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

ItalyTravelista — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:47:47 +0000

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 |

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

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.

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Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Second Largest Basilica in Rome

Tags: Churches in Rome, guided rome tour, looking for early christian basilicas, ostiense, private rome tours, rome walking tour, saint paul outside the walls, testaccio area, testaccio quarter, testaccio restaurants, unusual rome tour, when in Rome

Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

ItalyTravelista — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:51:37 +0000

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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Jewish Rome Tour | Best Jewish Food in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

ItalyTravelista — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:33:06 +0000

Walking Rome Tour | When in Rome Visit the Jewish Quarter

The Rome historic Jewish Quarter houses one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe and the longest, uninterrupted, existing Jewish community in the world.

Although Rome is home to the Pope Jews have been in Rome longer than Christians, as the first Jewish community of Rome goes back to the 2nd century BC. The Jewish Ghetto in Rome is located in the rione Sant’Angelo, in the area surrounded by today’s Via del Portico d’ Ottavia, an ancient Rome structure built by emperor Augustus in the name of his sister Octavia and close to the enchanting Tiber island and the ancient Theater of Marcellus. Since the medieval era the Porticus was used as a fish market which lasted up to the end of 19th century and this role is remembered by the name of the 8th century annexed church: Sant’Angelo in Pescheria or St. Angelus in the Fish Market. To learn more you can visit Nancy Aiello Tours’ Jewish Rome Tour.

Rome’s Jewish Ghetto was the last remaining ghetto in Western Europe and it is now one of the most charming and eclectic neighborhoods in Rome with typical restaurants serving up some of the best traditional Roman cuisine in Rome. Only in the Rome Jewish quarter you are able to find and taste the traditional Roman Jewish cuisine including Carciofi alla Giudia, Jewish fried artichokes, fresh seafood and kosher pizza.

Beside its delicious Kosher food the the tour of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome offers one of the most amazing walks through the maze of old and famous ruins of ancient Rome, medieval churches, renaissance and baroque squares and palaces, all blended within walking distance. During your Jewish Ghetto walk visit the Great Synagogue and Jewish Museums of Rome overlooking the Ghetto, built in a very eclectic style between 1901 and 1904. The dome of the Synagogue is the only squared dome in the Eternal City of Rome and makes the building easily identifiable even from a distance. When in Rome if you wish to visit the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum avoid Saturdays when both are closed.

Ancient Rome and Medieval Rome Sights from the Jewish Ghetto

Best Kosher food in the Rome’s Jewish Ghetto | Where to sample the best Jewish food in Rome

Roman Jewish Traditional Food in the Rome Jewish Ghetto

Giggetto al Portico di Ottavia | Euro 40 |

Tucked behind the ancient Portico d’Ottavia, here you’ll feel like if you were eating in ancient Rome with the Teatro di Marcello in sight. Giggetto serves good Roman and Jewish cooking in a friendly setting. Best bets are Jewish-style artichokes, fried cod filets, chicory shoots with anchovy sauce (puntarelle) and stuffed zucchini flowers. Book in advance if you want a table just off the ancient Porticus of Ottavia.

Taverna del Ghetto Kosher | Euro 40 |

This restaurant located in the heart of the Jewish ghetto serves Kosher only genuine Jewish Roman dishes, under the supervision of the Rabbinical Office of Rome. Best bets are Jewish-style artichokes, homemade pasta, anchovies with endive and lamb.

Yotvata | Euro 30 |

This very nice and elegant restaurant facing the the 16th century Palazzo Cenci, built on the remains of a medieval castle that rose from the ruins of a Roman circus, serves excellent kosher Roman Jewish dishes like spaghetti with bottarga (salted roe), blue fish with endive and focaccia with zucchini marinade. The cuisine based on organic products is prepared under the supervision of the Rabbinical Office of Rome.

Piperno | Euro 55 |

This restaurant was established in 1860 and it is probably one of the best and most elegant jewish restaurants around the Rome’s Ghetto. Beside traditional jewish dishes here you’ll find also authentic roman dishes like tripe, tail and pajama together with a first class wine list. During summer time reserve a table in the lovely outdoor garden.

Sora Margherita | Euro 20 No Credit Card | Piazza delle Cinque Scole 30 |

No signs but you’ll probably find this small and unpretentious restaurant because of the waiting lines of people outside the restaurant waiting to taste amazing homemade pasta and traditional roman jewish dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients and what is available from the nearby Campo dè Fiori market.

Ba” Ghetto | Euro 35 |

This elegant Kosher restaurant located in the heart of the Jewish quarter serves not only traditional Roman Jewish dishes but also middle east delicacies like cous cous, falafel and hummus. Very good wine list and friendly service. A cheaper alternative to the Ba” Ghetto could be found at its sister restaurant the Oriental Food Kosher located near Piazza Bologna, a sort of Kosher fast food offering a very wide selection of Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern and Israeli dishes.

Summer Time in the Jewish Ghetto | Delicious Fried Artichokes at Giggetto al Portico

Want to test your skills and prepare at home Jewish-style artichokes?

Here the Jewish Artichoke Recipe by Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia

Alle gazn gehen tzu Rom | Yiddish

Kol ha-drachim movilot le-Roma | Hebrew

All roads lead to Rome | English

Tutte le strade portano a Roma | Italian

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.com

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 info.

Portico d'Ottavia in Rome | Former Rome's Fish Market

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Rome Walking Tour | Best Bars and Restaurants around the Trevi Fountain

ItalyTravelista — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:40:54 +0000

Walking Rome Tour | Enjoy the Baroque Trevi Fountain

The Colosseum is the most visited attraction in Rome after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, but according to the feedbacks we collected from our guests Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most loved landmark in Rome and due to its enduring appeal this baroque fountain is probably the most photographed monument in Rome.

Designed by Nicola Salvini in 1732, the Trevi Fountain is one of the last Roman baroque treasures built in Rome. This is the place where Fellini directed Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita movie as she frolicked in the water inviting Marcello Mastroianni “Marcello, come here”.

And the Fontana di Trevi still casts its spell on visitors today, not least because of the legend that says that by turning your back on the baroque monument and throwing a coin over your shoulder you are sure to return to Rome one day. Thanks to this legend Rome’s Major cashes Euro 600,000 every year, and the money is used to support needy projects around Rome.

The Trevi Fountain is right in the heart of the Eternal City of Rome and the area is packed with quintessentially Roman sights. Wander around the area and you’ll see that there is at least a church in every square making a religious theme tour an interesting prospect.

Being such a popular spot with an endless stream of tourists and visitors it is very common in the Trevi Fountain area to end up paying an exorbitant price for drinks and frozen food presented as it was fresh. So should visitors avoid this area? Absolutely NOT, just read ItalyTravelista list of tourist-friendly Bars and Restaurants in/around the Trevi Fountain and enjoy real Italian food by one of the most stunning baroque fountains in all of Rome.

TOP RESTAURANTS and BARS Near The TREVI FOUNTAIN

Tamerici

Only a few steps from the Trevi Fountain, located in a typical Rome’s narrow alley, Le Tamerici is an excellent choice for a nice lunch or a romantic dinner. I personally enjoy the great selection of appetizers and the good wine list combined with a very efficient service. Few outdoor tables available.

Price Euro 50 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Overall Rating 52 | Closed Sundays

Vineria Il Chianti

Il Chianti is a very nice wine bar, restaurant and pizzeria just off Trevi Square. Owned by the same company running Le Tamerici, Il Chianti is a modern version of the traditional trattoria, service is courteous and the bill is fair. Nice outdoor tables.

Price Euro 25 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Overall N/A | Closed Sundays

Vineria il Chianti by the Trevi Fountain | Tasty Italian Appetizers

Piccolo Arancio | Vicolo Scanderbeg 112

This tiny, charming trattoria only a few blocks from the Trevi Fountain in an almost hidden alleyway offers authentic Italian food at very reasonable prices. Plenty of regulars come here for the excellent fritters, the farfalle and fusilli pasta dishes and delicious dessert like the lemon mousse. Few outdoor tables available.

Price Euro 30 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Overall Rating N/A | Closed Mondays

Ristorante Al Presidente

Once a rustic trattoria Al Presidente is today a stylish restaurant serving well prepared roman traditional food and excellent seafood. Dinner here would cost around Euro 60 but you can take advantage of the excellent value for money lunch, every day except for Sundays, with a choice of a self service buffet plus two dishes and a pasta from the kitchen.

Buffet Price Euro 32 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Overall Rating 79 | Closed Mondays

Ristorante Nino | Via Borgognona 11

Just a couple of blocks from the Spanish Steps and not far from the Trevi Fountain Nino is a great place for tasting the best traditional food from Tuscany. Here you will love the atmosphere and elegance of a Bygone Era and the food and the wine and the service! One of my faves restaurants in Rome.

Price Euro 55 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Overall Rating 70 | Closed Sundays

Spaghetteria L’Archetto | Via dell’Archetto 26

A few blocks away from the Trevi Fountain L’Archetto spaghetti house offers pasta dressed with over 120 kind of different of pasta sauces. Here you’ll also find pizza and traditional well prepared Italian dishes. Prices are reasonable, outside seating available and it is always open in summer.

Price Euro 25 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Overall Rating N/A | Closed Never

Enoteca Regionale Palatium | Authentic Roman Food & Wine

Enoteca Regionale Palatium

This delicious wine bar, just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain offers Rome’ specialties. Taste the food, try the wines, do the sum and you’ll agree this place offers excellent value for money.

Price Euro 30 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 2 Bottles | Closed Sundays

Museo Atelier Canova Tadolini

This attractive establishment, once the workshop of Canova’s favorite pupils, has been transformed in a museum and hosts an elegant bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and pre-dinner cold platters, salads and sandwiches are very fresh and service is always smiling and professional.

Price Euro 25 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 2 Bottles | Closed Never

Galleria Alberto Sordi

Just a short walk from the Fontana di Trevi you’ll find this historical Art-Deco’ gem recently fully renovated, that offers everything from design shops to bar via a bookstore and a very nice restaurant. Espresso here is very good.

Join the locals in this roman-style mall open from 11 AM to 11 PM.

Il Palazzetto

Il Palazzetto wine bar and restaurant offer an incredible location in the heart of Rome with its terrace overlooking the Spanish Steps. Dinner could easily top E100 per person but at lunch, although not cheap, you’re unlikely to regret a single penny of your bill. Very tasty salads, sandwiches pasta and pastries are served on the terrific terrace!

Lunch Price Euro 35 | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 76 | Closed Mondays

Would you like to share your Rome, Italy travel tips or travel picture with us? Please write us your feedback and we will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join us on Twitter @ItalyTravelista

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.

Another Coin Another Picture | Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi

Tags: best rome restaurants, Fontana di Trevi, Food in Rome, le tamerici rome, palatium rome, restaurant al chianti, restaurants near trevi fountain, rome traditional food, rome walking tour, rome wine bars, Trevi Fountain, Walking Tour of Rome

Walking Rome Tour | Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome

ItalyTravelista — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:27:33 +0000

The Spanish Steps in Rome

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

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

La Barcaccia Fountain in Piazza di Spagna, Rome

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

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

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

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

The Trevi Fountain in Rome

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

The Oculus inside the Pantheon in Rome

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

Bernini's Extravagant Elephant Statue in Piazza della Minnerva

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

4 Rivers Fountain by Bernini in Navona Square, Rome

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

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

Giordano Bruno overseeing Campo dè Fiori, Rome

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

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

Slow Food Restaurants & Pizzerie in & around Campo dè Fiori

Ristorante & Forno Roscioli
Pizza al Taglio Il Forno di Campo dè Fiori
Trattoria la Carbonara
Trattoria da Giovanni
Ristorante il San Lorenzo Ristorante il Pagliaccio

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

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

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Summer in Rome | Get Your Refreshing Grattachecca!

ItalyTravelista — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:43:41 +0000

Summer in Rome: Get your Grattachecca!

When in Rome the best way to beat the heat is to enjoy a colorful and refreshing grattachecca. Romans know that one of the best remedies against the August heat is a tasty grattachecca. It is a blend of hand shaven ice and fruit syrup. The name derives from the combination of “grattare” to crush and “checca”, a roman dialect word which once was used to identify the big ice block used to keep the food cool before refrigerator was invented. It is a great way to cool down if you are walking all over the city while being hot and humid. While walking the streets of Rome spoil yourself with a grattachecca and soak up the lively Roman atmosphere.

As for gelato ice creams for your grattachecca you and your kids can choose different fruity flavors such as lemon, coconut, watermelon and even passion fruit, and often you will also have a piece or two of the actual fruit thrown in, so this is a great way of staying hydrated during your roman holidays.

Today I had Lime and Orange cross the Tiber Island!

Very few stalls in Rome still prepare grattachecca today, following the traditional method, among them the oldest and most famous is the Fonte d’Oro in Trastevere (Piazza Belli), is very convenient when you are done with the Basilica of St. Mary in Trastevere and the popular Trastevere quarter! Not far from there in front of Ponte Cestio is the Sora Mirella (Lungotevere degli Anguillara) which has shaved the ice manually since 1915 and from where you will enjoy the magnificent Tiber Island! There are also Sora Maria (Via Trionfale), La Grattachecca just across the famous Milvio Bridge, and Il Chiosco in the popular Testaccio quarter.

Another Busy Day at Sora Mirella!

According to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grattachecca) the history of the grattachecca is said to be dated back to Ancient Roman times by the emperor Quintus Fabius Maximus which would go to mount Terminillo, which is about 100 kilometers from the capital, in the Apennines and brought back ice from there. Quintus Fabius Maximus wanted this ice to be flavored with sweet syrups and sold by the thermopolia, which were ancient kiosks that sold both hot and cold beverages.

When in Rome do not miss la Grattachecca and follow the latest news about grattachecca on Facebook

Ciao from Rome

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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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.

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Tags: grattachecca, milvio bridge, rome walking tour, Saint Mary in Trastevere, testaccio quarter, Tiber Island, trastevere neighborhood, Trastevere quarter, when in Rome