outdoor pools
When I leave Rome, I’ll miss swimming in an outdoor pool from June to October. Time has gone so fast this year that I was surprised to find the pools … Continue reading
The scent of jasmin
When I go away from Rome, I’ll particularly miss the scent of jasmin in spring. Its very distinctive perfume makes any walk or scooter ride in the city a very … Continue reading
Venice for the Biennale
Once every two years from June to November, Venice becomes the centre of the contemporary art world, when it is hosting one of the most prestigious international art gathering: the … Continue reading
One of the oldest ghettos
If I could choose an area to live in Rome, I would probably choose the Ghetto. It has a special character, as if two thousand years of the city’s history … Continue reading
A writer’s house
The writer Alberto Moravia was a major figure in 20th century Rome. Not only was he one of Italy’s most popular writers, but he was also a presence in the … Continue reading
Raffaello at Villa Farnesina
Raffaello was the darling of Rome. According to the art historian Giorgio Vasari, he had such a pleasant personnality that he charmed everybody who counted in the Vatican, except perhaps … Continue reading
Italy’s Byzantine treasures
Driving from Rome to Ravenna in Emilia-Romagna feels a bit like going to another country. Apart from the language, everything is different: the landscape, the way the city is organised, … Continue reading
Trajan column unravelled
Trajan was one of Rome’s great emperors, ruling over the Empire from 98 to 117 AD. He was a distinguished army leader, who brought victory in the German provinces, and … Continue reading
Urbi et Orbi
It is difficult to write about Rome without mentioning the still overwhelming presence of the Pope and the Vatican. As is the custom on Christmas and Easter day, the Pope … Continue reading
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