A shining light from the Dark Ages
For a period of a thousand years, from the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 to the 15th century Renaissance, Rome went through its own dark ages. The city … Continue reading
The Caravaggio enigma
The early 17th century painter, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, was somewhat rediscovered in the 20th century, when he became highly fashionable again. His dark and powerful style of painting corresponded … Continue reading
Open doors at Rome’s most prestigious palace
Many of Rome’s best palaces remain closed to the public most of the time. This is the case in particular with the Palazzo Farnese, prestigious seat of the French embassy … Continue reading
The weight of tradition
Rome is a city of traditions, a city of the past, where rituals stay alive century after century. Among the odd ones in my view is the celebration held every … Continue reading
Creating heaven on earth
The villa d’Este in Tivoli on the outskirts of Rome is famous for its amazing 16th century terraced gardens, which on a steep hill of only about four hectares, include … Continue reading
Breathing contemporary art
Rome is slowly trying to catch up with other major cities for contemporary art venues. Its newly opened contemporary art museum, the MAXXI, designed by the celebrated anglo-iraqi architect, Zaha … Continue reading
Patron saint turning beauty icon?
Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of music and choir singing, is particularly famous in Rome, her city of birth where she suffered martyrdom. One of Rome’s most renowned orchestra and choir … Continue reading
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
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
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
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