The taste, sound and color of Rome

Rome is like an open-air museum with countless ancient buildings and ruins. The eternal city is visited by millions every year and the numbers are rapidly rising. The Coliseum alone receives at least five million visitors per year, which already jeopardizes the future of this world marvel. St. Peter Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Trevi Fountains are always part of the tourist’s agenda. The art exhibitions in Rome are all year round but the most popular destination is Galleria Borghese which houses masterpieces from ancient art to 19 century. There you can see works by the incredible Bernini like the statue The Three Graces or the marble phenomenon Pluto and Proserpina.

Visiting Rome by following the typical popular sights is easy. You can find plenty of maps and info on the locations in various blogs and books, but I want to invite you for a visit to Rome in a more atypical way.If you are looking for unique true Roman experience and places outside the usual tourist routes visit Cloister of Bramante. The building is an extraordinary example of Renaissance architecture designed by Donato Bramante who was leading architect of Pope Julius II and a great rival of Michelangelo. The Chiostro is an elegantly linear and rigorous building inspired by Classical architecture reflecting the principles of harmony and balance. Right next to Chiostro you will find a beautiful church - Santa Maria della Pace which houses Raphael's famous Sybils. Then stop by for refreshments at the Bistro-Cafeteria at the Chiostro del Bramante. This charming mix of classical and modern interior includes the cafeteria and the Sybils' Hall with its large glass windows overlooking Raphael's magnificent fresco. The specialty of the Bistro-Cafeteria are its varied menus, natural yet refined and prepared from the freshest and best produce in Rome. The Bistro-Cafeteria also functions as a showroom for young artists, and often presents temporary exhibits of contemporary artworks. If you also prefer something different then the usual boring hotel room, the Chiostro del Bramante is also offering the possibility of actually staying in the cloister at the The Spazio Torretta. The experience will reflect the extraordinary culture of the city and will give you a chance to completely immerse in its history. By joining the Friends of the Cloister you will also receive a 10% discount of the cafeteria, the bookshop, the store and the entrance of the exhibitions.

While the ancient vista is every where in Rome, the city has a unique affair with modern art. If you need a break from the old and you are ready for some new visit Maxxi Zaha Hadid and Macro (Museum of Contemporary Art) in Via Nizza. After the renovation the new construction presents to the public over 3,000 works of sculpture, painting and graphics, from the mid nineteenth century and after World War II.

Now, let’s talk food. For the tourists with a sweet tooth, I recommend a stop at the Made Bakery at via Coronary 25 (tel. 06.98.93.21.95). It is always time for a pastry made from savory vegetable crumble tarts and apple green with bay leaves, pepper, cloves and cinnamon. Yum! You can also try the carrot cake with cream cheese, which like everything else is prepared by two owners of the place Freda Laura and Francesca Tolino. (watch the video) If you choose to enjoy the Coliseum from outside, have a drink or dinner near by at the “Propaganda Coffee”on Via Claudia, 15/19. The atmosphere is similar to an old Parisian bistro, but the evening meals are staged traditional by the Roman chef Arcangelo Dandini. For a quick bite Enoteca Corsi on Via del Gesu 88 offers delicious quick pasta dishes.

After you are done with shopping, the sights and photos of the city finish your day in style at Bar Stravinsky where you’ll taste the best martinis in town. The bar is at the luxury five-star hotel de Russie and is located in the heart of the beautiful Rome between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino 9. Another choice is Bernini Bristol, which is synonymous with luxury and in the past has hosted the Rome Film Fest with VIPs and celebrities. But there is also an Eden on via Ludovisi 49, the hotel loved by De Niro, Cameron Diaz and Johnny Depp. There you can finish your day at the bar at La Terrazza enjoying the night sky and beauty of Rome.

As always don’t forget to get lost in the city and use your five senses to fully enjoy the incredible Roma.