Category Archives: Rome

The Vatican

The Vatican , as it is referred to, is a principality inside the city of Rome.

As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, many make the pilgrimage here to pay honour to the home of the Pope and one of the strongest religions world wide.

Inside the grounds of the Vatican are the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Church (St. Peter’s Basilica) , St Peter’s Square and many museums.

This historical and religiously significant venue is best seen before ALL the crowds arrive. It is one of the most visited places in the world… with millions streaming through ever year.

The good news is the Sistine Chapel and church open really early in summer – usually 7-730am. I would suggest setting an alarm clock and being one of the first in queue. If you don’t want to leg it alone, definitely do a tour as you can jump the queues and this is well worth it otherwise you may spend an hour or two(!) in a line up which is plain exhausting.

The police of the Vatican are the Swiss Army and are a step back into medieval times with their kit and custom. They are friendly and don’t mind a photo but are on duty so don’t be a pest.

St Peter’s square is massive and surrounding the periphery are significant people from the Roman Empire. If the pope is in town and giving a sermon, it will be in this square.

For more events at the Vatican, check out the official website here. 

The Roman Forum

The grandiose centre of the Roman Empire stems from the Roman Forum.

Located in central Roma, this is a must see place when in Roma.

I didn’t have time to fully explore the space (it was closing as I arrived) but I got a fantastic insight to the sophistication of the Roman Civilisation from the hill surrounding the Forum, known as Palatine Hill.

The monuments still standing are incredible!

Built nearly 2000 years ago in Caesar’s rein the buildings give a great insight to the confidence this empire had.

Not only confidence but the pioneers of architecture.

The columns, the arches, and layout still being used by many engineers today.

I am stunned at the incredible details and stories scribed on the great arches.

On Palatine Hill is a great art gallery and many water falls and sculptures.

There is something very special here… make sure you put it on your map. Even if to have a red vino on Palatine Hill watching the sun set over Roma. You can do night tours here which I imagine would be spectacular. Check out more here. 

 

 

L’osteria Campo De Fiori

I am wooed into the this restaurant perched on the corner of Piazza Campo De Fiori by Zac.

Located on the edge of Campo de Fiori there is plenty to watch and day dream at.

There are a steady stream of restaurant guests, coming, refuelling and marching back into the hustle and bustle of central Roma.

There is a really great vibe around these markets. They are more a tourist market but serving a lot of fresh food produce, flowers and wines.

The piazza is very typical of Roman courtyards. The action is in the middle, with a circumference of shops, typically cucinas and restaurants.

The cobble stoned pavement gives an uneven edge that reminds you with each step of the hundreds of years of people walking the same steps as you. I love it. Tactile and real.

I chose to sit for awhile, film the chefs out the back and paint.

The guys in the kitchen are awesome and treat me to the insider passions of an Italian restaurant.

Even better they make me a dish that isn’t on the menu.

It is a seafood extravaganza, including a whole fish which is served to my table sealed in foil.  The pasta, being central Roma, is amazing and melts in my mouth.

I have a wonderful couple of hours at this restaurant. The location is good, the pricing similar to anywhere else in central room and the seafood delicious.

The Art’s Cafe Roma

This restaurant caught my eye as the perfect place to sit and paint one afternoon.

View from the cafe

The food is reasonably priced but with most restaurants with world notable views, there are premium prices for everything, including drinking water. But it is worth it.

It is plum across from the Colosseum and for that reason alone worthy of a luncheon to fully suck in the Colosseums magnificence.

 

I find myself there on a beautiful autumn’s day and manage a front table. Arriving a little before 12 often means you can get the best seats in house.

 

 

 

The food from Arts Cafe Roma
Painting the Colosseum

Vini & Cucina Blasi

My favourite Cucina in Rome

Everyone needs a home away from home and I made mine at Vini & Cucina Blasi.

I stumbled across it the first night I was in town and Maurizio, the owner, is a gregarious and friendly soul. Greeting everyone, making them feel welcome, pouring their wines, he is the perfect host and his bar becomes like a home.

The pizzaria and bar is close to everything but very close to the Pantheon. You can sit back away from the hustle and bustle and watch life go by.

The staff are all wonderful and enjoy working for the boss.

Attentative and friendly there is a reason why many Roman’s have made this their drinking hole.

You can wander in and grab a pizza and vino, or eat a main meal.

The vines are amazing, especially the red, which is made by Maurizio’s friend. I found it wonderfully fruity and light, not bitter nor heavy. It was a little to easy to drink, but that’s ok, because you are with friends.

In fact, I started hearing the “Friends”  theme when I would walk to the cucina. Fun, times, good people and great wine!

Thanks guys, I look forward to seeing you all again when I come back to Roma.