Travel to Rome | Tour Rome with Nancy Aiello Tours

Convents and monasteries in Rome are blessed and restful alternatives to Rome’s hotels and B&Bs. These religious accommodations usually located in Rome’s historic center offer tight security, spic-and-span bathrooms, often some of the cheapest room rates in Rome plus a sense of spirituality and peace that more than reward for any inconvenience, making convents and monasteries in Rome an attractive budget alternative for lodging in the heart of Italy. Staying in a convent or a monastery offers Rome visitors the opportunity to experience an unusual Rome and make a Rome trip a memorable journey. Convents accept women, men and families with children, but make sure to check in advance if the convent enforces any night curfew.

Out of the 200 or so lodging and accommodations run by religious orders, monks and nuns in Rome this is ItalyTravelista list for a holy Roman holiday.

Casa Bonus Pastor | Vatican Area | No Curfew |

The Casa Bonus Pastor it’s owned by the Vatican but is in all respects a 3 star superior hotel located a short walk from St. Peter’s square. 88 well appointed rooms with only single beds available, a very nice garden and good Italian restaurant make this place an excellent choice to explore Rome and the Vatican without breaking the bank.

Casa di San Giuseppe | Trastevere Area | No Curfew |

The charming Casa San Giuseppe is located in the popular and very central Trastevere quarter, in the heart of historic Rome. It used to be a convent and after lengthy and careful renovations now offers very nice rooms, a spacious parking and free wi-fi at very reasonable rates.

Casa di Santa Francesca Romana | Trastevere Area | No Curfew |

The 600-year-old Casa di Santa Francesca Romana near the Ponte Rotto in Trastevere offers 37 clean and nice rooms in a quiet and stress free environment overlooking medieval buildings and the luscious garden where to enjoy breakfast in the warmer months.

Casa di Santa Brigida | Campo dè Fiori | No Curfew |

The fabulous Farnese Square hosts one of the most beautiful and expensive religious lodge available in Rome. The House of Saint Bridget, a splendid XV century building, houses people of all nationalities and creed but due to its antique furnitures, its lovely terrace and its rich library the 20 room convent could be mistaken for an up-market boutique hotel rather than a religious lodge. Be aware that Santa Brigida is not equipped for disabled guests.

Casa Suore Preziossimo Sangue | Vatican Area | Nightly Curfew |

The nuns of the Preziossimo sangue have recently renovated their convent offering 20 spotless rooms designed in a modern minimal chic style. Very clean rooms equipped with Internet connection, TV and A/C provide very good comfort a short distance from the Vatican. Guests can join the morning mass in the convent chapel but must be home by 11 PM in winter and by midnight in summer.

More Convents and Monasteries in Rome opening their doors to paying guests:

Monastero di Sant’ Antonio Abate | Aventine Hill | Nightly Curfew |

Via S.Sabina, 64

Tel. (011 39) 065745528

Rates: Double E.64

Suore Mantellate Serve di Maria | Navona Square Area | Nightly Curfew |

Via S. Giuseppe Calasanzio, 1
Tel. (011 39) 0668803344
E-mail: s.giulianafalconieri@virgilio.it

Rates: Double E.81

Casa di Accoglienza Santo Spirito | Vatican Area | Nightly Curfew |

Borgo S. Spirito, 41
Tel. (011 39) 066861076

Rates: Double E.81/Single E.35

Casa di Accoglienza Paolo VI | Vatican Area | Nightly Curfew |

Viale Vaticano, 92
Tel. (011 39) 0639091411

Rates: Double E.60/Single E.35

Villa Lante Istituto del Sacro Cuore | Trastevere Area | Nightly Curfew

Via San Francesco di Sales, 18

Tel. (011 39) 0668806032

Rates: Double E.80/Single E.50

To learn more about religious accommodations in Rome visit http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html for advice and suggestions. To learn more about Rome visit Rome’s Tourism website.

To learn more about Rome hotels and B&Bs read Lee Marshall’s recommended hotels in Rome!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

© Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours 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 this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours for consent and further info.

St. Brigida Convent in Farnese Square | Nancy Aiello Tours Rome Travel

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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!

© 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.

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

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A Day at the Vatican | Tour Saint Peter 's Square

A tour of Rome is not complete without a day at the Vatican to visit the Holy See, explore St. Peter’s Basilica the world largest Christian church and tour the Vatican Museums the most impressive collection of fine art.

The Vatican City is one of most fascinating areas in Rome with an appeal that is quite unique. In the very small Vatican State visitors and devoted Catholics will appreciate an impressive collection of artistic and cultural treasures starting from St. Peter’s Square, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of all time, one of the many open-air museums in Rome!

Designed by Bernini and built between 1656 and 1667, Saint Peter’s Square features two gigantic semicircles each comprising four rows of Doric columns totaling 284 columns adorned by 140 statues of Saints. In the middle of St. Peter’s Square is the famous Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome to grace Nero’s circus and erected in its current location by Pope Sixtus V in 1586. There are also two beautiful 17th century fountains adorning each side of the Holy Square. Between the obelisk and each fountain you’ll see a circular stone that marks the focal points of an ellipse and standing on one of these points, it appears to comprise a single row of columns. The backdrop to all this is St. Peter’s Basilica one of the most visited Rome’s landmarks.

Bernini's Saint Peter's Square | Vatican City a Must See When in Rome

The construction of the Basilica of Saint Peter began under Pope Julius II in 1506 and was completed in 1612. The imposing Church was built on top of a former 4th century basilica erected by the Emperor Constantine on the spot where the legend says the apostle Peter was crucified and buried. The dome was designed by Michelangelo and the church, the largest church in the world, covers an area of 23,000 m² (5.7 acres).

St. Peter’s Basilica is a magnet for art lovers featuring Bernini’s majestic canopy in the nave, Maderno’s magnificent Chapel of the Confession, the Pieta by Michelangelo, the Clementine Chapel by della Porta and the stunning tomb of Clement XIII by Canova, just to name a few of the famous masterpieces on display.

But a Vatican tour would not be complete without a tour of the Vatican Museums and the breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo.

Visitors will be impressed by the Egyptian and the Etruscan Museums, the Papal Apartments painted by Raphael and the Pinacoteca gallery that houses masterpieces by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and more Raphael. A visit to Saint Angel’s Castle, built by Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD, is a great way to round off a tour of the Vatican City.

Saint Angel's Castle | A nice walk from the Vatican

Vatican Travel Tips:

• Vatican Museums Tickets can be purchased online at the Official Vatican Website
• Vatican Dress Code For both ladies and men, knees and shoulders must be covered. No shorts of any kind are allowed
• Wear comfy shoes. Sensible shoes are essential if you are to attempt the ascent of the Dome, as the 320 marble stairs after you emerge from the lift are very slippery
• Days closed The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month when entrance is free of charge. Expect large crowds then. St. Peter’s Basilica is also closed every Wednesday morning when the Papal Audience is scheduled
• Papal Audience Papal Audience is held every Wednesday and the free of charge Papal Audience Tickets should be booked well in advance
• Dear Visitor Please Note: Don’t set your expectations to high! It’s a public ceremony and you won’t be able to talk to His Holiness, take pictures of your kids with the Pope or handshake with the Holy Father
• More Vatican Tips and info can be found at my previous Vatican post here
  

Pizzeria and Restaurants near the Vatican

Trattoria Micci | Euro 30 |

Pizzeria la Pratolina | Euro 25 |

Pizzeria Giacomelli | Euro 25 | Via Faà di Bruno 25 Prati |

Osteria dell’Angelo | Euro 25 | Via Giovanni Bettolo 24 Prati |

Osteria Centouno | Euro 28 |

Cafes, Pizza to Go and Bars near the Vatican

Mondo Arancina | Pizza and arancini rice balls |

Pizzarium | Excellent Pizza to go |

Caffè Antonini | Good sandwiches and excellent Cappuccino | Via Sabotino 25 | Prati |

Franchi | Delicious deli very close to the Vatican City | Take Away |

Piacere e Passione | Excellent coffeeshop with food |

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips 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 me 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.

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Enjoy Rome and its outdoor cafes

Caffè espresso is Italy national drink and Romans drink coffee throughout the day, and whenever people meet the first question is always: would you like a “buon caffè”? Rome has dozen outdoor cafes where to enjoy your espresso and watch people go by! Until few years ago espresso was the official “flavor” with decaf and ristretto as only available options but these days it is very common to go to a coffee shop and hear customers shouting: American Coffee, Irish coffee, Mexican coffee, Moroccan coffee with cream and chocolate, cold (freddo), with panna, shaken (shakerato), corretto with grappa or sambuca. Basically coffee variations are up to the customer’s imagination and the skills of the barista (bartender)!

If you travel to Rome and want to sip a delicious cup of caffè espresso (as the Romans called it) with locals, do try the most extravagant variations! Here is ItalyTravelista list of bars and cafès in Rome where to savor your Italian Espresso!

Antico Caffè Greco:

Much has remained unchanged since the Antico Caffè Greco first opened in 1760. Nowadays people come here for a relaxed breakfast or a delicious coffee in a very exclusive environment. Prices are not popular but reflect the Caffè Greco’s prestige and enviable location, only a few steps away from the Spanish Steps.

Caffe’ Ciampini:

Ciampini is located in the charming and peaceful Piazza in Lucina, one of the very few pedestrian area in the centre of Rome where you can relax and enjoy your espresso, or a tasty ice cream.

Enchanting piazza S.Lorenzo in Lucina home to Ciampini

Caffè Sant’Eustachio:

In my opinion Sant’Eustachio serves the best Rome’s coffee and it’s very popular with locals and visitors alike. Such is its popularity that you have to be prepared to queue. Among the specialties the Grancaffè, a double espresso with cream, the granita coffee ice with whipped cream, and the Irish coffee.

Tazza d’Oro:

At a short walk from the Pantheon Tazza d’Oro is famous for its outstanding granita coffee ice with whipped cream, and the strong-taste espresso.

Sciascia dal 1922 | Via Fabio Massimo, 80a

Not a fashionable coffee shop but a very good coffee indeed. Coffee is imported directly from Africa and South America, then roasted and served on the spot, much to the delight of the many customers who appreciate the Sciascia family’s service and courtesy.

La Bottega del Caffè | Piazza Madonna dei Monti, 5

This bar prepares very good coffee in its enviable position, looking out onto the pretty little square of Madonna dei Monti. You’ll find the service here always courteous.

Bar del Cappuccino

Be prepared to queue because this bar is small and very popular. The coffee is good as well as the cappuccino served in a unique decorated version. Must try the special coffee with milk froth and cocoa powder.

Faggiani | Via G. Ferrari, 23

Faggiani serves one of the best coffee in Rome and the breakfast fare which includes croissant, fried bombe, and cakes is equally good. Prices here are slightly above average but after all, this is the snobbish Prati district.

Caffè Spinelli | Piazza del Viminale, 18

This welcoming little bar is located in Piazza del Viminale just opposite the Italian Ministry of Interior, and is a regular meeting place for businessmen and politicians. Coffee is excellent and the smiling service deserves a mention.

Linari | Via N.Zabaglia, 9

This lively bar, located in the popular Testaccio neighborhood, is always busy with locals sipping coffee and enjoying the delicious croissant and chocolate filled pastries

A couple of tips: pay for your coffee at the till and then take your receipt to the counter to be served and remember that Italians don’ t drink cappuccino after meals, as milk would slow your digestion.

For the latest news about the real Italian Espresso check the Italian Espresso National Institute website.

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

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

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 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.

Pantheon's fountain close to Tazza d'Oro coffee shop

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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.).

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!

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!

Egyptian Obelisk in Navona Square

4) The Pantheon goes Free!

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!

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!

Visit the Holy Area of Largo Argentina and watch the cats lounging among the ruins of four ancient temples.

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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