Campo de Fiori

Near the Piazza Navona is the busy piazza of Campo de’ Fiori. It has always been known as a busy commercial area that is lined with stores, restaurants, and vendors for passer-byers on their way to Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano and the Vatican. During its earliest years, the square was used for public executions. None more notable than Giordano Bruno who was immortalized into a statue in the piazza after he was burned by the Roman Inquisition after his ideas became dangerous. His statue by Ettore Ferrari describes Bruno as standing defiance against the Vatican. Another site in Campo de’ Fiori is the ancient fountain la Terrina or “the soup bowl” that is now used to keep flowers fresh. Inscribed on the fountain is “Fa del ben e lassa dire” which translates to “do well and let them talk,” an appropriate saying for the piazza. Currently, the square is filled with fresh foods, fruits, and flowers during the day. While at night Campo is where young people come out to meet and entertainment that is known as the nicest in the city.


“Campo De Fiori.” Campo de Fiori Guide. 2008. Rome Loft.com. 6/10/2008.


“Campo de’ Fiori.” Piazzas of Rome. April 27, 2008. Wikipedia Encyclopedia. 6/10/2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campo_di_Fiori

Hand Made Shoes in Positano

I purchased a pair of shoes during my stay in Positano that I watched the owner of the store hand make. I was able to choose the color strap that I wanted with whatever style I felt was the most comfortable. The tiny sandal shop had leather soles and various decorative straps covering every inch of the walls. There were plain straps of every different color of the rainbow. The ties that were decorated with jewels were more expensive and would accomplish a dressier look. People could either buy the sandals that were already made or chose a different design to be custom made. If you like a design but it wasn’t in your size the shoe man would make the same pair according to the length of your foot. The scent of the leather was so strong that you could smell it as you walked past the store. It would take an hour for them to be finished so while my parents and I were waiting we hiked down to the ocean to stick our toes in the cool water.

The Pasta Museum in Rome

As we all know Italians are known for their pasta, it is the land of pasta. That is why it is only fitting they have a museum devoted to the golden dish of the Roman Gods. Anyone who enters the pasta museum is instantly gratified as they explore the history and production of this world renowned commodity. Even though the vibrant informational displays are in Italian, those not accustomed to the language don’t get to miss out on the once in a lifetime opportunity as English speaking guides take visitors through the museum. Strolling through the museum, a visitor is encircled by pictures depicting the origin and history of pasta throughout the years. The museum also leads visitors through the process of how pasta is made, starting with its beginnings as wheat all the way until it reaches the end of its timeline to your dinner table. Inside, art work containing pasta is displayed throughout the walls, as well as a pasta theater for the true die hard fan of the Italian dish. The museum ensures the average pasta enthusiast is not left disappointed as they have been educated about pasta with exciting facts. For most, the pasta museum can be an exciting afternoon that tops any of the other museums in Rome.Unforntunately I haven't been able to see the museum because it is closed for the 2008 summer. Hopefully next time I come back to Rome I will be able to see the museum and learn more about the pasta industry.

Piazza Information

Piazza del Popolo is one of the most unified squares in Rome. Two of the same Neo-class buildings are located across from each other. An Egyptian obelisk stands in the center of the piazza. The piazza used to hold carnivals where public executions would occur.

Piazza di Spanga was originally used in the 16th century to help transport pilgrims as quickly from Rome’s Porta del Popolo. Today the piazza is filled with Renaissance and Baroque art in its surrounding churches and museums such as Villa Medici and Santa Maria del Popolo. The Spanish Steps are used my tourists and locals to sit and take pictures, read or hang out. Beirnini’s Fontona della Barcaccia is located beneath the steps.

Piazza della Repubbica was a redevelopment taken on when Rome became the capital of Italy after it was unified. Currently there are banks, cafés and agencies that replaced the shops that were once there. Mario Rutelli’s Fontona della Naiadi in located in the center of the square. The piazza is currently used for exhibitions, live performances, movies and lectures.

Piazza Directions

Beginning at Piazza del Popolo, find your way to V. le Gebrele d’Annunzio and walk through the Pincio Gardens. This street will soon turn into Viale d. Trinita. Follow this road straight until you reach a large palace called the Villa Medici. Turn right onto Piazza Trinita dei monti, the street located on the right side of the villa. This road will lead you straight to the Spanish Steps. After descending the stairs you will be standing in Piazza di Spanga. Make a left at the Fontona della Barcaccia and continue walking down Via due Macelli until you reach Largo del Tritrone. After making a right onto the street there will be a fountain in the center called the Fontona dei Tritrone in Piazza Barberini, Continue walking straight making sure to stay on Via Barberini. Turn right onto V. Versilla Salita da Tolerntino. Cross over Via XX Settembre and walk straight down Via Firenze. When you reach Via Nazionale turn left and walk straight into Piazza della Repubblica.

Sistine Chapel

One of the things that I have yet to see in the past five weeks that I have been in Rome is the large frescoed walls of the Sistine Chapel. It is the main chapel of the Vatican that contains paintings by Perugino, Botticelli, Signorelli, and of course Michelangelo. The artwork which covers the sides of the walls was finished between 1534 and 1541.

Mostly everyone who travels to Rome comes to see The Last Judgment, completed by Michelangelo in 1541. The fresco that took seven years to complete presents souls of the dead rising to heaven to face the wrath of God. Pope Paul III Farnese commissioned the painting as a warning to those practicing the Catholic Religion to remain faithful during the times of the reformation.

Although most of the crowd’s attention is captured by The Last Judgment, there are other fresco cycles that begin at the end of the chapel near the altar. Each fresco contains scenes which correspond to the central masterpiece of Michelangelo’s. These wall frescoes include the Punishment of the Rebels and the Temptation of Christ by Botticelli. Also covering the sides of the Sistine Chapel is Perugino’s Handing over the Keys to St. Peter, and the Crossing of the Red Sea by Rosselli.

Eyewitness Guide, pg. 244

The National Gallery of Ancient Art

The National Gallery of Ancient Art in Rome, Italy contains legendary artwork in two different locations. The gallery is split into two sections including Palazzo Barberini and Palazzo Corsini.

Palazzo Barberini was built for the Barberini family in Rione Trevi between the years 1625 and1633. Most of the art that is showcased in the gallery dates back to the 13^th and 16^th centuries. The Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power was decorated by Cortona to worship the family and their success. The fresco containing the bees and suns, which were the symbols of the Barberini family, is a site that many tourists would find worth their time.

Palazzo Corsini is located in Trastevere next to the Villa Farnesia and houses later masterpieces of the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Most of the artwork found in the Corsini family gallery was given to the state. If you enjoy landscape, religious, and historical art this is probably a good place to visit. Both galleries include famous pieces from Bernini, Caravaggio, Tiziano and more.

Eyewitness Guide pg. 51

"Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica." Wikipedia. 19 may 2008. 16 Jun 2008 .