Castel Sant'Angelo

Before coming to Roma, I have to admit I didn't know that much about the city. Sure I knew the basic the Vaticano, Colosseo and Pantheon were on my bucket list, but other then that I didn't know what else the city had in store for me. One of the biggest monuments that took me by surprise was the Castel Sant'Angelo. The castle is hard to miss, it's a massive fort like structure that sits right by the Tiber. I remember my classmates and I walked to class on the first day and we couldn't figure out what the big fort like structure was.

After a little bit of research I found out that this fort is called Castel Sant'Angelo. My history isn't too sharp but from what I know the castle was built by Emperor Adrian as a tomb for him and his successors. During the rein of Emperor Aurelia the mausoleum became a fort to defend the city against barbaric invasions. Later on the fort was connected to the Vaticano and was used as a treasury for the Pope. So it sum it up Castel Sant'Angelo was a tomb, fortess, nobel dwelling, prison and papal residence! Castel Sant'Angelo is also known for execution by decapitation. Despite it's haunting pass, today the Castel is a museum that is open to the public.

You can also climb to the top of the Castel for a spectacular view of Roma! Although many people aren't aware of Castel Sant'Angelo before they get to Roma, but it's definitely worth the trip to see this iconic fortress in the heart of the city. The castel is only a few steps away from the Vaticano and it is easily accessible by public transportation. For a unique view of the Castel Sant'Angelo try Tram Track's new tour River Tracks. Seeing the castel from the Tiber at sunset was beyond words, being on the river offers a truly different view of both the city and all of it's monuments. The River Tracks tour actually passes by the castel twice so you will have plenty of time to capture the perfect photo of the sun setting behind Castel Sant'Angelo.

Lungo Il Tevere: Summer Festival by the Tiber

One of the most overlooked area of Roma is the Tiber river. I was really surprised that I didn't see more river tours or people taking walks along the river banks. The river offers an amazing view of some amazing monuments in Roma like the Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano. Fortunately for anyone visiting Roma this summer Tram Tracks has a new tour, River Tracks!

River Tracks has all the fun, food, wine, monuments and rock 'n roll of Tram Tracks but this time it's on a boat in the heart of Roma! The next tour is Monday July 3rd at 6:45pm. Visit rometramtracks.com for more info and tickets. The tour is definitely a must for anyone looking for a unique experience along the Tiber. One of the most captivating sites I saw during the River Tracks tour was the Lungo Il Tevere festival. The Lungo Il Tevere has to be one of the liveliest festival in Roma. The festival takes place along the Tiber starting from Ponte Palatino and going to Ponte Sisto, the festival stretches for more than a kilometer so it won't be hard to find! 

The Lungo Il Tevere comes alive during the summer months and goes until September 1st. Shopping stalls selling anything from clothing to little trinkets and souvenirs line the river banks, along with cafes and restaurants this is the perfect place to unwind after a long week. If you love to shop or to people watch then the Lungo Il Tevere should be at the top of your Roma attractions. The options are endless along the river, you can stop by a jewelry stall to buy some authentic Roma souvenirs, there are even dried fruit stalls here! After all the shopping stop by a swanky riverside bar to sip on a Mojito to end the night. Some bars even have TVs showing the World Cup games, what not to like about Lungo Il Tevere?

Watching the World Cup in Roma

A friend of mine was in France four years ago during the time of the 2010 World Cup and she warned me before I left for Italia that the Europeans take the World Cup games very seriously. Things can get a little crazy around here! I was definitely in for a treat when I headed out to Piazza Madonna di Loreto last Saturday for the first Italia World Cup game. Italia was playing England and it was definitely a much anticipated game between two teams that rarely fails to impress the spectators.

Piazza Madonna di Loreto

Piazza Madonna di Loreto is conveniently located next to Piazza Venezia. There are plenty of bus stops  around the piazza so taking the bus to and from the game is a breeze. If the game is a late showing like the first Italia game then no worries because the night buses (all label with "n") run starting from midnight 'til 5am.

Coming from the US, the land of football and baseball, I was never a really big fan of soccer. But I loved the energy and the cheering crowds at Piazza Venezia. Everyone was all decked out in their Italia gear and flags. The crowd was energetic and enthusiastic but never got out of hand. I really appreciate the idea of getting together with friends and families over a meal or drink to watch a soccer game. It was definitely very different from tailgating for a football game!

Black Market Tiber

If you don't want to deal with the hassle of trying to find a spot in the crowd then another option is the Black Market Tiber right on the river bank of the River Tiber. Black Market is a bar based in the Monti area, but for the summer months they have another location right along the Tiber. The bar features not only a screening of the games but also live music, dj sets and aperitivi. Here you will get to mingle with a crowd of locals and expats and enjoy a classic World Cup game Italia style. I have to say I now have a new appreciation for soccer!

Villa Borghese

I'm a big city girl. I may sound crazy but I love the hustle and bustle of the city, the constant traffic jams and the crowds. Roma is definitely a city that fits this description and ever once in a while the crazy city life can be a bit overwhelming. For the days I need to get a way from the madness, I head out to Villa Borghese. 

Fountain in Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is one the largest public parks in Roma. The park offers a peaceful retreat from the chaotic city. There are ponds, fountains, statues and several museums in the park. The Villa Borghese is so large that you could spend a whole afternoon here and not cover everything! The park is conveniently located north of the Spanish Steps. The main entrance is at Piazzale Flaminio, which is a few steps away from the the A line metro stop Flaminio.

Villa Borghese entrance

The relaxing and tranquil atmosphere of Villa Borghese is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or a late evening stroll. The park was so large that I ended up getting lost and some how stumbled upon the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna, the modern art museum in Villa Borghese. The museum has a fine collection of 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures. 

Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna

One of my favorite pieces from the museum was the glass installment right at the entrance. The floor was covered in cracked glass panels and there were marble sculptures scattered through out. The emotions depicted in these sculptures really spoke to me and the glass floor made the installment even more unique. On top of the amazing art the museum was also air conditioned, which made the two hours I spent there even better! 

Vintage Shop: Vestiti Usati Cinzia

Cinzia vintage shop

I've began to notice that Roma is full of interesting little boutiques that sells everything from clothes, shoes to accessories. It's so hard to resist the urge to buy everything I see! One of the stores I visited this week was Vestiti Usati Cinzia or just simply Cinzia. This store is actually where Tram Tracks gets the majority of our crazy outfits. If you want to see more of the funky retro fashion that you saw on the tour then Cinzia is your place.

My first impression of the store was that it was too cluttered. There was just so much going on, the colorful dresses, shiny leather purses and jackets. I didn't know where to start looking, but luckily I met Ghigo and he was kind enough to show my the lay of the land. Cinzia is a family shop that started in 1980. Cinzia, the owner of the shop, along with her husband Elio, daughter Martina and Ghigo run the shop. Here at Cinzia there is a fun, eclectic and diverse inventory of 1950's-80's apparel and accessories.

Cinzia is located by Piazza Navona on Via Del Governo Vecchio 45. They're open Monday to Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from 2pm-8pm. The shop not only sells unique vintage items, but they also rent their clothing for events. Each item is guaranteed to be high quality because Cinzia hand picks everything! After spending about an hour in the shop I was able to get a few tips on vintage shopping from Ghigo and I also walked away with a new vintage leather purse for only 30 euros, what a steal! Cinzia is a must visit for anyone who is fond of vintage shopping.

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Summer Getaway: Santa Marinella Beach

If you are in Roma during the summer months the weather may take you by surprise. The temperature in June and July can be well into the 90's. On top of the weather the crowded peak season for tourism can be very draining. If your time isn't too limited in Roma try taking a day trip to the beautiful pristine beach of Santa Marinella. Here you can escape both the crowds and the heat. The crystal clear water of Santa Marinella makes it one of the most inviting around Roma!

Santa Marinella 

Another charming aspect of Santa Marinella is the close proximity to Roma. A short 50 minute train ride from Termini station takes you straight to Santa Marinella. To top it all off the beach is literally a quick 5 minute walk from the station! Because of my limited Italian I was a little nervous heading to the beach the first time, but all you have to do is follow the swimsuit wearing crowd and they will lead you right to the beach. It's nearly impossible to get lost.

Beware that during the summer Santa Marinella can get very crowded. There is a small public section, but the majority of the beach is divided up into private sectors. Renting an umbrella can range from 10 to 20 euro, depending on the location. If you get tired of sunbathing by the beach then head in to the small town right off the coast. The town is lined with small boutiques that sell little trinkets perfect for a souvenir to take home! 

Piazza Navona

Being in Roma for two weeks now I can say with certainty that I still have not figured out the winding narrow alleys of this city yet. If you are directionally challenged like me then the winding alleys and streets of the Eternal City are not your friends. One day as I was lost and wondering the streets of ancient Roma, I stumbled upon a breathtaking open space. I did not know where I was or what this place was called, but I was captivated by the magnificent fountain in the center of this piazza. Even with the hot sun blazing down on this unshaded piazza there was still a very big crowd, I was clearly not the only one captivated by the beauty of this place.

Piazza Navona

After a few attempts of using my broken Italian to ask around I found out this place was called Piazza Navona. The piazza was originally the Stadio di Domiziano (Stadium of Domitian), the ancient Romans used to come here to watch the agonies (games). A kind hostess by a local cafe told me that in the summer the ancient Romans even used the Piazza as a pool! I wish I could see this massive Piazza filled with water.

My gaze was immediately drawn to the center of the Piazza where the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi ( Fountain of the Four Rivers) with the Egyptian obelisk stood. The four rivers represented the four continents known at the time. The Nile for Africa, the Ganges for Asia, the Danube for Europe and the Plata for the Americas. 

Piazza Navona is a great resting spot for hungry tourists. There are numerous cafes and restaurants surrounding the Piazza. As for me I thoroughly enjoyed my people watching experience here. Some times it's nice to take a break, slow down and soak in your surroundings!  

Roma Open Air Markets

When in Roma there are many things that can't be missed such as a visit to the Colosseo or a tour of the Vaticano, but rising to the top of my list are the open air markets. When I think of Italia cuisine the first thing that comes to mind is pizza, pasta and gelato. These three items have been the staple of my every meal here in Roma for the past week. But in order to dig a little deeper into the culture and cuisine of Roma I ventured out in to an open air markets, Campo de' Fiori.

Campo de' Fiori

Campo de' Fiori is located right in the Piazza Campo de' Fiori. This market is perhaps one of the oldest in town. The market started off a meeting place for farmers to sell their herbs and vegetables, but eventually expand to meat, fish and flower stalls. Campo de' Fiori is open Monday to Saturday. The market offers a wide array of fruits, vegetables, meats and flowers along with clothing and accessory stalls. The first thing that visitors see when they arrive is the colorful fruit and flower stalls at the end of the Piazza.

The beautiful site of the fruit and flower stalls is a must see for every tourist, but beware that the prices can be quite high at Campo de' Fiori, but no worries if you are getting hungry make sure to stop by the Forno Campo de' Fiori. 

This is a small bakery in the corner of the market right off of Via Del Cappellari. The bakery is known for their Pizza Bianca, a simple snack that is crispy, oily and salty on the outside with a hint of rosemary while soft and light on the inside. The bakery also serves a wide variety of pastries and sandwiches. 

The Campo de' Fiori has now transformed in to a mix of both Roma natives shopping for their daily meals and tourists looking to enjoy a taste of the old Roma. Although the Campo de' Fiori can get crowded at times, it certainly is a must see for anyone visiting Roma.