Rome visitors in 2011 will enjoy a great deal of art exhibitions ranging from Van Gogh to contemporary art, from Palazzo Farnese Renaissance art to futurist artist Pablo Echaurren via Teotihuacan City of Gods at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni and the amazing Golden treasures from Romania’s Museums at the Imperial Forum museum. 2011 is going to be another year of unforgettable shows in Rome.

Ancient Treasures from Dacia in Rome at the Imperial Forum Museum

Until April 3, 2011 the ancient ruins of the Trajan’s Market form the backdrop for the exhibition of over 140 gold and silver priceless artifacts all discovered within the territory of Romania, known as Dacia during ancient Rome times. Famous for its goldmines since prehistoric times the Dacia region became known throughout the world for its goldsmiths and this exhibition features gold spiraled bracelets (2^nd Century B.C.) each one weighting 2,2 pounds, a ceremonial sword (17^th Century B.C.), religious artifacts, exceptional treasures like a beautiful Greek-style helmet (4^th Century B.C.), and little gold plaques (2^nd Century A.D.) together with jewels from the tombs of the Barbarian princes and the Pietroasa treasures that belonged to the Ostrogoth or Visigoth (5 Century A.D.) royal family.

On display abroad for the first time in more than 30 years the artifacts of this priceless collection are on loan from the National History Museum in Bucharest and seven other Romanian museums. In hosting the show the Imperial Fora Museum is also displaying for the first time 6 sculptures of Dacians that used to be standing in the Trajan’s forum almost 2000 years ago. Due to the stunning settings this exhibition is especially suitable for families visiting Rome with children who want to get out off the beaten path and enjoy a day in the life of ancient Rome.

Eat, drink and relax in/around the Trajan’s Market in Rome

Next to the Monti district this area offers a lot of foodie options from a quick sandwich to a gourmet lunch or dinner. Rome food lovers can enjoy a set menu lunch ($) or gourmet dinner ($$$) at Open by Antonello Colonna, exceptional Roman and Lazio food at the Provincial wine bar right in front of the Trajan’s column, a sandwich at Tricolore (haven’t tried yet), a glass of wine with cheese platter at 313 Cavour ($/$$) or even Indian fares at Maharajah ($$) along with Urbana 47 ($$) and the several grocery stores and pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) places located on Via dei Serpenti, Via Urbana, and Via del Boschetto.

Tickets and Info

Official Website: www.mercatiditraiano.it

Call Center 060608 (Daily from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM)

Nearest Metro Station: Line B Cavour

Opening hours

• Tuesday- Sunday: 9.00 am – 7.00 pm
• December 24 and 31: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
• (last admission 1 hour before closing time)

Closed: Mondays

Entrance Fees

• Adults: € 11,00
• Concessions: € 9,00

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized Italy travel services and private guided tours designed for the independent traveler visiting Italy. Nancy Aiello Tours offers a wide range of top quality Italy travel services for the demanding guest who wants to enjoy Italy art and history, Italian food and made in Italy shopping in comfort and style. We are glad to offer our privileged guests private Italy transfers by fully insured a/c Mercedes Benz limo and minivans, Italy V.I.P. concierge services, Italy accommodation tips, Italy tour planning services, private guided skip the line tours to explore Italy museums and exhibitions. Tour Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

Ciao from Rome

Nancy Aiello

Visit us on Facebook

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2011 Nancy Aiello Tours. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events sign up for ItalyTravelista RSS feed.

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

Related posts:

1. Tour Rome Contemporary Art Exhibitions | Rome Art Exhibitions of 2011
2. Farnese Palace Exhibition in Rome | Winter in Rome
3. Van Gogh Exhibition in Rome | Art Lovers in Rome

Whatever type of vacation you’re looking for, anything from a beach holiday to a city break, Italy is a fantastic destination that caters for all needs. Flying to Italy from the UK is no problem at all, with regular routes from Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh and London airports. If you’re someone who plans ahead, booking flights to Italy a few months in advance can save you lots of money.

Rome is considered by many to be the cultural capital of Europe, if not the world. Italy’s capital is home to some great architectural wonders such as the Great Colosseum, the Piazza della Repubblica, the Trevi Fountain, and the Sistine Chapel. Located in the heart of the capital is the Vatican City, and St Peter’s square is something you simply have to visit when in the vicinity. The sheer beauty of the city makes it an ideal place for a romantic break abroad.

In addition to Rome, Italy is full of other vibrant and must-see cities. There is Milan with its beautiful cathedrals, Naples with its unique architecture, Venice with its network of waterways, and the Roman edifices of Verona. . Nearly all of Italy’s cities boast a rich historic heritage and are distinctive in one way or other, take Pisa, for example, with its Leaning Tower.  You can get cheap flights to Verona and all of Italy’s other major cities from the links below.

What’s so fantastic about Italy is that there is also so much to do outside of the country’s great cities. With the Alps to the North and the Appennine Mountains forming the peninsula’s backbone, the country houses some astounding places of natural beauty. Throughout the country there are some scenic lakes, of which Lake Garda is perhaps the most well known, as well as some quintessential small towns and villages.

The country’s mountainous region also makes it a great location for all kinds of outdoor sports and activities. Whether you’re keen to go bungee jumping, rock-climbing or kayaking, there will plenty of opportunities for you. Keen on Skiing? Italy has some fabulous skiing resorts, such as those at Alagna Valsesia and Courmayeur, that offer some amazing pistes.

While you’re in the country it’s definitely worth taking a trip to the iconic ruins at Pompeii. Having been buried under the ash an eruption at Mount Vesuvius, the city is near-perfectly preserved to present the best depiction ever of life in the Roman Empire.

If you’re someone who enjoys more of a quieter holiday, then Italy has a coastline that stretches some 7,600 kilometers that is strewn with secluded golden beaches. If you’re enjoying a family holiday, then there are plenty of beach resorts such as San Remo that cater for adults and children alike.

Whatever you’re after, Italy has it. It’s a fantastic country that boasts a friendly and accommodating atmosphere as well as some of the most beautiful buildings and landscapes anywhere in the world. And what’s more, there are plenty of budget airlines that will take you there for a very reasonable price.

Guest post by cheapflights.co.uk

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in providing personalized Italy travel services designed for the independent traveler visiting Italy with family and children, with his/her business partners or simply on his/her own! Based in Rome, Italy Nancy Aiello Tours offers a wide range of top quality Italy travel services for the demanding Italy visitor who wants to enjoy Italy art and history, Italian food and made in Italy shopping in comfort and style. We are glad to offer our privileged guests private Italy transfers by fully insured a/c Mercedes Benz limo and minivans, Italy V.I.P. concierge services, Italy accommodation tips, Italy tour planning services, private guided skip the line Italy museum private guided visits, and more.

Italy Private Guided Tours Tour Italy at your family pace with Nancy Aiello Tours of Italy

Ciao from Italy

Nancy Aiello @ ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Cheapflights.co.uk and Nancy Aiello Tours

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 RSS feed.

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

Related posts:

1. Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!
2. Travel to Italy | Fashion Outlets and Slow Food Restaurants in Italy
3. Travel to Italy | Tour Rome in 48 Hours

“What’s your favorite Italian restaurant in Rome?” I am asked often by friends and guests looking for the ultimate food experience in Rome.
There are several restaurants in Rome that have been serving traditional Roman recipes for generations caring about their customers and seasonal ingredients rather than blindly following food critics and trends.
Most of these neighborhood restaurants in Rome have been run by the same families for the last 20, 30 or even 40 years thriving on very genuine good food, old-school waiters and great value. I love these family-run Roman restaurants because here I can really enjoy authentic Roman food and never left disappointed over the years as these traditional Roma restaurants maintain their standards high year after year. With the emphasis on freshness and seasonality combined with attentive waiters and great value that’s the list of my favorite traditional Italian restaurants in Rome suitable for the gourmet traveler looking for excellent Roman food and fine wines in Rome but also for families visiting Rome with children looking for a nice and relaxed family dinner in Rome.

Girarrosto Toscano | € 40 | Prati
Settimio al Pellegrino | 117 Via Del Pellegrino | Tel 06 68801978 | € 30 | Campo dè Fiori Area
Il Caminetto dal 1959 | € 35 | Parioli
La Scala | € 40 | Parioli
Cesare dal 1965 | €30 | Prati
Nino | 11 Via Borgognona | Tel. 06 6795676 | € 35 | Spanish Steps
La Nuova Fiorentina | 51 Via Angelo Brofferio | Tel. 06 37516181 | € 30 | Prati
Da Roberto e Loretta…Quelli di via Gabi | € 25 | San Giovanni
La Villetta dal 1940 | €30 | Piramide
La Pollarola | € 30 | Campo dè Fiori Area
La Campana | €30 | Campo Marzio

What’s your favorite restaurant in Rome? Please write us your comments and suggestions! Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello
Visit us on Facebook
Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter © Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Rome and Vatican City tours and offers private culinary tours and private hands on cooking classes in Rome, Florence and Venice designed for Italy food lovers.

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 RSS feed.

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

Related posts:

1. Welcome to Rome | Travel Rome Tips | Tour Rome like a Local
2. When in Rome | 10 Slow Food Trattoria in Rome Serving Real Roman Food!
3. Rome Walking Tour | Best Bars and Restaurants around the Trevi Fountain

The 2010 edition of The Vatican Museums by Night will continue on September and October 2010 every Friday from 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm. Book your Vatican by night tickets early to avoid disappointment!

The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with more than four million visitors every year, more than 7 kilometers of alleys and more than 1400 rooms to tour host one of the most incredible collections of art and masterpieces in the world enjoyed by independent travelers and families with kids alike. The Vatican Museums are among the greatest museums in the world displaying works from an immense collection going back to ancient Rome times built up over the last 5 centuries by the Holy See starting with Pope Julius II who founded the Vatican Museums in the 16th century.

Rome visitors every Friday night on September and October 2010 have this truly memorable opportunity to enjoy the 2010 edition of the Vatican afterhours tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

By touring the Vatican by night visitors are able to admire not only the breathtaking collections that include the Upper Galleries of the Vatican Museums (Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps), the Raphael rooms and the Sistine Chapel but will also have access to the Egyptian Museum, the memorable Pio-Clementino Museum and it’s Octagonal Courtyard home to some of the best Vatican’s classical statuary.

That’s just the beginning with more good news for October 2010 with the exceptional events «Che c’è di bello» that blend music, theater, cultural and art exhibitions. To attend these Vatican by night events tickets must be reserved in advance through the Vatican State official website or by contacting our VIP Vatican consultants that will be glad to design a one of a kind Vatican by night itinerary customized just for our guests in Rome.

These memorable artistic and cultural shows will start at around 8,30 PM and last for about an hour leaving then plenty of time to continue the tour of the Vatican and will be performed at some stunning Vatican venues such as the Terrazze della Pinacoteca, with its breathtaking views over the St. Peter’s Dome, the Gregorian Profane Museum, Raphael Loggia, the Cortile della Pigna (courtyard of the pine cone), part of the much older Cortile del Belvedere, and also in the so called Braccio Nuovo, a masterpiece of Rome neoclassical architecture.

Here below please find the detailed Vatican events scheduled for October 2010:

• Friday October 1st «Arte della leggerezza e leggerezza nell’arte” with music by Barber, Grieg, Debussy and Milhaud (Terrazze della Pinacoteca)
• Friday October 8th : « Spes mea cara. Omaggio a Maria» with Maestro Luca Salerno (Salone di Raffaello)
• Friday October 15th «Australian Night» meetings with the aboriginal Australian culture and a show performed by Australians aborigines with an introduction by Nereda White (Terrazze della Pinacoteca enhanced by a visit to Missionary Ethnological Museum
• Friday October 22nd Traditional Russian music conducted by the Moscow’s Cathedral Choir (Cortile della Pigna-Propilei enhanced by a visit to the Icons’ Room in The Vatican Pinacoteca museum)
• Friday October 29th Il Bel Canto at the Museum with music from Verdi’s Il Trovatore

Would you like to tour the Vatican Museums with Nancy Aiello Tours? Please, contact Nancy Aiello Tours to learn more about our fun and comprehensive private guided Vatican City tour designed just for you and your party. Professional Italy tour planning company Nancy Aiello Tours provides private guided Vatican and Rome tours, Florence tours, Venice private excursions with English, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, German and Russian speaking qualified licensed Vatican touristic guides.

For your private guided tours of Italy contact Nancy Aiello Tours at info@nancyaiellotours.com

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers including underground Rome and her hidden treasures.

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.

Tour Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours

Touring Rome with your family? Check out our NEW Family Rome Tour Website

Related posts:

1. Travel to Rome | A Day at the Vatican | Vatican Tips
2. Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour
3. Rome Walking Tour | Tour the Vatican State

Italy in summer offers great opportunities to Italy art & culture lovers to appreciate special events and music concerts. This summer from June to September Italy proposes more than 300 art and music festivals all across the Belpaese to enjoy internationally renowned performing artists and world premieres in beautiful and historic settings. Here please find ItalyTravelista Top 10 Festivals for the 2010 Italy summer.

Latium > Rome > Opera Festival at Caracalla > July 1 to August 10

Teatro dell’Opera in Rome holds its summer opera and ballet season at the stunning settings of the Caracalla’s Baths (Terme di Caracalla), where art lovers enjoy opera and ballets watching the stars in the open air stage. The opera and ballet performances for the 2010 summer season at the Baths of Caracalla feature the orchestra, chorus and the ballet company of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma as well as international stars including an adaptation of Shakespeare’s most popular works for the stage, Puccini’s Tosca, Bizet’s Carmen, and last but not least Verdi’s Rigoletto and Aida.

Latium > Tivoli > Hadrian’s Villa International Festival > June 15 to July 18

Villa Adriana in Tivoli hosts the 4^th edition of festiVAl – Festival Internazionale di Villa Adriana. The big open air stage housed in the Baths of the Hadrian’s Villa, listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, will host art performers from Taiwan and London, from Paris and Tel Aviv, Rome and Brussels on a cultured art festival with dancers like Akram Khan and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and the Vertigo Dance Company, music events featuring Elvis Costello, the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia and Enrico Rava with his Parco della Musica Jazz Lab, exciting live performances by Mimmo Cuticchio and Aurélia Thiérrée.

Veneto > Verona > Arena Opera Festival > June 18 to August 29

One of Europe’s premiere summer festivals, the Verona Opera runs from mid June thru the end of August inside Verona’ stunning Roman amphitheater. This popular summer opera festival brings a staggering 16,000 people to each production. The 88th Edition starts on June 18th with Turandot and continues with Madame Butterfly, Carmen, Aida, and Il Trovatore along with jazz concerts and the Shakespeare Festival, also held in the Teatro Romano.

Tuscany > Fiesole > Estate Fiesolana > June 13 to July 28

The Estate Fiesolana, organized by the Fiesole Town Council, is the oldest open air festival in Italy and a special favorite among Florentines and visitors alike thanks also to its stunning setting in the Roman Amphitheater of Fiesole, just outside Florence. The program for the 2010 edition is even richer than usual with a series of guest stars as well as locally produced performances. Classical music and opera, ballet, theatre and jazz/pop music are highlighted by a series of special events.

If you’re planning to visit Tuscany and would like to learn more about events and festivals visit Tuscany’s official tourism website

Tuscany > Torre del Lago > Puccini Festival 2010 > July 16 to August 22

Torre del Lago, home of the Puccini Festival, lies between the Lake of Massaciuccoli and the Tyrrhenian Sea, 4 kilometers far from the Tuscan Riviera and 18 kilometers from Lucca and Pisa. The Festival welcomes about 40.000 spectators every year to its open-air theatre, just a few steps from the Villa Mausoleum where Giacomo Puccini lived and worked. This year the festival’s open-air theater will feature productions of Turandot, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and La Fanciulla Del West.

Umbria > Perugia > Umbria Jazz 2010 > July 9 to 18

Since 1973 Umbria jazz Festival is one of the most important events dedicated to European jazz with considerable international appeal. The green heart of Umbria becomes for 10 days the Italian official jazz capital in the suggestive environment of the historical centre of Perugia. The 2010 edition of Umbria Jazz offers a vast programme of music and events enriched by some of the best artists and players on the international scene. Ten days of concerts and 220 events staged by 500 musicians.

Sicily > Taormina > Taormina Film Festival 2010 > June 12 to 18

Italy’s principal summer film event, the Taormina Film Fest, celebrates its 56th edition against the stunning backdrop of the Teatro Antico of Taormina, one of Sicily’s most important and well-preserved monuments. On June 13, Robert de Niro will hold a Master Class for festival-goers and, later that night, receive the prestigious Taormina Arte Award on the stage of Taormina’s 2,300-year-old Teatro Antico.

Sicily > Taormina > Taormina Arte 2010 > July 22 to August 22

The summer season of Taormina Art 2010 opens its world class program on July 22nd with the Royal Ballet of London and continues with the Russian Ballet, the National Academic Bolshoi, the Compania Espanola de Baile Flamenco and Argentinean tango with Compania Astor Piazzolla

Lombardy > Milan > Milano Jazz Festival 2010 > July 12 to August 2

The 4th edition of Milano Jazzin’ Festival is a an amazing opportunity for jazz lovers to enjoy one of the best jazz festivals in Italy. Elisa, Mark Knopfler, Crosby Stills e Nash, Zappa plays Zappa, Norah Jones, Paolo Nutini and many more Italian and international artists will participate at MJF10.

If you’re planning to visit Milan and would like to learn more about events and festivals visit Milan’s official tourism website

Abruzzo > Pesaro > Rossini Opera Festival 2010 > August 9 to 22

Established in 1980, the festival at the birthplace of the Rossini features performances of his works. This 2010 edition features Sigismondo and Stabat Mater, and from August 1 to 10 Cenerentola (Cinderella) directed by Luca Ronconi.

Very interesting Italy summer festivals are also found in Venice, Spoleto, Martina Franca, Mantova, Sant’Arcangelo di Romagna, Fies, and the Dolomites.

What is your favorite summer event in Italy? Please write us your comment and we’ll be happy to post it!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers including underground Rome and her hidden treasures.

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.

Tour Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours

Related posts:

1. Travel to Italy: Summertime Music and Ballet Lovers in Rome
2. Art Exhibitions in Rome 2010 | Italy Art Lovers
3. Discover Underground Rome | Hidden Rome 2010

As the owner of an Italy based tour planning company I happen to read a lot of Italy travel books and Susan Van Allen‘s Italy travel book “100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go” is an informative, fascinating, entertaining book, and certainly a must if you plan to visit Italy. I am glad Susan accepted to offer offer my fellow Italy lovers the opportunity to read her take on the most amazing park in Italy.

The Park of the Mosters in Bomarzo, Italy.

In 1564 when his wife died, Prince Vicino Orsini dedicated this place to her. He called it his Sacred Grove. In 1954, Giovanni Bettini found it abandoned, cleaned it up, and renamed it The Park of the Monsters—better for marketing. It’s actually a combo of the two names, which is what makes it so uniquely alluring. It’s set on a wooded hillside where you meander along gravel paths under sun-dappled light and then along the way, popping up in haphazard places, you come upon immense bizarre statues of mythological creatures.

There are about two dozen of these creations in all, most carved directly from the hill’s rocky outcroppings, which explains the unplanned arrangement. There’s a winged mermaid, a sleeping nymph, a sphinx, a colossal Ceres, a tortoise, a whole house that’s set up purposely tilted to astonish you. The most famous of all is a giant screaming monster’s head—so giant you can walk into its mouth, where you’ll find a tongue turned into a picnic table. The inscription carved into this sculpture sums up the park’s surreal atmosphere: All Reason Departs. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding what the heck Orsini was thinking when he created this place. Some look at the statues’ tortured faces and say it was his expression of grieving for his wife, Giulia Farnese. But Orsini began this project before she died.

Their marriage was a good one. He was a military officer, gone a lot while Giulia took over the small town Bomarzo reins. He, of course, had his share of other women, during the marriage and after she died. As far as he knew, Giulia was a perfect, faithful wife. Twenty years after the Sacred Grove was completed Orsini built a temple in her honor that’s the most logical structure in this whole place. The Sacred Grove seems to be more of an expression of Prince Orsini’s intriguing, artsy character. While everybody else in those High Renaissance days was building grand, structured gardens to flaunt their wealth, the Prince turned his back on all that, wanting to create something that was not at all pretentious. It’s not even attached to his castle, but farther down the hill.

Also he didn’t have the money to compete with the Farneses and the d’Estes, so instead of grandeur, he went for shock and awe. Wherever a stone jutted out of the hill, he’d have his workers sculpt it according to his whim. He was a creative type who wrote poems and surrounded himself with the literati. This was his place for contemplation and meditation. It was his dream world where he mixed images from classical Greek, Roman, and Asian times. Like every other prince who had a garden, Orsini had illustrious guests come to visit. But he was always glad when they left, preferring the pleasures of simple country life and his shepherd girls. While other Renaissance gardens were kept up by families over succeeding generations, his was forgotten. Only the locals knew of it, and believed it was a haunted place. In 1938, Salvador Dali, in the midst of a creative crisis, heard about the Sacred Grove, left Spain, and cut his way through a tangle of weeds to see this “sleeping garden.” He became so inspired he made a film that included it and painted The Temptation of Saint Anthony that featured an image of an elephant— clearly inspired by one of the park sculptures. Giovanni Bettini bought the park in 1954 and restored it back to life. A visit here is a relaxing, enchanting experience, where you enter into the mythological dream world of the Prince.

The Park of the Monsters > Daily 8-1 hour before sunset

Golden Day > Wander around the Sacred Grove. There’s a camp lodge-style snack bar there, where you can get a caffè and panino. Eat and stay a short drive north at agriturismo Castello di Santa Maria, a beautiful former convent surrounded by olive groves that serves up exquisite meals.

About the author > Susan Van Allen’s love for Italy stems from her maternal grandparents, who emigrated from Southern Italy. She was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up on the Jersey shore amidst wonderful food and drama. When she first stepped off the train into Roma Termini in 1976, she got hooked on Italian travel. Since then she’s explored the country up and down the boot–visiting relatives, immersing herself in the country’s masterpieces and culture, taking language and cooking classes, and going on boating, biking, and hiking adventures. When she’s not in Italy, she is based in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and makes scrumptious lasagnas.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips and pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we’ll be happy to post it!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers including underground Rome and her hidden treasures.

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.

Related posts:

1. Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!
2. Day Trip from Rome | Tivoli Gardens and Villa
3. Travel to Italy | Tour Rome in 48 Hours

Rome is an open air museum but it also the world’s largest uncovered museum. A large part of Rome’s history lies underground and from May 28 to June 6 Rome opens its most inaccessible treasures for the second edition of “Hidden Rome”.

If you’re planning to be in Rome between the end of May and June 6^th you’ll want to start checking the lengthy list of archaeological sites and monuments that are going to be open to the public for 10 days as part of the Roma Nascosta 2010 or Hidden Rome. Rome visitors will be able to discover a world of ancient treasures beneath their feet and visit over 40 underground marvels rarely accessible to the public.

Among the sites that can be visited during this extraordinary cultural event are the Ludus Magnus, the largest of the gladiatorial schools in Rome built by the emperor Domitian and discovered in 1937, the 2,000-year-old underground aqueduct of the Acqua Virgo, still used today to bring water to the Baroque stone fantasy of the Trevi Fountain, the frescoed 2nd C. Temple of Mithras beneath the 17th C. Palazzo Barberini, the auditorium of Maecenas sited on the Esquiline Hill, the Theatre of Marcellus, the Houses of San Paolo alla Regola, the hall beneath San Martino ai Monti, the underground passages of the Catacombs of Priscilla, the foundations of the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, and many more. For the complete list and details visit 060608.it and be aware that for most sites and monuments numbers are limited and you’ll need to make reservations.

Whether you’re a life-long Rome resident looking to explore a few of those hard-to-visit sites or a Rome first-timer who wants to have an extraordinary experience, this is going to be a great opportunity to explore Rome’s hidden treasures and a life time opportunity for families visiting Rome with children to let your kids learn first hand the history of the Eternal City of Rome.

Hidden Rome 2010 Info:
Zetema

Turismo Roma

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers including underground Rome and her hidden treasures.

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.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Best of Italy Summer Music and Opera Festivals in Italy

Explore Rome, the Eternal City after dark! Rome lovers think Rome is most beautiful at night when its ancient Rome landmarks, St. Peter’s Square and Rome’s magnificent renaissance squares and baroque fountains designed by Bernini and Michelangelo are illuminated in all their glory! Beside it’s another thing to do in Rome for FREE! ItalyTravelista has three walking Rome tours to suggest where parents and children alike can enjoy the charme and elegance of Rome at night at their own pace!

Tour Ancient Rome by Night

Start off your illuminated Rome tour at Piazza Venezia Square to enjoy the Vittoriano Monument and ask your kids whether the huge white monument looks more like a “Wedding Cake” or a “Typewriter”! Then proceed along Via dei Fori Imperiali where on your left is Trajan’s Column and on your side the ancient Roman Forum. In the background rises the majestic Coliseum and to its right the Constantine’s Arch built in 315 AD. Turn right and take Via di San Gregorio until you reach Via dei Cerchi. Turn right and on your left you will see the Circus Maximus where the famous chariot races depicted in the Ben Hur movie took place while on your right rises the magnificent Imperial Rome palaces of the Palatine Hill. Walk the length of the Circus Maximus and turn right onto Via di San Gregorio. On your left stands the Arch of Janus built around 356 AD by Constantius II just next to the beautiful medieval Church of St. George al Velabro and further ahead on your right take a peek at the unusual circular 6th century Church of San Teodoro. Follow around until you reach Piazza della Consolazione. Take the stairs leading up to the Capitoline Hill but before you actually reach Michelangelo’s square stop for the most stunning view over the illuminated Roman Forum!

Tour Christian Rome by Night

Begin your pleasant walk at Piazza Farnese square to enjoy the Farnese Palace lit up and wonder about the great artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Della Porta who worked on this magnificent Renaissance palace now home to the French Embassy. Walk through Campo dè Fiori square lined these days with bars and restaurants but where on Feb. 17, 1600 Giordano Bruno was burnt for heresy onto Piazza della Cancelleria to admire the beautiful Palazzo della Cancelleria, the first palazzo in Rome built from the ground up in the new Renaissance style, and then across the main street to Piazza Navona the most baroque square in Rome. Cross the Tiber river on the Ponte Sant’ Angelo and look at the marvelous Saint’ Angel’s Castle. The highlight and end of your night walking Rome tour will be the breathtaking view of the illuminated St. Peter’s Basilica.

Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome by Night

Your enjoyable walk starts at the charming Piazza del Popolo square designed by Valadier in the 17th century reminiscent of Bernini’s plan for St. Peter’s Square. Pass the two baroque twin churches and stroll down the antique dealer street of Via del Babuino (the Baboon) for a few blocks and then take a left onto the fascinating Via Margutta, home to several artists including the famous Italian director Federico Fellini. At the end of Via Margutta you reach the Spanish Steps. From Via due Macelli go down Via del Tritone and follow signs on your left for the most beautiful baroque fountain in Rome: the Trevi Fountain.

When visiting Rome do tour Rome by night! Pretty much all of the major attractions that you see in Rome during the day are lit up at night. And yes, definitely worth seeing again, and again.

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

Related posts:

1. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel by Night | Unusual Top Quality Rome Tour
2. When in Rome | Free Rome Walking Tour | Easy in Rome
3. Travel to Rome | 10 Free Things to do in the Eternal City

Summer is approaching fast and Rome, Italy is the ideal place for families with kids to spend their holidays. Rome’s rich archeological, artistic and cultural heritage are so remarkable that Rome’s historic centre has been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage site. Rome is a wonderful and very safe place to visit with kids, with lots of fun and informative family oriented activities bound to keep the troops entertained. What are the secrets behind a memorable Roman trip with children? Get every family member involved when planning your trip to Rome, keep your schedule loose as there are so many things to do in Rome, and to get the most out of your Roman Holiday when in Rome allow quality time at quality venues to enjoy Rome at your kid’s pace. Here is Italytravelista‘s list of child friendly activities and sights to be visited in/around Rome that will keep the whole family happy and entertained without breaking the bank!

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

When you look down at the Roman Forum from the terrace on the Capitoline Hill you see the center of the world and the world’s biggest and most ancient jungle-gym. Kids can hide behind the 2000 years old ruins, run on the grassy mounds near the temple of Julius Caesar and have fun at the Farnese Gardens, the first botanical garden in the world. Remind your kids that all the palaces in the world are named after the Palatine hill because the Emperors built here their Palatial houses.

Colosseum

In the Colosseum tell your kids the tales about gladiators and wild beasts. Manned elevators could bring up to 1,000 warriors at the same time or else hundreds of hungry lions…or both! Superb engineering went into the Coliseum. 50,000 spectators could be seated to enjoy the ugliest show of all: death to men and beasts. Tell your children the thumbs up or thumbs down that originated here as the Emperors decided freedom (up) or death (down) for the gladiators.

Gladiator School in Rome

Kids will love a day at the Gladiator School and learn how to become a Roman gladiator. During this two-hour lesson, a gladiator instructor teaches kids and adults how to fight with authentic weapons used by the gladiators of ancient Rome. Lessons are organized and led by members of the Historic Group of Rome who specialize in the re-enactment of Roman life and gladiatorial combat.

The Baths of Emperor Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla were the largest thermae in the world when completed in 217AD whilst today is a huge playground largely neglected by the hordes of tourists where to enjoy a sunny day with the dramatic Roman ruins in the background. A short stroll from the Caracalla’s Baths leads to the very off the beaten path museum of the Walls of Rome. Located just inside the Porta San Sebastiano kids can march along the Aurelian Walls, just the way the ancient Roman Legionaries used to do.

Early Christian catacombs

There are 69 catacombs on the outskirts of Rome and thousand of tombs but only 5 of the catacombs are open to the public. These underground dark labyrinths are spooky enough to delight and perhaps even frighten most kids!

The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della verità)

Remember the scene with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the film Roman Holiday? For fun show the kids the original lie detector which is located in the portico of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin, one of my favorite medieval churches in Rome. According to a medieval legend if you put your hand into the mouth and tell a lie you’ll be bitten!

Church of the Immaculate Conception or Capuchin Kript

A spooky place which just might fascinate the older kids! The bones and skulls of thousands of Capuchin monks have been crafted into decorative tableaux. No photos allowed and small donation is appreciated by the friars.

Piazza Navona Square

The joyous curves of this sensuous square typify baroque Rome with masterpieces by both Bernini and Borromini. In 86 A.D. Emperor Domitian built a long U-shaped stadium here and since then Piazza Navona Square has served as a glorious outdoor theater. There is much street entertainment going on in this beautiful square including mimes, puppet shows,caricaturists and painters. A great spot for a tartufo ice cream gelato.

Saint Angel’s Castle

Castel Sant’Angelo is just like Rome, layer upon layer, building upon building. This is the most magnificent of all the Roman Imperial tombs that became a fortress in the Middle Ages, a Papal Castle in the Renaissance, and a museum today. Kids can visit the papal prison complete with winding dark scary corridors, secret passageways, real cannons and cannon balls. The view from atop the castle is terrific!

Janiculum Hill

Above Trastevere on the rim of the Janiculum Hill in front of the statue of Garibaldi, is one of best places to view Rome. Pony rides and merry-go-round are near. A puppet show in Italian runs every afternoon and donations are welcome. At noon sharp kids will be amused by the firing of a cannon just below this lofty square, a tradition dating back 100 years when it signaled lunch time for the workers.

Villa Borghese Gardens

Cardinal Scipione Borghese did for Rome what the Medicis had done for Florence. Villa Borghese was the show-place for this 17th C. artistic flowering. The cardinal invited Jacob More from Edinburgh to landscape this vast area. The English style park is 4 miles in circumference and contains statues, green trees, bike friendly itineraries and a small lake. After a tour of the Borghese Gallery these gardens are the perfect spot for a family picnic.

Rome’s playgrounds for young children

Rome offers various opportunities for a day out or nice break from ancient ruins and baroque churches. Villa Celimontana, right up the street from the Colosseum, Villa Ada, to the north of central Rome, and Villa Pamphili, the largest park in Rome not far from the Janiculum Hill, are the perfect spots to enjoy walking, biking or perhaps a soccer game with the local kids. Again perfect for picnics.

Rome day trips

Leave the Eternal City behind for a day on your family Roman holiday and visit Tivoli to enjoy Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’ Este with its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music. Peek into Roman antiquities at ancient Rome’s port at Ostia or visit the hilltop town of Orvieto with its fabulous 14th century Roman Catholic cathedral and Etruscan underground passages.

“For a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Rome Hotels for more information.”

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips and pictures with us? Please write us your comments and we’ll be happy to post them!

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.

Related posts:

1. Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour
2. Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!
3. Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Caravaggio Exbition in Rome

Opens today at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome an amazing Caravaggio exhibition to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of the great baroque artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, hailed by many as the father of modern painting.

The Caravaggio exhibition in Rome brings for the first time together from galleries and museums across the world only those masterpieces historically verified to be by Caravaggio. Thus visitors will enjoy one of Caravaggio earliest masterpieces “The Boy with a Basket of Fruit” (1593) alongside his famous “Bacchus” (c.1595) from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and the lesser known still life “Basket of Fruit” (c.1599) which has never before traveled out of the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan.

Among the 24 masterpieces art lovers visiting Rome will admire “David with the Head of Goliath” (c.1610) from the Borghese Gallery in Rome, the “Musicians” (1595) from the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the “Lute Player” (c.1596) from the Hermitage in St.Petersburg, “Amor Vincit Omnia” (1601-1602) from the Staatliche Museum in Berlin, and the newly discovered “Taking of Christ” (c.1602) from the National Gallery of Ireland. Unfortunately due to disagreements won’t be part of the show “Saint Catherine of Alexandria” from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid and the huge “The Burial of Saint Lucia” from the Santa Lucia Church in Siracusa.

Caravaggio exhibition at the Scuderie Papali del Quirinale is open every day with the following opening hours until June 13th 2010:

Monday to Thursday 9:30am to 8:00pm
Friday 9:30am to 10:30pm
Saturday 9:00am to 10:30pm
Sunday 9:00am to 8:00pm

Admission is allowed until one hour before closing time.

Caravaggio All Night Long

12-13 June: Caravaggio All Night Long

To mark the last weekend of the Caravaggio exhibition, the Scuderie del Quirinale will be open without a break from 9 am on Saturday morning to 10 pm on Sunday evening.

Reservations can be made for night time visits (from midnight on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday morning). A single admission price of € 7.50 will apply.

Tickets cost Euro 10,00 and Caravaggio Card E.20,00

When in Rome if you are planning to enjoy more Caravaggio gems visit The Casino di Villa Boncompagni Ludovisi in Porta Pinciana to admire “Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto” the only mural ever done by Caravaggio, the Church of St. Louis of the French to admire the cycle of paintings in the Contarelli Chapel, painted by Caravaggio in 1599-1600 about the life of St. Matthew, and the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo to visit the Cerasi Chapel and admire the “Crucifixion of St. Peter” and “Conversion on the Way to Damascus”.

Tickets, Location & Info:

Scuderie del Quirinale

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips and pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we’ll be happy to post it! If you missed the opportunity to enjoy Caravaggio don’t worry and enjoy Van Gogh when visiting Rome between October 2010 and February 2011!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers including Caravaggio exhibition private guided tours led by qualified official Rome tour guides.

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.

Rome off the beaten Path

Related posts:

1. Art Exhibitions in Rome 2010 | Italy Art Lovers
2. Van Gogh Exhibition in Rome | Art Lovers in Rome
3. Tour Rome Golden Treasures Exhibition | Rome Art Exhibitions of 2011