Rome Things to Do Tips by Rhondaj

The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci Piazza del Popolo Review

A small museum with real working models (some true to size) of da Vinci's machines. Tricky part is, some machines you can tinker with, others say "Do Not Touch". It was amusing to watch the two young curators admonishing the ones who touched the forbidden items.

Two favorite items: the closet of mirrors- check yourself out; and the gruesome horse-drawn wagon with scythes for mowing down enemies at the front, rear and sides.

Open daily 9:30 to 8pm.

Directions: The small museum is tucked beside the steps leading from Popolo Piazza to Pincio Gardens, behind the S. Maria del Popolo church.

Pincio Gardens- obelisk Pincio Review

Not as grand as the obelisk down in Popolo Piazza, but at least not covered for restoration! In 1822 Pius VII moved this obelisk of Antinous from Piazza Barberini into the Pincio gardens. (Can you imagine, "No, I liked it better over there, can you move it back?")

I think there is a story of one of the movers getting his hand smashed and dehandulated (I made that word up) under here while they were setting it up. And the story goes...it's still there...

Address: Viale dell'Oblesco (naturally)

Directions: Pincio Gardens

Pincio Gardens-Bike Rental Pincio Review

In the garden, there is a bike rental place. Since this area is so large, renting one would be nice. We did not do this though, so I cannot tell you the cost of it. Isn't the building fabulous?!

Giardino del Pincio Pincio Review

The paths in the gardens are lined with busts of Italian patriots. Many of which are headless. It seems that in the early 1980s, a vandal struck and decapitated hundreds of these busts. I guess if you wanted to, you could set your head upon the neck and take a photo...
(I wasn't tall enough....)

Pincio Gardens - Water Clock Pincio Review

This water clock was written up in one of my guide books. The made in 1867 clock is supposed to be powered by running water. But what a disappointment. There weren't even any hands to it! Maybe vandals struck it.

Address: Viale dell' Orologio

Directions: Pincio Gardens

A Wonderful View to Popolo Piazza Piazza del Popolo Review

The best part of Piazzale Napoleone is the view down into Popolo Piazza. Wonderful photo opportunity. We took some pictures and then exited the rear of the square to walk the Pincio gardens.

Directions: exit Popolo Piazza from the east side

Piazzale Napoleone

After a hike upward from Popolo Piazza (about 10-15 min.), you will emerge onto Napoleon Piazza. It is a very large, open, plain square. Lots of bike riders seen here. Also, there is a very cute playground off one side that was filled with families with toddlers.

East Side of Popolo Piazza Piazza del Popolo Review

From the east side it is possible to take steps and paths to the Pincio gardens above the piazza. It is all up hill....

Before we leave the piazza, here is an interesting, gruesome fact: For centuries this piazza was the place of public executions. (I felt no cold chills of any ghosts while here though...)

Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo Review

There is so much to see in the large, open piazza. Dominating the center is the 36 metres high oblelisk from Heliopolis, brought to Rome by Augustus, first diplayed in Circus Maximus. Moved here to this piazza by Pope Sixtus V in 1589. (Do you know people, that everytime you go to their house, they've rearranged their furniture? Well, that's what the ancient Romans were like, always moving things around...)

As luck would have it, for us, the obelisk (July '06) is covered for restoration!!! But we could pet the four water spitting lions at the base...

Villa Borghese Entrance Villa Borghese Review

As you exit the Flaminia Metro stop, straight ahead is an entrance to Villa Borghese. Architect and archaelogist Luigi Canina built this new entrance to the Villa from Porta del Popolo in the 1800's.

Directions: You can't miss it after exiting the metro at the Flaminia stop.