Nature
How’s Pope Benedict XVI’s retreat? Let’s discover Castel Gandolfo!
No Angelus this Sunday in St Peter’s square. Nor any display of Benedict XVI in Castel Gandolfo, his new retreat. The pope is presumably very tired and will avoid any appearance in public at least until the new pontiff is elected. But we are sure that he will not get bored during the two months he [...]
March in Rome: Some of the Best Events Not To Be Missed
March is going to be a very exciting and hectic month here in Rome. So many crucial things going on… NEW LEADERS BY EASTER A huge establishment reshuffle is expected on both shores of the Tiber, i.e. at the Vatican and for our national government and Parliament. Italy’s general elections on February 24-25 will determine [...]
Skiing Near Rome is Easy and Fun, Try Campo Felice!
There are several skiing destinations near Rome. But one is in our opinion by far the most convenient: Campo Felice. [1] Perfect for a day trip, we particularly recommend you to go there on a working day when there are few people on the ski slopes. GETTING THERE It is very easy to reach [...]
Year of Faith in Rome’s surroundings: Spiritual Itineraries and Religious Destinations
The Year of Faith (running through November 24) is particularly intense in the Rome area [1]. We already suggested a religious itinerary within the city of Rome in this post and we now want to discover with you some of the most significant places around Rome from a spiritual point of view. The area [...]
2011′s Grape Harvest Comes Earlier: Hurry Up for the Best Wine Events Near Rome!
Not only this year August’s heat anticipated the grape harvest by two weeks or more but the amount of wine will be very small. 10% less than last year and one of the lowest in terms of quantity of the last half century. The summer was hot and little rainy, therefore the wines will be [...]
Nature, Art & Archeology: Perfect Mix for a Summer Day-Trip to a Park Near Rome!
Prefer trees and shade to sand and sun? Forget the beach then and head for a park! The city of Rome has a big range of green spaces but they can be crowded in the summer, especially during the week-end. We would like to suggest you 3 alternative choices out of Rome, but not too [...]
Strawberries, Cherries, Bread and Flowers! This Week-end’s Top Food Festivals Around Rome
Spring is a great season for good vegetables and fruit! And you must take advantage of the fresh products available in this period, going to some countryside food festivals. Rome has many this week-end and we picked four for you. The first one is in the cozy city of Nemi, overlooking a beautiful little [...]
Wanna See a Pagan-Etruscan Rite? Head To Bolsena Lake’s Barabbata Festival on May 14
The Barabbata Festival is held every year on 14 May on the shores of Lake Bolsena in the fishing village of Marta near Viterbo. The festival is a catholicised re-enaction of pagan rites of spring and consists of parading a portrait of the Virgin through the town and up to the church at the top [...]
It’s time for a Day-Trip, It’s Easter Time! Some Tips for a Nice Break from Rome
Bomarzo, Orvieto, Tivoli, Tarquinia and Ponza offer very valid alternatives to Rome in the next few days: these destinations organize every year traditional and peculiar events that will help you relax and enjoy in nice outdoor settings. If you aren’t full yet with chocolate eggs, colombe etc…in Bomarzo, from April 23 to April 25 there [...]
Eggs, Cakes, Lamb, Doves and Much More! A Review of Easter Traditions in Rome
Easter is a very important religious holiday in Italy and especially in Rome for the Good Friday ceremonies and the Pope’s speech on Easter Sunday. But, unlike Christmas, when you are supposed to be with family and relatives, you’re free to leave and go wherever you want for Easter – Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua [...]
Spring Has Definitely Arrived and Flower Festivals & Fairs Are Blooming All Over Lazio
Spring and Summer decided to arrive together in 2011 here in Italy, and Rome is no exception. These unusually high temperatures actually make you doubt about the existence of Spring. But nature and flowers follow their course. And this is the best time of the year for flower lovers. The region around Rome, Lazio, offers [...]
Ice-Skating, Snow-Boarding or Skiing? A Review of Rome’s Winter Sport Options
Ice-skating is becoming more and more popular in Rome and rinks are now everywhere in the city. Until a few years ago Romans who wanted to practice this sport had to head for Mentana (since 1984, the oldest in Central-Southern Italy) or Marino, two cities not far from Rome but far enough to deter people [...]
