A Taste of History: Rome's Oldest Restaurants

By Megan Hills

Have your history and eat it too at Rome's oldest restaurants

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and get stuck into its fabulous dining scene. We don't have to tell you about Rome's incredible street food and fresh pastas - the international hype speaks for itself - but there are a few grand establishments worth trying that really know what they're doing. Try the dishes at some of Rome's oldest restaurants below for a true taste of tradition.

La Campana

This family-run trattoria is a stalwart of the Roman dining scene, with nearly 500 years of patronage and Italian comfort food. Founded back in 1518 and named after Pietro de la Campana, the restaurateur who opened the establishment, it remains a firm favourite with both locals and tourists - especially because the Pantheon and Piazza Navona are nearby. Try the Artichokes alla Guidia and Saltimbocca for some real classic tastes. Nearby Sites: Pantheon, Piazza Navona

E niente, posso resistere a tutte le tentazioni ma davanti a loro,mi inchino.

A post shared by @just_anto64 on May 10, 2017 at 5:23am PDT

Ristorante Peppone

It's a story we're all familiar with - a small town boy named Giuseppe Tozzi leaves the countryside for the big city, dreaming of fame and fortune. Even back in the 1800s, it was a cliche and one that Giuseppe (nicknamed Peppone) owned wholeheartedly. He opened up a traditional restaurant in the 1890s and it's persisted till now, run by his great grandchildren who bring the flavours of his hometown Abruzzo to the capital. Nearby Sites: Via Veneto

Checchino dal 1887

If you're keen to try quinto quarto - Italian for offal - then you've come to the right place. Popular with locals, this restaurant has lived many lives starting off as a wine cellar, then a slaughterhouse, then eventually a restaurant. Started by a young couple, the restaurant really hit its stride once their daughter and grandson breathed new life into the business and revamped its dishes. With quinto quarto tasting menus, vegetarian options and a mean spaghetti carbonara, it's worth stopping by here on the way to see Monte Testaccio. Nearby Sites: Monte Testaccio

Fried artichokes in Rome. Been waiting for this for a long time. #waitingmakesitsweeter

A post shared by Christine Barbour (@dcbrocksjewelry_rawredefined) on Jul 8, 2017 at 12:54pm PDT

Ristorante Piperno

Jewish cuisine is a strong influence on many of Rome's tastes and dishes and you'd be hard-pressed not to find Carciofi alla Giudia (artichokes cooked in the Jewish style) on menus in Rome. As the oldest joint in the Jewish quarter dating back to 1860, it's no surprise that they specialise in the dish - so much so that they threw spring parties called Carciofolata there. Their homemade pastas are also a thing of beauty, try the taglioni.

Uma grande mistura de sabores! #gelato #fassi #italia #roma

A post shared by Valnice Lopes (@val_nice) on Jul 1, 2017 at 2:56am PDT

Palazzo del Freddo di Giovanni Fassi

Skip dinner and head straight for dessert at Palazzo del Freddo, a gelato sanctuary started way back in 1880. Forget the mom and pop soda shops you'll see in the US, gelato is serious business here with classy interiors and over 30 different gelato flavours ranging from safe vanillas and hazelnuts to bolder choices like rice and pineapple. Order an extra large scoop, grab a marble-topped table and be prepared to feast - the dessert's next level here.

Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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Top 10 Museums and Art Galleries in Rome

A visit to Rome is more than just seeing the sights, visiting the Coliseum and having a slice of pizza. With a culture and heritage that far exceeds that of most countries, some argue, there is a wealth of knowledge and history to be learned in Rome from the countless museums and art galleries showcasing the hundreds of priceless marble statues, frescoes and mosaics that Rome is so famous for. We decided to put our heads together and come up with a top 10. As Rome has over five times that to pick, it was quite a feat whittling them down. Below is a good mix of the classical, the contemporary, the arty and the ancient. And what’s more, they’re either free or discounted with your Roma Pass – so now there really is no excuse. Castel Sant’Angelo One of the most imposing landmarks along the iconic River Tiber is Castel Sant’Angelo which has been a mausoleum and fortress in Rome for over 2000 years. Although its now a fascinating museum, visitors can learn about Emperor Hadrian, for whom it was built, as well as the various roles it has played over time, including a Papal refuge. There’s even a secret tunnel that leads into St Peter’s Basilica! Capitoline Museums The Capitoline Museums sit up on the Capitoline Hill behind the wedding cake, the Roman’s colloquial name for the Vittorio Emmanuele landmark. These museums are some of the most important in Rome and also in the world, founded by Pope Sixtus IV in the 1470s, who donated some of his own bronze statues. By making private collections open to the public, he inadvertently created the first museum! Here you’ll find some of the famous statues from Ancient Rome such as the She Wolf. Vatican Museums It’s said that the estimated worth of the Vatican Museums are an eye-watering sum of €15 billion – not a number to be sniffed at! Among the miles and miles of art, sculptures, tapestries, busts and mosaics is the impressive Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century. The Last Judgement is regarded as one of the most influential and iconic frescoes in all of art history, and considering its in the Holy See of the Vatican City, how could it not be up there in a top 10? Villa Borghese This grand villa in the stunning grounds of the Borghese Park was once the villa of the rich and influential Scipione Borghese. The collection within Villa Borghese started off as a private body of works and now contains both classic and contemporary art, with some pieces dating back 2000 years. To name drop some of the bigger artists on show, you can admire pieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Boticelli and Rapahel. Villa Borghese is divided up into old and new and each room, or sala, offers something to be learnt from both past and present. Museum of Rome The Museum of Rome actually has two addresses, so you get two museums for the price of one in this case! One is located near Palazzo Braschi and its aim is to celebrate and champion the ‘forgotten art’ of the middle ages. Inside this museum you will see the lesser known pieces, which make it all the more impressive. From costumes and fabrics, to ceramics and sculptures, you’ll discover a side of Rome you never knew. MACRO From old into new, the MACRO celebrates everything modern and contemporary. An acronym for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome, the MACRO is housed in two buildings, aptly post-industrial; a former brewery of Peroni and a former slaughterhouse. These two big, open spaces make for a fitting and striking canvas in which to display the gallery’s impressive, and notable, collections of Italian art dating from the 1960s. A celebration of national modern art, a visit to this gallery will teach you about the Rome and the Italy of today and the modern influences of society. MAXXI The MAXXI is the Museum of the National Arts from the 21st Century and is one of Rome’s newer spaces. Opened in 2010, here everything is championed from art to architecture, and the bolder the better. The building itself , designed by Zaha Hadid, won the Sterling Prize for architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects so it’s worth a visit to see the premise alone. Within the gallery’s impressive walls lie all matter of exhibits in the art and architecture realm. There’s also a library, café and theatre for the performing arts, as well as an outdoor space, too. Planetarium and Astronomy Museum Off kilter from the art and history, we delve even further back into the history of space and science. One of the lesser-appreciated museums in Rome is the Planetarium and Astronomy Museum which – for any adult or child interested in the subject – is well worth a visit with a spare few hours! Learn about our universe, how planets were formed and peer through the telescope at Technotown. It might not be art, but it’s a fun alternative! National Etruscan Museum The Etruscan period, is a period named after a group of ancient Italians in the Lazio - Tuscan area, dating roughly from 700BC to 4BC. The National Etruscan Museum within Villa Giulia in Rome is dedicated solely to preserving and upholding the Etruscan heritage and history that is rife throughout Rome’s past and culture. In the museum, Etruscan artefacts such as the famous almost-life size terracotta ‘his and hers’ sarcophagus of a man and wife at dinner, which dates to the 6th century BC. Other artefacts include the Apollo of Veii and the Cista Ficoroni. If you want ancient, ancient Rome – this is where you’ll find it. Museum of Roman Civilization Like it says on the tin, the Museum of Roman Civilization represents the history of Rome from an evolving civilization perspective. This museum focuses and reproduces the origins of the Eternal City to the 4th century through a model of archaic Rome, a full reconstruction of Trajan’s Column, and much more. Some of the thought provoking themes that are touched on and brought into light range from Caesar, to Christianity; schools and libraries; as well as commerce and agriculture. To gain a full understanding of Rome as a civilization there’s no museum like it. With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass you can enjoy free entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, as well as free entry into a further two of your choosing, from the Capitoline Museums to the MACRO. Find out more, here.
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A Royal visit to Rome

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 or an attraction pass 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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Things To Do In Rome For A Week

Soak up the culture, discover the history and embrace the Roman lifestyle with our top tips on things to do in Rome for a week! Are you planning a trip and looking for things to do in Rome? With 280 fountains, more than 900 churches and world-famous monuments spanning more than 2,700 years of history, the Eternal City is full of beautiful surprises. If you’re lucky enough to be staying for a week, look no further than our favourite top tips. However, you’d be well advised not to over-plan, and to leave some time to just wander and soak up the atmosphere in the piazze. Day 1 – Guided tours Why not use your first day to find your bearings? There are lots of different kinds of guided tour to help you orient yourself and make getting around during your stay that bit easier. Choose from hop-on-hop-off bus tours with audio commentary, excellent (and often free) guided walks, bike tours (with or without the help of an electric motor) and even segway tours. While Rome is well known for being a ‘walkable’ city, it’s also famous for being built on seven hills. If you are planning on cycling, a reasonable level of fitness will be needed! Once you have worked up an appetite why not choose a ‘trattoria’, a type of informal restaurant, and settle down to a traditionally Roman pasta dish of ‘cacio e pepe’ or ‘amatriciana’? Day 2 – the Vatican The Vatican is one of the must-see attractions for most visitors to Rome. Although the Vatican sights are always busy, you may want to plan your visit for a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday and to consider a fast-entry ticket. The museums are closed on Sundays except for the last Sunday of the month when there is free entry - and mind-boggling numbers of people. St Peter’s Basilica and its Necropolis, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and the thousands of famous paintings and sculptures mean that you could easily spend the day here. If you spent a minute looking at each painting in the museums’ collections, you would have to stay for four years! Day 3 – Ancient monuments Follow in the footsteps of the Ancient Romans, starting with a visit to the Colosseum, the amphitheatre that is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Forum with its ruins of ancient government buildings and Palatine Hill with its views over the oldest parts of Rome, are only a short walk away. The Pantheon, the temple built around 120 AD by Emperor Hadrian, is another must-see landmark. Did you know that concrete was a Roman invention? The Pantheon has a completely unreinforced concrete dome, which is larger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica. Day 4 – Ostia Antica Although there’s more than enough things to do in Rome to keep you busy, there are also some great options for day trips. Why not check out the archaeological site at Ostia Antica, the ruins of Rome’s old sea port, just 30 minutes from central Rome? Wandering around the ruins, you’ll see the remains of homes, baths, docks and warehouses, as well as an amphitheatre and a small museum. Trips to other Italian towns and cities are also possible, including Florence, Orvieto, Naples and Pompei. Day 5 – Museums If you’re looking for a quieter, more reflective day, why not head to the Capitoline Museums and the Museum of Rome? The Capitoline is remarkable in itself, dating back to 1471, and most of the exhibits come from the city of Rome and relate to its history. Particular crowd-pleasers include the collection of classical sculpture and picture gallery with masterpieces by the likes of Titian, Tintoretto, Rubens and Caravaggio. The museum includes a famous sculpture showing Remus and Romulus being suckled by a she-wolf, part of the legend of Rome’s foundation. This image has come to represent Rome and can be seen around the city. There are many other captivating museums in Rome including Maxxi and Macro for modern art and the Museum of Rome, which has over time become primarily an art museum too. Day 6 – Castel Sant’Angelo Take in some fresh air with a visit to Castel Sant’Angelo, on the banks of the Tiber. Built in the 2nd century AD, it was originally designed as a mausoleum by the Roman emperor Hadrian. Over the centuries it has been used as a fortress, papal residence and even a prison, before becoming a museum in 1901. As you walk up the wide ramp into the castle, a statue of the archangel Michael appears overhead, sheathing his sword as a sign of the end of the plague of 590. The views from the Castle’s rooftop over the city are beautiful and it’s well worth leaving time for a stroll by the river and to explore the magnificent grounds. Day 7 – Villa Borghese Finish your stay with a visit to Villa Borghese. Although you couldn’t tell from the name, this is a fairly large public park, which houses a popular art gallery and other attractions. Tickets for the gallery have to purchased online in advance. Within walking distance of the park are the Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain, two other popular Roman landmarks. Tradition has it that if you throw a coin into the Trevi fountain, you will return to Rome. In fact, every night about 3,000 Euros are swept up from the bottom of the basin and donated to the charity Caritas, to provide services for families in need. This concludes our suggestions for things to do in Rome for a week. We hope that you have an amazing trip!
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