Villa Borghese point of interests
This beautifully restored (2019) tomb was commissioned by the Emperor of Rome at the time - Augustus - in 29BC. A sprawling site and imposing building located on the banks of the Tiber, the Mausoleum of Augustus is a little-known treasure in Rome, and it is well worth a visit! Especially now that it has [...]
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The Palazzo del Quirinale is the only presidential residence actually located in Rome. One of three such buildings -another is found about 25 minutes from the city, with a third being located in Naples. The Quirinale Palace gets its name from the hill upon which it is located - the Quirinale Hill, which is Rome’s [...]
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The gorgeous Porta Pia gate is located within the Aurelian Walls, and marks the beginning of the Via Nomentana. Located on the northern edge of the ancient part of the city, the design of the gate is striking, and it also serves a functional purpose. But there is more - Not only is the gate [...]
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The Piazza di Spagna Rome is one of the most well-known squares in the Eternal City - and that’s no mean feat. Whilst it may not hold the top spot - that goes perhaps to the Piazza Navona or the not-officially-in-Rome St Peter’s Square, the Piazza di Spagna has its own special attractions. Let’s uncover [...]
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Traditional Etruscan statues were usually made in materials such as terracotta, and the Apollo of Veii composition was no different. This life-size statue is believed to have originally been part of a bigger depiction of Heracles and Apollo. It was mounted about twelve metres above ground at the Minerva Sanctuary in Portonaccio, which lies around [...]
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La Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna is a spectacular collection of modern art in Rome. It came into existence in 1883, just after the creation of the Italian state. It was originally housed in the Palace of Exhibitions. The exhibitions focus on art from the 19th century onwards. The Short history of Galleria Nazionale D’Arte Moderna [...]
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The beautiful Villa Torlonia and its annex the Casina Delle Civette is a lesser known but no less impressive Rome attraction. Located a short walk from the Villa Borghese, the lush grounds alone are a reason to visit. The Villa gets its name from the Torlonia family - a wealthy family who had made their [...]
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If you’re in Rome for any extended period of time, you might decide you want a break from ancient Roman art. There are a couple of options in Rome for modern art, including the MAXXI Rome, and the subject of this article - the MACRO Rome The Museum of Modern Art in Rome is - [...]
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The Rome Villa Giulia was commissioned by Pope Julius III in the mid 16th century. It was designed as a special place in which to relax, and at the time was at the edge of what was then Rome. One door opened out into the city, the other side opened to the countryside! Pope Julius [...]
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This huge Piazza del Popolo square can be found just inside the Aurelian Walls of Rome. It means “People’s Square” but actually got the name from the poplar trees that are found in the square. Others say it was because it was paid for by the money of the Roman people. Known for being one [...]
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