It is easy to fall in love with Rome, and for me, every visit is like the first time. There is history lurking in every corner, and so much to discover of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Sometimes it even feels quite surreal, like one was walking onto a film set, and then there’s the food. I would need a whole blog post just for the food. I also think that when it comes to the style stakes, the Italians are unbeatable.
As I have already covered the big tourist landmarks like the Vatican, the Pantheon and the Colosseum on my previous trips, I spent my time walking around the charming cobblestoned streets, taking in all the art displayed in beautiful Palazzos, marvelled at Renaissance and Baroque Churches, ate the most delicious pizza at Vineria il Chianti, had the best pasta of my life at Trattoria Cavalier Gino, indulged in gelato and pastries at Giolitti’s, and enjoyed a lovely evening at Pierluigi’s sipping on their delicious cocktails and having our food composed for us, a steady stream of fabulous seafood dishes. As I lived at a friend’s flat around the corner from the Fontana di Trevi, I got the chance to be enraptured twice a day by that magnificent creation by Nicola Salvi from 1762, looking better than ever after a 17 month, 2 million euro restoration.
I was totally enamoured by the warmth, the colours, the people, the sounds, the arts , the style and the food, there is a very lovely unhurried pace in Rome, you take the time to enjoy everything that you do. There were too many photos and I have tried my best not to drown this blog post with them, it was tough to choose, but through them I present a little of what I experienced in La Bella Roma.
Entrance to the Borghese Gardens.
View of the gardens from Galleria Borghese.The impressive very ornate and rich entrance to the Galleria Borghese.The beautiful painted ceilings of the Galleria Borghese.The genius of Caravaggio.Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne from 1622.
Stunning portrait in marble of Paolina Borghese Bonaparte by Antonio Canova. 1805.The quiet little Piazza de Ricci where the seafood restaurant Pierluigi has been since 1938.Chef gave us a selection of dishes, here a delicious carpaccio of scallops.Super bartender Fabrizio at Pierluigi. The staff are warm and friendly and although high end, has a very relaxed atmosphere.
Ceiling of Borromini’s San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane.Francesco Borromini’s San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, a 17th Century Baroque church located on the Quirinal hill.The little street Vicolo Rosini where you will find the most delicious pasta, Trattoria Cavalier Gino.Trattoria Cavalier Gino. Been around since 1963 and it’s location near the Parliament and is a favourite with politicians.The best carbonara I have ever had at Trattoria Cavalier Gino. I could have licked that plate clean!Walking around the bohemian and hip Monti neighbourhood is a must.
Bernini’s fountain in the Piazza Navona. It is said that there was a fierce rivalry between Bernini and Borromini, and Bernini’s figures at the fountain were made to turn away from Borromini’s church.The 17th Century Sant’Agnese in Agone by Borromini. The Church faces the Piazza Navona.The cupola of the Sant’Agnese in Agone by Borromini.15th Century Santa Maria della Pace .Santa Maria della PaceCupola of Santa Maria della PacePalazzo Altemps, built in the 15th century by the Riario family. It now houses an important collection of Greek and Roman sculptures.Courtyard of the 15th Century Palazzo Altemps.The stunning painted loggia with a gallery of twelve Caesars. Palazzo Altemps. The beautiful frescoes that resemble an enchanted garden are attributed to Antonio Viviani in the late 16th century.15th Century Basilica of Sant’Agostino.Basilica Sant’Agostino.San Luigi dei Francesi, built between 1518 and 1580.San Luigi dei Francesi.Two out of three Caravaggio paintings , such a thrill to see such masterpieces in a church. Art is truly everywhere in Rome.Giolitti on Via Uffici del Vicario was founded in 1890 and has the best gelato in town.Not only does Giolitti have the best gelato, it is pastry heaven, and I adore Italian biscuits, these ones just melt in the mouth.The areas around Via Margutta and Via del Babuino are very charming little streets filled with little boutiques and cafes.Located on Via Del Babuino, the Caffè Canova-Tadolini was once a sculpture atelier owned by Canova, it now serves delicious pastries and an excellent cappucino.Via Vittoria shopping street. Go to Via Condotti for the big names, but these little streets have some great boutiques with smaller labels.The Palazzo Barberini houses one of Italy’s most prized collections of paintings.Palazzo Barberini.The Biblioteca Casanatense at Via di Sant’Ignazio, was founded in 1701 and today houses a collection of 400,000 volumes mostly from the 15th to 17th century. There is such a feeling of awe when you walk into this room.The temple of Hadrian built in 144 A.D in the Piazza di Pietra.Piazza del Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo on the Capitoline Hill.Fori Imperiali, Forums built for the Roman Empire between 46 BC and 113 AD. Just magical at night.The bridge over to the West Bank of the Tiber where you cross to get to Trastevere’s nightlife.Sora Lella’s Roman specialties has been around since 1940, and is in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant is on Isola Tiberina, the little island in the middle of the Tiber river between the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere, and you come across the restaurant as you cross over the bridge.Teatro Marcello, a semi circular open air theatre for drama and music that was initiated by Julius Caesar who died before construction began, it was completed in 11 B.C by Emperor Augustus. Unfortunately in the Middle Ages they decided to reconstruct the top shaving off the top floors of the building.
Fontana di Trevi after a 17 month cleaning and restoration, the fountain is as stunning as ever, I think especially so at night.The gorgeous Italian Stone Pine or Umbrella Pines loom gracefully over all the parks in the city.
Beautiful post Vim Soderqvist,very elegantly written and the photos I must say are very captivating,makes one come alive in it.Nice one.Renaissance art at it’s best.
Are you sure you were there for 3 days and not 3 weeks!!!?? 🙂 Great job in bringing to life and doing justice to one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Grazie!!
Wow I wish for a trip to Rome! Apollo and Daphne, one of my favorites, absolutely stunning!
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The Rape of Persephone is also stunning, so many to marvel at.
Beautiful post Vim Soderqvist,very elegantly written and the photos I must say are very captivating,makes one come alive in it.Nice one.Renaissance art at it’s best.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it.
Are you sure you were there for 3 days and not 3 weeks!!!?? 🙂 Great job in bringing to life and doing justice to one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Grazie!!
Haha such an adorable comment. It’s amazing how much I am able to see and do in a city in 3 days being the travel junkie that I am!