All posts by : Adm_Vivicos

Rome, the Eternal City, is renowned not only for its millennia-old history but also for its delicious cuisine. Among the culinary delights you can savor while strolling through its picturesque streets, gelato holds a place of honor. Enjoyed during the hottest months, it is also a treat throughout the rest of the year. If you find yourself in Rome and wish to taste the best gelato the city has to offer, here is a guide to the five must-visit places you cannot miss.

1. Gelateria del Teatro
Located in a picturesque alley between Castel Sant’Angelo and Piazza Navona, Gelateria del Teatro is famous for its unique flavors and high-quality ingredients. Here, gelato is made using fresh seasonal fruit, nuts, high-quality chocolate, and selected spices. Must-try flavors include lavender and peach, rosemary and chestnut honey, and the classic dark chocolate. Address: Via dei Coronari, 65-66, 00186 Rome RM

2. Gelateria La Romana
Founded in 1947, La Romana is an institution in the Roman gelato scene. With several locations in the city, this gelateria is loved for its creaminess and traditional flavors with a modern twist. Favorites include “Nonna’s Biscuit” and crunchy black cherry.
Address: Via Venti Settembre, 60, 00187 Rome RM

3. Gelateria Fatamorgana
Fatamorgana is known for its innovation in the world of gelato. With an artisanal approach and natural ingredients, it offers flavors that go beyond the ordinary. Think of combinations like basil, walnuts, and honey, or white chocolate with wasabi and raspberries. Each visit is a culinary adventure.
Address: Piazza degli Zingari, 5, 00184 Rome RM

4. Otaleg!
Otaleg! (which is “gelato” spelled backwards) is an innovative artisanal gelateria that aims to surprise its customers with unusual flavors and advanced production techniques. Master gelato maker Marco Radicioni creates extraordinary flavors like buffalo ricotta with caramelized figs and cocoa with chili. Address: Viale dei Colli Portuensi, 594, 00151 Rome RM

5. Gelateria Torcè
Claudio Torcè is considered one of the most innovative gelato masters in Rome. His gelateria offers a unique experience with flavors ranging from classic to experimental. Torcè is known for using the highest quality ingredients and bold combinations such as gorgonzola and walnuts, ginger and cinnamon, and the famous Bronte pistachio. Every flavor is a masterpiece of balance and creativity.
Address: Viale Aventino, 59, 00153 Rome RM

Tips for a Perfect Tasting

• Enjoy it during the cooler hours: During the summer, try to visit gelaterias in the evening to avoid excessive heat and enjoy your gelato in peace.
• Try different flavors: Don’t limit yourself to the classics; experiment with new and creative combinations to discover unique flavors.
• Pay attention to ingredients: The best gelaterias use fresh and natural ingredients, without artificial additives. This ensures an authentic and high-quality taste.

Conclusion
Gelato in Rome is not just a dessert; it’s a cultural and historical experience that reflects the city’s passion, creativity, and tradition. Each gelateria has its own unique story and offers a sensory journey through innovative flavors and combinations. If you find yourself in Rome, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these five must-see spots and be captivated by the best gelato in the city.

Rome is a city that fascinates visitors at every turn. Its millennia-old history, imposing monuments, and hidden corners tell stories of a glorious past. Among the many neighborhoods you can visit during your stay in Rome, the Trevi District stands out for its beauty and unmistakable charm. Located in the historic center of the city, the Trevi District is immediately associated with the famous fountain of the same name, one of the most celebrated in the world. However, this district offers much more, with a series of attractions that deserve to be discovered. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most important places of interest in the Trevi District, all concentrated within a few meters of each other. After reading this, you’ll know exactly what to visit first during your next stay in the Eternal City!

The Trevi Fountain: An Iconic Symbol

It’s impossible to talk about the Trevi District without mentioning the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s undisputed symbols. Designed by the architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, the fountain is a masterpiece of Baroque art. With its majestic sculptures representing Neptune, tritons, and other mythological figures, the Trevi Fountain captivates millions of visitors every year. Its definitive consecration worldwide occurred after the much-loved scene with Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni in Federico Fellini’s famous film “La Dolce Vita”. According to tradition, throwing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome, a gesture that has made this place one of the most Instagrammed and loved in the city, a perfect setting for photo shoots at dawn and dusk.

Curiosities about the Trevi Fountain

• The Legend of the Name “Trevi”: The name “Trevi” might derive from the Latin “trivium,” which means “three streets.” This is because the fountain is located at the intersection of three main roads.
• The 2014 Restoration: The Trevi Fountain underwent significant restoration funded by the fashion house Fendi. The restoration returned the fountain to its former splendor, allowing visitors to admire it in all its glory.

Palazzo Poli: A Dive into Art and Culture

Behind the Trevi Fountain is Palazzo Poli, an elegant building that houses the National Institute for Graphics. This 16th-century palace is an important cultural center where you can admire a vast collection of prints, drawings, and graphic works. Palazzo Poli is not just a place for art conservation but also an exhibition space that organizes temporary exhibitions of great interest.

Church of Saints Vincent and Anastasius at Trevi: A Baroque Jewel

A few steps from the Trevi Fountain is the Church of Saints Vincent and Anastasius at Trevi, another extraordinary example of Baroque architecture. Built in the 17th century, the church is famous for its richly decorated facade and for being the burial place of the viscera of 22 popes. Inside, visitors can admire valuable works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and frescoes that tell the history of the church and its patrons.

The Northern Boundaries of the Trevi District

The northern side of the Trevi District, located just a few meters from Termini Station and Piazza della Repubblica, is full of charming spots. The first is undoubtedly the Church of Santa Susanna, built on the remains of the ancient Roman building from the imperial era (presumably the site of the martyrdom of the saint). Moving towards the Quirinale, we arrive at the famous Piazza del Quirinale, opposite the monumental palace, formerly the seat of popes and kings and today the residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Dominating the adjacent Piazza del Quirinale is an obelisk from the Mausoleum of Augustus, one of the 13 obelisks in Rome, making it the city with the most obelisks in the world.

The Southern Boundaries of the Trevi District

Descending from the Quirinale Hill, you arrive in Piazza Barberini with the beautiful Triton Fountain, built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini commissioned by Pope Urban VIII Barberini. The water that gushed from the fountain came from the Acquedotto Felice. Traveling along Via del Tritone, named after the mentioned fountain, you reach another famous Roman square, Piazza Venezia, a crossroads where five of the city’s most important streets converge: Via dei Fori Imperiali, Via del Corso, Via Nazionale, Corso Vittorio, and Via del Teatro di Marcello. The absolute protagonist of the square is Palazzo Venezia and the monumental complex of the Vittoriano, known as the Altar of the Fatherland, where the Unknown Soldier was buried in 1921. Taking the famous Via del Corso, full of shops and bars, you return to the starting point, the Trevi Fountain.

How to Visit the Trevi District

The Trevi District is easily accessible from any point in Rome. The metro (line A, Barberini stop) is the most convenient way to get there, but it’s also possible to reach the area on foot from the main attractions of the historic center. It is advisable to visit the Trevi Fountain in the early hours of the morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil and suggestive atmosphere.

Conclusions

The Trevi District is a corner of Rome that never ceases to amaze. Besides the famous fountain, this neighborhood offers a wealth of hidden treasures, history, and culture that deserve to be discovered. A walk through its alleys and squares is a journey through time, an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the eternal beauty of the Eternal City. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time Roman, the Trevi District always has something new and fascinating to offer.

Summer is officially in the city. Rising temperatures, scorching heat, the relentless sun… on days like these, what better way to refresh and find some relief between visits than by tasting one of the most beloved delights of the Romans? Refreshing, colorful, tasty… what are we talking about? Grattachecca, a treat halfway between a drink and a cold dessert, an “iced” street food made with very few ingredients but a true cultural symbol for entire generations. Much more than a simple snack or an end-of-dinner treat, in this article, we will explore its history, some curiosities related to this Roman delicacy, and recommend the best places to try it.

Origins and Preparation

Grattachecca originated as a refreshing solution to combat the Roman summer heat. Its origins seem to date back to Ancient Rome when ice was a precious commodity and was collected during the winter from the mountains surrounding Rome. The word “grattachecca” comes from the verb “grattare,” referring to the act of scraping ice with a special tool to obtain a grainy and refreshing consistency. Some scholars also suggest that the term for this large block of ice was “checca,” hence the name grattachecca.
The traditional preparation of grattachecca involves using a large block of ice, which is manually scraped until a very fine snow is obtained. This snow, which melts slowly in the heat, is then flavored with syrups and fruit, creating a unique and delicious combination of flavors.

Some Curiosities

Unlike its more famous “sister,” the Sicilian “granita,” Roman grattachecca is strictly prepared by hand. This manual process gives the dessert a particular texture and a unique freshness, which is decidedly hard to find in other similar desserts. Another characteristic that distinguishes it is its ability to keep up with the times: in addition to classic fruit syrups, many grattacheccas include pieces of fresh fruit like lemons, oranges, cherries, and strawberries. This not only adds flavor but also a touch of freshness that is perfect for quenching our thirst and refreshing us under the scorching sun on hot summer days.

Where to Eat the Best Grattachecca in Rome

Grattachecca was born in the heart of Rome. This is where you will find the best places to eat it and where the craft of the “grattacheccari” has been passed down from generation to generation. We will start in Trastevere, move on to the Testaccio district, and conclude the tour near the Vatican.

1. Sora Mirella After a walk on Tiber Island, a stop here is a must. Sora Mirella is undoubtedly one of the most famous kiosks in Rome for grattachecca. This historic kiosk is known for its long tradition and the use of fresh and natural ingredients. Here, grattachecca is prepared with expertise and served with a variety of syrups and fresh fruit. On the hottest evenings, expect a bit of a queue, but the wait will be well rewarded with a delicious grattachecca! Where: Lungotevere dei Vallati
2. Alla Fonte d’Oro Another landmark for grattachecca in Rome is the Alla Fonte d’Oro kiosk, also located in Trastevere for decades. This place is famous for its generous portions and the quality of its homemade syrups. Their grattachecca is a true dive into Roman tradition. Where: Lungotevere Raffaello Sanzio
3. Chiosco Testaccio In the lively Testaccio neighborhood, Chiosco Testaccio offers one of the best grattacheccas in the city, especially the lemon and coconut one, which is a true institution. It is the perfect place to cool off after a day exploring the neighborhood; again, expect a bit of a queue, especially during peak hours. Where: Via Giovanni Branca
4. Sora Maria Since 1933, this kiosk has been refreshing the palates of Romans and tourists. Opened by Sora Maria – and later managed by her daughter Gabriella – they are true institutions in the area. The specialties? Black cherry, tamarind and orange, mango and papaya, coconut, lemon, and black cherry. Real delights!

Conclusions

Grattachecca is not just a refreshing dessert but a real piece of Roman history. This traditional dessert continues to be loved by Romans and tourists for its freshness, simplicity, and authenticity. Enjoying a grattachecca in Rome means diving into local culture and discovering one of the sweetest and most pleasant aspects of daily life in the Eternal City. Whether you are in Rome for a short stay or a longer period, do not miss the opportunity, especially in this season, to savor a grattachecca at the historic kiosks of the city. It is an experience that will enrich your Tour of Rome with a touch of sweetness and tradition. Enjoy!

A tradition within a tradition: the culinary soul of the Eternal City comes in many facets, some of which have roots in distant epochs. This is the case, for example, with Jewish cuisine and the Ghetto where it has been passed down over the centuries to the present day. The Jewish Ghetto of Rome, located in the heart of the Eternal City, is one of the most fascinating and historically rich neighborhoods. Besides being a place of great historical and cultural importance, it is also an unmissable culinary destination. The trattorias of the Jewish Ghetto offer a cuisine deeply rooted in the centuries-old traditions of the Roman Jewish community, combining authentic flavors with a warm, family atmosphere.
Today, we will explore the most celebrated trattorias in the Ghetto, describe some of the culinary specialties that characterize this emotionally significant place not only for Rome, and reveal some curiosities that make this neighborhood unique in the world.

A Brief History of the Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto of Rome, situated between Largo Argentina and the Tiber Island, is one of the oldest in the world, established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV. Roman Jews were forced to live in this enclosed and monitored area, separated from the rest of the city. Over the years, the ghetto expanded, and in 1849, following the proclamation of the Italian Republic, the neighborhood was liberated. Urban interventions in 1870 led to the creation of new buildings and streets. The darkest moment in the history of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome occurred on October 16, 1943, when Nazi troops rounded up over a thousand Jews at dawn. The prisoners were sent to Auschwitz two days later, where they met their death: only 16 survived the extermination.

The Trattorias of the Ghetto: An Authentic Experience

Despite the hardships, the Jewish community managed to keep their gastronomic, cultural, and religious traditions alive, developing a distinctive cuisine that combined Roman influences with Middle Eastern and Sephardic elements. The numerous trattorias that still populate the streets of the Jewish Ghetto have preserved their family traditions, becoming famous and appreciated by both Romans and tourists for their characteristic cuisine, which reflects the history and traditions of the Roman Jewish community. Although some Jewish dishes are offered by almost all the restaurants in the Ghetto, each trattoria has its own “specialties” that set them apart from the others.Here are some of the most renowned trattorias with typical Jewish cuisine:

1. Nonna Betta
Nonna Betta is one of the most famous trattorias in the Jewish Ghetto, known for its traditional dishes prepared according to family recipes. Among the must-try specialties are the “carciofi alla giudia” (Jewish-style artichokes), fried until crispy and golden, and “concia di zucchine” (marinated zucchini), a typical dish made with marinated zucchini. Nonna Betta also offers a wide selection of homemade pastas, such as rigatoni with “pajata” (veal intestines).

2. Ba’Ghetto
Ba’Ghetto is another historic trattoria in the neighborhood, offering a wide range of kosher dishes. In addition to the classic “carciofi alla giudia,” Ba’Ghetto is famous for its Roman-style cod, a savory dish made with codfish, tomatoes, and pine nuts. Traditional desserts are also available, such as the cherry tart, made with a shortcrust pastry base and sour cherry jam.

3. Il Giardino Romano
Il Giardino Romano is a trattoria that combines tradition and innovation, offering classic Jewish-Roman dishes with a modern twist. Highlights include zucchini flowers stuffed with anchovies and mozzarella, “tonnarelli cacio e pepe” (cheese and pepper pasta), and “abbacchio alla scottadito” (grilled lamb chops). The restaurant also features an outdoor garden, perfect for lunches and dinners during the warm season.

4. La Taverna del Ghetto
La Taverna del Ghetto is another culinary gem of the neighborhood, known for its authentic cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy dishes such as “supplì al telefono” (rice balls with mozzarella) and “coda alla vaccinara” (oxtail stew with celery and tomatoes). Desserts are also a must-try, with the ricotta and sour cherry tart being a true delight.

Curiosities and Culinary Traditions of the Jewish Ghetto

You cannot leave the Ghetto without trying the typical dishes of Jewish cuisine:

1. Carciofi alla Giudia

Carciofi alla giudia are the symbolic dish of the Jewish Ghetto. This ancient recipe involves frying whole artichokes until they are crispy and golden. Tradition has it that they are made with Roman artichokes, a particularly tender and tasty local variety.

2. Concia di Zucchine
Another typical dish is “concia di zucchine,” an appetizer made with marinated zucchini in vinegar, garlic, mint, and chili pepper. It is a simple yet extremely flavorful dish that perfectly represents the humble but creative cuisine of the Ghetto.

3. Ricotta and Sour Cherry Tart
A simple dessert that carries the strong family tradition of the Jewish people. Passed down orally over the centuries, the ricotta and sour cherry tart is a classic that should always conclude your meals in the Ghetto.

4. The Tradition of Kosher
Many trattorias in the Ghetto adhere to kosher cooking rules, which require the use of ingredients and preparation methods in compliance with Jewish dietary laws. This means that meat and dairy are never served together, and all meats must be slaughtered according to kosher rules.

Conclusions

The trattorias of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome offer an authentic culinary experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and traditions of one of the city’s oldest communities. The dishes you can enjoy in these trattorias are the result of centuries of history, cultural influences, and gastronomic creativity. Visiting the Ghetto and savoring its dishes means not only discovering new flavors but also taking a journey through time and the culture of Rome. Every bite is a piece of history, an experience that will enrich your journey in the Eternal City with history, culture, religion, and gastronomy.

Among the most important and heartfelt celebrations for the Romans, we must mention the feast that historically honors the city’s patron saints. The month of June, and more specifically June 29, is automatically associated with the commemorations of Saints Peter and Paul, figures of fundamental importance for Christianity and the history of Rome. In this article, we will explore the lives of these two saints, why this feast is celebrated on June 29, and the religious and non-religious celebrations organized every year for this significant day, attracting both Romans and tourists who visit the city during this period to experience life like true locals.

The Lives of the Two Saints

Peter, the Fisher of Men: Simon, who changed his name to Peter when he decided to follow Jesus along with his brother Andrew, was the first among the disciples to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of the living God. It was for this reason that Jesus designated Peter as His successor, the foundation of His Church, and the shepherd of God’s flock. After the Messiah’s ascension to heaven, it was Peter who initiated the preaching of the Good News, traveling throughout the known world until he reached Rome, where he met his destiny by the will of Nero. According to legend, while trying to flee Rome to avoid arrest, Jesus appeared to him. The apostle asked, “Quo vadis? (Where are you going?)” and the Lord replied that He was going to Rome to die again. Hearing these words, Peter turned back, allowed himself to be arrested, and accepted martyrdom. Peter chose to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as his beloved Master. He was buried on Vatican Hill, and over time, the Basilica of St. Peter was built around his tomb, which still houses his sepulcher.

Paul, the Preacher of Christianity: Paul, whose original name was Saul of Tarsus, converted to Christianity without ever meeting Jesus. He is remembered as the first theologian of Christianity and the first preacher of the Word of God to the pagan world, parallel to Peter’s evangelization activities throughout the Mediterranean. In the early part of his life, Saul of Tarsus was a fierce advocate of Jewish traditions, dedicating himself to persecuting Christians, whom he saw as a dangerous sect to be eradicated. During one of his journeys, he experienced what legend describes as his conversion: on the way to Damascus, Saul was struck by a blinding light, and a voice said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” After this miraculous event, he changed his name to Paul, marking his conversion and the beginning of his mission as an indefatigable missionary of Jesus, eventually arriving in Rome as a prisoner. He was beheaded during Nero’s persecutions; his remains are still preserved in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

The Origins of the Feast: Why June 29?

The feast of Saints Peter and Paul has ancient roots dating back to the early centuries of Christianity. The annual celebration on June 29 commemorates the martyrdom of both saints and their immense influence on the spread of Christianity. But why are they celebrated together? Peter and Paul were very different apostles, yet both are remembered as pivotal figures in the history of the Church, sharing the same feast day. According to some records, June 29, 267 AD, is the date when both saints were martyred in Rome during Nero’s persecutions. However, it is highly improbable that their deaths occurred on the same day of the same year. More likely, the choice to commemorate both saints on June 29 aimed to convert a pagan festival into a Christian celebration. June 29 coincided with the feast of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. Christians probably wanted to honor the Church’s founders on the same day, symbolically celebrating the birth of a new Christian Rome.

Celebrations and Rites from Yesterday to Today

The festivity has been celebrated since 258 AD. Until the early decades of the 1900s, June 29 was a grand celebration in Rome, marked by traditional outdoor picnics. Today, Rome still commemorates the saints with a grand festival, featuring a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the southern part of Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica is adorned with a magnificent floral arrangement, and the Pope presents a white woolen pallium to the city’s bishops before kissing the foot of the statue of St. Peter, which is draped in a red mantle for the occasion. Another tradition associated with this important day takes Romans to the Abbey of the Trappist Monks near the Sanctuary of the Three Fountains, where they enjoy a rosette filled with hot chocolate (a specialty of the monks along with eucalyptus liqueur). Visiting the Abbey of the Three Fountains on June 29 has become a tradition not to be missed.

The Representation of the Embrace of Saints Peter and Paul

Christian iconography traditionally depicts the two saints embracing each other. Whether this embrace actually occurred or not, it holds significant symbolic value. These two figures are the pillars of Christianity, men with different experiences and vocations for most of their lives, who for different reasons brought Christianity to the entire Mediterranean basin. Paul always recognized Peter’s primacy and authority as head of the Church, while Peter acknowledged the value of Paul’s doctrine.

Conclusions

For Romans, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul is not just a religious event but also an occasion to celebrate their identity and connection to the city. The celebrations strengthen the sense of community and offer a moment of reflection on Rome’s Christian roots. Participating in the festivities, masses, and processions is a way for Romans to express their devotion and pride in a tradition that has spanned centuries, manifesting its power at St. Peter’s Basilica, the quintessential place of Christianity, and at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in the eponymous district. A tour to discover this important place of worship is the best way to understand the history of Christianity, from its spread to the present day.

Are you packing your bags, heading to ROME? Remember to bring a good pair of comfortable sneakers. Why? Because in the eternal city, if you intend to visit the most iconic places and monuments, you can’t do without walking, walking, and more walking! Speaking of kilometers to cover, in this article, we will take you to discover one of the most evocative places in Rome, a place with ancient origins that requires an in-depth visit since it can only be explored by walking within it. We are talking about the queen of all the roads in the world, the magnificent Appia Antica.

An Open-Air Museum

To visit at least partially, staying within urban boundaries, the most fascinating points of interest of the Appia Antica, you need to set aside an entire day. To facilitate your visit, we will indicate five points of interest that cannot be missed in your itinerary, which will take you to the heart of Rome, from the imperial era to the present day.

First Stop: the former Cartiera Latina

We begin our walking tour with a visit to an area that until 1986 housed one of the largest paper production plants in the South Central area, the Cartiera Latina. Today, this industrial facility, one of the few surviving in the city, has been granted to the Appia Antica Regional Park, making it its headquarters and a multifunctional center of services and hospitality. This space now features two exhibition halls, a Conference Room that can be rented for events, a library, a teaching space, and an outdoor area hosting a teaching garden

Second Stop: the Fosse Ardeatine

We continue this walking tour with a small detour: after crossing the Almone river and the nearby former Cartiera Latina, we reach the nearby Via Ardeatina. Here you can visit a place of commemoration and prayer, the site of the Fosse Ardeatine, a cave where the massacre of 335 prisoners took place on the evening of March 24, 1944, by German occupation troops as a reprisal for the 33 fallen comrades during the partisan action in Via Rasella. Soon becoming one of the most important global symbols of the Resistance, the Fosse Ardeatine are visited every day by hundreds of tourists who come here to pay homage to the victims of one of the darkest events in world history.

Third Stop: the Catacombs of San Callisto and the Basilica of San Sebastiano

After visiting this solemn place, we make a big leap into the past and discover the marvelous Catacombs of San Callisto, a place of peace immersed in nature where the first Christians persecuted by the Empire were buried. Awaiting us during the underground guided tour are kilometers of tunnels where the first Christian martyrs finally found peace. A few hundred meters from the Catacombs is the Basilica of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura, where the remains of the martyr San Sebastiano are kept, and where in 258 the relics of the apostles Peter and Paul were temporarily transferred to save them from persecutions.

The Tomb of Cecilia Metella and the Ancient Basalt Road

At the second and third mile of the Via Appia, we witness in all its magnificence one of the most fascinating funerary monuments in history, the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, consisting of an imposing square base on which a cylinder covered with travertine slabs is placed, decorated at the top with a marble frieze with garlands and ox heads. The owner of the tomb is Cecilia Metella, daughter of Quintus Metellus Creticus. From here begins one of the most beautiful experiences you can have on the Regina Viarum: walking along the original stretch, with the ancient basalt road preserved in all its splendor and still visible today after 2000 years, complete with marks left by the passage of carts.

Final Stop: Villa dei Quintili and Casal Rotondo

Reaching the fifth mile of the Appia Antica, on the right stands the marvelous Villa dei Quintili, the largest residential complex in the suburb of Ancient Rome. Next to it, a little further along, before the intersection of the Appia Antica with Via di Casal Rotondo, is the imposing circular tomb of Casal Rotondo, dating back to the end of the first century BC, a fascinating example of the reuse over the centuries of a Roman mausoleum: in the medieval period, a watchtower was built on top of it, later incorporated into a farmhouse now transformed into a villa

Conclusion

History, art, architecture, and religion: distant and close epochs that blend together, creating a single common thread. This and much more is contained in a few miles, along the queen road that holds kilometer after kilometer all the narrative charm of a city that never ceases to amaze us.

Rome and Beyond. If you’ve planned a slightly longer stay in the Eternal City than average and are looking for destinations less traveled by the usual circuits and classic itineraries, then this article is just for you! In the following lines, we’ll present the three best day trips, at the end of which you can return to your hotel in the capital and enjoy dinner in one of the typical trattorias in the heart of Rome.

East, southeast, southwest. The surroundings worth visiting while staying in Rome are practically 360 degrees from the city center. Art, nature, history, architecture: these three destinations can offer visitors everything you’d expect from day trips.

Tivoli

Let’s start this road map from the destination located to the east, about 30 kilometers from the historic center: Tivoli. Known and appreciated for its magnificent villas and historic gardens, two places are must-sees in this town on the slopes of the Tiburtini mountains.

The first is Villa d’Este, a true masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, admired and imitated worldwide for its terraced gardens and spectacular fountains that can be appreciated along the Villa’s itinerary. This enchanting place was built at the behest of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, disappointed for not having ascended to the pontifical throne. The ingenious system that allowed the operation of the many fountains in the Villa still surprises today: this system exploited the natural water pressure without the need for additional devices, which were instead used to create sound effects, chirping, and music.

The second is Villa Adriana, the sumptuous suburban residence of Emperor Hadrian. Palaces, theaters, bridges, baths, nymphaeums, statues, gardens, and water features: you will be absolutely amazed by the remains of what was once an absolute masterpiece in architectural and naturalistic terms. The Villa aims to be a celebration of Hadrian’s travels around the then-known world. In the Canopus, for example, earth, water, and human works meet in a truly suggestive atmosphere. It is an artificial valley with statues and columns with a canal in the center that evokes a branch of the Nile Delta.

During the visit to Villa d’Este, you can also admire the Imperial Palace with the Golden Square and the Winter Palace equipped with heating systems.

Castel Gandolfo

Located about 25 kilometers southeast of Rome, Castel Gandolfo is among the most beautiful villages in Italy, famous for being the official summer residence of the Popes, with its wonderful gardens and panoramic views of the homonymous Lake. With Pope Francis, the tradition of having various popes reside here during the warmer months has ceased: today the palace has opened its doors to visitors who can explore the masterpieces kept here. Once the visit to the Papal Residence is over, a tour of the historic center of the village is a must, rich in typical restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a snack. For the more adventurous, we also recommend a walk to the shores of the lake, where you can admire seventeenth-century villas of enormous charm.

Ostia Antica

We conclude this roadmap of the best day trips from Rome with the destination located furthest south, towards the sea. Located about 30 kilometers from the capital, Ostia Antica is a well-preserved ancient Roman port city. The excavations begun at the behest of Pope Pius VII in 1800 brought to light what we can consider one of the most important testimonies of an ancient imperial city. The name Ostia derives from the Latin Ostium, mouth, because right here the Tiber River ended by flowing into the Tyrrhenian Sea. This position allowed the small center to gain more and more importance, both commercially and militarily, as goods destined for Rome arrived from here. This extraordinary archaeological site offers visitors the opportunity to take a journey back in time and explore the ancient streets, temples, public baths, and theaters of the Roman city. Highlights include the Forum, the necropolis of Via Ostiense, the Baths of Neptune, the Theater, and the splendid intact mosaics of Neptune and Amphitrite in the Piazzale delle Corporazioni. Absolutely worth visiting is the thermopolium, the restaurants before literature of ancient Rome, where you can admire the counter, covered with colored marbles, where products were displayed, the kitchen, and the dining room decorated with mosaics. What strikes the most is the fresco used that illustrates the products and services offered by the inn: a primitive sign that shows how enlightened the Roman people were.

Conclusions

In conclusion, day trips from Rome offer a unique opportunity to discover historical facts, artistic masterpieces, and unseen natural landscapes compared to what is possible to visit within the urban boundaries of the Eternal City. With destinations like Tivoli, Castel Gandolfo, and Ostia Antica within reach, visitors can enrich their Roman experience with exciting adventures outside the city.