When looking at a map of central Rome, Via di San Giovanni in Laterano is right in the middle of action – perhaps excessively so! This long stretch of road starts right at the Colosseum, passes the lively bars of the so-called “Gay Street” and moves past a handful of restaurants and cafes that seem […]
by C. P.
Over the past few days, the first half of the massive renovation works involving the church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza were unveiled – even though they’re still ongoing, they are a very good signal for the city, as this Baroque masterpiece had been closed for 5 years, since it was partly damaged by the terrible […]
by C. P.
What is a P-stop? Before answering that, we will need to talk about the… city tax. Yes, it’s annoying, and yes, it bites into your holiday budget. However, also yes: cities that charge tourists that particular amount also provide services in exchange for it, which are entirely funded with city tax money. One example would […]
by C. P.
Way back when gelato didn’t invade our every thought (because it didn’t exist!) and we weren’t obsessed with finding all the most incredible taste combinations in the city, Romans had other ways to keep themselves from going crazy because of the heat. The main one included eating lots of grattachecca. Which, luckily for us, hasn’t […]
by C. P.
There is one more reason to visit the Scala Sancta this year: while in the midst of a long, delicate restoration process, the Christian landmark in the San Giovanni area will be open to visitors in its original form, but just until June 9, 2019. After that date, the renovation works will begin again. What […]
by C. P.
Somewhere else on this blog we introduced you to the local jargon of Rome, romanesco, but what we failed to mention there, other than the basics of this ancient language, is how full of humour it is & how sarcastic. Take for instance the expression “fare il giro delle sette chiese“. It literally means […]
You can call it many different names: International Workers’ Day, Labor/Labour Day, May Day or, as locals would, Primo Maggio. No matter what you pick: this particular holiday will always creates some inconveniences for those who are visiting Rome (and Italy at large, as it’s a nationally observed celebration) at this time. That’s why […]
Do you know Saint Peter’s is not the cathedral of Rome? Actually, the world’s supposedly largest church is located into a state independent of Italy, namely Vatican City, an enclave within the Italian Republic. Rome has its own cathedral at Saint John’s basilica, one worth visiting together with many other churches a little off the […]
by adm
Summer is upon us, and what is better than spending some quality time relaxing in a city that’s famous for its great weather? Whether you’re considering a weekend getaway or you’ve already planned a longer holiday in Italy, why not go for an accommodation than can be enjoyed inside and out, especially now that warmer […]
For over 20 years, Rome celebrates the Labour Day (1st of May) with a huge free concert held in Piazza San Giovanni, just in front of the imposing basilica façade, organised by the major Italian labour unions: CGIL, CISL and UIL. Very popular between young people, arriving in Rome from every part of Italy and […]
