Rome Travel Blog

Ben Hur Live is racing through Rome from now through December 4, 2011 at the Nuova Fiera di Roma (midway between Fiumicino Airport and the city of Rome). Those familiar with the late 19th century novella made popular by Charlton Heston’s 1959 film will find the 21st century take a fast paced, eye-catching...

With the upcoming weeklong celebration of National Zoo Keeper Week, July 17-23, 2011, it’s worth taking a peak at the Bioparco di Roma, Rome’s century-old zoo and biopark. Located on the edge of Villa Borghese, the Bioparco di Roma is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, a conservation center...

The last thing that comes to mind when thinking of your upcoming visit to Rome is an evening in a tent.  However, if looking for an affordable, and sometimes more comfortable, alternative to Rome hotels, bed & breakfasts and hostels, camping Rome may be your best choice.   In fact, many Romans...

With a fisted salute during Europride 2011, Lady Gaga has officially kicked off the summer  concert series in Rome.  Though many concerts are a pagamento, a small treasure trove of free concerts can be still be found– included the much heralded July 3 Colosseum concert by Biagio Antonacci. Though...

Italy is a long peninsula of bountiful beaches and beach culture thus picking out the “best” isn’t easy. Anyone whose spent a bit of time residing in or traveling through Italy will know that the “best beaches” depend on the right mix of proximity, fabulous bathing suits...

“What happens at the Vatican (Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, et al) when it is not open to public?” may be one of the more popular questions I am asked throughout the year. Though I like to imagine the Pope sliding through the halls in his red velvet slippers with his white frock sailing...

Anyone who has ever breathed in the Eternal City, whether short stay or lifetime, knows that the true art in Rome is enjoying one’s surrounding– pranzo, pausa, aperitivo and any other activity of languid lounging, people watching and food.  The beautiful juxtapostion of Roman chaos and relaxation...

Sharpen your pencils and get ready to take notes.  Your May calendar is going to be busy.  May in Rome means the city is bustling with flowers, fashion and outdoor events.  Here is a listing of what to add to your overly ancient and ridiculously Renaissance itinerary for Rome in May. Back to the Future,...

  A long time ago, my only goal when in Rome was to find a red convertible Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider so I could repeatedly re-enact Brigitte Bardot’s final scene in Jean-Luc Goddard’s 1963 film Le Mepris (Contempt), shouting “get in your Alfa, Romeo”.  Le Mepris was my world,...

Ave Pasqua.  I am ready to feast.  Whether tourist, fan, spectator or vintaged participant, Italian Easter feasting is an Event.  It is not an afternoon lunch, it is a long weekend of  Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday feasts, and  last, but in no way least,  Pasquetta, Little Easter...