A Friend in Rome

01/09/2026

MUSEUMS of ROME

Recently reopened to the public, the "Museo del Genio" is only accessible when some temporary exhibits are in calendar. But the permanent collection dedicated to the Engineers of the Italian Army and their inventions is always on display.

Personally I found more interesting the building itself, a perfect example of rationalist architecture of the Fascist period which is not easy to visit in Rome in such a well preserved example.

29/08/2026

Until October 11th Palazzo Barberini hosts a special exhibit of this little mysterious painting by Vermeer.
A good occasion to enjoy the amazing collection of art of the Palazzo PLUS a Flemish extra !

26/08/2026

DAY TRIP from Rome

Rome has its shore and seaside. And a good excuse to go spend lunch and a nap on the beach is to arrange a morning cultural visit to the ruins of Portus and its necropolis. A fascinating couple of sites bringing back the imperial age of Rome with its important harbour and a well preserved burial site.

24/08/2026

20/08/2026

HIDDEN ROME

The residence of former knights of Rhodes (later knights of Malta) is in a very central location (along Via dei Fori Imperiali, on the way to the Colosseum), but you need a special permit to enter.

Inside an incredible story of medieval orders, cardinals and layers of construction is displayed around you (but you definitely need some guidance here to fully appreciate the site).

14/08/2026

CHURCHES of ROME

On the eve of Ferragosto, I picked a church dedicated to Mary as S. Maria dell'Anima, just behind Piazza Navona and really a jewel box!

It was the national church of the German community of Rome and the only german pope of the modern times before Benedict XVI is in fact buried here. His name is Hadrian VII and he was originally from Utrecht, but at that time that was part of the Sacred Roman Empire.

13/08/2026

08/08/2026

ARCHAEO ROME

Right in the middle of the city, but very few visitors enter for a deeper visit to Circus Maximus. It is in fact interesting to have a closer view to some construction details without the confusion of the Colosseum.
And the history of the chariot races is equally important (if no more!) than the gladiator fights to understand the spirit of Ancient Rome!

06/08/2026

Surviving the heat

04/08/2026

The view of Trevi fountain from Istituto centrale per la grafica