I found that working in a holiday rental agency was a fantastic way to get to know Italy and the local culture. My account from behind the scenes reveals what goes on behind closed doors, tells you what you need to know about the agency before you book your holiday …
Last week, the entire financial problems in Testaccio were solved in less than 10 minutes. There was widespread debt and no money in community, until the visit of an American Tourist. Here’s what happened.
Why should you support the use of cash in Italy? Does that not mean that you are facilitating tax evasion? Not necessarily. Instead, overusing your credit card in Italy means to undermine their social fabric, and might hurt the local economy and culture. Here is why.
One of the things you don’t realize about Rome until you’ve left is the city’s (and the country’s) great tradition of pasticcerie.
On top of one of Rome’s most idyllic hills, the Aventine, you will find the atmospheric Orange Garden (“Giardino degli Aranci/Parco Savelli”), where many people come to relax and watch the sunset over the city.
The view is quite breathtaking – … Continue Reading
Several recently published reports heavily criticise the graffiti in Rome. The BBC published an article in August 2009, pretending to provide a balanced view and diverse opinions on the topic, but instead simply picking up on Prime Minister Berlusconi’s moaning about graffiti in Rome – one of his skillful moralising digs at the political left – and leaving it at that. … Continue Reading
While coffee beans are neither grown nor harvested in any part of Italy, the coffee roasted and blended here is among the best in the world. Romans are just as proud of their coffee as inhabitants of any other part of Italy. But ‘proud’ is probably the wrong term: Good coffee is considered such an utter necessity that when the famished contestants … Continue Reading
Although Rome is known for its delicious food, service-mindedness is not a concept generally understood or practiced in most restaurants or bars. Prompt and friendly service simply does not go with the attitude: Roman waiters are a proud bunch and will not risk appearing servile.
This does not mean that you will not come across great waiters … Continue Reading
Via del Governo Vecchio is just another picturesque and cobbled ancient alley in the heart of Rome – or is it?
As the surprisingly unpretentious main artery of the district aroung Piazza Navona, Via del Governo Vecchio has retained its evocative atmosphere. … Continue Reading
Trattoria Maccheroni (not pictured) has been voted the best Trattoria in Rome by Romans, in 2008. This distinctive trattoria on Piazza delle Coppelle carries the name of Italy’s most popular dish worldwide.
The restaurant has maintained and emphasized the delightful details of its rustic structure for an ambience that is inimitably welcoming and warm. … Continue Reading
Visiting Rome over Christmas is a different way to spend the holidays. The weather is rather mild compared to the conditions in European countries north of Italy, and although some winter days in Rome are grey and rainy, the sun does come out often enough, even allowing people to enjoy lunch outdoors. … Continue Reading
Villa Borghese is a large landscape garden in the naturalistic English manner in Rome, containing a number of buildings, museums (for example Galleria Borghese) and attractions. … Continue Reading
Handicraft and artistry has a longstanding tradition in Rome, and it is in parts still alive today. … Continue Reading
The Vatican Museums, in Viale Vaticano in Rome, inside the Vatican City, are among the greatest museums in the world, since they display works from the immense collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries.
Pope Julius II founded the museums in the 16th century. … Continue Reading
Need to apartment in Rome? Offering a great Rome-based service? Advertise in our Marketplace.
Share inside knowledge of Rome in our Forum: Write about your favourite restaurants, hotels, apartments… Go to the Forum here. … Continue Reading
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