Tips 1 - 10 of 13 Rome Off The Beaten Path
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One of the most beautiful views in Rome can be seen on Aventine Hill at the Giardino degli Aranci. Giardino degli Aranci -- the orange grove -- is the common name for Parco Savello, the public park that offers a panoramic view of Rome.
Depending on where you are, take the Metro Line B towards either Laurentina or Rebibbia. In either case, get off at Circo Massimo.
If you follow Via di Santa Sabina past Giardino degli Aranci, you will reach Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. When you are at the piazza, pay attention to the keyhole on the green door at number 3. Through this keyhole, you can see St. Peter Basilica beautifully framed by a line of cypress trees.
It has been said that from a certain part of the Aventine Hill, you can see and be in three countries at the same time. The countries are the Vatican (St Peter Basilica), Italy (a large part of Rome from Victor Emmanuel II Monument and Campidoglio to the neighbourhoods of Trastevere), and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (the ground where the piazza is situated and where the Order flag flies).
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Visiting Rome? Read reviews about Rome Hotels Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 1501, Cardinal Oliviero Carafa decided to make Parione district the social center of the city. He took over Palazzo Orsini and ordered Donato Bramante to restore the palace. During this work, a marble statue was discovered in the foundation.
The unidentified statue was dated between the end of the IV century BC and the beginning of the III century BC. It had neither legs nor arms. The face was without a nose and the eyes were ghost-like. Nevertheless, the Cardinal found it appealing. He put it on a marble pedestal with his heraldry and an epigraph that stated, "Erected by Oliviero Carafa in 1501 Year of the Lord".
There were four theories for the name Pasquino. The satirical poet Teofilo Folengo said it was a tavern in the quarter. The poet Antonio Tebaldeo said it was a tailor with an open criticism of the Pope and all the clergy. The social reformer Celio Secondo Curione said it was a witty barber whose shop was used for all debates. Finally, publisher Giacomo Mazzocchi asserted the last explanation: it belonged to an unfortunate gym teacher whose name was repeatedly pasted on the statue by his mischievous students.
Each April 25, Cardinal Oliviero chaired a Latin literary competition in which sonnets were posted on the statue. The residents carried on with the practice of adapting literary poems into satire. Thus was born the term "pasquinata": a short satire exhibited in a public place. (In English, "pasquinade.")
That's how Pasquino became the first talking statue of Rome. He spoke out about the people's dissatisfaction, he denounced injustice, and he assaulted the nepotistic system and the misgovernment of the Church. When Pasquino was tired of talking to himself, other statues appeared on the scene. The Congress of the Witty (Congresso degli Arguti) was formed, with Pasquino always the leader, and Marforio, Abate Luigi, Madamma Lucrezia, Facchino and Babbuino as his cohorts.
Pasquino is located at the corner of Piazza di Pasquino and Palazzo Braschi, on the west side of Piazza Navona.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are several interpretations for the name of this colossal statue of a river god. In one explanation, it was found in Foro Romano together with the inscription "Mare in Foro". In another, it was found in Mars Fori (Foro di Marte). In the last etymology, the name derived from the Marfoli family's property where it was found. In spite of the diverse origins, all historians agreed that Marforio dates back to the first century BC.
Pope Sisto V Peretti placed Marforio in Palazzo dei Conservatori in Campidoglio before Pope Innocenzo X Pamphilij moved it to the courtyard of Palazzo del Museo Capitolino.
Marforio was the second talking statue in the Congress of the Witty (Congresso degli Arguti). Through their "conversations", he and Pasquino often showed contempt at the rulers who control the people's destiny.
Here are their comments on Pope Clemente XI Albani, who came from the town of Urbino in Marche:
Marforio: Dimmi che fai, Pasquino? (What are you doing, Pasquino?)
Pasquino: Eh, guardo Roma che non vada ad Urbino. (I'm watching Rome so it wouldn't move to Urbino.)
They jabbed at Napoleon Bonaparte, as well:
Marforio: È vero che i francesi sono tutti ladri?
Pasquino: Tutti no, ma buona parte!
(Note: Out of respect to VT members from France, I am not going to translate that particular exchange!)
Marforio is located in the courtyard of Capitoline Museum.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The mutilated marble bust of a priestess of Isis was the property of Lady Lucrezia d'Alagno. Lady Lucrezia was a Neapolitan who was very much in love with the married King Alfonso di Aragona. She tried to obtain from the Pope the concession of the divorce for the monarch, but her attempt failed. When King Alfonso died, she left Naples, went to Rome and settled in Piazza Venezia. After her death in 1478, the statue was found in a corner of Palazzetto Venezia in Piazza San Marco.
The statue was named Madama Lucrezia after the late Lady, and it soon became a female voice and perspective to the Congress of the Witty (Congresso degli Arguti), often carried a conversation with Marforio.
Madama Lucrezia is located in Piazza San Marco.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Certainly one of the most famous little fountains in Rome, Fountain of the Porter was originally mounted on the wall of Palazzo de' Carolis on Via del Corso and moved around the corner to Via Lata in 1874. Although it was attributed to Michelangelo, some researchers believe it's actually the work of Jacopo Del Conte who lived in the house above the fountain, designed, and built it at the end of the XVI century.
The statue shows a man dressed in the exact manner of a water porter, a character in that epoch who, for a few liras, brought in water from the fountain or the Tiber to the local folks. (This particular trade ended when Pope Gregorio XIII Boncompagni ordered all the antique aqueducts repaired.)
There are many legends behind the model of this water bearer. In one tale, the man was Abbondio Rizio who was famous for his strength as well as his ability to carry and drink a great deal of wine. In another story, he was the German theologist Martin Lutero.
Whoever he was, this man whose face is almost all gone is part of "the talking statues" -- Pasquino, Marforio, Madama Lucrezia, Abate Luigi and Babbuino are the other members - and he is well loved by the Romans who see their spirit and soul reflect in his strength and image. During the XVII century, he was the popular voice through which the Romans spoke against the authorities.
Facchino is located at the corner of Via del Corso and Via Lata.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visiting Rome? Read reviews about Rome Hotels Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During his papacy, Pope Pio IV Medici came up with the idea of semi-public fountains. He granted the right of water to any private citizen who promised to pay for the construction and maintenance of a public fountain. One of the grantees was Alessandro Grandi, who built a fountain in front of his palazzo on Via Paolina. The statue of a reposing satyr was placed over this rectangular Roman thermal basin.
The figure was the cause of much debate amongst the residents. For some, it symbolized San Girolamo; for others, a Latin divinity named Sanco Deo Fidio; many more insisted it was a huge monkey. The last group seemed to win the debate, for the name was eventually changed to the Fountain of the Baboon and the street name became Via del Babbuino in 1581.
It began with an affectionate name, then a voice, and soon after, the Babbuino became a member of the talking statues group, joining Marfoglio, Pasquino, Madama Lucrezia, Abate Luigi, and Facchino in the Congress of the Witty (Congresso degli Arguti).
The statue was moved several times to various locations. In 1957, under persistent pressure from residences, the city finally placed it permanently at the façade of Sant' Anastasio dei Greci church (on Via del Babbuino at Via dei Greci, between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo).
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The statue of Abate Luigi was built in the late Roman era and placed on the side of Palazzo Vidoni. It has been moved around quite a bit since then; it is now standing in Portico delle Cento Colonne, between Piazza Vidoni and Largo di Torre Argentina.
The base of the statue is engraved with this epigraph:
As an ancient Roman here I stand
With Marforio and Pasquino
'Tis the fame of satire I tend
Oh how I had offended, disgraced, and buried
But at last, life is safe and merry.
(Translation by Nathalie)
In actuality, life isn't safe and merry for Abate any more now than it was then: People often come around to steal his head (the head you see in the picture is not his). The cause of this repeated vandalism act is linked partly to his famous role of being a member of the "Congress of the Witty" (Congresso degli Arguti), or the so-called "talking statues" -- together with Pasquino, Marforio, Madama Lucrezia, Facchino, and Babbuino.
Abate Luigi is standing by Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, near the corner of Corso del Rinascimento.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What would you do if the 14 year-old daughter of your new lover said that to you? Would you tell her no, that was outrageous? If that were your answer, you are a much better man than Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee.
At the time the request was made, Herod was married to Herodias, his half-brother’s wife who was also his niece. John the Baptist was his adviser who had publicly condemned this incestuous union and thus, annoyed Herodias a great deal.
Herodias asked Herod to put John in jail, which he did, then she decided that wasn't enough and came up with a better scheme.
She organized a birthday party for her husband and invited all his influential friends. During the feast, she presented her daughter Salome, a great dancer, as the star of the entertainment. Herod was completely charmed by Salome, he promised to give her anything her heart desired including half of his kingdom.
“Well, half a kingdom sounds very nice, great-uncle, um, I mean stepfather, but I would rather have the head of John the Baptist instead. On a silver platter, if you will?”
Herod was taken back for a moment. That was a large order indeed. He thought and thought, then decided to keep the promise. He despatched a soldier to the prison where John the Baptist was held without legal formalities. The soldier came back with a covered platter. The governor gave it to his great-niece/stepdaughter.
Without shudder, Salome accepted the dish and gave it to her mother. Herodias was gleeful. John the Baptist had became a corpse with neither a head nor a voice, thus, no one would be around to condemn her marriage to her uncle any longer.
In the mean time, the party went on; everybody ate, drank, and were merry.
Note: The head of St John the Baptist has been preserved since the XIII century in the church of San Silvestro in Capite, in a reliquary on the left of the entrance.
While you are in the church, don't miss the beautiful and moving Pietà.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There was an equal opportunity beheading in the IV century. The powers-that-be back then did not care whether you were a man or a woman, young or old, the only thing mattered was you would lose your head, literally, if they thought you intentionally annoyed them. That was exactly what happened with little Agnes.
At 12 or 13 years of age, Agnes was just a girl who went about her life like all other girls of her age. Then one day, she found herself in the court of Diocletian (Valerius Diocletianus). How she got there, no one knew, but as we learned later, there was somebody in Diocletian’s court who took a fancy to her, and she refused his advance. That was not good, but it became worse when Agnes took the opportunity (not now, Agnes!) to declare herself a Christian.
The declaration didn’t go over well with Diocletian who was actually a pretty decent person in the beginning of his reign, then became a persecutor of the Church when he started listening to Galerius. The Emperor ordered Agnes to strip off her clothes in front of the court. Little did he know, there were miracles in the world, and miraculously, Agnes’ hair grew immediately to cover her naked body.
Diocletian was really furious now -- not to mention embarrassed, and no one should embarrass an Emperor if she treasured her life -- and that’s how Agnes was decapitated in Stadio di Domitianus.
Her body was buried where the church of Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura is now located, but her head has stayed where the tragic event happened. The Domitian became Piazza Navona. The site of her beheading became the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. Her head rested in the room to the left, marked by the sign “Sacra Testa di Sant’Agnese”.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Off The Beaten Path: Driving School For Children
|
Tip Rating:  |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
When in Rome with children between the age of 4 and 18, you may want to give them a unique experience of learning to operate an Italian vehicle on Italian streets.
Parco Scuola del Traffico is where children learn to drive mini cars and ride scooters.
Many public agencies and private corporations (Ministry of Infrastructures and Transportation, Automobile Club, Commander General of Carabinieri, etc.) sponsor this brainchild of the Society for Traffic Education. The school's main purpose is to educate the future drivers and motorcyclists by teaching them to respect traffic rules at a tender age.
Located in Parco del Ninfeo in EUR, the streets inside the school have the same layout as in real life (scale 1:2) with street signs, stoplights, crosswalks, roundabouts, a petrol station, billboards, etc.
In this safe environment, 4 and 6 year-old children learn to drive in mini electric cars, 6 to 12 year-old in mini motor cars, and 12 to 18 year-old on motor scooters.
Instructors keep watchful eyes on the children’s behaviors behind the wheels (or the scooter handles), stop them when they violate traffic rules, take points off and/or revoke their “licenses” when needed.
Each lesson last half an hour at the cost of € 8.50 for a mini car, € 9.50 for a motor scooter, plus € 3.50 for the license (bring your own picture if you wish to have it attached and stamped, but it’s not a requirement). You can also have two lessons back to back.
The school is located on Piazza Barcellona 10. It's open only in the evenings except Mondays, Tuesdays, and the whole month of August. On Sundays and legal holidays, it's open mornings and evenings. There is only one instructor who speaks passable English so you need to understand Italian enough to translate for the children.
Directions: Take Metro B toward Laurentina, get off at EUR Magliana. After exiting, turn left and walk to the fork on the road. Cross the street to Via Delle Tre Fontane. Walk along the park until you see the school sign next to a line of flagpoles.
Leave a Comment
Phone: +39 06 59.15.725
Website: http://www.parcoscuola.it/
Other Contact: Fax: +39 06 59.22.399
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 1 | 2 |  |
| Best Rome Travel Deals
Rome Italy Hotels
Hotel Photos, Info & Virtual Tours Find the Hotel You Want at Expedia!
Custom Tours of Italy
Custom itineraries & private guides from Nat'l Geographic Top Outfitter
Italy Christian Tours
Protestant/Evangelical wholesale packages, groups and individuals.
Rome Hotel Deals
Hotels.com Low Rate Guarantee! Book Now and Save on Hotels in Rome
Leon's Place
Exquisite, Posh, Gorgeous, Stylish! if you want a special stay in Rome.
Sponsored Links
Join a Discussion gate in the Aurelian Wall?
(10 replies, Friday, Jul 3, 2009, 10:33 PM UTC) I have photos of places in Italy from 1968
(5 replies, Friday, Jul 3, 2009, 11:50 AM UTC) Hotels picked to stay in Rome - any suggestions or comments?
(9 replies, Friday, Jul 3, 2009, 3:44 AM UTC) Be the first to reply to these questions Roman Candle Tour company in Rome
(no replies yet, Friday, Jun 5, 2009, 11:26 PM UTC) Rome during Champions league final
(no replies yet, Saturday, May 23, 2009, 1:57 PM UTC) Buying SIM cards in Rome
(no replies yet, Sunday, May 3, 2009, 12:32 PM UTC) » All Rome Posts
» Ask about Rome
- Domus Livia
Via Nazionale 230, Rome
- Adriatic
Via G Vitelleschi 25, Rome
- Antica Locanda Palmieri
Via di Grotta Perfetta 555/a, Rome
- Ares Rooms
Via Domenichino 7, Rome
- King
Via Sistina 131, Rome
- La Mana B&B Trastevere
Via Della Scala, 32, Rome
- Villa Morgagni (Via G B Morgagni 25 )
Via G B Morgagni 25, Rome
- Fleming Rome
Pza Monteleone Di Spoleto 20, Rome
- Hotel Madrid
Via Rasella 3, Rome
- Manfredi
Via Margutta, 61, Rome
- Domus Aurea Hotel
Via Volturno 30 - 32 - 34, Rome
- Aldovrandi Residence
Via B Celentano 11, Rome
- Magic
Via Milazzo, 20, Rome
- Hotel Pinewood
Via della pineta Sacchetti,43, Rome
- Pensionato San Paolo
Viale F. Baldelli 41, Rome
|
 Comments for Ciambella about Rome | | | | |
Paisleypaul Sun Jun 7, 2009 11:30 UTC
Tremendous Rome pages, really like how easy it is for us all to discover our own little niches for cafes and ristorante. Can't believe it's been nearly 3 years - we'll be back by ferragosto | jbrown8512 Sun Apr 12, 2009 18:42 UTC
I have seen similar. This is their "job" and no human kindnesses are included. They are afraid you'll get a picture. | HotCarpaccio Fri Jan 2, 2009 11:16 UTC
Roman taxi drivers including the authentic ones are generally crooked. They often travel extra distances, or try to short change you. They were the single worst thing about our stay. | mareilla Fri Dec 12, 2008 10:57 UTC
Mom and I often went to Cafe Greco to star gaze. We were most enchanted by the spectre of an aging Maestro Di Chirico ensconsed on the love seat reviewing the drawing portfolios of the eager young artists as he took his morning coffee. |
|
Best Rome Travel Deals
557 Rome Hotels
Our selection of great hotels in Rome. Special Offers! Book now.
500 Hotels in Rome
Over 500 hotels in Rome online. Great rates. No reservation fee!
Italy rome
Travel Guides Photos & Reviews Italy rome
Sponsored Links |
email me
add as friend
on Aug 5, 2005
