The 'Keyhole' view of St. Peter's Basilca
There is a legend surrounding Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the water and you’re ensured another visit to the eternal city.
Whether you stay in a Roman convent, monastery or other religious institution
www.VaticanAccommodations.com , which makes a tourist feel like a pilgrim or if you stay in a secluded hotel, my choice being Hotel degli Aranci ($75) , Via Barnaba Oriana 11, Tel# 39 06 8070202 www.hoteldegliaranci.com , off-the-beaten track in the lavish Parioli district, a short, downhill, mile and a half walk to the Villa Borghese, Rome is where you want to be.
Whatever you do, remember Rome has thousands of offbeat, historical, mind-bending nooks and crannies only the locals know.
Tour Guides Antonio and Paolo of RoamAroundRome
To find the secrets of Rome, PROMOROMA, a division of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, suggested a couple of tour guides, Antonio Rinaldini and Paolo Meschini, founders of Rome’s tour guide business with a catchy name, RoamAroundRome. www.RoamAroundRome.com .
The ‘dynamic duo’ caters to clients with discerning needs who consider Rome an experience, not just a holiday. They know these small, hidden treasures that will make a visit to Rome unforgettable. Antonio and Paolo literally take you by the hand and guide you to the heart and soul of the Eternal City. ‘Walking is the preferred mode of transportation in Rome,' Antonio said. Walking through the center of Rome is relatively easy and it is the best way to see the city that has perpetual traffic problems.
www.VaticanAccommodations.com , which makes a tourist feel like a pilgrim or if you stay in a secluded hotel, my choice being Hotel degli Aranci ($75) , Via Barnaba Oriana 11, Tel# 39 06 8070202 www.hoteldegliaranci.com , off-the-beaten track in the lavish Parioli district, a short, downhill, mile and a half walk to the Villa Borghese, Rome is where you want to be.
Whatever you do, remember Rome has thousands of offbeat, historical, mind-bending nooks and crannies only the locals know.
To find the secrets of Rome, PROMOROMA, a division of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, suggested a couple of tour guides, Antonio Rinaldini and Paolo Meschini, founders of Rome’s tour guide business with a catchy name, RoamAroundRome. www.RoamAroundRome.com .
The ‘dynamic duo’ caters to clients with discerning needs who consider Rome an experience, not just a holiday. They know these small, hidden treasures that will make a visit to Rome unforgettable. Antonio and Paolo literally take you by the hand and guide you to the heart and soul of the Eternal City. ‘Walking is the preferred mode of transportation in Rome,' Antonio said. Walking through the center of Rome is relatively easy and it is the best way to see the city that has perpetual traffic problems.
To experience Rome
like the Romans do, like I did, contact PromoRoma.
Thanks to the suggestion of President Giancarlo Cremonesi and his staff, specifically Consultant Manfredi Minutelli and Francesca Bianconi, from the PromoRoma division of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, we found two tour guides that are great 'Ambassadors for Rome'.
PromoRoma wants to help all tourists with their specific needs when visiting the Eternal City.
They are a great and necessary resource.
Their contact information is:
Via de’ Burro’ 147, 00186 Roma
Telephone 06 6795941
Thanks to the suggestion of President Giancarlo Cremonesi and his staff, specifically Consultant Manfredi Minutelli and Francesca Bianconi, from the PromoRoma division of the Rome Chamber of Commerce, we found two tour guides that are great 'Ambassadors for Rome'.
PromoRoma wants to help all tourists with their specific needs when visiting the Eternal City.
They are a great and necessary resource.
Their contact information is:
Via de’ Burro’ 147, 00186 Roma
Telephone 06 6795941
Terrazza Caffarelli--My favorite view of Rome
THE JOURNEY BEGINS:
On a winter’s afternoon of bright sunshine and blue skies, everything moves quickly in and around Rome, especially Piazza Venezia.
The piazza is the ‘Heart of Rome,' the central hub, a circus of sorts.
Renaissance Popes lived here.
From a balcony in Piazza Venezia, Mussolini lectured the crowds about fascism.
At the head of the piazza, the Romans built a huge, white marble memorial dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, who was the first ruler of a unified Italy. Foreigners say the statue resembles a ‘wedding cake’, while Romans refer to it as the ‘typewriter'..
My visits to Rome
took place in two different seasons, the dead of winter and the overly crowded
summer.
Each time I visited, I studied the ceilings at the Sistine Chapel, dreamed at the Coliseum and threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
Roasted chestnuts anyone?
If it was winter, I bought roasted chestnuts.
If it was summer, I ordered gelato.
Then it was back to the old grind, churches and landmarks.
Each time I visited, I studied the ceilings at the Sistine Chapel, dreamed at the Coliseum and threw a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
If it was winter, I bought roasted chestnuts.
If it was summer, I ordered gelato.
Then it was back to the old grind, churches and landmarks.
But, eventually, peering up at one more landmark or squinting
at yet another poorly lit Caravaggio, a stranger in Rome crosses another threshold.
Suddenly the most important thing in the Eternal City is not to find where La Dolce Vita was filmed or where Julius Caesar was stabbed, but, finding a place to sit still, to rest sore feet, to sip something sparkling, to read an e-mail, to eavesdrop or to just disappear in the shadows.
That is what piazzas are for.
The imperial city knows no decline. It serves as the cradle of ancient art and architecture. Rome is the beating heart of Catholicism and La Dolce Vita.
Suddenly the most important thing in the Eternal City is not to find where La Dolce Vita was filmed or where Julius Caesar was stabbed, but, finding a place to sit still, to rest sore feet, to sip something sparkling, to read an e-mail, to eavesdrop or to just disappear in the shadows.
That is what piazzas are for.
Rome must have
more of them than any other city. The greatest of the piazzas dominate a city that
dominates Italy and at one
time, dominated Europe
Rome is the capital of Italy
and arguably Italy is the most beautiful country in the world. The imperial city knows no decline. It serves as the cradle of ancient art and architecture. Rome is the beating heart of Catholicism and La Dolce Vita.
Who hasn’t heard of the Coliseum, Vatican City,
the Pantheon, the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum and the countless museums and
piazzas that still dominate modern day Rome?
Its origin lies in the myth of Romulus and Remus, symbolized by the ‘She Wolf’.
The rise of the glorious Roman Empire gave birth to the clergy, the papacy and launched its architectural Baroque rebirth.
Savoring Rome's beauty with Prosecco at Terrazza Caffarelli
Its origin lies in the myth of Romulus and Remus, symbolized by the ‘She Wolf’.
The rise of the glorious Roman Empire gave birth to the clergy, the papacy and launched its architectural Baroque rebirth.
My favorite escape from Rome’s
hustle and bustle, thanks to Antonio and Paolo’s recommendation, is Palazzo
Caffarelli, where the outdoor terrace, Terrazza Caffarelli offers a striking
view of the skyline of Rome, known for its vaulting domes.
Located above the steps of the Capitol, home of the Capitoline Museum, lies my oasis, a quiet, escape from frenetic Rome.
The outdoor terrace, with its stunning views, is also the home of Relais le Jardin, a restaurant whose food is as good as the view. This is where one can have a spiritual breather, while sipping Prosecco in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Located above the steps of the Capitol, home of the Capitoline Museum, lies my oasis, a quiet, escape from frenetic Rome.
The outdoor terrace, with its stunning views, is also the home of Relais le Jardin, a restaurant whose food is as good as the view. This is where one can have a spiritual breather, while sipping Prosecco in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
There are many faces of Rome.
Let’s take a look at a different Rome, from a different perspective. Rome has an important cinematic soul where world-class movie directors create cinematic memories.
Take, for example, Audrey Hepburn’s classic scene, where Ms. Hepburn is riding on the back of a Vespa motor scooter, in the classic movie, ‘Roman Holiday' (1953).
The image has been in our brain and our soul for over sixty years.
Isn’t it a must for all tourists to walk down the same streets and sit at the same cafes that the movie ‘Roman Holiday’ depicted?
Rome is a living film set, where the Coliseum comes alive and is a symbol of the ancient world, while ‘To Rome With Love’ (Woody Allen) , gives relevance to the present day.
Let’s take a look at a different Rome, from a different perspective. Rome has an important cinematic soul where world-class movie directors create cinematic memories.
Take, for example, Audrey Hepburn’s classic scene, where Ms. Hepburn is riding on the back of a Vespa motor scooter, in the classic movie, ‘Roman Holiday' (1953).
The image has been in our brain and our soul for over sixty years.
Isn’t it a must for all tourists to walk down the same streets and sit at the same cafes that the movie ‘Roman Holiday’ depicted?
Rome is a living film set, where the Coliseum comes alive and is a symbol of the ancient world, while ‘To Rome With Love’ (Woody Allen) , gives relevance to the present day.
The locals live next to history, a fact few Americans can
relate to.
When I say Romans live inside their monuments, I am not using a metaphor, it literally is the truth.
When I say Romans live inside their monuments, I am not using a metaphor, it literally is the truth.
The Italians are very spontaneous.
They ask, ‘Who you are?’ versus ‘What do you do?’
They ask, ‘Who you are?’ versus ‘What do you do?’
The Romans live in history, but, view the world in the
present.
Chef Luca, our teacher, at Citta del Gusto Cooking School
THE COOKING LESSON:
THE COOKING LESSON:
When you think of Italy,
especially Rome,
you think of food.
Haven’t all visiting tourists had the desire to visit Harry’s Bar, where Ernest Hemingway frequented? Or haven’t we wanted to take a cooking class at the famous Citta del Gusto, the cooking school of Gambero Rosso?
Well, we had the opportunity to experience a cooking class at the esteemed Citta del Gusto.
Haven’t all visiting tourists had the desire to visit Harry’s Bar, where Ernest Hemingway frequented? Or haven’t we wanted to take a cooking class at the famous Citta del Gusto, the cooking school of Gambero Rosso?
Well, we had the opportunity to experience a cooking class at the esteemed Citta del Gusto.
One of the dishes we made was the Roman version of ’Spaghetti
alla Carbonara’, an old
standby and one of my favorite dishes.
The Roman recipe differs from other Carbonara recipes we have come to know and love, as no cream is used in this recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
The Roman recipe differs from other Carbonara recipes we have come to know and love, as no cream is used in this recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
12 ounces of spaghetti
6 ounces of Guanciale or Pancetta if you can’t find Guanciale
4 egg yolks
3 ounces of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Black pepper to taste
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
THE PROCESS:
Cut the Guanciale (pork cheek) into strips and cook until
the ends turn up.
In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with 2/3 of the Pecorino Romano
and black pepper
Cook the spaghetti in boiling water until three minutes
before al dente
Drain the pasta and put it into the pan with the Guanciale
Cook the pasta until creamy by adding a little of the pasta
water
Remove the pan from the heat and pour the spaghetti into the
bowl with the eggs
Mix well and serve with black pepper and Pecorino Romano
Serves 4
Serves 4
Not only did we cook ‘Spaghetti alla Carbonara’, but, we
were given a cooking kit upon arrival from ‘Bravo Buonissimo’, which contained all
the ingredients necessary to cook Latium’s most famous dish, Bucatini All’Amatriciana’.
According to the easy to cook guidebook, all of the necessary ingredients are included in the ‘chic’ looking package.
According to the easy to cook guidebook, all of the necessary ingredients are included in the ‘chic’ looking package.
The Eco-friendly package contained:
16 ounces Bucatini pasta
16 ounces Bucatini pasta
15 ounce jar of peeled San Marzano tomatoes with juice
6 ounces Guanciale from Amatrice
4 ounces Pecorino Romano from Latium
6 ounces Sabina DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 ounces Pecorino Romano from Latium
6 ounces Sabina DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 ounce Peperoncini from Calabrese
750ml bottle of Latium White Wine
The Eco-friendly ingredient package from Bravo Buonissimo
With high quality Italian ingredients, the end result will always be ‘Authentic’.
With high quality Italian ingredients, the end result will always be ‘Authentic’.
Bucatini All’Amatriciana is a typical dish from the central
part of the Italian peninsula, the heart of the Gran
Sasso National
Park, where the mountains separate the Tyrrhenian
Sea from the Adriatic
Sea.
Bucatini All’Amatriciana is considered one of Italy’s most famous and irresistible pasta dishes.
Bravo Buonissimo www.bravobuonissimo.it is not just a culinary experience, it is also a cultural discovery which digs deeply into Italian traditions, from the north to the south of the country, characterized by each region's unique food farming heritage. These culinary food packages were designed specifically to take a slice of Italy into your home.
Bucatini All’Amatriciana is considered one of Italy’s most famous and irresistible pasta dishes.
Bravo Buonissimo www.bravobuonissimo.it is not just a culinary experience, it is also a cultural discovery which digs deeply into Italian traditions, from the north to the south of the country, characterized by each region's unique food farming heritage. These culinary food packages were designed specifically to take a slice of Italy into your home.
THE RECIPE
Boil 4 quarts of water
While the water is boiling, add three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a sauté pan
While the water is boiling, add three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a sauté pan
Add a small amount of peperoncino to the hot oil
Add 6 ounces of Guanciale to oil and cook until they are
crispy and curl
Add 4 ounces of white wine to the dish
As soon as the white wine has evaporated add a 15 ounce can of peeled San Marzano tomatoes to the pan
Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring slightly
Add 4 ounces of white wine to the dish
As soon as the white wine has evaporated add a 15 ounce can of peeled San Marzano tomatoes to the pan
Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring slightly
Take off the heat when done
Add the 16 ounce package of Bucatini to the boiling water
Add an ounce of sea salt to the pasta water
Cook for ten minutes until al dente, stirring every three to
four minutes
Grate the soft 4 ounces of Pecorino Romano while the pasta
is cooking
Heat the tomato sauce to medium
When the Bucatini have finished cooking, drain and add to
the pan with the tomato sauce
Keep stirring for a minute and take the pan off of the heat
and add the grated Pecorino Romano directly into the frying pan, stirring carefully
It is now ready to serve with your chilled white wine
Serves 4
GELSO della Valchetta, Rome's Award -Winning Vineyard
The vines in the background at Gelso della Valchetta
WINE:
WINE:
Maybe there is only one winery in the city of Rome, Gelso della Valchetta, for good reason.
Located a scant twenty minutes north of city center, Gelso della Valchetta, makes tremendous, award-winning wines that are the passion of winemakers and owners Mapi and Marco Caldani.
Under the supervision of enologist Graziana Grassini, the first planting in 1997 has blossomed into a sought after wine that has roots worldwide. The wines are bottled under the Il Gelso and Il Lilium labels and blend the Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) varietals.
Located a scant twenty minutes north of city center, Gelso della Valchetta, makes tremendous, award-winning wines that are the passion of winemakers and owners Mapi and Marco Caldani.
Under the supervision of enologist Graziana Grassini, the first planting in 1997 has blossomed into a sought after wine that has roots worldwide. The wines are bottled under the Il Gelso and Il Lilium labels and blend the Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (25%) varietals.
To visit Azienda Agricola Gelso della Valchetta, call 39
3489014364 or visit their website at: www.gelsodellavalchetta.com
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN ROME:
When in Rome, there is one thing you don't have to worry about.
Finding a place to eat.
You can choose from family-run trattorias and pizzerias to elegant restaurants. The food is simple and rich in flavor. The food from Rome has its roots in the past.
As a simple guide, with the help of Manfredi Minutelli, we have assembled a short list of 'Ten Restaurants in Rome' that are worth visiting:
1)Lo Scopettaro in Testaccio
2)Harry’s Bar on Via Vittorio Veneto150
3)Al Pompiere on Via Di S. Maria De’ Calderari 38
4)La Carrette at Via Madonna dei Monte 95
5)Osteria della Gensola in Trastevere Molto
6)Gina in Parioli Settembrini
7)La Nuova Fiorentina in Prati Lo Scopettaro
8)Felice in Testaccio Roscioli
9)Il Drappo near Piazza Farnese
10) Restaurant Les Etoiles Rooftop at the Hotel Atlante Garden in Vatican City
WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO:
After interviewing several Roman residents, I compiled a list of ten places the locals like to visit.
Many are off the beaten tourist path.
8)Felice in Testaccio Roscioli
9)Il Drappo near Piazza Farnese
10) Restaurant Les Etoiles Rooftop at the Hotel Atlante Garden in Vatican City
WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO:
After interviewing several Roman residents, I compiled a list of ten places the locals like to visit.
Many are off the beaten tourist path.
1)Ponte Sisto is a footbridge in Rome’s
historic center, spanning the river Tiber. It
connects Via del Pettinari in the Rione of Regola to Piazza Trilussa in
Trastevere. Construction was ordered by Pope Sixtus IV using architect Baccio
Pontelli in 1493.
2) Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere takes the name of the poet, Carlo Alberto Salustri (1873-1950), who was an Italian dialect poet, better known for his pen name, an anagram of his surname.
3) Via Appia Antica. Marzia recalls the summer afternoons, when a Roman wind blows gently, as she walked on the 3000 year old stones, she could hear the voicesof the people who lived and died there.
4) The Parco degli Acquedotti is a public park in Rome, part of the Appian Way Regional Park. It is named after the aqueducts.
5) Via di Ripetta is a historic street in the historic center of Rome that links the Piazza del Popolo to Via del Clementino, not far from the Pantheon.
2) Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere takes the name of the poet, Carlo Alberto Salustri (1873-1950), who was an Italian dialect poet, better known for his pen name, an anagram of his surname.
3) Via Appia Antica. Marzia recalls the summer afternoons, when a Roman wind blows gently, as she walked on the 3000 year old stones, she could hear the voicesof the people who lived and died there.
4) The Parco degli Acquedotti is a public park in Rome, part of the Appian Way Regional Park. It is named after the aqueducts.
5) Via di Ripetta is a historic street in the historic center of Rome that links the Piazza del Popolo to Via del Clementino, not far from the Pantheon.
6) Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo (St. Stephen In The
Round on the Celian Hill) is the National Church in Rome of Hungary.
7) Tempietto del Bramante a San Pietro in Montorio al Gianicola is a church that includes a courtyard as a small commemorative tomb built by Donato Bramante.
8) Villa Medici al Pincio is a mannerist villa and an architectural complex with a garden contiguous with the large Borghese gardens on Pincian Hill.
9) Porta San Sebastiano is a modern name for the ancient Porta Appia, a gate in the Aurelian Wall of Rome.
7) Tempietto del Bramante a San Pietro in Montorio al Gianicola is a church that includes a courtyard as a small commemorative tomb built by Donato Bramante.
8) Villa Medici al Pincio is a mannerist villa and an architectural complex with a garden contiguous with the large Borghese gardens on Pincian Hill.
9) Porta San Sebastiano is a modern name for the ancient Porta Appia, a gate in the Aurelian Wall of Rome.
10) Mausoleo di Santa Costanza was built in the 4th century for Constanza, son of Constantine.
MY FAVORITE ROMAN VIEW:
The most dramatic view in Rome is from the Keyhole at the Knights of
Malta Gate on Aventine Hill. If you peek through the keyhole on the piazza
designed by Piranesi in 1765, you will see a garden path that ends with bushes that
perfectly frame the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.
What you are peering through are the gardens of the Villa del Priorato di Malta, one of Rome’s properties of the famous Knights of Malta ( I Cavalieri di Malta), one of the last surviving orders of knights dating back to the Crusades.
The 'Keyhole'
THE FOUR-DAY ROMAN ITINERARY
(Promoroma’s Educational Tour led by RoamAroundRome)
As you can see, Rome has so much to see and often, as tourists, we never have enough time to visit what we consider important.
Thanks to PromoRoma's direction, the four days I spent in Rome, following their guidance, made this trip the 'Most Memorable' vacation in my life.
I didn't feel hurried,at all, but, I felt energetic and fulfilled each day.
I am sharing the itinerary with you, so, you can use it as a guide if and when you visit the Eternal City.
Day 1:
Arrival in Rome and transfer to Hotel degli Aranci
Lunch at Terrazza Caffarelli
Tour of Domus Romane at Palazzo Valentini
Transfer to winery Gelso della Valchetta
Winery Tour and wine tasting with homemade appetizers
What you are peering through are the gardens of the Villa del Priorato di Malta, one of Rome’s properties of the famous Knights of Malta ( I Cavalieri di Malta), one of the last surviving orders of knights dating back to the Crusades.
THE FOUR-DAY ROMAN ITINERARY
(Promoroma’s Educational Tour led by RoamAroundRome)
As you can see, Rome has so much to see and often, as tourists, we never have enough time to visit what we consider important.
Thanks to PromoRoma's direction, the four days I spent in Rome, following their guidance, made this trip the 'Most Memorable' vacation in my life.
I didn't feel hurried,at all, but, I felt energetic and fulfilled each day.
I am sharing the itinerary with you, so, you can use it as a guide if and when you visit the Eternal City.
Day 1:
Arrival in Rome and transfer to Hotel degli Aranci
Lunch at Terrazza Caffarelli
Tour of Domus Romane at Palazzo Valentini
Transfer to winery Gelso della Valchetta
Winery Tour and wine tasting with homemade appetizers
Dinner at Harry’s Bar
Day 2:
Departure from hotel to Polombara to Sabina to visit Azienda Agricola Pompili
Tour and extra virgin olive oil tasting
Lunch at La Muraccia fishing camp restaurant
Return to Rome and stroll from Piazza Barberini to Villa Borghese along Via Veneto, the ‘La Dolce Vita’ street
Guided tour of Villa Borghese
Transfer from Galleria Borghese to the cooking show at Citta del Gusto (Gambero Rosso)
Enjoy wine and homemade appetizers before you join Chef Luca for a cooking lesson
Dine on the food that you prepared at Citta del Gusto
Return to Rome and stroll from Piazza Barberini to Villa Borghese along Via Veneto, the ‘La Dolce Vita’ street
Guided tour of Villa Borghese
Transfer from Galleria Borghese to the cooking show at Citta del Gusto (Gambero Rosso)
Enjoy wine and homemade appetizers before you join Chef Luca for a cooking lesson
Dine on the food that you prepared at Citta del Gusto
Day 3:
Transfer from hotel to Villa Farnesina alla Lungara
Villa Farnesina guided tour and walking tour of Trastevere and the Jewish ghetto
Lunch at Al Pompiere for typical Jewish roman cuisine
Transfer to Coliseum and San Clemente Basilica for a guided tour
Shopping in Rome then back to the hotel
Villa Farnesina guided tour and walking tour of Trastevere and the Jewish ghetto
Lunch at Al Pompiere for typical Jewish roman cuisine
Transfer to Coliseum and San Clemente Basilica for a guided tour
Shopping in Rome then back to the hotel
Transfer to La Carrette pizzeria for dinner
Day 4:
Walking tour of Baroque Rome
Lunch at Lo Scopettaro restaurant in Testaccio
Three hour car tour of Rome ending at the ‘Keyhole’
Three hour car tour of Rome ending at the ‘Keyhole’
Back to the hotel
Transfer from hotel to Bancovino wine bar for wine tasting
and dinner
www.bancovino.com
Philip S. Kampe
