“O Roma, Roma, at thy feet
I lay this barren gift of song!
For, ah! the way is steep and long
That leads unto thy sacred street.” (Rome Unvisited by Oscar Wilde)
Rome: the Eternal city, the Pope, Fellini, gelato, la bella figura, art. These are just some of the words that conjure up so many wonderful things about this beautiful but oftentimes quite imposing city. The task to see Rome can be daunting so here is a list of some of my favorite things (in addition to the long list of “must see things” that every guidebook will give you):
TRASTEVERE (“across the Tiber”): it is distinct area of Rome that used to be the
city’s poorest slum but today it’s a charming area with wonderful little boutiques, small restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The city’s large Jewish synagogue is also nearby in the midst of the old Jewish ghetto whose walls were torn down in 1849.
AL SOGNO: this adorable toy store at the Piazza Navona sweeps you away no matter how old you are. Its wooden Pinocchio figurines and painted wooden letters are good souvenirs. 53 Piazza Navona.
THE TERRACE OF HOTEL RAPHAEL: take a break from the busy street life and enjoy a glass of wine or Champaign on the top of this charming hotel that offers a breathtaking view of the rooftops of the city.
FABRIANO: an ultra cool stationary store where everything is arranged by color. 173 Vida del Babiano.
THE TINY BOUTIQUE OF LILLIANA MICHILLI: she makes faithful copies of rings by the master jewel makers, Cartier, Bulgari, etc. The best are, however, her original designs: beautiful filigreed earrings, and necklaces. 37 Via dei Banchi Vecchi.
VILLA BORGHESE: a magical place with its gardens (sculptures by Bernini’s father) where, under the shade of the huge trees the weary traveler can take respite and seek refuge from the summer heat. The villa houses one of the greatest collections of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities.
Rome: the Eternal city, the Pope, Fellini, gelato, la bella figura, art. These are just some of the words that conjure up so many wonderful things about this beautiful but oftentimes quite imposing city. The task to see Rome can be daunting so here is a list of some of my favorite things (in addition to the long list of “must see things” that every guidebook will give you):
TRASTEVERE (“across the Tiber”): it is distinct area of Rome that used to be the 
city’s poorest slum but today it’s a charming area with wonderful little boutiques, small restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. The city’s large Jewish synagogue is also nearby in the midst of the old Jewish ghetto whose walls were torn down in 1849.
AL SOGNO: this adorable toy store at the Piazza Navona sweeps you away no matter how old you are. Its wooden Pinocchio figurines and painted wooden letters are good souvenirs. 53 Piazza Navona.
THE TERRACE OF HOTEL RAPHAEL: take a break from the busy street life and enjoy a glass of wine or Champaign on the top of this charming hotel that offers a breathtaking view of the rooftops of the city.
FABRIANO: an ultra cool stationary store where everything is arranged by color. 173 Vida del Babiano.
THE TINY BOUTIQUE OF LILLIANA MICHILLI: she makes faithful copies of rings by the master jewel makers, Cartier, Bulgari, etc. The best are, however, her original designs: beautiful filigreed earrings, and necklaces. 37 Via dei Banchi Vecchi.
VILLA BORGHESE: a magical place with its gardens (sculptures by Bernini’s father) where, under the shade of the huge trees the weary traveler can take respite and seek refuge from the summer heat. The villa houses one of the greatest collections of paintings, sculptures, and antiquities.
1 comment:
I just returned from Italy. It is truly a splendid place.
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