on her graduation night just like Anite Ekberg in the classic film, La Dolce Vita.
\n![\"Fontana](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-Guide-to-the-Fountains-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect7.jpg\")
Add this fountain to the list of the many Roman masterpieces designed by Bernini. The artist was commissioned by Pope Innocent X, whose family\u2019s palace overlooked the popular Piazza Navona, where the fountain stands. It\u2019s a distinct structure, different from the other fountains, in that it features a massive Egyptian obelisk through the center, meant to symbolize the power and prestige of the papacy. Surrounding the obelisk are the gods of the four great rivers on the four continents recognized on Renaissance maps at the time of its construction in 1651: the Nile in Africa; the Danube in Europe; the Ganges in Asia; and the Rio de la Plata in South America. Animals and plants from each country surround the gods, and the water cascades down around them. Fun fact: if this fountain sounds familiar, you might have read a description in Dan Brown\u2019s Angels & Demons, where it features as a prominent crime scene!
\nItaly Perfect has some wonderful apartments nearby: Pasquino, Viola and Cavaliere in the same palazzo.
\n![\"Fontana](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-Guide-to-the-Fountains-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect2.jpg\")
If you like a side of scandal with your fountain, look no further than Fountain of the Naiads. This fountain caused a stir when it was first unveiled to the public, as it features four naked naiads (water nymphs). On top of that, it\u2019s believed that the models for the nymphs were two real women who worked as sex workers, shocking in 1901. The naiads are mythological characters who were thought to preside over bodies of fresh water: rivers, brooks, lakes, marshes and more. They were also believed to have had love affairs with gods and human men. Each of the four naiads in this fountain presides over a different body of water and is featured with an animal that lives in that type of water: the Naiad of the Oceans (with a sea horse); the Naiad of the Lakes (with a swan); the Naiad of the Rivers (with a water snake); and the Naiad of Underground Waters (with a reptile).
\n![\"Triton](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-Guide-to-the-Fountains-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect3.jpg\")
No, that\u2019s not a typo \u2013 there are two fountains in Rome featuring Triton, a god of the sea. Should you walk between them, you’ll enjoy a wonderful part of the heart of Rome. The Triton Fountain, like the Fountain of the Four Rivers mentioned earlier, was commissioned by a pope and designed by Bernini. Pope Urban VIII wanted a fountain designed for Piazza Barberini, near the entrance to Palazzo Barberini, which Bernini also helped to design and construct for the pope\u2019s family. This fountain is significant because it was the first to bridge the idea of the civic fountain \u2013 one that provided water to Rome\u2019s residents \u2013 with the idea of a sculptural fountain, which until this time, had been reserved for private gardens in residences and palaces. The Triton Fountain is sculptural, but still provided clean drinking water to the public when it was completed in 1643. Bernini chose a triton for the fountain because of a passage from Ovid\u2019s Metamorphoses, to reference a god-like control over the waters.
\nThe Fountain of the Tritons, meanwhile, is located in the Piazza Bocca della Verit\u00e0 and was completed in 1715. It features two Tritons supporting a large shell, from which water flows. This piazza has more to recommend it with the Mouth of Truth, the unusual four-sided ancient Arch of Janus and two beautiful small ancient temples.
\nItaly Perfect apartments near this fountain include Rossini’s Wish, Zegno, Ginevra, Corelli Charm and more!
\nThis is a gem of a fountain, small and sweet. Also designed by Bernini, it was designed as a watering trough for horses. The fountain consists of a large shell with three bees resting on the surface. The bees are water spouts for people echoing the three bees on the Barberini coat of arms. It is located in Piazza Barberini with the Triton fountain.
\n![\"Via](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-Guide-to-the-Fountains-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect5.jpg\")
The Quattro Fontane refers to four fountains from the late Renaissance period, located at the intersection of Via delle Quattro Fontane and Via del Quirinale. Pope Sixtus V commissioned them, and Muzio Mattei oversaw the construction between 1588 and 1593. The first fountain represents the Tiber River \u2013 this is the one with the wolf (the symbol of Rome) as a prominent feature. The second fountain is thought to represent the Aniene River, a tributary of the Tiber, which provided most Roman aqueducts with water at the time. The remaining two fountains feature two important goddesses: Diana, the symbol of chastity, and Juno, the goddess of strength. Several fine artists worked on these fountains, including Domenico Fontana and Pietro da Cortona.
\n![\"Fountain](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-Guide-to-the-Fountains-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect1.jpg\")
What if we told you that there is a \u201ctalking statue\u201d among the fountains in Rome? We wouldn\u2019t be lying, but it\u2019s probably not what you think. There are six \u201ctalking statues\u201d throughout Rome that hosted public discourse via posters in the 14th and 15th centuries. Il Facchino (The Porter) is distinct from the others only because it was created later \u2013 in 1580. It depicts a man who is a water carrier \u2013 someone who made a living taking fresh water to people\u2019s homes. It is thought to be a specific man \u2013 Abbondio Rizio \u2013 who was somewhat notorious for both his strength and his drinking prowess. More on the Talking Statues and the Congress of Wits.
\nSo what do you think of our list of the best fountains in Rome? Did we miss any that you want to see?
\nAre you ready to book your say in Rome? Contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123.
\n
The post A Guide to the Fountains in Rome and Why You Shouldn’t Miss them appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "In a city of stunning and ancient architecture, it really says something that the fountains in Rome stand out on their own as beautiful attractions. The fountains are not only architectural marvels, but also gathering places for locals, settings for street musicians and the perfect places to relax with an after-dinner gelato. There are also little fountains scattered throughout Rome that are meant to be used for drinking water (these are called “nasone”), where travelers can fill up water bottles. So make sure to have a bottle with you as you\u2019re wandering around.\n\nDiscover the Fountains in Rome\nRoman fountains are so beloved by Italians and visitors that Respighi, an Italian composer, wrote the beautiful “Fountains of Rome” symphonic poem in 1918, that honors four of the great Roman fountains. Each of the four movements depicts one of Rome\u2019s fountains during a different time of the day. It was first performed on March 11, 1917 at Rome’s Teatro Augusteo under the direction of Antonio Guarnieri. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a day of discovering the city’s famous and ubiquitous fountains. And now, without further ado, some of our favorite fountains in Rome!\n\nTrevi Fountain\nLet\u2019s start with one of the most famous fountains in Rome — the Trevi Fountain. This is not only the most famous fountain in Rome, but probably the most famous fountain in the world. It\u2019s also the largest Baroque fountain in Rome! Legend is that if a traveler throws a coin over her left shoulder with her right hand and it lands in the fountain, then she is guaranteed to return to Rome. Three Coins in the Fountain is a charming Academy Award-winning movie from times past. It is estimated that about 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain every day. In 2016, almost $1.5 million was thrown into the fountain; this money is used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome\u2019s impoverished population, and therefore stealing any money from the fountain is illegal. Fun fact: this is also the fountain where Italy Perfect\u2019s Pat, took a little swim on her graduation night just like Anite Ekberg in the classic film, La Dolce Vita.\n\nLa Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers)\nAdd this fountain to the list of the many Roman masterpieces designed by Bernini. The artist was commissioned by Pope Innocent X, whose family\u2019s palace overlooked the popular Piazza Navona, where the fountain stands. It\u2019s a distinct structure, different from the other fountains, in that it features a massive Egyptian obelisk through the center, meant to symbolize the power and prestige of the papacy. Surrounding the obelisk are the gods of the four great rivers on the four continents recognized on Renaissance maps at the time of its construction in 1651: the Nile in Africa; the Danube in Europe; the Ganges in Asia; and the Rio de la Plata in South America. Animals and plants from each country surround the gods, and the water cascades down around them. Fun fact: if this fountain sounds familiar, you might have read a description in Dan Brown\u2019s Angels & Demons, where it features as a prominent crime scene!\nItaly Perfect has some wonderful apartments nearby: Pasquino, Viola and Cavaliere in the same palazzo.\n\nFountain of the Naiads in Piazza della Repubblica\nIf you like a side of scandal with your fountain, look no further than Fountain of the Naiads. This fountain caused a stir when it was first unveiled to the public, as it features four naked naiads (water nymphs). On top of that, it\u2019s believed that the models for the nymphs were two real women who worked as sex workers, shocking in 1901. The naiads are mythological characters who were thought to preside over bodies of fresh water: rivers, brooks, lakes, marshes and more. They were also believed to have had love affairs with gods and human men. Each of the four naiads in this fountain presides over a different body of water and is featured with an animal that lives in that type of water: the Naiad of the Oceans (with a sea horse); the Naiad of the Lakes (with a swan); the Naiad of the Rivers (with a water snake); and the Naiad of Underground Waters (with a reptile).\n\nTriton Fountain and Fountain of the Tritons\nNo, that\u2019s not a typo \u2013 there are two fountains in Rome featuring Triton, a god of the sea. Should you walk between them, you’ll enjoy a wonderful part of the heart of Rome. The Triton Fountain, like the Fountain of the Four Rivers mentioned earlier, was commissioned by a pope and designed by Bernini. Pope Urban VIII wanted a fountain designed for Piazza Barberini, near the entrance to Palazzo Barberini, which Bernini also helped to design and construct for the pope\u2019s family. This fountain is significant because it was the first to bridge the idea of the civic fountain \u2013 one that provided water to Rome\u2019s residents \u2013 with the idea of a sculptural fountain, which until this time, had been reserved for private gardens in residences and palaces. The Triton Fountain is sculptural, but still provided clean drinking water to the public when it was completed in 1643. Bernini chose a triton for the fountain because of a passage from Ovid\u2019s Metamorphoses, to reference a god-like control over the waters.\nThe Fountain of the Tritons, meanwhile, is located in the Piazza Bocca della Verit\u00e0 and was completed in 1715. It features two Tritons supporting a large shell, from which water flows. This piazza has more to recommend it with the Mouth of Truth, the unusual four-sided ancient Arch of Janus and two beautiful small ancient temples.\nItaly Perfect apartments near this fountain include Rossini’s Wish, Zegno, Ginevra, Corelli Charm and more!\nLa Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the Bees)\nThis is a gem of a fountain, small and sweet. Also designed by Bernini, it was designed as a watering trough for horses. The fountain consists of a large shell with three bees resting on the surface. The bees are water spouts for people echoing the three bees on the Barberini coat of arms. It is located in Piazza Barberini with the Triton fountain.\n\nFour Fountains on Via delle Quattro Fontane\nThe Quattro Fontane refers to four fountains from the late Renaissance period, located at the intersection of Via delle Quattro Fontane and Via del Quirinale. Pope Sixtus V commissioned them, and Muzio Mattei oversaw the construction between 1588 and 1593. The first fountain represents the Tiber River \u2013 this is the one with the wolf (the symbol of Rome) as a prominent feature. The second fountain is thought to represent the Aniene River, a tributary of the Tiber, which provided most Roman aqueducts with water at the time. The remaining two fountains feature two important goddesses: Diana, the symbol of chastity, and Juno, the goddess of strength. Several fine artists worked on these fountains, including Domenico Fontana and Pietro da Cortona.\n\nFountain of the Facchino\nWhat if we told you that there is a \u201ctalking statue\u201d among the fountains in Rome? We wouldn\u2019t be lying, but it\u2019s probably not what you think. There are six \u201ctalking statues\u201d throughout Rome that hosted public discourse via posters in the 14th and 15th centuries. Il Facchino (The Porter) is distinct from the others only because it was created later \u2013 in 1580. It depicts a man who is a water carrier \u2013 someone who made a living taking fresh water to people\u2019s homes. It is thought to be a specific man \u2013 Abbondio Rizio \u2013 who was somewhat notorious for both his strength and his drinking prowess. More on the Talking Statues and the Congress of Wits.\nSo what do you think of our list of the best fountains in Rome? Did we miss any that you want to see?\nAre you ready to book your say in Rome? Contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123.\n\nThe post A Guide to the Fountains in Rome and Why You Shouldn’t Miss them appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2019-08-21T11:51:39-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-06-20T05:22:02-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/A-Guide-to-the-Fountains-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect6.jpg", "tags": [ "Rome", "Rome architecture", "Rome Tourism" ], "summary": "View our guide to the fountains in Rome. Fountains are beloved by Italians and visitors alike so make sure you see them on your trip to Italy." }, { "id": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/?p=60527", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/jewish-quarter-and-piazza-mattei-in-rome.html", "title": "Discovering the Jewish Quarter and Piazza Mattei in Rome", "content_html": "When we say that the Jewish Quarter or Ghetto is one of the oldest parts of the city of Rome, that\u2019s really saying something considering Rome was founded in 700 BC. The Roman Jewish community has had a presence in the city for over 2,000 years, making it the oldest Jewish community in Europe! This is a historically significant and intriguing neighborhood where you find famous plaza, Piazza Mattei, which is home to one of the most beloved fountains in the city: the Turtle Fountain.
\n\n
In the 1500s, this neighborhood was designated as the residential area for the Jewish community, and it was walled off from the rest of the city. The city’s Jews were required to live here in desperately crowded circumstances in the least desirable area of the city due to flooding. They were locked in at night and could not own property. They were required to attend daily mass. There was some small comfort in that walled-in, the Jews were protected against attacks by Christian mobs and could practice their customs without interference. Opened in 1870, this part of Rome is now considered an important historical and cultural destination, and the Jewish community living there now — calling it home by choice –is thriving.
\n![\"\"](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Discovering-the-Jewish-Quarter-and-Piazza-Mattei-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect-1.jpg\")
This neighborhood is very close to Capitoline Hill, Piazza Navona and Piazza Venezia. It\u2019s bordered by Via delle Botteghe Oscure to the north and the Tiber River to the south and Via del Teatro di Marcello to the east, with Via Arenula to the west. Realistically, you can walk the length of the neighborhood in about 20 minutes, but make sure to leave yourself at least an hour or two to really explore, and more if you want to try some food and peek into some shops.
\n![\"Rome](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Discovering-the-Jewish-Quarter-and-Piazza-Mattei-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect.jpg\")
Though the neighborhood is small, there are several significant sights. Tempio Maggiore (the Great Synagogue) has been a striking part of the primarily Catholic Roman skyline since 1904, after the neighborhood was no longer a closed ghetto and was a unified part of the city. Via del Portico d\u2019Ottavia is the pedestrianized main street of this neighborhood and is lined with restaurants, many of them offering the famous Carciofi alla Romana (more on that later). Via del Portico d’Ottavia ends in some nice ruins next to the Teatro Marcello, a smaller cousin of the Coliseum. And of course there’s Piazza Mattei, with its famous Turtle Fountain — one of the highlights of the neighborhood.
\n![\"Piazza](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Discovering-the-Jewish-Quarter-and-Piazza-Mattei-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect-4.jpg\")
This is one of the oldest parts of this already ancient neighborhood. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the Turtle Fountain, Fontana delle Tartarughe. There is a legend surrounding this fountain: that a man named Giocomo Mattei had the fountain built overnight in front of his palazzo in order to impress the father of a woman he wanted to marry. Others accept the more probable explanation that it was commissioned as part of a project led by Jacopo della Porta in the 1580s in a project to bring fresh water to neighborhoods throughout the city. Either way, this square and this fountain are beloved by visitors and are worth a visit on your way through the neighborhood.\u00a0In the CBS show Blood and Treasure, the “When in Rome” episode has some nice scenes filmed in Piazza Mattei.
\nThe fountain is composed of a few different sculptures: four bronze youths figures riding atop four dolphins in huge seashells. The turtles that the boys are pushing into the upper basin were actually added in the late 1680s by Bernini, so they were not part of the original design. And as for the meaning of the turtles? They are thought to contrast with the speed of the dolphins, therefore signifying a larger message about haste versus speed when making decisions in life.
\nFor an authentic experience, we recommend having an aperitivo in La Tartughe a cheerful cafe and local hang-out, then enjoy a meal in Pane Vino San Daniele. And, you can\u2019t leave the neighborhood without trying the delicious specialty that originated in this area of town: the Carciofi alla Romana, a traditional artichoke-based dish.
\n![\"Rome](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Discovering-the-Jewish-Quarter-and-Piazza-Mattei-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect5.jpg\")
You’re in luck: we have several vacation rentals in this area, take a look here.
\n![\"Rome](\"https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Discovering-the-Jewish-Quarter-and-Piazza-Mattei-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect6.jpg\")
So, have we convinced you to explore this little corner of Rome? If so, you can contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123 and we\u2019ll help you find the perfect place to rest after sampling all of those tasty artichokes.
\nThe post Discovering the Jewish Quarter and Piazza Mattei in Rome appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.
\n", "content_text": "When we say that the Jewish Quarter or Ghetto is one of the oldest parts of the city of Rome, that\u2019s really saying something considering Rome was founded in 700 BC. The Roman Jewish community has had a presence in the city for over 2,000 years, making it the oldest Jewish community in Europe! This is a historically significant and intriguing neighborhood where you find famous plaza, Piazza Mattei, which is home to one of the most beloved fountains in the city: the Turtle Fountain.\n\nWhy is it called the Jewish Ghetto?\nIn the 1500s, this neighborhood was designated as the residential area for the Jewish community, and it was walled off from the rest of the city. The city’s Jews were required to live here in desperately crowded circumstances in the least desirable area of the city due to flooding. They were locked in at night and could not own property. They were required to attend daily mass. There was some small comfort in that walled-in, the Jews were protected against attacks by Christian mobs and could practice their customs without interference. Opened in 1870, this part of Rome is now considered an important historical and cultural destination, and the Jewish community living there now — calling it home by choice –is thriving.\n\nWhere in the city is it located?\nThis neighborhood is very close to Capitoline Hill, Piazza Navona and Piazza Venezia. It\u2019s bordered by Via delle Botteghe Oscure to the north and the Tiber River to the south and Via del Teatro di Marcello to the east, with Via Arenula to the west. Realistically, you can walk the length of the neighborhood in about 20 minutes, but make sure to leave yourself at least an hour or two to really explore, and more if you want to try some food and peek into some shops.\n\nWhat to see in the Jewish Ghetto?\nThough the neighborhood is small, there are several significant sights. Tempio Maggiore (the Great Synagogue) has been a striking part of the primarily Catholic Roman skyline since 1904, after the neighborhood was no longer a closed ghetto and was a unified part of the city. Via del Portico d\u2019Ottavia is the pedestrianized main street of this neighborhood and is lined with restaurants, many of them offering the famous Carciofi alla Romana (more on that later). Via del Portico d’Ottavia ends in some nice ruins next to the Teatro Marcello, a smaller cousin of the Coliseum. And of course there’s Piazza Mattei, with its famous Turtle Fountain — one of the highlights of the neighborhood.\n\nWhat\u2019s the story behind Piazza Mattei?\nThis is one of the oldest parts of this already ancient neighborhood. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the Turtle Fountain, Fontana delle Tartarughe. There is a legend surrounding this fountain: that a man named Giocomo Mattei had the fountain built overnight in front of his palazzo in order to impress the father of a woman he wanted to marry. Others accept the more probable explanation that it was commissioned as part of a project led by Jacopo della Porta in the 1580s in a project to bring fresh water to neighborhoods throughout the city. Either way, this square and this fountain are beloved by visitors and are worth a visit on your way through the neighborhood.\u00a0In the CBS show Blood and Treasure, the “When in Rome” episode has some nice scenes filmed in Piazza Mattei.\nWhy are there turtles on the fountain?\nThe fountain is composed of a few different sculptures: four bronze youths figures riding atop four dolphins in huge seashells. The turtles that the boys are pushing into the upper basin were actually added in the late 1680s by Bernini, so they were not part of the original design. And as for the meaning of the turtles? They are thought to contrast with the speed of the dolphins, therefore signifying a larger message about haste versus speed when making decisions in life.\nWhat to eat and drink in the Piazza Mattei?\nFor an authentic experience, we recommend having an aperitivo in La Tartughe a cheerful cafe and local hang-out, then enjoy a meal in Pane Vino San Daniele. And, you can\u2019t leave the neighborhood without trying the delicious specialty that originated in this area of town: the Carciofi alla Romana, a traditional artichoke-based dish.\n\nWhere to stay near Piazzi Mattei and the Jewish Ghetto?\nYou’re in luck: we have several vacation rentals in this area, take a look here.\n\nSo, have we convinced you to explore this little corner of Rome? If so, you can contact Italy Perfect at reservations@italyperfect.com or 1-888-308-6123 and we\u2019ll help you find the perfect place to rest after sampling all of those tasty artichokes. \nThe post Discovering the Jewish Quarter and Piazza Mattei in Rome appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.", "date_published": "2019-07-17T11:26:31-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-11-14T12:46:40-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "Italy Perfect", "url": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/author/italy-perfect", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c1ba51ac97471f227c07dcecf9b744dc9e7df2e53897ae9ef49ce10c4109e12?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://www.italyperfect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Discovering-the-Jewish-Quarter-and-Piazza-Mattei-in-Rome-by-Italy-Perfect-2.jpg", "tags": [ "Rome", "Rome history", "Rome Tourism" ], "summary": "When we say that the Jewish Quarter or Ghetto is one of the oldest parts of the city of Rome. Book your next trip to Italy with Italy Perfect." } ] }