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 There are a few but they tend to be part of rather outdated yet expensive private sports clubs.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
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
Relaxing in a thermal pool
Italy is well known for its thermal baths and spa resorts. After all, the tradition started two thousand years ago, when the Romans developed sophisticated water systems and aqueducts. The … 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
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
Christmas in Rome
I find Christmas in Rome very pleasant and relaxing. There is less of the commercial pressure felt in Northern European cities, where it is all about buying and consuming. On … Continue reading
