Blogger's Best Gelaterias in Rome

By Megan Hills

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.”

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

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

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

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

Continue reading

Blog

The history of the Roman Forum: the centre of the Ancient World

The Roman Forum was the hub of commerce and trade in the Ancient World and has been dubbed the most celebrated meeting place in the world – and indeed in all history. The Roman Forum developed over many centuries in the valley between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills and was originally a sodden marsh until it was drained into the River Tiber. Funny to think that one of the most important and powerful Empires was founded on swampland! According to tradition, the Forum was founded as a result of the conciliation of two rivals, Romulus (founder of Rome) who ruled the Palatine Hill, and his nemesis Titus Tatius, who controlled the Capitoline Hill. Their original Forum was used as an open air market place but it was the Comitium which later held public speeches, civic trials and assemblies; driving the Forum into a different politically charged space. Later, in the Republican era, the Senate wanted to expand the Forum's piazza and so purchased private property to turn it into public use. From the 5th century BC, the first temples were constructed – namely the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Castor and Pollux, as well as the Temple of Concord in the century later, expanding the growing central hub of Ancient Rome. The earliest basilicas were introduced into the Forum in 184 BC which began the process of ‘monumentalizing’ the site. The first basilica to be added to the Roman Forum was the Basilica Fulvia at the north side of the square in 179 BC; nine years later the Basilica Sempronia was constructed on the south side. As the Forum developed with more public buildings and monuments, slowly the public gatherings and important political celebrations that were held in the Comitium moved into the Forum – such as the popular comitia tribute assemblies, funerals of Roman nobility and popular games. It was during the reign of Sulla that major work was undertaken on the Forum including the laying of marble stones – raising the plaza level by almost a metre – how we see it today. In 63 BC Cicero delivered his famous speech to the conspirator Catiline in the Forum. But it was the oration given at Caesar’s funeral – which you’ll recognise from Shakespeare’s play – delivered at the speaker’s podium, the New Rostra, that was probably the most significant and memorable event that has lived in history. The burning of Caesar’s body then took place in the site where the Temple to the Defied Caesar now stands, built by the Emperor’s great-nephew Octavius, aka, Augustus. It was Augustus who later gave the Roman Forum its final form; adding the Temple of Divus Iulius and the Arch of Augustus in 29 BC. Jumping ahead to the medieval era in the 6th century (AD), some of the monuments within the Roman Forum were turned into Christian churches. By the 8th century the whole Forum was filled with these new religious buildings, transforming abandoned and ruined temples into Christian shrines. It was during this time that travellers to Rome noted that the Roman Forum was already falling apart and although the memory of its former glory lasted, the once powerful imperial site was now referred to as Campo Vaccino – meaning cattle field – as it was falling into disuse, ruin and under layers of years of debris. It was also during this period that builders and architects dismantled the surviving buildings to use the original material for the construction of towers and castles in the local area. Later on in the 13th century, the Roman Forum was used as a dumping ground for old medieval buildings – and the Roman practice of building new neighbourhoods over old ruins meant the old Roman Forum was almost nowhere to be seen, with a significant rise in ground level. It wasn’t until the 18th century that any type of excavation work really began thanks to the early efforts to recreate the outline of the Roman Forum by artists in the late 15th century, later supported and completed by antiquaries. Excavation and restoration was only really first attempted in 1803 by Carlos Fea, who began clearing debris from the Arch of Septimus Severus. Archaelogists under Napoleon’s regime then helped carried on his work, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the Roman Forum was fully excavated! So when you know the history of the Roman Forum, you can appreciate the history and change that the Roman Forum has witnessed over these thousands of years. Just think about it, the marble and cobbled paths and streets that you walk through are at the real level at which it stood during the Imperial period - now that should make you stop and think. With the OMNIA Card you can discover the ancient world of the Roman Forum for free. You can even skip the queues and jump straight to the front and explore the centre of Empires past. If you want to visit the Forum Museum, to discover more of the ancient world and Roman Forum, including ancient artifacts and old sculptures,, show the OMNIA Card to the ticket staff and you can get free and fast track entry to the Coliseum and museum included as well. It’s your answer to the best sightseeing experience in Rome!
Go City Expert
Blog

Vatican City attractions

Save on Vatican City attractions with the Vatican Omnia Card A visit to Rome would be wasted if you didn’t take time out to see the awe-inspiring Vatican City attractions. As the heart of the Catholic faith, many have endured pilgrimages to reach this holy place starting with the ancient Romans and persisting all the way to the present day. As home to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the world, you can see the best of them for free with the Rome and Vatican pass package and learn more from our guide to the Vatican city below.   St Peter's Basilica  One of the most important sites of pilgrimage in the world, St Peter’s Basilica is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and justifies the Vatican City tickets price for the millions of tourists who flock to its doors. Enjoy a free audio guide and skip the long lines at St Peter’s Basilica to fast-track your way into one of the Catholic faith’s most important sites. Dating back to the 16th century, it is an impressive building and perhaps one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the world. With names like Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini involved in its construction, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most impressive attractions in the city. From the huge square to its iconic dome, the true treasures of the Basilica lie within its walls: gleaming gold décor, mosaics, statues, and sculptures galore. See if you can spot Bramante’s bronze Baldacchino, which takes prime position at the head of the church. Underground, you can also explore the crypts which house the tombs of the former Popes. For unparalleled views over the city, climb up to the top of the Dome to really appreciate the vast expanse of this amazing site.   Vatican Gardens  Many popes have found peace of mind and solitude at the Vatican Gardens, an oasis of calm amidst the city with an unbeatable view of St Peter’s Basilica wherever you tread. In recent years, savvy tourists have been allowed beyond its walls to explore its numerous green pockets which include exotic plants, miniature succulent plots and no end of breathtaking sculptural fountains poised making for a picturesque experience. Not just anybody can wander in, however, as only a select number of visitors are permitted a day. You’ll need to make a reservation on a Vatican Gardens tour or on an inclusive Vatican tours package to see the site.   Sistine Chapel  The Sistine Chapel is considered one of the finest works of High Renaissance art for the sheer scale and the skill of the frescoes, predominantly painted by Michelangelo in the early 16th century. The chapel itself dates back to the late 1400s which was built by Pope Sixtus IV. The later decorations were commissioned by Pope Julius II. Perhaps the most famous of the frescoes is The Last Judgement, but central to the ceiling are the nine scenes from the Book of Genesis. It wasn’t just Michelangelo that deserves all the credit, other leading painters and contemporaries such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio also contributed to the painting of this impressive chapel. The building measures an impressive 40.9 meters long so it puts it into perspective – if you want to be awed then visit the Sistine Chapel to appreciate the magnitude of one of Rome’s most impressive works of art.   Vatican Museums  The Vatican Museums are home to over 9 miles of art, sculpture, tapestries and more. The estimated worth of the art in the Vatican Museums is over €15 billion so you’re promised a wide range of world class collections. The collections were built up over the centuries by the Popes who lived in the city and date back to Ancient Egyptian pieces, to the 20th century – most notably some of the finest masterpieces from the Renaissance years. There are 54 rooms, from the Gallery of Statues, the Gallery of the Busts, to the Rotonda, and finally, the Sistine Chapel which is at the end of the tour. These Museums are not to be rushed and a thorough visit can take over 4 hours. Join one of the many Vatican tours and learn about Papal history along the way, not to mention the history behind some of the most famous works on display.   Garden of Eden Painting - Vatican This stunning painting is one of the Vatican’s most iconic, barring of course Michelangelo’s frescoes stretching across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Lovingly crafted by Wenzel Peter, this masterpiece named Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden has to be seen to be believed as both its gigantic size and attention to naturalistic detail make it one of the most exciting pieces in the Vatican Museums’ collection. Situated in the Pinacoteca Art Gallery in Room XVI, it takes up an entire wall and awes everyone who passes.   St John in the Lateran and the Cloister  St John in the Lateran and Cloister is in fact the official seat of the Pope. It’s older and – officially – more important than St Peter’s Basilica and is one of the oldest churches in Western Europe. It’s hugely significant in religious history and dating back to 324 AD has a wealth of history to tell. Within, the building is a fine example of Cosmatesque and Baroque architecture and design, with grand gold decorations and sculptures down its long nave. St John in the Lateran is also famous for its peaceful Cloister, which was built in the 13th century and is now a site of meditative prayer for many locals and visitors. Many pilgrims also flock to the Holy Steps, the Scala Sancta, which can be found in an early Papal chapel named the Lateran Palace.
Go City Expert
Blog

The Best Perspectives in Rome

You expect to see historic ruins and ancient artefacts when you’re in Rome; it’s a given. But there’s so much more to see in terms of its urban landscape. Rome’s flowing river, the Tiber, adds a romantic edge to the dusty cobbled streets and vertiginous viewpoints allow you to climb to the best summits in the city and look over the old Empire. With so many to choose from, we’ve handpicked some of what we think are must-see things to do in Rome for picture-perfect moments. Steal a snapshot of some of Rome’s best panoramas and take home something to remember. St Peter’s Basilica & its Dome St Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most popular landmarks and religious hot-spots. With thousands flocking to the central church every day to step within the marble masterpiece, you know it must be good. Don’t get us wrong, the inside is wonderful, but for something a bit different, we prefer what's on the outside. One of our favourite things to do in St Peter’s Basilica is to climb the dome. For an unparalleled view over Rome, the dome stands at 136.6m – and is the tallest dome in the world. You can climb the 551 steps from the bottom, or take a lift half way, and walk around the dome for a stunning 360 ̊ panorama of the Eternal City. Look across Bernini’s square, over the walls of the Vatican and down to the River Tiber. Appreciate Rome’s terracotta themed skyline and count the domes of the city and take in the sweeping views. It doesn’t get better than this; don’t forget the camera. Villa Borghese Just across the river from St Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo is Piazza del Popolo, at the foot of Villa Borghese, Rome’s most central park. This green pocket of calm provides a nice contrast to the warm tones of the terraced city where visitors and locals alike seek to retreat for a quiet moment. Dotted with English classical buildings, fountains, ponds and meadow like grounds it’s the perfect place for a picnic and to experience the side of Rome that only the locals know about. Find a wooden bench, or take a stroll around the 148 acres (or however many you can manage!) for a clean and green experience of Rome; great to escape from the hustle and bustle of the ancient, vibrant, city. What’s more, if you’re after another view, the Pincio, at the top of the steps leading up from Piazza del Popolo, offers another perspective over Rome, this time from the south of the river. Rome Bus Tour As an alternative experience, Rome Bus Tour – run by Roma Cristiana – offers a great way of exploring the city from all angles – and from the comfort of your seat. As you’re driven through the streets of central Rome, past the old ruins and landmarks of the Eternal City, sit back and enjoy a running commentary of the view. Learn about the hero gladiators that fought in the Coliseum and find out about the famous artists and architects of the city as you pass in front of their monumental masterpieces. Over the river, across from the ancient Forum, Circus Maximus, up to the Vatican City and everything in between, look down the narrow cobbled streets to discover your own Rome. What’s more, you can even hop-on, and hop-off at your leisure should you wish to go exploring.... For the complete sightseeing experience, we can make your life easy with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card (including a Roma Pass)– you can get a free hop-on, hop-off ticket for the Rome Bus tour included, as well as skip the line privileges to St Peter’s Basilica. What’s more, you can take advantage of our free guidebook and map that comes with it so you won’t get lost on your way!
Go City Expert

Dreaming of that Rome city break?

Sign up to receive top travel tips

Thick check Icon