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Keith
Saving Time With the Piazzas of Rome
Piazzas (or plazas) are open spaces in Italian cities, and it is in Mediterranean countries where piazzas have a special place in city life. While open spaces can be found all over the world, in Italy they have been used to promote political aspirations, to demonstrate power and to serve as meeting places for protests and reform as well as serving as architectural “canvases” for artists such as Bernin, Borromini, and Michelangelo. Italians even have an expression, andare in piazza (literally, “to go to the plaza”), that means to take to the streets and protest!
In Caravaggio’s footsteps: exploring Rome through his art
Italy is very lucky culturally because of its many artistic treasures. In a large city such as Rome, there is often too much to see in a short period of time. A great way to explore the city is to focus on particular artists whose works can be seen in the city while also giving you a chance to see a good portion of the city. For example, you could walk around Rome and see all of Bernini’s fountains, sculptures and buildings, or, as is the topic of this post, walk around Rome and see a good many paintings by the famous Caravaggio while seeing a great deal else, too!
FYI: Rome’s Tourist Tax
Last year Rome’s mayor, Gianni Alemanno, approved a tourist tax that took effect on January 1st, 2011.
Rome in film
Rome is a city that can be enjoyed not only “in the flesh” but also on the “big screen”. If you have ever traveled to Rome, it is very easy to see why it makes such a great backdrop for many films. Rome by day, Rome by night, Modern Rome, Ancient Rome…whatever incarnation of the Eternal City you enjoy most can be seen in any number of films.
The fountains of Rome
Fontana di Trevi
The fountains of Rome are an attraction that simply cannot be missed in Rome because they are virtually everywhere you go. Some are simple with a practical purpose while others, like the Trevi Fountain (La Fontana di Trevi, and pictured to your left), are so magnificent in their splendor that you would have to be asleep not to notice them.
