Buongiorno!
My name is Giovanna Di Biccari, and I graduated from Clemson in 1998 with a degree in languages and international trade. As an actor and producer, I relocated to Rome last year with my family to work on some professional projects. Now that we are living la dolce vita in Rome, let me show you around the Eternal City:
1 | Mangia e bevi bene!
Order a marocchino at La Buvette by the Spanish Steps and enjoy breakfast with locals. Do as the Romans do and try a maritozzo, a sweet pastry eaten at breakfast or as a snack. Bar Frattina makes a great place for your afternoon aperitivo.
PRO TIP: Make reservations at Hotel Eden’s rooftop bar, where many celebrities stay and hang out.
2 | Castel Sant’Angelo
Take a tour of this ancient fortress, built in the second century by Roman Emperor Hadrian, and explore its mausoleum, papal apartments and prison cells. Did you know that there’s a bar at the top of Castel Sant’Angelo? Take a break with an Aperol Spritz or a coffee.
3 | Trastevere
Have teens? Hang out for dinner and a drink in Trastevere, where many college students live. There’s a lot of food, drinks, shopping and people-watching to suit the whole family. And they might be inspired to move to Rome for college!
4 | The Altare della Patria
Also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, the Altare della Patria is the big “wedding cake” building located in Piazza Venezia. There, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and can watch the changing of the guards every hour. Entry is free to the Altare della Patria; head to the rooftop first, where you can have a glass of wine or lunch on your way back from the Coliseum.
PRO TIP | Pay a few dollars and take the elevator to the very top. You’ll see the balcony where Benito Mussolini gave his speeches.
5 | Campo de’ Fiori
Get lost in the streets and boutiques of Campo de’ Fiori, which means “field of flowers.” While you’re there, find Bruno’s statue; Giordano Bruno became a Dominican friar at a young age but later was burned at the stake in Campo de’ Fiori for his theories on an infinite universe and heliocentric solar system. To spite the papacy, Bruno’s statue was erected facing the Vatican.
