A Friend in Rome

CHURCHES of ROME

Even churches you have never heard about and you just pass by (like this one on the way to Piazza Navona) can hide an incredible frescoed ceiling by Filippo Gherardi.

So next time you see a church, give a quick look inside, for instance here in San Pantaleo!

REAL STORIES FROM MY INBOX

First time in my 16 years of career as tour guide that someone asks me for a tour *while* they are on a tour with someone else.

Apparently the tour was terrible.

It is really difficult to replace a tour last minute in high season, but at least please complain to the company offering such a bad service. Ask for a refund.

A bad guide/a badly organized tour is a shame for the whole category I belong to.

MUSEUMS of ROME

Rome has something for everyone, for every interest.
In a suburban area of town, but reachable by a metropolitan train, there is the former "Mental health hospital", called Santa Maria dell Pietà, and they recently reopened the internal museum showing how patients were treated until the Seventies.

You find all infos here > https://www.museodellamente.it/

Please help spreading the news: October is peak season in Rome.
Book tickets and tour guides at least a month ahead.

DAY TRIPS from ROME

A day trip that never fails you, for all ages and different levels of interpretation, is the Sacred Wood of Bomarzo. A Renaissance garden of delight full of hidden codes and enjoyment!

HIDDEN ROME

In Rione Regola you find a little corner of England, discreetly hidden and still preserving in Rome the oldest English institution outside of England, dating back to 1576.
It was and still is a seminar for the formation of English and Welsh catholic priests.
You find all infos (including how to book a visit) at https://www.vecrome.org/

Well instructed AI can be useful to create amazing reconstructions of lost monuments, like this sanctuary in Tivoli dedicated to Hercules.

I cannot wait to tour there with you!

CHURCHES of ROME

Few steps from chaotic Trevi fountain you find the Oratorio del Crocefisso, an oasis of peace and manneristic art, for a bit of silence and meditation.

MUSEUMS of ROME

Recently reopened to the public, the "Museo del Genio" is only accessible when some temporary exhibits are in calendar. But the permanent collection dedicated to the Engineers of the Italian Army and their inventions is always on display.

Personally I found more interesting the building itself, a perfect example of rationalist architecture of the Fascist period which is not easy to visit in Rome in such a well preserved example.

Until October 11th Palazzo Barberini hosts a special exhibit of this little mysterious painting by Vermeer.
A good occasion to enjoy the amazing collection of art of the Palazzo PLUS a Flemish extra !