We arrived at Termini station in time to dump our things and rush out for lunch, on our way to Villa Giulia. Given my first name, the recommendation of Sora Margherita was a no-brainer. It’s in the Jewish quarter and charming. We both had the Carciofi alla Giudia (best yet) and pasta. House red, a…

Viterbo was a stopping town for Via Francigena pilgrims on their way to Rome (or on their way down to Apulia and onwards to the Holy Land). This pilgrim route is the longest in Europe, first recorded in 990 CE by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, as he travelled to Rome to receive whatever official ‘bits’…

It does sound morbid but most of what is known about these people is gleaned from their burial practices. (Although my understanding,  poor as it is, is that this is not unusual.) Before the Romans became a cohesive power that expanded across the Mediterranean  (and elsewhere) the area north of Rome (and up to Bologna)…

The area north of Rome comprised active volcanos in its geological past and, as a consequence, has several volcanic lakes and lots of thermal springs. It was also an area inhabited by the Etruscans, so we thought we would pay a visit. On our way up from Villa Adriana we stopped in Bracciano for lunch,…

After picking up a car at Fiumincino airport we drove to Tivoli via the Alban hills. Roger feels this is the worst car we have ever hired and while I agree that it was grim, I think the car in Tinos where we all had to get out and walk up the hills (because the…

Several years ago, we watched a TV documentary about ancient Rome. One of the topics covered was Ostia Antica and its huge harbour (much of which is now under the runways of Fiumincino airport).  Both of us wish we could remember exactly which documentary it was, now that we have visited Ostia Antica. It takes…

As it was a beautiful morning, we thought we would walk more widely, ultimately aiming for the Villa Borghese park, via St Peter’s Square. The aim was to avoid some of the crowds, although I did warn Roger that anywhere near the Vatican would be busy. It was a lovely walk, with Castello Sant’Angelo looking…

While singing in Lichfield, one of the choir members gave us a brilliant steer for an interesting site.  He probably won’t read this, but thank-you Alistair for a truly brilliant suggestion! As I have said before,  Rome is layer upon layer of archeology and nowhere is this more apparent than at the Basilica de San…

The Colosseum is a ‘must see’ in Rome, even if you only walk around the outside and then admire Constantine’ arch next to it. Having walked past it multiple times, we were keen to explore the inside. Well speaking truthfully, I had already visited (twice) with school trips so was possibly less keen than Roger.…

‘All roads lead to Rome’, apparently. Thus saying apparently comes from a medieval French theologian and if you look at Roman maps (or what passed for maps in Roman times), all roads did indeed run through Rome. With its undeniable history, and the longevity of said history, Rome is jam-packed full of historical, archeological and…