Salambo Blog

Living in Rome

20th century martyrs near the via Appia

The via Appia is well known for its catacombs, or underground burial chambers, where the first Christian martyrs were buried. St Sebastian’s catacomb is one of the most famous and … Continue reading

January 27, 2011 · Leave a comment

Futuristic Rome in the EUR district

Like many people, I have a fascination for the futuristic EUR district on the outskirt of Rome and its landmark, the famous Palazzo della Civiltà, also known as the Square … Continue reading

January 23, 2011 · 2 Comments

Mamma’s boy

It is well known that Italian men keep a close relationship with their mother throughout their adult life. For them, she is like a queen mother, quietly ruling his family, … Continue reading

January 18, 2011 · Leave a comment

smallest cinema in Europe

Rome claims to have the smallest cinema in Europe, with a single room sitting a maximum of 60 viewers. The cinema dei Piccoli, as it’s called, is located inside the … Continue reading

January 13, 2011 · Leave a comment

Are the Romans rude?

I must have one of the worst neighbours in central Rome. His name is Domenico, and instead of being one of those lovely patriarchs out of a 1960s movie, he … Continue reading

January 12, 2011 · 1 Comment

Barbarians at the gate?

Being a foreigner living in Rome is no easy condition, as Romans tend to make it known that they are a breed apart in the city. Is it still in … Continue reading

January 12, 2011 · Leave a comment

a special place to enjoy art: the galleria Borghese

I recently went back to the Galleria Borghese, one of my favourite museums in Rome, to see a temporary exhibition of 16th century German painter Lucas Cranach, the Elder. Needless … Continue reading

January 11, 2011 · Leave a comment

red underwear for New Year

There’s a tradition in Italy: to wear red underwear for New Year’s Eve. All the lingerie shops display red only knickers and bras in their windows in the run-up to … Continue reading

January 1, 2011 · Leave a comment