Feb 20

Caravaggio 2010 Rome Exhibition | The Dark Genius of Caravaggio

By ItalyTravelista Italy, Italy Museums, Rome, Rome Museums, Rome Travel Tips 2 Comments »

caravaggio rome exhibition nancy aiello tours Caravaggio 2010 Rome Exhibition | The Dark Genius of Caravaggio

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.

walking rome tour monti area Caravaggio 2010 Rome Exhibition | The Dark Genius of Caravaggio

Rome off the beaten Path

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Nov 11

Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Rome, Rome Walking Tours, Travel Italy 1 Comment »
Saint Paul Basilica in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Early Christian Basilica | Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

In Rome less than a mile away from the Aurelian walls raises one of the four Rome Papal Basilicas, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori le Mura in Italian).

Around the year AD 65 the Apostle Paul was sentenced to death and because he was Roman, he was taken outside the walls of Rome to be executed and buried. A church was built over the spot where he was beheaded and although illegal many Christians came to pray at Saint Paul’s tomb. Once Christianity was legalized in AD 313 the Emperor Constantine built a small church over the saint’s grave. A short time later a larger basilica was built in place of Constantine’s church which was expanded again in the 8th century. Until the 16th century when a new Saint Peter’s was built to claim the title of the largest church in Christendom, Saint Paul Outside the Walls was the largest church in Rome.

St. Paul Basilica Outside the walls in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Travel to Rome | Enjoy the Outstanding Beauty of Saint Paul Basilica

The church as we see today is the result of a 19th century reconstruction. In 1823 a fire destroyed the Basilica and most of the artworks adorning it. From the original basilica remained only the magnificent 14th century mosaics by Pietro Cavallini, the richly decorated ciborium by Arnolfo di Cambio, and the cloister with its Cosmati pavement.


An imposing statue of Saint Paul greets us as we enter the vast Neoclassical quadriportico (an open space surrounded by porticoes on all sides). The interior has 5 naves adorned with 80 monolithic columns from the original Basilica and frescoes. The large triumphal arch at the end of the huge nave is fully decorated with Cavallini mosaics depicting Christ’s Benediction.

imposing staute of Saint Paul in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

St. Paul Greets You at the Entrance of the Basilica | Tour Christian Rome Basilicas

These decorations were originally found on the facade that was destroyed in the fire, but were later reinstalled after a full restoration in the 19th century. The Ciborium (canopy) by Arnolfo di Cambio that surmounts the main altar is among a masterpiece. Four columns of red porphyry, surmounted by capitals covered in gold leaf, support the meticulous decoration of the steepled roof.


The Chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament, where we can admire Carlo Maderno’s decorations, is magnificent. A visit to Saint Paul Outside the Walls is not complete without having enjoyed its beautiful cloister and strolled around its spiral columns adorned with tiny weaving of colored mosaics.


The light that filters through the palms of the neighboring garden, the silence enforced by heavy walls of the adjacent monastery, and the sound of water from the small fountain make this a place beyond time.

Unusual things to know about Saint Paul Outside the Walls:

The interior perimeter of the Basilica is decorated with medallions that depict the portraits of all Popes including Benedictus XVI. A pointed light illuminates the portrait of the current Pope.

Benedictus XVI Portrait Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Pope Benedictus XVI Portrait Illminated | Saint Paul Basilica

Legend has it that the world will end when the empty medallions run out. Only about 14 are left!

It always possible to recognize Saint Paul by his iconographic attributes: A sword and a book. Legend tells us that Saint Paul was a Roman soldier (hence the sword) who was converted to belief in the Holy Scriptures (the book) by an appearance of Christ on the Road to Damascus.

One of the entrance doors to the Basilica is the so-called Holy Door, made entirely of bronze. This door is opened only during Jubilee years, when it allows the Christians who pass through it to have all their sins pardoned.

Saint Paul in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome | Visit the 4 Basilicas in Rome

Restaurants and good food near the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls:

Dar Moschino | Traditional Rome Trattoria | Garbatella Quarter | €30 No C/C

Nè Arte Nè Parte | Traditional Rome Trattoria | Testaccio Quarter | €35

Da Oio a Casa Mia | Traditional Rome Trattoria | Testaccio Quarter | €35

Osteria Fernanda | Innovative Italian Restaurant | Porta Portese Area | €35

Zampagna | Very Traditional Rome Trattoria | 179 Via Ostiense | €25 No C/C

Flavio Al Veloavedetto | Traditional Rome Trattoria | Testaccio Quarter | €35

Doppiozero | All Day Food & Wine Bar | Ostiense Quarter |

Pizza Luigi | Pizza to Go | Ostiense Quarter |

Volpetti Piu’ | All Day Food & Wine Bar | Testaccio Quarter |

Andreotti | All Day Bar & Pastry Shop | 54b Via Ostiense |

breathtaking Roof of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Outstanding Decorated Nave of Saint Paul Basilica | One of Four Basilicas in Rome

This is part of the Christian Tour of Rome in the footsteps of the early Christians that Nancy Aiello Tours is proud to organize for its guests and Rome lovers.

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! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© 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 ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article please contact us for consent and further info.

Amazing Mosaics inside the Basilica of Saint Paul in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Second Largest Basilica in Rome

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Nov 09

Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

By ItalyTravelista Food & Wine, Free in Rome, Rome, Rome Entertainment, Rome Restaurants, Rome Travel Tips, Rome Walking Tours 1 Comment »

Fontanone Overlooking Rome Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Trastevere Walking Rome Tour | Fontanone on the Janiculum Hill overlooking Rome

Trastevere is one of the best-known areas in Rome and a place to explore little by little, discovering its stunning squares, narrow alleys, medieval churches and renaissance buildings.

Start your Trastevere stroll from the Janiculum hill and enjoy a romantic view of Rome from Il Fontanone, a huge fountain rising high above the Trastevere neighborhood, or from the charming Tiber Island, just opposite the ancient Jewish Ghetto and Jewish Modern Synagogue to enjoy Ponte Cestio, Ponte Rotto and Ponte Fabricio, Rome’s oldest bridge.


Every corner of Trastevere offers something to gladden the eye. Any tour of Trastevere should include a visit to the remarkable church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, probably the oldest church in Rome, built in the 4th century and then restored in the 8th century and again in the 11th century. This Basilica hosts a number of masterpieces, from the mosaics in the apse by Pietro Cavallini to the 13th century facade.

Rome by Night Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Remarkable St. Mary Basilica in Trastevere | Tour Rome by Night

Not far from here the16th Century Villa Farnesina is a must see adorned with artworks by Raphael and Sebastiano del Piombo, but all along Via della Lungara starting from the late 15th century Porta Settimiana to the renaissance Palazzo Salviati is a off the beaten track walking tour of Rome that should not be missed. Going back to Viale Trastevere after walking through a maze of narrow alleys in the most medieval part of Trastevere Rome lovers will find the beautiful 9th century Church of Santa Cecilia, built on top of ancient Rome Baths, with its luscious gardens, 13th century frescoes and outstanding early Christian catacombs, and the nearby Church of San Francesco a Ripa housing the sculpture of Blessed Ludovica Albertoni crafted by an elderly Bernini in 1674.

It’s now Dinner Time in Trastevere! When in Rome where to eat in Trastevere?


This is ItalyTavelista personal best wine and dine restaurants guide to the Trastevere quarter but if you’re looking for a Pizzeria in Trastevere you can check this Rome Best Pizzeria post.

Best Restaurants in Trastevere


A’ Ciaramira

Good Seafood and Seasonal Vegetarian Dishes
Best Bets: Raw Fish | Seafood Pasta
Price 65€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 76/100


Antica Pesa

Definitely one of best restaurants in Trastevere.
Excellent Roman Food and Great Wines!
Best Bet: Pasta Cacio e Pepe
Price 65€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 76/100 | L’Espresso Wine Cellar of the Year 2010

fresh prawns by Ripa12 Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Delicious Prawns at Ripa 12 | Trastevere Delicious Seafood

Checco er Carettiere

One of the Oldest Trattoria in Trastevere Serving Very Good Roman Traditional Dishes
Best Bet: Bombolotti alla Amatriciana
Price 60€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 76/100

Jaipur | 56 Via di San Francesco a Ripa | 06 5803992

Very Good Indian Restaurant located in a peaceful Lane Just off Viale Trastevere

Best Bets: Tandoori Dishes
Price 30€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating N/A


Osteria La Gensola

Located in the Charming Piazza in Piscinula La Gensola Offers Excellent Food

Best Bets: Roman Traditional Dishes | Shellfish
Price 50€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 75/100

Minnetti in Trastevere

One of my fave Restaurants in Trastevere. Chef Roberto Minnetti and his great team serve real Tuscan food in the heart of Rome! Enjoy the short but really good wine list, I like the Poggio Antico Montalcino, the outstanding Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the wide choice of sea salt! Just Brilliant!

Best Bets: Veal Tripe | 100 Egg Pasta | Peposa Stew

Price 40€ | Excellent Value for Money | Guida L’Espresso 2010 Rating 13/20

Minnetti in Rome Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

My Fave Montalcino Wine at Minnetti | Tuscan Restaurant in Trastevere

Fabrizio dal 1956 | 15 Via di Santa Dorotea | Tel 06 5806244 | Wednesdays Closed

This is my fave trattoria in Trastevere! Great traditional Roman food served by Fabrizio with a smile. Booking recommended as this place gets very busy every evening with locals and politicians. No English menu here yet but Fabrizio in working on that.

Best Bets: Check for the daily specials on the chalk board

Price 40€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating Good Value for Money

Fabrizio in Trastevere Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

My Fave Roman Restaurant in Trastevere | Nancy Aiello Tours

Restaurant Ripa 12

Not fancy just real good and fresh seafood from Calabria with a good wine list and good service

Best Bet: Sea Bass & Tuna Carpaccio

Price 55€ | Guida L’Espresso 2010 Rating 12.5/20

Roma Sparita

A Very Good Traditional Trattoria Located in the Heart of Medieval Rome

Best Bets: Typical Roman Dishes | Calzone

Price 25€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 N/A

Trattoria Degli Amici

A Special Restaurant for Special People in the Heart of the Trastevere Nightlife. I love this place run by Sant’ Egidio Community that helps disadvantaged and less fortunate people while serving really good food. Check with the sommelier, he does not drink wine but can tell from your face if the bottle is good!

Best Bets: Cod Maccheroni | Cous Cous

Price 35€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Excellent Value for Money

Trastevere Neighborhood Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Who Needs a Dryer in Trastevere | Narrow and Colorfoul Trastevere Alleys

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! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join Us on Twitter!

© 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 ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

Rome at a Glance from the Gianicolo Hill Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

A Tour of Trastevere | Rome at a Glance from the Janiculum Hill

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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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Apr 15

Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

By ItalyTravelista Florence, Food & Wine, Italy, Italy Museums, Rome, Rome Day Trips, Rome Museums, Rome Walking Tours, Travel Italy, Vatican, Vatican Museums 1 Comment »

Travel Italy At Your Own Pace With Nancy Aiello Tours 551x84 custom Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

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 Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

Travel to Italy in Comfort and Style with Nancy Aiello Tours

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