Aug 28

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome Entertainment, Rome Nightlife, Rome Walking Tours 1 Comment »

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

The Spanish Steps in Rome

When in Rome enjoy a relaxing Rome walking tour covering at your own pace the Eternal City’s historical center and visit enchanting churches, monumental fountains and Egyptian obelisks.

Discover Renaissance and Baroque Rome in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini by touring the famous Spanish Steps, the legendary Trevi Fountain, the marvelous Piazza Navona the heart of Baroque Rome and the lively Campo dè Fiori.

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

La Barcaccia Fountain in Piazza di Spagna, Rome

Start your walking Rome Tour from the bottom of Via dei Condotti exploring Rome’s most exclusive designers and jewelers window shops. Reach the lively Piazza di Spagna from where you will immerse yourself into beauty, history and mystery where the combination of a monumental staircase, the world renowned Spanish Steps, an Egyptian obelisk, the refreshing Barcaccia Fountain by Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Father, and the rosy Trinità dei Monti beautiful French church draws visitors and photographers to the square from all over the world.

From Piazza di Spagna continues your enchanting journey through Rome Baroque and Renaissance past, and a bit further sometime. On the way to the Trevi Fountain don’t miss the opportunity to explore the off the beaten path ancient roman aqueduct of the Aqua Virgo and the outstanding two marble angels crafted by Bernini located in the Baroque Borromini Church of St. Andrea delle Fratte. A curiosity often people think that the two angels in St. Angel Castle bridge are original but..these are just copies of the real ones placed in the Church of Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte!

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

Bernini's Angels inside the Borromonini's Church St. Andrea delle Fratte

Next stop will be the outstanding Trevi Fountain! Before leaving the Trevi Square do not forget to throw a coin (over your shoulder with your back to the fountain) into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome!

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

The Trevi Fountain in Rome

Continue your pleasant stroll through Rome narrows streets till you reach the ancient roman Pantheon to appreciate its amazing “oculus”, the central point of the Pantheon far above visitors’ heads, and the richly decorated colored marble floors, that the make the 2000 years old landmark an unforgettable experience.

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

The Oculus inside the Pantheon in Rome

Once here do not miss the Egyptian Obelisk in the middle of the Piazza and pay attention to the other Bernini’s gem the small but remarkable Obelisk on top of the elephant statue in the nearby Piazza della Minerva.

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

Bernini's Extravagant Elephant Statue in Piazza della Minnerva

After a tasty gelato and a short walk you will reach Piazza Navona (Navona Square), the most Baroque of the roman squares, built on the perimeter of the ancient Domitian’s Stadium and today adorned by the Borromini Church of St. Agnes in Agone and three outstanding fountains: the Bernini’s Masterpiece Fountain of the Four Rivers decorated with an Egyptian obelisk on top, the Fountain of the Moor in front of the 17th century Palazzo Pamphilj, today home to the Brazilian Embassy, and the Fountain of the Neptune also known as the Fountain of the Boilermakers located at the northern side of the Piazza. Today the square is lined with outdoor café and lively wine-bars making Piazza Navona one of the best places in Rome to fully enjoy art, history and la Dolce Vita lifestyle.

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

4 Rivers Fountain by Bernini in Navona Square, Rome

You will end your walking tour of Baroque Rome in Campo dei Fiori (Field of Flowers) which derives its name from the Flowering Field that till the Renaissance was really here.

Nowadays Campo, as it usually referred by locals, is very popular with Romans and foreigners alike, who enjoy one of the several shows by street artists performed in the evening or a relaxing glass of wine in one of the many cafés and wine bars located in this very charming square. In the middle of Campo there’s the Giordano Bruno’s Statue, a philosopher burnt to die the 17th of February of 1600 after the Roman Inquisition found him guilty of heresy. Interesting to note that Campo de’ Fiori is the only big Roman square with no churches.

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

Giordano Bruno overseeing Campo dè Fiori, Rome

Behind Campo dè Fiori you can admire the beautiful Palazzo Farnese wanted by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese and designed by major artists of the Renaissance, today home to the French Embassy. Also Michelangelo was involved with the project trying to link the Farnese palace to Villa Farnesina, located on the other Tiber’s bank also owned by Farnese family. Observe the two beautiful granite basins that were relocated to the Farnese Square in the 16th century from the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla.

It’s time to eat now and sure you will find several tasty Italian restaurants, cozy wine bars and yummy pizzerie around to enjoy Italian food & wine as a nice way to celebrate your Renaissance and Baroque Rome Tour.

Slow Food Restaurants & Pizzerie in & around Campo dè Fiori

Did I miss anything? Do you want to share with us any Rome’s tip or insight? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

NancyAielloTours.com
ItalyTravelista.com
Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

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Jul 29

Rome Shopping Guide between Art and History | Tour Rome

By ItalyTravelista Food & Wine, Free in Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome Day Trips, Rome Entertainment, Rome Walking Tours, Shopping in Italy, Travel Italy No Comments »

Rome Shopping Guide between Art and History | Tour Rome

Rome Shopping between Art and History

Shopping in Rome is a must on your visit! Rome is a tremendous place for shopping and all non-EU residents can claim a tax refund (Approx. 14% Net) on VAT Tax Refund if they spend over € 154, 94 in any one day in one shop, and if they live outside the EU for more than six months in the year. You just need to bring a copy of your passport when shopping since you will be asked to fill out a form with your personal data as well as your passport number.

Shopping Rome Shopping Tours3 300x225 Rome Shopping Guide between Art and History | Tour Rome

Rome Al Fresco Lunch

Most stores are open from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm except Mondays when they open at 3:30 pm and close at 7:30 pm. A lot of shops close for a couple of hours at lunch time and that gives the perfect excuse for a long meal in one of the many delightful restaurants located along ancient streets transformed nowadays into trendy shopping areas.

Rome’s historic centre offers more than 2,000 years of history, hosting treasure-filled museums, architectural wonders, stunning landmarks and enchanting squares together with exclusive boutiques, innovative gourmet restaurants and lively wine bars to enjoy shopping while living the most cosmopolitan side of the Eternal City of Rome!

Most of Rome’s fashion shopping is crammed into the Spanish Steps area from Via dei Condotti, the Madison Avenue of Rome, to Via Borgognona filled by elegant boutiques, several adorned with neoclassical facades, selling high style Italian clothes, where shoppers can purchase the latest collections s by famous brands such as Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, Valentino, Armani and Versace. But the streets worth a visit even if you do not want to buy anything as are also a great place for some serious window-   shopping and people-watching!

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Early Baroque Fountain of the Old Boat

To the right of the Spanish Steps are two of the major street for antiques in Rome, Via Margutta today rich of art galleries and fashionable restaurants, starting from the Renaissance centre of life for craftsmen workshops, including the neoclassical artist Canova who had his workshop here, and the fine Via del Babuino lined with antique shops, some with a long history as the print shop at number 110 where both Wagner and Poussin used to live.

Many other streets intersect this trendy city-centre street filled with a variety of exclusive boutiques cafes and al fresco restaurants.

Rome Spanish Steps elegant shopping area has ancient Roman origins.

Via dei Condotti originally must have been the entrance to Lucullo’s Villa and remained during the Medieval times a country road. Since the 18th century became common and trendy to meet in Via Condotti’s cafes and at the Spanish Steps, and that has not changed much! Yesterday were Stendhal, Byron, Shelley, Goethe and D’Annunzio while today politicians, artists and movie stars keep meeting at the Caffé Greco in Via dei Condotti, 81, perhaps the most famous café in Rome.

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Antico Caffé Greco, established in 1760.

From 1870 the street has pretty much remained the same as it was originally designed, when Rome became the capital of Italy and this area was designed to be occupied by banks and state administrative offices.  Bulgari opened here in 1905 its atelier and Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the radio, lived at Via dei Condotti 11, until his death in 1937.

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Shopping in Rome

Via del Babuino, rich in 17-18th-century palaces was the artists’ street. In the 17th century, a colony of Dutch and Flemish painters came to live here and in the adjacent Via Margutta and therefore becoming the antiquarians’ street.
Today, prestigious antiquarians still have their shops here together with jewelers’ like Tiffany, Chopard, and Pomellato and icon fashion stores like Emporio Armani, Kenzo, Etro and Chanel.

The close Via Margutta, where Gregory Peck’s character lived in the classic movie Roman Holidays  became in the 1950s an exclusive address and home to  famous people, like film director Federico Fellini, and as result became one of the most cultural and lively areas in Rome.

Today this vivacious ancient area of Rome is one of the most important high-level shopping areas offering a wide choice of shops: antiques, jewelers, boutiques and fashion ateliers that keep the tradition and charm of one of the most beautiful old streets in Rome.

Rome Shopping Guide between Art and History | Tour Rome

Via dei Condotti home to many of Italian's Designer Shops

Enjoy your Rome Shopping Stroll!

Ciao from Rome
Nancy Aiello
NancyAielloTours.com
Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

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Jun 11

Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Italy, Italy Museums, Rome, Rome Museums, Rome Walking Tours, Vatican, Vatican Museums 5 Comments »

vatican museums Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

When in Rome enjoy the best of Rome Free of Charge! Explore Rome with your family without breaking your bank account! Here’s ItalyTravelista Top 10 Free Things to do in Rome to explore Rome at your own pace! By the way do not miss a tour of Rome by Night!!!

1) Visit the Vatican Museums free of charge on the last Sunday of every month, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (the last admission is at 12:30 p.m.).

Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

Over 400 churches in Rome Centre alone!

2) Churches are everywhere in Rome, according to Wikipedia there are over 900 churches in Rome! Access is free of Charge including the magnificent Four Rome Basilicas of San Giovanni in Laterano, Saint Paul outside the walls, St. Peter and Santa Maria Maggiore. Donations are welcome!

Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

St.Peter Square in the Vatican City

3) Dozen of Squares, 13 obelisks and countless fountains are the best spots to take pictures, write postcards, and watch the people go by!

Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

Egyptian Obelisk in Navona Square

4) The Pantheon goes Free!

Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

The Pantheon is free and you can have a Big Mac!

5) Watch the Roman Forum from the Capitoline Hill best during sunset!

6) Water! Delicious water from every fountain! Travel Eco-friendly! Don’t purchase bottled water just drink the Major’s Water!

Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

In Rome Fountains and Water are Everywhere!

7) Parks! Walk across the enchanting Borghese Gardens, Villa Ada and/or Villa Pamphili for a great day out or a picnic lunch with kids!

icon cool Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City Visit the Holy Area of Largo Argentina and watch the cats lounging among the ruins of four ancient temples.

Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

The Holy Area of Largo Argentina

9) Enjoy Rome’s finest view from the Janicolum Hill and set your watches. Cannon on the hill fires at noon every day, since 1904.

10) Check out the only Pyramid in Rome that houses the tomb of Caius Cestius, one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome and visit the nearby Non-Catholic Cemetery often referred to as the Cimitero degli Inglesi-Englishmen’s Cemetery to enjoy peace without forgetting the Latin Motto Carpe Diem.

Do not forget to read local magazines for free events, Roman foodie festivals & music concerts in Rome.

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private family oriented Rome and Vatican tours led by friendly and entertaining official Rome tour guides designed to satisfy the curiosity and attention spans of the whole family visiting Rome.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours.

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Jun 10

When in Rome | Free Rome Walking Tour | Easy in Rome

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome Walking Tours No Comments »

When in Rome | Free Rome Walking Tour | Easy in Rome

When in Rome walk by the Tiber River

When In Rome…Walk by the Tiber River and discover the millenarian history of the ‘Eternal City’

Rome wasn’t built in a day and a way to appreciate that is to take a stroll by the river and see the beautiful bridges built by the Romans and the Popes over the last 2000 years…and by the way It’s another Free thing to do when in Rome!

Start your walking tour from Ponte Milvio, the bridge that connects the ancient Via Flaminia to Piazza del Popolo. This is one of the oldest bridges in Rome with a rich history of conspiracies and fights. Right here in 312 A.D. Constantine defeated his rival Massentius in the famous Battle of Milvian Bridge. Since then the bridge has been the witness of many more battles including the latest in 2006 when the bridge began attracting couples, who use a lamppost on the bridge to hang padlocks as a sign of their love then throwing the key behind them into the Tiber.

Ponte Milvio is also a lively neighbourhood with lots of bars, local trattorias, fancy restaurants & tasty wine bars. It becomes very very crowded on week ends after 10 PM!

Following the river you’ll come across several nice bridges built after the 1870 when Rome became the Capital of Italy.

Keep walking until you reach one of best known Roman bridges: Ponte Sant’Angelo. Built in 136 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian to allow access to his Mausoleum now known as St. Angel Castle. The Angel you see on top of the Castle was designed by Bernini. Today the castle has been made even more famous by Dan Brown’s latest novel Angels & Demons for the Illuminati ‘Passetto’, the fortified passage that connects the castle to the Vatican Palaces!

Pass the Vatican and follow the river until you reach Ponte Sisto that connects Trastevere to the Campo dè Fiori. It has a long history that dates back to the 12 B.C. but what we see today was built by Sisto IV in 1475 to connect the newly redeveloped area of Via Giulia & Farnese square to the food warehouses located on the Trastevere side. This charming area is where most Romans would love to live, including me!

Some more walking and you’ll see the inspiring Tiber Island, a boat-shaped island which has long been associated with healing. Two bridges join the island to the city: Ponte Fabricius built in 62 B.C. and still intact today on the Jewish quarter side, and Ponte Cestio built in 46 B.C. on the trastevere side. Caio Cestio had a brother and you can still see his peculiar monument built to hold his ashes in the nearby Via Ostiense, hard to miss: It’s a Pyramid!

Just few yards and you’ll see in the middle of the river the vestigial remains of the Palatinum Bridge. It was the first stone bridge to span the Tiber. Originally was called the Pons Aemilius, the pillars of this ancient bridge date from 179 B.C., while the arches connecting them date from 142 BC. It was repaired several times from the 13 B.C. onwards until the final collapse in 1598, when it was nicknamed by the pragmatic Romans Ponte Rotto, Broken Bridge.

Anther short walk and you’ll see the Pons Sublicius: the oldest and most famous of the bridges across the Tiber, built, according to tradition, by Ancus Martius. It was constructed of wood without metal and it was under the direct care of the college of pontiffs, its preservation was a matter of religion, and any injury caused by floods was regarded as a prodigy. From the Pontiffs word it comes Pontiff or Pope!

On the way especially in the trastevere area you’ll see many kiosks selling grattachecca, a summer tradition in Rome! It consists of manually scratched ice flavored with fruit juice, stop by and taste what, on popular accounts, date backs to ancient Roman dictator Quintus Fabius Maximus!

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