Tag Archives: Rome

The Hilltop Town of Orvieto, Umbria

31 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by in Orvieto, The Hilltop Town, Orvieto, umbria

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In addition to the Duomo and the Underground city tour, one of my favorite parts of Orvieto was, Orvieto.

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Orvieto is a city and commune in southwestern Umbria. It is only just over an hour train ride from Rome. Trains depart hourly from Roma Termini so it makes it easy to visit Orvieto just for a day. However, if you have the time, I suggest that you spend a couple of days or more there.

The city is a warren of winding narrow streets and beautiful alleyways. While the city walls and the sheer cliff faces that supported them were ample defense in most cases, the city’s rulers decided not to take any risks. The result is a series of winding streets which while somewhat confusing also do a brilliant job of adding charm and character to the town.

Of the many streets I saw and wandered, there were many more I missed.

Street scenes of Orvieto, Piazzas and  Streets

I spent an entire afternoon exploring many of these streets and the city’s series of impressive walls which were added to the tops of the cliffs to further secure the city’s perimeter.

These walls provide a stable series of walkways and viewing platforms for residents and visitors to traverse in search of one of the many amazing views the city offers.

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The Town Walls and Views from Orvieto

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I ended my afternoon in The Giardini Comunali  which are near Piazza Cahen and set within the walls of the medieval Fortezza Albornoz. From this garden you can enjoy marvelous views of the Paglia river valley.

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Giardini Comunali

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Orvieto’s funicular connects the railway station to the city’s historic centre by overcoming a vertical distance of 157 metres.

Apart from the city inside the walls, Orvieto is an ideal location for relaxing walks, enjoying the countryside, and outdoor picnics. If you have the time to spend in the area there is so much more to see outside these city walls. I met people on the train going to Rome who had  rented a villa down from the hilltop town  in the valley who told me that they had visited the walled city many times during their week long stay as well as exploring many of the areas below the town on the hill.

Back in Italy

04 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by in Back in Italy

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To be exact, Lucca

Yes, I am here.

2 days ago I flew out of Brisbane bound for Roma, Italy.

I arrived in Rome early yesterday morning. I had booked a driver to take me directly from the airport to the Roma Central train station, Termini. 

As we drove through the streets towards termini, I sat back, taking in the familiar sights, listening to the Rome radio station that was playing softly on the car’s radio, and I smiled. It felt good to be back.

It did not take long to arrive at the train station as it was still very early,  but once arriving, I knew I was alive. The crowds and the noise and the sheer excitement was almost overwhelming. Termini is a very daunting and busy place especially if you are out of practice and also travelling with luggage.  I am sure that many of my fellow travellers understand

About an hour and a half later my train arrived, La Frecciarossa.  It’s destination,  Milano, with my stop Firenze (Florence) on the way. The Frecciarossa is a very comfortable and very fast rain.

As we sped through the magnificent country side at about 200+ kilometers an hour I just relaxed, sat back  and took a few photos along the way.

An hour and a half later we arrived in Firenze. After purchasing my train ticket for Lucca I went to have a light lunch as I had almost 2 hours to wait for the next train.

Then it was on to the local train which stopped at every station between Firenze and Lucca. It sure is an interesting way to take in the local way of life.

After a short taxi ride I arrived at our lovely apartment which is within the walls of beautiful Lucca.

It feels good. I am back.

 

 

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Piazza

28 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by in My reasons for travelling to Italy, Piazza Navona

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Wherever you go in Italy you will mostly always find a piazza in every town, village or city. In fact, in the cities you will usually find more than one.

A piazza is an open public square, usually surrounded by buildings. They are the meeting and gathering place for locals however you will often find visitors there also.  There is always something happening in a piazza and they are a great place for people watching.

The Italian piazza is the centre of public life. You’ll often find a bar or cafe and a church or town hall on the main piazza.  Many of Italy’s piazze have decorative statues or fountains. Piazze is the plural of piazza.

Although there are many famous piazze around Italy, including Piazza San Marco in Venice,  Piazza del Campo in Siena, Piazza Navona in Rome,  you will also find that most villages regardless of their size will have a piazza. They are a part of Italian life.

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One of the joys of touring Italy is to spend time doing nothing (far niente) at a restaurant or bar located in a piazza, even if just for the people watching, but be aware that in famous squares like Venice’s Piazza San Marco, sitting at a table for a drink can be very expensive.  However, when in Venice do make sure that you treat yourself to at least one glass of your favourite beverage while taking in the sights and sounds and sitting at Piazza San Marco.  The experience is more than worth every cent spent.

When I think back over the many piazze that I have visited over the years there are a few that are special to me. For many reasons I suppose, not just for their beauty or statues or fountains but also for the memories of the good times that I have enjoyed.

My most special piazza in Rome is Piazza Navona, so consequently I can never visit Rome without lots of time spent at Piazza Navona.  In fact, this is my pick of areas also to stay when in Rome.

This is such a beautiful space. The fountains, churches and buildings are all so harmonious. Piazza Navona is another of Rome’s many musts.

Piazza Navona contains two of Bernini’s masterpieces; the  church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.  Although the church is brilliant,  it is the fountain that brings me back again and again.

We went there in the evening and sat watching the beautiful fountain all lit up in golden lights – it was super busy, with artists painting, performing, singing, and people everywhere, also many folks dining in restaurants around the piazza. The other 2 fountains are a little less crowded, so you can sit near them and view the central one.

Lunch by the piazza is a wonderful experience and then dinner in the evening is spectacular. There is a good selection of cafes and bars. It seems to always be very busy, but pick a nice spot, grab some food and a bottle of wine and just sit back, relax and people watch. Brilliant

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Drinking water/fountains

16 Monday Feb 2015

Posted by in Drinking water, Water Fountains

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In the world today few things are free – even water, nature’s gift.   Many of us are familiar with Rome’s famous fountains, but few seem to realize that the water coming from the fountains is not only free, but clean and drinkable. So when you’re in Rome be sure to take a sip from the waters of the Eternal City!  These fountains are both beautiful and practical.

In modern-day Rome  you can find approx 2500 public fountains which are called Nasoni (big noses). These fountains contain clean safe drinking water, the exact same that comes out of the taps in Rome’s houses etc.

The fountain system is environmentally friendly because the constantly running water is recycled and not wasted. Some Nasoni have a button that needs to be pushed in order to get the drinking water.  If you have trouble finding these fountains in the city try  www.acea.spa.it

It always surprises me that a glass or carafe of water at any restaurant, café etc in Italy has a charge when I know there is always a water fountain close by with pure clean delicious water.  I suppose that we are paying for the service.

Thanks to the mountains, clean drinking water is abundant and relatively available across most regions.

Ordinary tap water – even when supplied through the water grid – may not taste particularly nice. consequently, many people spend a small fortune buying bottled water.

These public water fountains can be found in most towns and villages around Italy. The water in these fountains is clean and tasteless.  You can easily stop to take a drink or fill up your water bottle.

In some parts of Italy you can still see people meeting around the local water well.  That was a common sight in my recent trip to Lucca in Tuscany

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Drinking water in Italy is cool, safe and readily available everywhere.

I have not actually taken water from the display fountains but I have indeed drank from and filled my water bottle many times from the actual drinking fountains.

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Viste (sights)

06 Friday Feb 2015

Posted by in My reasons for travelling to Italy, Viste

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After many years of travelling to and around Italy, I have put together a snapshot of some of the beautiful places where I have spent time.  These are not always the places that first come to mind when one thinks of Italy. In fact they are places that were special to me and have left wonderful memories in my mind and heart.  Some of the photos you will recognize and some you may never have heard of.

So here are 25 reasons to visit Italy. Maybe  these photos will make you want to jump on a plane right now and fly to Italy.

Amalfi Coast –  this is where dreams are made.  Is a stretch of coastline on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy.  The Amalfi coast consists of many beautiful little townships and villages. I rented an apartment here for 2 weeks and really experienced the area, especially the beaches.

Vieste – Is a glorious marine resort on the southeast Adriatic coast of Italy. It appeared to be a very popular holiday destination for Italians as we felt as though we were the only English-speaking visitors.  We took a jet boat ride out to the caves which were very beautiful although we were concerned about the lack of safety precautions by the jet boat company.

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Venice – one of my favourite major cities in Italy. I have visited this fabulous city many times and each time I discover more and I like it more.

Trulli – Alberobello.  These are traditional Apulian dry stone huts with a conical roof from the 19th century.

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Pievebovigliana in Marche is a commune within the Monti Sibillini National park. I rented a house here for a month.

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Camerino – An impressive small hill town on the border between Marche and Umbria. It is home to the University of Camerino founded in the Middle Ages.  I visited this great little town many times as I was staying in Pievebovliana which was only about 20 mins drive away.

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Monti Sibillini – part of the central Apennines situated between Umbria and Marche

Norcia – Umbria is located in the plain of Monti Sibillini

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Assisi –  In Umbria was the birthplace of St Francis

Florence – the capital of Tuscany (Toscano) is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance

Pisa – a definite tourist destination but it is a must at least once when visiting Italy

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San Gimignano – I love hilltop towns and this is by far one of my favourites.  Great restaurants, great views and great shops.

Siena – in Tuscany is famous for its Palio, a horse race held twice a year.

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Milan – one of the most famous fashion cities in the world.

Lago Maggiore is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps in northern Italy on the border of Switzerland.

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Isola Bella is one of the beautiful islands on Lake Maggiore where I saw white peacocks for the first time

Stresa – on the shores of Lake Maggiore. After spending 8 days in this beautiful part of the world I ended up with hundreds of gorgeous photos of its spectacular views.

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Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro –  a monastery perched on a rocky ridge on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore

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Fortress of Angera – Castle on Lago Maggiore

Bagni di Lucca – I rented an apartment and stayed here for a month.  Every day was a day of new discoveries, meeting new people, visiting many of the towns and villages in the area and “living” the local life.  This was definitely living the dream.

Barga – This medieval hilltop town is just a short drive from Bagni di Lucca. Another place that took my breath away.

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Cinque Terre – The 5 lands.  This is a definite must when visiting Italy. I have stayed here several times and enjoy every minute of it every time. It is very easy to access by train from almost anywhere in Italy.

Rome – view from Castel San Angelo

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Trevi Fountain  –  in Rome is one of the most famous fountains in the world.  It is a popular tourist attraction and I might add, almost impossible to take a photograph free of people.

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Lake Albano – Looking down from Castel Gandolfo where the pope has his summer residence – 24 kilometres from Rome

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Sunset over Rome

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If I have missed one of your favourites, please let me know and I will add it next time.

 

The Holidays in Rome

15 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by in The Holidays in Rome

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My friend Marina, who lives in California has just returned home from spending Christmas and New Years in Rome. Marina has very generously shared her story and photos with me for my blog.

Markets are a time for indulging in holiday treats and Yuletide joy.

Nothing evokes the spirit of the holidays like strolling through the fabled Christmas Markets, or as the Italians would say “Mercatino di Natale” of Old World Europe with a steaming cup of cappuccino in hand, as you intake the mad rush of tourists mixed in with locals all in the holiday spirit, looking for that special one-of-a-kind gift for that special person

It is a picturesque scene right out of a children’s storybook with thousands of sparkling lights strewn across stalls stacked with Christmas tree decorations, wooden toys, handmade arts and crafts, candles and ceramics. Here in Rome, the romance and magic of a traditional holiday is alive and well. The beautiful Vatican with its giant Christmas tree and nativity set which is unveiled the night before Christmas shortly before mass by the Pope.

The beautiful Colosseo surrounded by ruins with a beautiful Christmas tree nicely adorned stands out front as many stand in front for a picture or two.

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New Year’s eve…

Italians love festivals and the beginning of a new, ‘il capodanno’ is a great time to celebrate in Italy. As with most Italian festivals, food plays a major role on New Year’s Eve. Families and friends gather for a huge celebration.  Locals gather in public squares to catch the midnight fireworks as bottles of  Spumanti or Prosecco pop open. Families ring in the New Year with firecrackers and sparklers. The city of Rome illuminates with firework displays being shot up in the sky with happy Italians shouting ‘Auguri’.

The star at the dinner table is lentils (Lenticchie) symbolizing money and good fortune for the coming year, and also includes pork sausage (Salsiccia) symbolizing the richness of life in the coming year, an Italian tradition that dates back to the 16th century.

An old custom that is still followed in some places in Italy (especially in the south) is throwing your old things out of the window to symbolize letting go of any past unhappiness and your readiness to accept the New Year.

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Thank you Marina, this would be an amazing way to spend Christmas and New Years.

My Visit to Castel Sant’ Angelo – Roma

08 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by in Castel Sant' Angelo, Rome

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I have visited Rome several times however this was my first visit to Castel Sant’ Angelo.

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It was never on my list of things to do while in Italy but on this particular afternoon it seemed like the thing to do. The Castel is close to where we were staying in Piazza Navona making it an easy walk on a picture perfect day to this very interesting Castel. I’m so glad I did go. The history of this site is just fascinating, and it’s nice that all of the signs are in English. The architecture is amazing, and there are some really well-preserved rooms! The best part is the view of the city from the top though. Just WOW!

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Castel Sant’ Angelo is located on the banks of the Tiber close to the Vatican and although we walked, it is also easy to take the Bus service 40 bus from Termini or the Metro Lepanto Line A

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The entry was €8 each and totally worth it. Actually the views alone were totally worth the admission cost. Some of the best views I have ever seen in Rome. From the terrace you can see across Rome and the Vatican.

The Castel Sant’Angelo is a towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleun for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. The Castel was once the tallest building in Rome.

The National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo inside retraces its history. The castle has various exhibits ranging from Renaissance paintings and pottery to antique military weapons. A huge spiral ramp ascends upwards the Castel Sant Angelo for about 400 feet. As in the last act of Tosca, admire the beautiful view from the terrace but don’t throw yourself off – go for a coffee instead in one of the rampart towers.

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My Birthday In Roma

24 Thursday Jul 2014

Posted by in My birthday in Rome, Pantheon Rome

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I know what you are thinking, how lucky to celebrate a birthday in Rome. Yes, I agree, I felt very blessed to spend my special day in a very special city.

We kicked off with a glass of prosecco and lunch in a fab restaurant in the Campo dei Fiori. The view over the piazza is one that I never tire of. Always, alive and active with loads of great sights.

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For lunch we chose pizza. My favourite pizza is Quattro Stagioni (4 seasons)which never disappoints me. The quattro stagioni pizza represents the four seasons in its use of toppings: artichokes for spring, olives for summer, mushrooms for autumn and prosciutto for winter.

After a leisurely lunch overlooking the Campo dei Fiori we headed off to Castel Sant Angelo where we spent several hours exploring this beautiful part of Rome. The views from this grand structure of Rome are fabulous.

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Castel Sant Angelo deserves its own story one day in the near future.

The evening started off with a stroll to the Piazza Navonna where we sat and enjoyed a glass of prosecco overlooking the gorgeous piazza and people watching.

 

As the light was fading we then made our way to the Pantheon. This is one of the many things you must see when in Rome. It’s incredibly imposing architecture and story makes you wonder about ancient times while being awestruck at the immensity of this building

The atmosphere was just so exciting with women, men, children and dogs everywhere. The lights were all just coming on around the piazza della Rotanda showing up the great selection of restaurants on offer.

panaromaSimple and grand. We were lucky enough to have live music playing in the piazza.  It was a beautiful experience.  It left an impression on me that will last a lifetime

My wish to celebrate my birthday before I even left Australia for Italy, was to have dinner overlooking the Pantheon.  I must say, I was not disappointed, it was a delightful evening overlooking an amazing building in a beautiful piazza with lots of happy people.

Buon Giorno from Roma

07 Wednesday May 2014

Posted by in Buon Giorno from Rome

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Yes, I am back. Once again here I am in bella Italia.

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Entrance to our apartment building

Entrance to our apartment building

We flew in this morning from Australia. We arrived early and were picked up by our driver who brought us to our apt here in Via dei Banchi Vecchi near the Piazza Navonna.

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The reason we chose this particular apartment is for its great location. We are only 5 minutes walk to Campo de Fiori, less than 10 mins walk to Piazza Navonna, 20 minutes to the Vatican City, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

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Piazza Navonna

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Trevi Fountain

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Spanish Steps

After a cuppa, showers and a chat we headed off on foot to explore our neighbourhood

The weather was absolutely perfect. It was a clear blue sky on a summer’s day. We were prepared for cold weather so we were very pleasantly surprised with the lovely weather.

We wandered through gorgeous little cobble stone streets and past many adorable little shops.

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First stop, Campo de Fiori.

We stopped at a fabulous restaurant at the Campo de Fiori Piazza and had our first meal and glass of wine in Italy. Pizza. Yum. No one makes pizza like the Italians.

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We sat at our outside table and people watched, which is one of my favourite pastimes, particularly in Italy. Of course it is easy to identify the locals and the tourists.

We explored the wonderful Campo de Fiori markets and took lots of photos. We bought fresh produce to make a salad for dinner. We knew that we would be too tired to go out to dinner.

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In our neighbourhood, there are so many interesting little shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and bakeries.

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Right next door to our apartment building is a gelataria which makes me happy. This is just one of my many weaknesses when I am in Italy.

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There is so much more to see and do in this fabulous city – tomorrow is another day

 

Catacombe di San Domitilla – Rome

08 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by in Catacombe, Catacombs, Rome

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While staying in Rome we took the bus to the Catacombs on the Appia Way. (Via Appia)

map of catacombs

We took the # 714 bus which took about 20 minutes and then we had about a 15 minute walk to the catacombs.

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Catacombs are underground burial chambers.

There are sixty known subterranean burial chambers in Rome. We visited the Catacombe di San Domitilla which are spread over 15 kilometers of underground caves.

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The Domitilla Catacombs are unique in that they are the oldest of Rome’s underground burial networks. They are the best preserved and one of the most extensive and, the only ones to still contain bones.

They are the only catacombs that have a subterranean basilica; entrance to the catacombs is achieved through this sunken 4th-century church

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The entry fee was 8€ for adults and 5€ for children, and included a guided tour of the catacombs which lasted about 30 mins.  I found it to be fairly easy walking, although the passage ways are very narrow, and there are steps. It  was quite an experience, to have a glimpse at the life (and death) of the early Christians, their burial rites and their first trials at religious art

They are open from 9 – 12 and then 2pm – 5 each day. However are closed on Tuesdays.

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If you are interested in Roman/early Christian history this is worth a trip.

http://www.domitilla.info

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