A Royal visit to Rome

By Go City Expert

It's the convergence of two cultures as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are scheduled to visit Rome on the 3rd April. Fulfilling the postponed visit from last year, which was delayed due to illness, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are finally making the trip next month to meet with Pope Francis and the Italian president, Giorgio Napolitano. In anticipation of her visit, we’ve put together a list of places in Rome where the Queen might like to go and things to see during her stay. We hope her majesty is reading... Quirinal Palace This palace, known locally as Quirinale is the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. Famously, it has been home to thirty popes, four kings and eleven presidents and spans over 110,500 square metres - giving Buckingham Palace a run for its money. Built in 1583, Quirinale is the sixth largest palace in the world and is adorned with impressive Renaissance art work and mosaics. If it’s good enough for the Italian royalty, it’s good enough for ours. St Peter’s Basilica Home to the Pope, there’s no doubt that the Queen will be visiting this iconic cathedral during her short stay. As the epicentre of Roman Catholicism, it has a wealth of history behind it, from masters of the Renaissance to papal patrons. If the Queen is after a view to remember then she should go up the Duomo (dome) for spectacular panoramas across the city. We’re sure the Pope will agree. Capitoline Museums For a bit of culture, history and to learn about the ancient ways of Rome, the Capitoline Museums are the perfect place to indulge in a bit of artistic appreciation. From sculptures, mosaics and paintings, the Queen can discover Rome’s talented past and marvel in its ancient archaeology and architecture. As a patron of the arts herself, we’re sure her majesty would enjoy a walk around this notable museum. Coliseum One of the most iconic sights in Rome, the Coliseum is as important a landmark to the city as St Peter’s Basilica. Drenched in history, the Coliseum was once the amphitheatre of legendary gladiator competitions and entertainment where the head of state, like the Queen, would have no doubt have been special guest over 2000 years ago. As a monumental landmark with such an exciting history, the Queen couldn’t leave Rome without walking through its ancient stone arches, surely? National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo Another important historical landmark, this museum should be top of the Queen’s to-do list when she visits Rome in April. A building with many pasts, Castel Sant’Angelo has been everything from a military base, a prison, Papal refuge and even a fortress. Now the museum delves into its diverse past and is one of Rome’s most fascinating attractions. Just down the Tiber from St Peter’s Basilica, it would be a tragedy to miss it. We’re sure the Queen is getting excited for her impending visit, after all Rome is a city with much to offer and with a spread of ancient landmarks to see, so she’ll no doubt be busy. If you fancy a visit to Rome and like the sounds of the itinerary above then the OMNIA & Vatican Card is your key to the Eternal City, unlocking over 30 attractions and giving you free and discounted entry into the best sights. With a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, travel included and a guidebook it’s the perfect sightseeing pass.

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Fifteen phrases anyone coming to Rome should know

You’re getting all excited about coming to Rome, swatting up on the top attractions you want to visit, learning about the best places to go for a pizza and where to go for your historical fix... Don’t forget to brush up on your Italian. While it’s common place to be able to gesticulate your way around (the Italians love a bit of hand movements) it’s always better to come prepared with some key phrases to help you get by. The Romans are friendly people, but they’ll be even friendlier if you show some effort at meeting them half way by learning their language. To make it easier for you, we thought of fifteen key phrases you should learn before you come and to keep to hand when you explore the city. From introducing yourself, to asking for a glass of wine, we hope it’ll get you by – even as a starter! 1) Ciao / Buonasera – Hello / Good evening 2) Si / No – Yes / No 3) Perfavore – Please 4) Mi chiamo... – My name is... 5) Parli inglese? – Do you speak English? 6) Parlo un po italiano – I speak a little Italian 7) Non capisco – I don’t understand 8) Può parlare più lentamente? – Can you please speak slowly? 9) Come si dice ____ in italiano? – How do you say ____ in French? 10) Dov'è il bagno? – Where is the toilet? 11) Si può prendere la mia foto per favour? – Would you take my picture, please? 12) Si accetta carte di credito straniere? – Do you take foreign credit cards? 13) Quanto costa? – How much is this? 14) Dov'è il Colosseo / il Vaticano / Roman Forum? – Where is the Coliseum / the Vatican / Foro Romano? 15) Un bicchiere di vino per favore – Please may I have a glass of wine? Combine your phrases with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card and you’re guaranteed to have a holiday of a lifetime. See the sights of Rome with the Roma Pass and make some great savings along the way – it couldn’t be easier. Learn more, here.
Go City Expert
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Top 5 art galleries in Rome with the Roma Pass

When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do. Or at least appreciate how the Romans have done it. Rome is bursting with cultural outlets documenting its history over time. From the Coliseum to the Capitoline Museums, there is plenty of art to be admired – some might say too much, if you’re pushed for time. To make it easy, let’s look at the top 5 art galleries in Rome to get your cultural fix. From the contemporary to the classic, there’s so much to be seen – and with the Roma Pass you can see it all for free. Even better! Capitoline Museums One of the most important art galleries in Rome, the Capitoline Museums were founded in 1471 with the donation of some bronze statues by Pope Sixtus IV. Recognised as a museum of the people, it was created as a testament to Roman history and contains the iconic She-Wolf statue – one of the original donations. The museum now contains ancient Roman statues, medieval and Renaissance art works as well as a collection of jewels and coins. Don’t miss the chapel dedicated to the Patron Saints of Rome decorated with stunning frescoes. Museum of Rome The Museum of Rome can be found in the Palazzo Braschi, nestled in the heart of the city. A fine example of Baroque history, this museum celebrates Renaissance art in particular and displays art from the Middle Ages through to the mid-20th century. Visitors can admire work of art from a wide range of Roman artists in two separate collections, as well as a 2,000 piece ceramic collection and 160 frescoes. You can even see pieces of the old mosaics from the façade of St Peter’s Basilica, dating back to 1230. MAXXI The Museum of 21st century art in Rome focuses on contemporary art through various mediums and how it’s changed over time. With a wide range of exhibitions exploring the breaking down of barriers and challenging conformism, to an iconographical dictionary and collage of images and videos the gallery promises – and succeeds – to inspire and impress. Don’t miss the architecture and photography collections, too which look into both 20th and 21st century concepts. Borghese Gallery For something more classical, you can’t beat the Borghese Gallery for a truly Roman art experience. Housed in the Villa Borghese, this gallery contains masterpieces of some of the great Italian artists including Caravaggio, Botticelli and Raphael. The Sala de Sileno is considered one of the gallery’s most impressive rooms, containing David with the head of Goliath and Young sick Bacchus. Visitors can also admire some of Bernini’s sculptures, including the iconic Apollo and Daphne. Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums You can’t leave Rome without having experienced the grandeur of the Vatican Museums and having witnessed the spectacular Sistine Chapel ceiling. This notable museum contains over 9 miles of art and sculptures, from ancient Egypt to the 20th century. Look out for the portrait of the Popes and the corridor of statues before heading into the Sistine Chapel for Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement. Although you can’t take photos, take a mental picture of this incredible feat of art. Don’t forget to admire the murals, too, which were painting by Botticelli and often overlooked. With the Roma Pass you can get free entry into 2 of the above art galleries, and the rest at a discounted price. A bargain for any culture vulture! To find out more about the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card, click here.
Go City Expert
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Blogger's Best Gelaterias in Rome

If you’re spending the summer in Rome, you’ll quickly find yourself searching for ways to cool off in the heat and in desperate need of refreshment. There’s no better way to tackle those needs and celebrate the Rome’s thriving culinary scene than with an ice cold creamy gelato. Gelato is one of Rome’s most iconic gourmet staples and is not to be missed, especially after a long hot day on the tourist trail. Forget waiting until after dinner, have dessert first and make a beeline for some of the best haunts in town during the day. There’s no better way to cool off than with a scoop (or three) of homemade ice cream – trust us. We asked some of the best food, travel and city bloggers where to order the best gelato in Rome. Take it from the professionals and read on... Best Gelato in Rome Именно здесь Грегори Пек угощал мороженым Одри Хепберн в фильме "Римские каникулы"🍦 _____________ Побывать в Италии и не попробовать gelato- непростительно) Giolitti — самое старое кафе-мороженое в Риме. Это историческое заведение было внесено в список Forbes, как одно из самых вкусных морожениц мира. Здесь можно попробовать мороженое со вкусом сицилийской кассаты, шампанского, марсалы и риса Настоящим удовольствием будет выстоять очередь в кафе возле Пантеона и насладится рожком мороженого у фонтана напротив исторического здания. И после встать в очередь опять 💛 A post shared by Dance teacher (@likaqn) on Aug 10, 2018 at 1:54am PDT Best Gelato near the Pantheon We spoke with Alida, the food blogger behind MyLittleItalianKitchen, who suggested Gelateria Giolitti. Located on Via Uffici del Vicario, this family-run business has been in the business of gelato for over a hundred years and has a prime spot on the tourist trail. She said, ‘“The Gelateria Giolitti is barely a stones throw from the Pantheon and the Trevi fountain and is a family run business which has been producing ice cream since 1890. The salon of Gelateria Giolitti has an attractive decor styled in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style and which is very elegant with the 1930’s furnishings.” As for what they serve? They’ve had a few years to figure out their flavour range and it’s an endless list of both traditional Italian favourites and international influences. Alida continued, “Their tremendous selection of ice cream flavours range from figs, dried fruit, champagne, rice, zabaione, sicilian cassata, nutella and cookies and many others which will leave you craving for more. Their ice cream is simply fantastic! Just the place to go for a creamy and first class ice cream indulgence in stylish surroundings.” #sgnomsterinrome Care for some gelato in the cold cold weather? • 4 scoops with chocolate cone €4.00 A post shared by SG Food | Travel | Lifestyle (@sgnomster) on Apr 17, 2018 at 4:35am PDT Best gelato near St Peter’s Basilica Gelarmony - Via Marcantonio Colonna, 34 With four locations and an avid fan base, Gelarmony is a local favourite and travel blogger Valeria of Rome, New York, London, World insists it's one of the best scoops in Rome. For those poring over their guidebooks and figuring out the day’s route, make time to stop off at their branch situated just fifteen minutes from St Peter’s Basilica for a cold treat. Valeria said, “Their gelato comes in sixty different and delicious flavors, all made of natural ingredients imported from Sicily. You can’t go wrong by picking the more common flavors like chocolate or pistachio, but you should also try their specialties such as cassata and my personal favorites: tiramisù and amaretto. Gelarmony also offers tasty soya-based options. Enjoy!” Let her know what you think on Twitter @RomeNYLondWorld Hotly contested on the streets of Rome, but in this 32 degree heat it has to be gelato from... #Rome #gelato #food #foodie A post shared by Lisa Helmanis (@daystudiolondon) on Jul 6, 2018 at 6:17am PDT Unique gelato in Rome Gelateria del Teatro – Via dei Coronari, 65 (Navona Square) & Lungotevere dei Vallati, 25 (Campo dei Fiori Square /Lungotevere area) For those bored of the standard chocolate and vanilla, head to one of Gelateria del Teatro’s two branches for a more experimental bite. It’s one of local Rome blogger Antonio of Romeing’s favourite spots to cool off on a hot summer’s day with a scoop of some of the best gelato in Rome. Antonio said, “Gelateria del Teatro is so confident about their quality that in each of their two charming locations you can even watch them make their gelato. Flavours include lavender with white peach and pumpkin with chocolate and there is a variety of cone sizes to choose from, including the giant, five-scoop cone monster. We recommend the specialty: rosemary and lemon, a refreshing, cleansing, light yet satisfying flavor.” Let Antonio know which flavours you’ve tried at @Romeing Venchi Gelato, Rome! 🇮🇹 ☀️ . . . . #aegeuswatches #aegeuswatch #klockor #watchesofinstagram #elegance #simplicity #timepiece #watch #watches #klocka #aegeusklocka #wristwatch #aegeus #elegantblacksilver #blacksilver #menwatches #minimalistwatch #minimalistwatches #mensstyle #fashion #watchaddict #vatican #italy #rome #venchi #venchigelato A post shared by Aegeus Watches 🇸🇪 (@aegeuswatches) on Jul 11, 2018 at 2:57pm PDT Best traditional gelato in Rome Venchi – Via degli Orfani, 87 Why dispute the classics? A gelateria named Venchi takes the prize for the best traditional gelato in the city according to food blogger Beverley of Beverley Glock, sticking to all natural ingredients and classic Italian flavours that will really hit the spot. As with the earlier Gelateria Gillotti, it’s also situated nearby the Pantheon in case you have room for more than one sweet treat on your travels. She said, “I’ve never had a poor ice cream in Rome so why would it start here? Venchi make their ice cream with natural ingredients; fresh milk, cream, eggs, fresh fruit and their own chocolate. Only fruit and nuts are used to colour and flavour their ice cream, so there’s no artificial colouring. “Venchi pride themselves on the variety of traditional Italian flavours they offer and situated in an idyllic location right next to The Pantheon, you can tick the ‘culture’ box as you sit down to enjoy the best ice cream in Rome. Do you agree? Let her know on @BeverleyGlock Breakfast, lunch or dinner , hot summer days or rainy cloudy afternoons - in Rome it’s always time for #icecream !! Wearing my beautiful @yalchypapa bracelet 💌 #WeInRoma A post shared by Travel Blog • בלוג טיולים (@ila.na.na) on Jan 26, 2018 at 6:09am PST Best gelato in Trastevere La Fonte della Salute – Via Cardinal Marmaggi, 2-4-6 A day spent wandering the colourful neighbourhood of Trastevere never goes unwasted, as there’s always something new to discover in one of Rome’s most charming areas. Slip past the old men drinking espresso and the trattoria to grab a table at La Fonte della Salute, which serves an unforgettable gelato that caters to people from all walks of life. Blogger Tiziano of Rome Local Friend said, “La Fonte della Salute, which may be translated to “fountain of health” is definitely the best ice cream maker of Trastevere. The shop has been open since 1981. Then after a change in management, it came back stronger than before. Now they sell organic, vegan and gluten free ice cream. This is definitely what one would call the ‘Gelateria of the 21st century’. I love to pop in for a tasty ice cream whenever I am around. They still offer a very wide variety of flavours, from cream to fruit, so I invite you to come too during your strolls in the neighborhood. They also provide some free tables outside.” What’s your favourite flavour? Start a conversation with @RomeLocalFriend
Megan Hills

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