Rome Off the Beaten Path

Rome’s rich archeological, artistic and cultural heritage are so outstanding that the city’s historic center has been designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you have already been to Rome you have probably visited the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums. When in Rome what to see the Second time in the Eternal City of Rome? If you’re eager to discover more Rome’s treasures at your own pace follow ItalyTravelista suggestions for off the beaten path Rome itineraries and explore holy churches and Rome’s outstanding museums enjoying Rome as the Romans do! Travel to Italy at Your Own Pace!

Ara Pacis Museum, home to the Altar of Augustan Peace, is a Rome must-see if you are interested in imperial Rome. Just reopened after years of restoration, the museum is the first modern architectural work built in the historic center of Rome. The enclosure was designed in 2006 by the great American archistar Richard Meier.

Ara Pacis in Rome

Borghese Gallery Museum is housed in the casino or summerhouse of the Villa Borghese. The villa, built between 1613 and 1616, was the home of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the favorite nephew of Pope Paul V. There are an incredible number of masterpieces packed into this comparatively small space – works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini including his “David”, Caravaggio, Canova’s reclining “Paolina Borghese”, Domenichino, Guido Reni and Rubens’ “Pietà” number among the most spectacular.

Stunning Marble Collection at the Galleria Borghese in Rome's Villa Borghese Gardens

The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia (close to Villa Borghese) has housed the national collection of Etruscan art since 1889. Particularly notable are the finds from Etruscan cemeteries including reconstruction of a tomb from Cerveteri, the famous sarcophagus from Cerveteri (c. 530 B.C.) with the reclining figures of a husband and wife, and the outstanding Euphronios krater, a terra-cotta bowl made and painted in Athens about 515 B.C., and until January 2008 a prized part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Etruscan Museum in Villa Giulia, Rome

Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, dedicated to Peter the apostle, was first built in the middle of the 5th century to house the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter while imprisoned in Jerusalem. His relic is kept in a golden urn beneath the high altar, close to the marble statue of Michelangelo’s Moses. Michelangelo’s masterpiece, which dates from 1515, is the most notable piece of artwork in the basilica. Originally intended as part of a 40-statue funeral monument for Pope Julius II, Moses became the Pope’s funeral monument and tomb in his family’s church.

Basilica of San Clemente is a fascinating 12th century Basilica built on top of a 4th century church and on top of a late 2nd century temple. Located a short walk from the Coliseum, is definitely worth a visit for the chance to see three different eras of Rome on one site. This ancient church was transformed over the centuries from a private home that was the site of clandestine Christian worship in the first century to a grand public basilica by the 6^th century, reflecting the emerging Catholic Church’s growing legitimacy and power.

The Church of St. Louis of the French, located a short walk away from Piazza Navona is a Rome must see for Caravaggio Fans! In the fifth chapel on the left of the basilica are located the “St. Matthew and the angel”, the “Vocation of St. Matthew” and the “Martyr of St. Matthew” painted by Caravaggio between 1597 and 1602.

Basilica of St Mary in Trastevere was the first roman church to be dedicated in the 4^th century to the cult of the Blessed Virgin, St. Mary. According to the legend, on the day Christ was born a stream of pure oil flowed from the earth on the site of the church, signifying the coming of the grace of God. A column next to the altar marks the spot. The Basilica, decorated with amazing medieval mosaics and architectural elements recycled from ancient Roman temples, is located in one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods with plenty of restaurants and bars where to relax and enjoy people watching.

St. Mary in Trastevere Basilica-Very Nice Neighborhood

Basilica of St. Andrea delle Fratte, located nearby the Spanish Steps, is a 17th century Basilica devoted to St. Andrew. The sides of the presbytery are breathtaking Angels (1668-9) sculpted by Bernini for the St. Angel Bridge, but then moved here by and replaced on the bridge with copies.

Stunning Bernini's Angels in Rome

Via Giulia is a charming and wide cobble stone street just behind Palazzo Farnese next to the Tiber River. Do not miss the Farnese archway which was designed by Michelangelo to link the Palazzo Farnese with their gardens. Commissioned by Pope Julius II (for whom the street is named), Via Giulia was built in the early 16th century, part of a plan to build a square of roads near the Vatican. The project was never completed. But to this day, Via Giulia is lined with an array of extraordinary churches and cultural buildings, as well as some of the fanciest homes in Rome.

Roman Houses under the Celio offer an unusual journey through underground Rome to relive the atmosphere of the ancient city among alleys, ninfeus, spas and the splendid fresco environment of the Roman Houses adorned with extraordinary frescoes from the 3rd and 4th century AD., perfectly conserved and, the imposing temple of Divo Claudio, transformed by Nero into the ninfeus of the Domus Aurea.

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
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© 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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When in Rome: Enjoy a Drink with the Romans!

Rome is the Eternal City. Rome is eternal in the splendor of its ancient Rome landmarks and eternal is the pleasure of the Dolce Vita lifestyle. Eating in an open air trattoria, strolling around the baroque piazzas, sipping an alfresco aperitif watching the world go by. That’s La Dolce Vita!

When in Rome where to stop for a well-deserved al fresco aperitif?
This short compendium of Rome time out is for all Dolce Vita lovers!

ReRè > 475 Via Flaminia
In the north area of Rome, near the romantic Ponte Milvio, also known as the Milvian Bridge of Love, ReRè opens at 6 p.m. with aperitifs and happy hours, when you can choose among well prepared cocktails and chilled wines served with finger food dishes. Later, it transforms into a classy, glam restaurant with decadent sofas and artistic wall papers, and great music. ReRè with its decor and quality made into the world best bars list!

Arco degli Aurunci > 42 Via degli Aurunci
One of most crowded places in the already very crowded San Lorenzo neighborhood is l’ Arco, which is at the same time a cafeteria, a wine bar, a restaurant, an art gallery, and more. The aperitif here starts at 7 p.m. and goes on ’till 9 p.m. Great buffet with a wide selection of appetizers, very good wine list, strong emphasis on bio and fresh products.

Rome's Minimal Chic Wine Bar

Absinthe > 39 Via Francesco Negri
A new and unusual addition to Rome’s nightlife, Absinthe proposes aperitifs and dinner as well as live music, every day starting at 6 p.m., like many other places do. But, differently from others, what’s peculiar here is the wide range of Absinthes, the “Maudits” poets’ favorite drink, served in different combinations. Wi-Fi Available.

Fuzzy Bar > 6 Via degli Aurunci
A cult place for the social-omnivore Rome’s beautiful people who come here for a well prepared aperitif in a laid-back atmosphere. Homemade beers, very good Old World wines, great appetizers served with a smile. Very good also for dinner focused on the Italy regional cuisines.

Primo > 46 Via del Pigneto
A little slice of Spain in the heart of the suggestive Pigneto neighborhood, Primo is the first restaurant in Rome born to repeat the Spanish traditions in food, habits, and style: a place warm, cheerful, and good. The counter is typically Spanish and chef Marco Gallotta, previously worked at designer restaurant ‘Gusto, delights his guests with tapas and pintos, recalling the Barcelona bars made famous by the writer Montalban and his famous character Pepe Carvalho.

Rome by Night Movida

Remigio > 15 Via Santa Maria Ausiliatrice
The name of this wine bar derives from the French Cathedral of Saint Remì in the Champagne region. Six different champagnes in the list every day to choose from as well as many good wine labels from Germany to France, excellent beers, a chalkboard of fine cocktails including the Wrong Negroni, and a yummy list of delicacies like sushi, salami, salads, cous cous, and more so.

Oppio Caffè > 72 Via delle Terme di Tito
Why not having an aperitif on a terrace within sight the swarms of tourists walking along the Coliseum, while you relax with a long drink, a chilled glass of good wine or a Weiss beer (the latest trend in aperitif). The Oppio Caffè proposes DJ sets and live jazz performance, and romantic candle light dinners overlooking 2000 years of Roman history.

Open Colonna in Rome: A Very Chic Lounge

Open Colonna > 9A Scalinata di Via Milano
Open Colonna is the new lounge bar & restaurant of renowned chef Antonello Colonna. Set in the striking conservatory of Palazzo delle Esposizioni art gallery, this recently inaugurated place mixes great design, original cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere for a great aperitif served with delicious appetizers. It’s open all day but generally heats up around aperitif time and it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner under the roman sky.

Quattro Bicchieri > 172 Via dei Quattro Venti
Monteverde Vecchio district has a new and successful proposal for a relaxing and tasty aperitif: hot peppers, aubergines eggplants in olive oil, green tomatoes with garden cress, grilled artichokes, and so on.  This place is where the word “whim” really makes sense. In addition a wide selection of cheese and cold cuts and super wines by the glass.

Wine Bars in Rome: Obika, Mozzarella Sushi Style

Obika > Two Locations Downtown in Rome.
Obika, loosely translated means “here it is” in the Neapolitan dialect, is what you get when you cross mozzarella with sushi bar style. Sit alfresco at the original site in Via dei Prefetti or at the new location in Campo dè Fiori and enjoy your glass of Falanghina while sampling different mozzarellas, paired with salmon, salami, prosciutto and green tomato marmalade. It’s delicious!

What is your favorite place in Rome for an alfresco aperitif? If you have one or more please add it to this post in the comment section.

“Please remember to always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.”

Ciao from Rome

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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© 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.

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When in Rome enjoy the Eternal City as the Romans do!

Bar S. Eustachio – Piazza S. Eustachio, 82 www.santeustachioilcaffe.it The best coffee in town celebrated by The New York Times as one of Rome’s tastiest espresso shops!

Caffetteria del Chiostro del Bramante - Arco della Pace, 5 www.chiostrodelbramante.it A very nice bar set inside the beautiful 16th-century Chiostro del Bramante. Good for a tasty brunch on weekends or a cocktail while visiting an Exhibition.

Cul de Sac – Piazza Pasquino, 73 Small but popular wine bar a short stroll from Piazza Navona. Here you will experience a wide selection of wines and eclectic food, especially the liver pâtés in a cozy environment. Outside tables get crowded fast, so arrive early, or come late, as they serve until about 1am.

Doney – Via Veneto, 139 Trendy bar attached to The Westin Excelsior with design furniture’s and a good jazz music selection. The view over the famous Dolce Vita Street is enchanting. The menu features Mediterranean cuisine based on the freshest and lightest ingredients together with innovative vegetarian dishes.

Gina – Via S. Sebastianello, 7/a www.ginaroma.com Fresh, chic and small restaurant with modern design, located a block away from the Spanish Steps and the Villa Borghese gardens. Good at lunch time for salads, cold cuts and traditional Italian food.

Il Gelato di S. Crispino – Via della Panetteria, 42 www.ilgelatodisancrispino.it This small gelateria is one of the best places in town for ice cream; try the signature San Crispino flavor with corbezzolo (wild-strawberry-tree honey from Sardinia). Stop by to get your gelato and then sit by the Trevi Fountain.

Le Pain Quotidien – Via Tomacelli, 24/25 The best place for a healthy breakfast with delicious cakes, bread and pastries baked on the premises. Very friendly service and atmosphere (with large shared wooden tables).

Obikà – Via dei Prefetti, 26 The only fresh milky mozzarella bar in town, very trendy and good for a long brunch or a quick aperitif. Obika’s selection includes also smoked Mozzarella and a smooth Burrata.  Due to the enormous success opened new branches in Manhattan and London.

Ristorante Caffè Universale – Via delle Coppelle, 16° www.universalecaffe.it In the historical centre of Rome this charming place opens form early morning till night. Here you can enjoy coffee, chocolates, wines and liquors; eat creative dishes and even buy books. Have a look at the video!

Salotto 42 – Piazza di Pietra, 42 www.salotto42.it In front of the Hadrian’s Temple, this retro-modern bar is perfect for a quick lunch, tea or cocktails. Formerly Known for as a “book Bar” for an intellectual elite , it is now one of the trendiest venues of the city for common people and for VIPs.Filled with fashion books and CDs you can relax with a glass of wine taking advantage of huge armchairs and sofas.

When in Rome, wherever you stop to sip your coffee or drink your Campari cocktail do not forget to enjoy the Eternal City by watching people go by!

When in Rome, wherever you stop to sip your coffee or drink your Campari cocktail do not forget to enjoy the Eternal City by watching people go by!

Look forward to hear your comments!

Ciao from Rome

Nancy Aiello

www.NancyAielloTours.com

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