Casa Grifone Roma

Located in the middle of Trastevere, Rome's Botantic Garden, or Orto Botanico, was originally established in 1883 when the Corsini family donated its garden to the Italian government.
Now run by the University of Rome "La Sapienza," it hosts over 3,500 species of plants and includes a rock garden, green-houses, bamboo grove, Japanese Gardens and a "Scent-and-Touch" garden for visually-impaired visitors. ❤️ofrome #6:00pmcolorsofmicheangelosunset

Contemporary Art in Villa Borghese from 15 September to 13 December.

Rome's Villa Borghese park will host a free outdoor exhibition project, titled Back to Nature, curated by Costantino D'Orazio.
The park will host a nucleus of outdoor installations among the trees, by internationally known artists such as Andreco, Mario Merz, Mimmo Paladino, Benedetto Pietromarchi, Davide Rivalta, Grazia Toderi, Edoardo Tresoldi, Nico Vascellari.
In addition there will be musical performances and projects by street artists.

#16 of 16 must visit churches in Rome Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza
Corso del Rinascimento, 40 This remarkable baroque gem is an exquisite design of Borromini, rival of Bernini, in which he used his geometric genius. It is the seat of La Sapienza, one of the oldest universities in the world. The featuring element of the exterior is definitely the lantern, which has a special architecture that makes you feel unable to stop looking at. As you stand in the courtyard, it seems to you that the walls are fluid and moving. I hope that you are lucky enough to visit this masterpiece. ❤️ofrome #6:00pmcolorsofmicheangelosunset

#15 of 16 must visit churches in Rome Basilica di San Clemente
Via Labicana, 95 Another example of “do not get misled by the exterior”! The exterior seems to be like a typical building while it is not. The Basilica of San Clemente is a 3-floor structure. The floors are underground and they have low ceilings and narrow corridors, which is contrary to what you may expect from a Roman church. If you are claustrophobic, I do not recommend visiting this church. The more you climb down, the older things you will see. So, the ground floor is more modern (in which you can find a breathtaking byzantine mosaic) in comparison to the last floor. In fact, you climb down through history. Be sure to visit the two lower levels; on the first you will find the fourth century Basilica, which was undiscovered until the late 18th century, after it had been covered with gravel around 1,100 after Christ. Then go down to the bottom level with its remains of an ancient roman house in brick from the first century after Christ and which was transformed into a Mithraeum between the second and third centuries. The admission to the excavations costs €10. ❤️ofrome #6:00pmcolorsofmicheangelosunset

#14 of 16 must visit churches in Rome Santa Maria del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is one of the most famous squares in Rome. Santa Maria del Popolo is constructed in the northern part of the square in 1099. The basilica was built based on a superstition back in those days: it was widely believed that the ghost of Nero, the Roman Emperor, had haunted the area. The basilica was built to relieve the area from the ghost. Though a minor church, it contains works by several famous artists, such as Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio and Pinturicchio
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❤️ofrome #6:00pmcolorsofmicheangelosunset

#12 of 16 must visit churches in Rome Santa Croce in Gerusalemme (Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem)
Piazza di S. Croce in Gerusalemme The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem is located in the Esquilino neighbourhood with a solemn white exterior. Santa Croce in Gerusalemme owes its existence to Pope Benedict XIV who ordered the two architects, Pietro Passalacqua and Domenico Gregorini, to build the church. For those who need absolute silence for peace of mind and contemplation, this is the best place. Christians can also find important relics such as the St. Thomas’s fingernails that once tortured Jesus, a piece of the wood of the cross, etc. The interior design is just as glorious as the façade. The columns at the two sides of the church, with two rows of benches and an altar with navy blue decorations, are perfectly matched. Like other churches, you can raise your head up and amaze at the designs and paintings of the ceiling. Furthermore, the majestic Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is not so far away. So, plan ahead to visit its beauties as well. ❤️ofrome

#11 of 16 must visit churches in Rome Santa Maria sopra Minerva
Piazza della Minerva, 42
Not far from the Pantheon, Santa Maria sopra Minerva is one of the few Gothic churches in Rome, dating back to the 13th century. Golden Baroque style stucco details were added in the early 17th century, which were almost removed during the mid-19th century. Among the elements that leave you mesmerized are the three naves, the blue vault with gold stars, and the two big organs. Here you can see many exquisite works of art: the Carafa Chapel built and decorated by Filippino Lippi in honour to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the statue of Michelangelo of Christ the Redeemer, and below the main altar lie the relics of the famous Saint Catherine of Siena, while the tombs of two Medici popes, Leo X and Clement VII, are in the apse. The dance of the navy blue, gold, and marble colors is quite pleasing to the eye. As the Pantheon draws all the attention to itself, Santa Maria sopra Minerva is usually quiet and peaceful.  ❤️ofrome

#10 of 16 must visit churches in Rome Sant’Ignazio di Loyola (Church of St. Ignatius Loyola)
Via del Caravita,
Located a stone’s throw away from the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, I would call Sant’Ignazio di Loyola a luxurious and glorious church. Both the travertine exterior and golden interior are soul touching. The ceiling is a mind-blowing showcase of extremely valuable and marvelous architecture and painting. You may see things in the ceilings that are not actually there and it is the genius of its creator that causes the optical illusions. The walls are home to admirable statues, which accompany the other outstanding elements. The wooden works, simple yet elegant church benches, and the fantastic altar with many paintings are other features. ❤️ofrome

#9 of 16 must visit churches in Rome Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of St.Mary of the Angels)
Piazza della Repubblica
Designed by Michelangelo himself, the basilica was built into the ruins of the famous Diocletian Baths. Its name comes from a legend of Christian martyrs who died during its construction. In fact, you may even walk past the basilica without noticing as there is no true facade.  Gorgeous frescoes, which revolve around the religious history of Christianity, together with the artistic statues have made a great awe-inspiring interior. You can also trace the footsteps of Michelangelo here through the stunning bathtub. Tall marble columns and arches with detailed plasterwork and the dominant light pink color have given a delicate dignity to the church. You can also see the meridian solar line on the floor which is the creation of Bianchini, an 18th-century astronomer. Not only is the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels unique, it was also the official state church of the Kindgom of Italy, and even a burial site for state funerals. Though usually ignored by the tourists, Santa Maria degli Angeli is a must-see church in Rome. ❤️ofrome

#8 of 16 must visit churches in Rome Santa Maria in Trastevere
Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere
If you’re strolling through the Trastevere neighbourhood, don’t miss out on the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere–one of the most beautiful and serene churches in Rome. Its initial construction dates back to 340 AD. Other decorations such as famous Byzantine mosaics were made later in the 11th century. The octagonal ceiling stuns you when you first look at it. It is full of gorgeous jewels and also Domenichino’s Assumption of the Virgin. The golden mosaic arch is a mesmerizing feature of the church.  The marvellous façade view of its exterior finds its way through perfection by the octagonal fountain in the Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. Find a seat and relax for a while as you enjoy the exterior view. Be careful about the “smart” locals who want to sell entrance tickets,  entrance is free. ❤️ofrome