Ancient Rome Art Lovers | Barracco museum in Rome

Just off Camp de Fiori in the heart Rome an enchanting Renaissance palace designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger between 1516 and 1523 houses the little known Barracco Museum and its fine collection of priceless ancient sculptures.

The Museo Barracco located in the Farnesina Palace on the Street of the trunk makers features a prestigious collection of sculptures and art from ancient civilizations including Assyrian, Egyptian, Cypriot, Phoenician, Etruscan, Greek and Roman works, which Giovanni Barracco, a rich Italian nobleman, donated to the Municipality of Rome in 1904.

Portrait of a woman from Palmyra Third Century A.D.

The Barracco museum hosts over 400 artworks, all very attractive, and makes a great half day tour in Rome just off the beaten path right between Campo dè Fiori and Navona square! The Barracco Museum due to its size and location offers families with kids and teens an alternative to bigger museums in Rome while providing an excellent introduction to Egyptian, Greek and Roman art and history.

Greek works at the Barracco Museum in Rome | Rome museums

The course of the Rome museum visit begins with the Egyptian art, followed by the Mesopotamian, Cypriot and Etruscan art, ending with the Greek-Roman art, including Greek originals from the 5th Century BC, Roman remakes of Greek originals and Roman Art.

The Greek collection at the Barracco museum provides an in-depth overview of the great sculptor Polyclitus and his school. Roman art is represented by the head of a boy from the Julian family, an elegant example of private portraiture from the early imperial era (First Century AD).

Barracco Museum | Ephebus by Policleto

This historical journey through the evolution of ancient sculpture, which Baron Barracco called in one of his writings “the mother of all arts”, ends with a polychrome mosaic of the Church of Rome, the famous Ecclesia Romana, from the ancient Basilica of St. Peter in Rome.

Barracco Museum in Rome | Nero Child First Century A.D.

INFO:

Museo Barracco

Corso Vittorio Emanuele 166/A – 00186 Roma

Opening hours Tuesday-sunday 9.00am-7.00pm; 24th and 31st of December 9.00am-2.00pm (the ticket office closes an hour in advance)

Closed Monday, 1st January, 1st May and 25th December

Barracco Museum Foto Gallery on my Facebook Page

What’s Nearby for Foodies:

Roscioli Restaurant & Deli | Via dei Giubbonari

Enoteca Corsi | Via del Gesu’ 87 | Tel. 066 790821

Forno di Campo de Fiori

Enoteca Cul de Sac

Casa Bleve

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips and pictures with us? Please write us your comment and I will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in personalized private guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers including Barracco Museum family friendly Rome 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 free RSS feed.

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

Barracco Museum in Rome | Romana Ecclesia from the ancient Basilica of St. Peter

A short stroll from Campo dei Fiori Market: The Barracco museum an off the beaten track attraction in Rome.

Barracco Museum | Campo de Fiori Food Market

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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
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.

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 our free RSS feed.

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Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the world’s greatest historic cities.
For hundreds of years, Rome was the supreme power of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Rome lies on the banks of the Tiber river in central Italy.
Ancient Rome was built on seven hills. Today the Eternal City encompasses about 20.
The Coliseum, a huge half-ruined amphitheatre, is one of the chief landmarks.
The Vatican City, in the centre of Rome is home to St. Peter’s Church, the world’s largest Christian church and impressive example of Renaissance architecture.
The Trevi Fountain, completed in 1762, is very popular with tourists as it is said that visitors who throw coins into the fountain will someday return to the Eternal City. It also features in a famous scene from Italian director, Federico Fellini’s film La dolce vita.
Throughout Rome there are many beautiful squares, connected by busy streets. The heart of Rome and its commercial centre is around the Piazza Colonna.
People-watching is a popular occupation here as Romans and visitors alike sit in outdoor cafes or stroll through some of the open-air markets.

Pasta. It is said that pasta was first brought to Italy by the ancient Greeks. The first form was called makaria, which is probably what we know as macaroni.

There are an estimated 400 known shapes in existence and a Spaghetti Historical Museum in Pontedassio shows the history of the food.

This all aside, however, pasta is not the staple diet of the Italians as its popularity portrayed. As in many other European countries each region has its own culinary specialty. The sausages of Bologna, the prosciutto (salted ham) of Parma and the minestrone of Milan are just few examples.

Most Italians would not order pasta when they go out to eat but take advantage of some of the finest fruits, vegetables or seafood in Europe has to offer, within their own country.

Shoes. Italian have a reputation for being stylish and well-dressed.
Indeed they spend more on clothes and shoes than any other 27members of the EU. In fact it amounts to 10% of their total expenditure . It is no surprise then perhaps, that these industries are so important to their economy. Italy is Europe’s largest producer of shoes, and the world’s second largest (behind China). Coupled to this, is the industry’s reputation for quality and design. Shoes from Italy have a cachet that cannot be matched by any other country. Perhaps this is in part a reflection on how the Italian shoe industry operates. Traditionally, most firms are small and family run. Until recently, the Gucci firm was a perfect example of this. Their company was set up by Maurizio Gucci in Florence at the turn of the century, and it has grown and diversified ever since. Its famous loafers were worn by the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly in the 1960s, and in 1980s the firm reiterated its old philosophy of craftsmanship and quality to a new generation, and is enjoying continued success today.

Art. Italy was the birthplace of some of the greatest names in art and sculptures.
Italian artists played important roles in early Christian art and in the style of the Middle Ages.
Giotto, an artist of the early Renaissance, was part of a revolutionary movement in painting which began showing the human body as three dimensional and did not limit the subject matter to merely religious themes. Renaissance painters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli also made their works more realistic and introduced changes in the use of colour. Many of Michelangelo’s greatest paintings decorate the ceiling and the front wall of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. He is widely regarded as the most eminent artist of the Renaissance. Among the best-known modern Italian artists are the painters Giorgio de Chirico and Amedeo Modigliani, the sculptors Giacomo Manzù and Marino Marini and the architect Gino Coppedè.
Every year, countless visitors come to Italy to see some of the priceless art collections and magnificent architecture, Rome and Florence being the two most popular destinations.

Pavarotti has become one of the most famous international opera stars this century. He has also helped to revive its popularity.
Born in Modena, Italy in 1935, Luciano Pavarotti made his professional debut in Reggio Emilia in 1961.

He was widely admired for the warmth and flexibility if his voice, the security of his high notes and the intensity of emotions in his singing. Pavarotti has concentrated almost entirely on Italian operas and songs and his most popular song is a version of Nessum Dorma.

One of the best-selling classical music albums of all time is a recording of the 1994 concert in Los Angeles given by Pavarotti, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo “The Three Tenors”.

Ciao from Rome!

Nancy Aiello

www.NancyAielloTours.com

For more…Follow me on twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

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Nancy Aiello Tours is a custom Italy tour planning company that provides private guided tours of Rome, Vatican, Florence, Venice and Italy hidden gems for the demanding value conscious travelers and Italy first timers alike.

Nancy Aiello Tours takes great pride in providing a wide range of Italy travel services, offering guests the opportunity to combine private walking tours and limo tours with Italian culinary tours and Rome cooking classes, shopping and Italy museum tours with private licensed tour guides. “Tourism has to be creative by understanding the needs of the travelers.” I personally believe creative tourism should supplement cultural tourism.

A memorable journey to Italy must go beyond just sightseeing. Our Rome, Vatican, Florence, Amalfi, Venice and Tuscany private tours are particularly focused on cultural exposure and people-to-people interactions. The depth of your experience is greatly enhanced through our exclusive culturally enriching experiences.

Please, let us know how we can assist you in making your Italy vacation an unforgettable memory of a lifetime.

Ciao:-)

Nancy Aiello

Founder of Nancy Aiello Tours

Trevi Fountain in Rome | Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

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1. About ItalyTravelista

Travel Italy At Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

Nancy Aiello Tours is a tour planning company based in Rome, Italy that strives to provide highly personalized private tours of Rome and the Vatican State, Florence, Venice and Italy’s hidden gems for the value conscious travelers.

Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private tours of Rome and the best of Italy has to offer with official licensed Italian tour guides including private transportation with fully licensed and insured a/c mercedes benz to discover not only the most famous Rome landmarks & museums but also the lesser known and off the beaten path Rome and Italy treasures.

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, a small boutique Italy travel planning company based in Rome advises solo travelers, families visiting Rome with children and cruise passengers touring Italy with fun and informative private Italy tours combined with personalized VIP Italy travel services to enjoy Rome,Italy as the Romans do!

Please, let us know how we can assist you in making your Italian trip an unforgettable memory of a lifetime.

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

Ciao from Italy:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Follow ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2009 Nancy Aiello Tours All Rights Reserved.

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

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 any of these articles please contact Nancy Aiello Tours for info.

Travel to Italy in Comfort and Style with Nancy Aiello Tours

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