ROME IN A ONE DAY

Trevi Fountain

The iconic Trevi Fountain was restored in 2015 and is a bright jewel that attracts millions of people every year. Do you know that here rises Palazzo Poli, seat of National Chalcography Institute for Graphics.

Here you can see temporary exhibitions and admire the collection of prints, engraving tools, machinery and ancient presses. A few people know Palazzo Poli, the backdrop to the Trevi Fountain: this palace was designed by Luigi Vanvitelli, the most prominent architect of XVIII century in Italy.

During the tour, We discovered a very interesting fact: visitors to Rome throw approximately 2,300 Euro worth of coins into the Trevi Fountain every day!

The top of St. Peter's Basilica is the highest point in Rome and no building can be higher than it. Despite that, there is an exception: Villa Medici, built at the half of XVI century on Pincio hill, has the same height of St. Peter's Basilica.

We visited Villa Medici, seat of the French Academy, buying a ticket that includes a guided tour of its enchanting gardens and its elegant rooms. Recently its public gardens were elected the most beautiful in Italy, according to the contest "Il Parco Piu Bello d'Italia".

From the top of Villa Medici, I enjoyed the panoramic view of the entire city, a skyline that left a lasting impression on my heart. When We on holiday We like to taste new dishes and sip nice drinks: at Villa Medici has just been opened Colbert bistro, which offers breakfast and lunch from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

This bistro owes its name to Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Minister under the rule of King Louis XIV in the XVII century.

Forum Boarium and Temple of Portunus

The Forum Boarium was the cattle "forum venalium" of Ancient Rome and was the site of the original docks of the city.

We suggest seeing the Temple of Portunus to all those want to discover one of the best-preserved temples of the Roman age. Located at Piazza della Bocca della Verita, once the seat of Forum Boarium, this temple is an unsung gem, was built between 120 and 80 B.C. then converted into a church in 872.

In 1916, 100 years ago, the temple was restored but, at the moment, is close to the public. For more info about archaeological sites in Rome, I suggest checking this website.

If you are in this area on Saturday or Sunday, don't forget to shop at the Campagna Amica market on Via di San Teodoro, when you can meet local producers and buy the best food delicacies in Rome.

A Caravaggio's masterpiece in a small church

Probably you already know Navona square (Piazza Navona): within walking distance from this big square, there is a small church, the Basilica of Sant'Agostino, situated in the piazza of the same name. This church was built during the Renaissance and hosts two masterpieces: the fresco of the Prophet Isaiah by Raphael and the Madonna di Loreto by Caravaggio.

This is a precious Baroque painting and We think it's very amazing to find works of art hidden in the heart of the historic center.

The Caravaggio's painting depicts a moment where everyday common man encounters the divine, just as the miracle of beauty that appears in Rome streets!