A Friend in Rome

19/10/2026

DAY TRIPS from ROME

An unexpected day trip south of Rome will take you back in time to the Middle Ages when cathedrals were built in a nordic style following cistercian rules.
These are the three abbeys of Fossanoca, Casamari and Valvisciolo, just masterpieces always open and for free in the countryside of Ciociaria!

11/10/2026

HIDDEN ROME

Among rationalist buildings still visible in Rome, we have the so called EX GIL in Trastevere.
It was a structure dedicated to Youth activities (and propaganda) during the fascist period and now hosts temporary exhibits. They might not be so appealing sometimes but they give you the chance to enter this structure and admire its clean architecture.

Here the website for updates: https://wegil.it/

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

CHURCHES of ROME

Even churches you have never heard about and you just pass by (like this one on the way to Piazza Navona) can hide an incredible frescoed ceiling by Filippo Gherardi.

So next time you see a church, give a quick look inside, for instance here in San Pantaleo!

02/10/2026

REAL STORIES FROM MY INBOX

First time in my 16 years of career as tour guide that someone asks me for a tour *while* they are on a tour with someone else.

Apparently the tour was terrible.

It is really difficult to replace a tour last minute in high season, but at least please complain to the company offering such a bad service. Ask for a refund.

A bad guide/a badly organized tour is a shame for the whole category I belong to.

01/10/2026

MUSEUMS of ROME

Rome has something for everyone, for every interest.
In a suburban area of town, but reachable by a metropolitan train, there is the former "Mental health hospital", called Santa Maria dell Pietà, and they recently reopened the internal museum showing how patients were treated until the Seventies.

You find all infos here > https://www.museodellamente.it/

28/09/2026

Please help spreading the news: October is peak season in Rome.
Book tickets and tour guides at least a month ahead.

21/09/2026

DAY TRIPS from ROME

A day trip that never fails you, for all ages and different levels of interpretation, is the Sacred Wood of Bomarzo. A Renaissance garden of delight full of hidden codes and enjoyment!

15/09/2026

HIDDEN ROME

In Rione Regola you find a little corner of England, discreetly hidden and still preserving in Rome the oldest English institution outside of England, dating back to 1576.
It was and still is a seminar for the formation of English and Welsh catholic priests.
You find all infos (including how to book a visit) at https://www.vecrome.org/

11/09/2026

Well instructed AI can be useful to create amazing reconstructions of lost monuments, like this sanctuary in Tivoli dedicated to Hercules.

I cannot wait to tour there with you!