Roma, turismo, web 2.0…

Romantic Rome

As is well known to generations of couples, romantics and travelers from every country, from the long avenue of trees Janiculum you can admire one of the most evocative view of the universe. The walk moves to the south, among the marble busts depicting illustrious garibaldini that helped the unification of Italy. To the west, however, you can admire the wide and scenic “Fontanone,” erected by Giovanni Fontana and Carlo Maderno for Pope Paul V. Nearby, stands the famous church of San Pietro in Montorio, known for the temple of the Renaissance Bramante enclosed in the yard and become historical goal of several couples who formalized their union religiously.

The view from the wonderful Gianicolo Hill is perhaps the best in Rome: in a single glance you can recognize all the major historical sites in the capital and the major basilicas. In the background the imposing Colli Albani, once a sacred and religious center for the first Romans, dominate the scene. According to one of the legends of ancient Roman mythology, the hill of Gianicolo have hosted the city founded by the God Janus, that he had several children one of whom Tiberino, from which derives the name of the Tiber (Tiber in Latin). The site acquired, over time, the vocation to inspire heroic acts by Muzio Scavola Garibaldi that in legend or in fact, have shaped the history of Rome. The Gianicolo, was also a theater where the battles took place for the Unity of Italy: in 1849 there Garibaldi defended valiantly the Roman Republic from French troops. At the top of the hill below the statue of Garibaldi is, from 24 January 1904, a gun that shoots, at noon.

The shot when the city is less noisy you can hear up until the Esquilino. This practice was established in 1847 by Pius IX, to give a standard to the bells of the churches of Rome, so that not to play at noon each of its sexton, but all together at the same time. Who went to Rome can not miss the opportunity to visit the hill of Gianicolo.
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Some curious place names in Rome

That Rome has a wealth of history is more than obvious, not only because it is a city with three thousand years on his shoulders! But perhaps what escapes to tourists who visit it every day is “another story” of the capital, the humble, one that only an observant eye can see, one made of taverns, markets, traditions, in other words one contained in toponymy capitolina. Our trip to find a place names curiosity starts from a square in the heart of the city that houses a typical small market. Piazza delle Coppelle: a handkerchief of space occupied by a few crowded benches, skins under the feet, strong odors. The name of the square stems by the profession mainly exercised in the area: here were established the “cuppellari” manufacturers of “cuppelle” small barrels which were used for the transportation of wine.
So, Rome grateful to the category named a church, Santa Maria in the Chapel, where “Chapel” recalls the ancient name of “cuppella”.Under another sign and very curious, the origin of the name of the street dell’Arco Ciambella. It seems that stems from a discovery made in the sixteenth century, which then became a sensation during the excavations of the Baths of Agrippa to the Pantheon, wanted by the Cardinal della Valle, was found a golden imperial crown surrounding the archway. The crown appeared similar to some donuts eaten in Rome. The landlord of an inn nearby, rode the wave of enthusiasm for the discovery and named the local “all’Arco della Ciambella.” Nowadays, the name is the only survivor: the house has disappeared and the remains of the baths were demolished.
   

Typical restaurant in Trastevere: Meo patacca

Trastevere, one of the most famous areas of Rome full of life with people from the center and the suburbs, Italians and foreigners. All with the desire of pleasant moments among the various places of the capital nights.Here, among the alleys, still lives the traditional spirit of Rome and one of the places that keep it is the restaurant “De Meo Patacca”, built in 1959 and located precisely in Piazza de’ Mercanti, in heart of this historic neighborhood. Strangely the founder of this wonderful restaurant is not a Roman, but an American, that by marrying an Italian girl decides to open the restaurant with the help of “trastevererini” friends.Just with the name can grasp a lot: Patacca Meo is the protagonist of a work by the end of 1600, which, together with Rugantino represents arrogant and brave types, witty and generous, that belong the popular district of the capital.His figure, as well as in several comedies that have spread over time, is keep alive by the famous restaurant.
Some years ago I have been there by pure chance, and has since remained as one of the most special places I has been.
It is a sort of jump through the time as it returns to particular passed moments of Rome.
The atmosphere of this place is wonderful: there are the not modern lights, but gas lights or candles, inside as well as outside, in the square where the tables are arranged.
The decoration is very special, all ancient but well cared for.
The cuisine is exceptional, thanks to the respect of the Roman tradition that has, among the various dishes, a wide variety of appetizers, a magnificent wine of Roman castles, and excellent homemade bread and pasta.
The waiters wear typical costumes while working, use a “romanesque”language and between a meal and the other run of comedies really funny, performances that give moments of joy and culture to the guests of the place.
Great melodies of the musicians of Trastevere, the troubadours of the classics in their songs that reflect the authenticity of the Roman neighborhoods.

The Villa D’Este in Tivoli

Not evryone knows that beyond the historical, cultural and artistic attractions offered by the Eternal City, there are also a lot of beautiful areas (within easy reach and in a short time!) that allow you to discover other views of the capital soul.
Among these, the charming town of Tivoli (about 500 years older than Rome), at around thirty kms from Rome. With its 60 thousand inhabitants, the historic streets and beautiful Villas, gives wonderful emotions and a charming view of the capital thanks to its location on Tiburtini Mountains, from where it is possible to see (if the weather allows) St. Pietro’s dome, and not only …Particularly interesting is the visit of Villa D’Este, the famous Renaissance villa built since the 1550 by Pirro Ligorio (architec from Naples), commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II D’Este.
In addition to the interior of the building (3 floors of rooms decorated with great care) the property offers 35 000 square meters of gardens, adorned by beautiful fountains and waterfalls, fed by the waters of the river Aniene, thanks to special hydraulic pipes.
Among the wonderful water features the most interesting coul be the “Fontana dell’Organo”. Here, the water falls, move the air within some reeds, while another device presses on the keys creating magnificient melodies.
Every 2-3 hours this charming structure is activated. I absolutely advise it!Equally fascinating is the lane of the 100 fountains, spread over 3 levels (representing the rivers Aniene, Albuneo and Ercolaneo) and various shapes, including those of the symbol of the Este family (lilies and eagles). The list of wonders could go a long …
Living very close, I made several visits there with friends and family from far away and it is possible to discover every time new amazing thing.
During the summer I advise a visit during the night. The play of light and water gives a magical vein to these enchanting gardens …. besides being very cheap!

How to get to Tivoli from Rome?
From Tiburtina Station (metro line B/blue) a train takes about 30/60 mins (depending on the train stops).
Otherwise, at Ponte Mammolo Station (metro line B/blue) a lot of buses go to Tivoli.
Recommend those that take the A24 freeway as you save the traffic on Via Tiburtina!
Once arrived in Tivoli, there are wherever directions to the Villa. If you do not see them, just ask!

From “Giardino degli Aranci” to “Roses Garden”

Who usually thinks of the Eternal City as a chaotic metropolis, full of traffic, frenetic people, ecc, could be surprised to know that in the very heart of it (in the Aventine area, there is the Giardino degli Aranci and Roses Garden. Designed by the architect Raffaele de Vico, the Giardino degli Aranci is a park of about 7800 square meters, whose name comes from characteristic plants of bitter oranges, a wide alley where you have a entire view of Rome, among the suggestive frame of the place.
Some architects, most the Savelli family, decided to make the place even more special by placing near a construction through which its door’ eyelet, you can see the woderful Basilica di San Pietro, surrounded in a long avenue of orange trees.

Not far away is the beautiful Roses Garden, with its 1100 different species of roses. For all lovers of nature, this unique location allows to enjoy many different types of plants all at once!

The Roses Garden, established in 1931, was destroyed during the Second World War, so in 1950, thanks to some institutions, the garden was rebuilt but this time with a strange shape: the paths which divide the field of the flower beds of exotic plants draw a candelabrum with seven branches. Still sure: Rome = metropolis, well … Welcome to the Paradise!

BIKE SHARING ROME

Bike sharing. Rome is now offering an ecological, entertaining and comfortable alternative to the ubiquitous car: bikes for rent at different venues in town.

To use one of the 200 bikes available you have to register at one of the tourist information kiosks (or PIT - Punti di Informazione Turistica) dotted around town, compile a simple form and leave a deposit. In return you’ll be given a magnetic swipe card (that can be topped up according to need) and a padlock - all you need to pedal around the city centre in total freedom!

Simply drop off the bike at one of the 271 bike stations when you’ve completed your journey.
The first half-hour rental is free of charge!

Web: http://www.roma-n-bike.it

Location of bike stands
Via del Corso, 1 (piazza del Popolo)
Piazza Madonna di Loreto (piazza Venezia)
Piazza del Parlamento
Piazza Colonna
Piazza di Spagna
Largo delle Stimmate (Argentina)
Piazza delle Cinque Lune (piazza Navona)
Via Santa Caterina da Siena (Pantheon)
Piazza del Biscione (campo de’ Fiori)
Piazza San Silvestro
Piazza Sforza Cesarini
Via della Panetteria (via del Tritone)
Piazza Sant’Andrea della Valle
Vicolo della Campana (via della Scrofa)
Largo Arenula
Piazza dell’Oratorio
Via di Santa Maria in Via (Fontana di Trevi) Piazza dell’Oro
Via dei Pontefici

The best Ice Cream in Rome

the warm weather has arrived and is inevitable to mention the best Ice Cream in Rome.

This is the list of the best ‘Gelateria’ in Rome (in touristical areas)

Il Gelato di San Crispino (Via della Panetteria 42 - Trevi / Via Achaia 56 Appio Latino)
For a lot of people it is the best Ice cream in Rome! With two locations one in two steps from the Trevi Fountain, the other in Zone Appio Latino. Ice Cream 100% natural… tastes meringue!

Giolitti (Via Uffici del vicario , 40 - Navona)
A guarantee! Affollato of tourists and Italians it is an ice cream always on top.

Bartocci (Via Alessandria 145 - Porta Pia)
Close to Porta Pia… Viale Regina Margherita … and closte to my house! It is one of my favorite ice cream.
It isn’t in famous list…. because it is an ice cream from simple people … where you will find a lot tastes (try…bartoccioso
when me and my girlfriend go to take an ice cream … I take it from Bartocci …
and she take it at Gelateria dei Gracchi (the seat of Viale Regina Margherita!), just 100 mt distance.

Gelateria dei Gracchi (Via dei Gracchi 272 - St. Peter / Viale Regina Margherita, 212 Porta Pia)
Excellent, 100% natural. One of the best pistachios in Rome. Can an Ice Cream be snob?

La fonte della salute (Via Cardinal Marmaggi, 2 - Viale Trastevere)
One of the best address in the Trastevere area.

La Fata Morgana (Via Ostiense, 32 - Piramide)
One of the most award-winning ice-cream in Rome …. don’t expects to find the usual tastes .. not find them! 

Old Bridge (Graben Michelangelo 5 - San Pietro)
Close to P.za Risorgimento (San Pietro). The line is very long and sometimes more than 10 meters (all on the road).
The ice cream is among the largest of Rome …. but is not particularly good …  I do not like!

Two very famous address out of center:

Lanzalotto - Viale Somalia (front of Bingo )
Tony - Largo Missiroli Alberto, 13 (Circonvalazione Gianicolense)

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A movie at cinema just 1 euro!!!

Yesterday for the Day of Culture many museums were free and most of Rome Cinemas cost 1 Euro! To have this promotion you must present your TV remote control when you pay for cinema!  What brilliant idea! (I am sorry, I had this information only yesterday afternoon… too late to  post an article in this blog!)
I leave the office that was  20:00 pasted, a step to take  my girlfriend at home… and the remote control …. our program was: go out for dinner and then a movie at cinema!
In Brief … Excellent pizza at Montecarlo (Via Alessandria… 20 mt  from our house …)…   “Savoy” Cinema at  Via Bergamo where are obviously many people (1 euro coast!) were, We put ourselves in a line to pay our tickets, a bit disappointed when I discover that the promotion was also apply without TV remote control too…, however,  I show mine! I take 2 tickets … And I really  pay only 2 euro … Fantastic!
“Questa notte è ancora nostra” (This is still our Night) is a really nice commedy ….

Where is the news? The news is that pay 1 euro cinema might have to wait until the next day of culture next year … However began Cin Cin Cinema!

FROM 1st TO 30th APRIL
MONDAY TO THURSDAY TICKETS COST:
AFTERNOON € 3.00 - EVENING  € 5,00

CIN CIN CINEMA:

Vera, a Vegan girl in Rome

Today, I discovered the Vera’s blog, a girl from Naples, vegan (she doesn’t eating animal products or derivatives, including eggs and milk), that  wrote a very nice article about her 5 days holiday in Rome, with a great enthusiasm. A truly engaging story.

I do not know who she is, but she is nice, Vera’s Rome is so original, including milk shakes without milk,
organic shops, the delicacies of Taverna del Mossob (Eritrean restaurant at Via prenestina … absolutely unknown to me),
with mishaps his friend Nico, the mini statues of Celidonia, lunch at Govinda the Hare Krishna restaurant
a stone’s throw from the ghetto, dinner at Sciam the disappointing Syrian restaurant in Via del pellegrino.
Vera tells a different Rome that probably we cannot find in any city guide.

The story of the journey to Rome from the pages of blog Vera
(Italian Language) - (English Translation By Google)

Vatican Museum… long lines, but not for everyone!

As many know, to enter at the Vatican museums, there are long lines of several hours … Only accreditaed guided tours have a fast access without lines.

Usually the price of for a tour in Vatican museums is 35 euro per person, but we found who offer you a fast entrance for  only 23.50 … Entering with an accompanying list …. That at some point … Just leave you in the Vatican museums!
Of course, the practice is somewhat strange … But this is what we propose to http://www.rome-museum.com
Judging from the stories on tripadvisor seems that things go as they say.