The best preserved circus in Rome.
The spina. To see the best preserved circus of Rome one needs to reach the Appian way. Between the second and third mile an amazing ‘hippodrome’ has defeated time. The Circus of Maxentius is part of an impressive complex including a palace and a dynastic funerary...
Crypta Balbi Museum: Rome in a time-lapse.
The Crypta Balbi, one of the 4 seats of the National Roman Museum, is truly unique, providing an incredible overview of the area in which it stands. A sector of the city, almost 2 acres, is documented with incredible continuity over the centuries, from the antiquity...
The Markets of Trajan.
I am fascinated by ruins. I love to wander around palaces and temples in decay. Even on holiday I make sure I have my dose of archaeology. It can be a Maya temple in Mexico or a pre-colombian statue in Colombia, the valley of the kings in Egypt or the Parthenon...
The Museum of the Walls.
The Museum of the Walls is one those less known attractions in Rome worth visiting. Ideal starting point if planning a tour of the Appian Way. Great with kids!
Commodus’ villa on the Appian Way.
The Greek writer Olympiodorus claimed the villa dei Quintili had everything that a city could hold: hippodrome, forums, temples, fountains, spas. The estate was huge: the largest villa in the Roman suburbs, second only to the one of Hadrian in Tivoli. In the past it...
The Holiest Chapel in Rome
The site is more known for the Holy Steps preceding the chapel which according to tradition are the 28 steps ascended by Christ when he met Pilate to be judged in the Praetorium of Jerusalem. The popular belief is still so strong and felt that pilgrims kneel down...
Ancient Roman villas reconstructed.
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is one of the seats of the National Roman Museum: the second floor is entirely dedicated to amazing frescoes from the heyday of the Roman empire. Just around the corner from Rome’s Termini train station, Palazzo Massimo is the perfect place...
Santa Costanza. The perfect space.
Santa Costanza is a haven of peace in the midst of a bustling city. A magical space, no wonder it is one of the most popular sites for weddings. A new metro stop on line B (Sant'Agnese/Annibaliano), only 4 stops from Termini station, renders its access much easier. 2...
The Boxer.
One of the highlights at Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, main seat of the National Roman Museum, is undoubtedly the Boxer at rest: a magnificent bronze statue long attributed to Apollonius (1st century BC). Recent studies prove that it is certainly by Lysippus (340 BC),...
The curvy Venus.
The original bronze statue of a Crouching Aphrodite by the famous Greek sculptor Doidalsas (3rd century BC) no longer survives but it served as a model for many Roman copies. One of the best versions is considered to be the one at Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National...
