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
Bramante’s perfect proportions
Hidden in the small cloister of St Pietro in Montorio on the Janiculum hill, Bramante’s Tempietto (little temple) is considered as the High-Renaissance masterpiece encompassing all the ideals and ideas … Continue reading
Piazza di Spagna
My favourite time to go to Piazza di Spagna is early in the morning, between 8 and 9 am, before it gets too busy. The light is already quite bright, … Continue reading
Rome’s best swimming pool
Finding a swimming pool in Rome is no easy task. There are a few but they tend to be part of rather outdated yet expensive private sports clubs. One of … Continue reading
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
Italy celebrates…
All shops and offices are closed today in Rome for the 150th anniversary of the Italian Unity. On that very day in 1861, the newly formed Italian Parliament proclaimed Vittorio … Continue reading
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