Rome

Rome, the Eternal City , never ceases to amaze. Marvels such as the Colosseum , the Roman Forum , the Trevi Fountain , and the Spanish Steps , along with the world-renowned Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums , contribute to its timeless appeal.

Yet, beyond these iconic landmarks, Rome invites explorers to discover lesser-known, fascinating spots in different city areas, including tranquil parks that offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling crowds and summer heat.

For instance, at the peak of Aventino Hill, a hidden gem awaits. Known as the Buco della serratura or the Keyhole, this unique viewpoint frames St. Peter’s Dome perfectly through the gate of the Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta Villa, presenting an enchanting snapshot of Rome.

The Aventino area itself, with its lush greenery and charming lanes, also provides a serene setting for a stroll, especially recommended to the Orange Garden, abundant with citrus trees. This garden culminates in a terrace overlooking the Tiber River and the city – a breathtaking spectacle, especially at sunset.

In the stunning park of Villa Borghese, the Pincio water clock, a marvel of 1867, captivates visitors. Its cast-iron structure, resembling tree trunks, blends effortlessly with the surrounding dense vegetation. The clock, showing four faces oriented towards the cardinal directions, rests on top of a rock, overshadowing a small stream that ensures its operation to this day.

Near St. Peter’s Square – an essential destination – the Jasmine Walk offers one of the capital’s most charming and romantic experiences. This trail, fringed with fragrant white flowers, follows a disused Vatican railway, repurposed as a unique path for the Jubilee in 2000, providing an unusual viewpoint of St. Peter’s Basilica and Cupolone (grand dome).

Restaurant Pancrazio dal 1922

In the heart of Rome, Pancrazio is a historical restaurant built upon the remains of the Teatro di Pompeo (Theatre of Pompey), located in Campo de’ Fiori. Since 1922, it has been renowned for its authentic Roman cuisine, faithfully passed down from generation to generation.

From Rigatoni alla Carbonara, prepared with guanciale (pork cheek), to Tonnarelli cacio e pepe (fresh pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper), Saltimbocca alla Romana (second course with veal meat), and the celebrated Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes) – each dish can be savoured in the splendid dining rooms that have retained the ambiance of ancient Rome.

This globally unique location, bearing witness to over a century of history, has also caught the attention of the film world. A favourite haunt of celebrities like Federico Fellini, it even featured in the film ‘Eat Pray Love’ with Julia Roberts.

Il Bacaro

Tucked away in the Trastevere district, behind the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, Il Bacaro provides a serene sanctuary away from the bustling crowds near Rome’s most famous attractions. In its indoor dining rooms or outdoors beneath a vine pergola, guests can enjoy traditional Roman and Italian cuisine prepared with quality ingredients and accompanied by a broad selection of wines.

For a more intimate lunch or dinner, the ‘Bottiglieria’ room, accommodating up to six people, can be reserved. Fun fact: this little corner of Rome served as a set for some scenes in Paolo Sorrentino’s film The Great Beauty.

Trattoria Dal Cordaro

Situated at the heart of a gastronomic and historical intersection between Trastevere, Testaccio, and Porta Portese – and right under the eponymous Porta (door of the city), Trattoria Dal Cordaro has long been associated with authentic Roman cuisine.

Since its establishment in 1902 by the patriarch of the Dori Family, Arcangelo, under the name ‘Osteria Cantina Dori’, it has served traditional Roman dishes accompanied by wines from Castelli and Albano. Today, it remains the perfect place to taste the flavours of tradition, prepared with carefully selected, locally sourced ingredients from the Lazio region.