Passeggiata Romana |
A MOMENT OF RELAXATION WALKING THROUGH THE STREETS OF THE CITY CENTRE TO THE DISCOVERY OF ANCIENT SUGGESTIONS AND MODERN IMAGES. A COFFEE IN PIAZZA DEL POPOLO AND THEN SHOPPING AMONG THE CRAFTSMEN’S "BOTTEGHE" AND FAMOUS MAISONS DE COUTURE, WHILE WALKING BETWEEN THE MAGNIFICENT PALACES OF THE POWER. |
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From Piazza del Popolo we will start our walk following the route that still today Romans love to stroll along. One of the most ancient of Rome, the enormous oval square has always been one of the main accesses to the heart of the city, with the great Egyptian Obelisk, dated more than 3.000 years, standing in its middle. In front of us the two twin churches of Saint Mary of Montesanto and Saint Mary of the People. Up until the 19th century public executions (by hammering the condemned prisoner’s temples until death) were held in the square. |
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We climb up the road until reaching the splendid gardens of the Pincio. Built by the Romans they, just like Piazza del Popolo, were redesigned by the famous architect Valadier. We walk along the tree-lined avenues of the Pincio, among marble busts of once illustrious male citizens, admiring the beautiful Casina Valadier or the Water Clock, to stop at the Belvedere, one of the most evocative views of Rome. |
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LAlong the tree-lined avenues we reach the Church of Trinità dei Monti, built by the French and from whose terrace can be seen one of the most painted and photographed views of the world. We walk down the Spanish Steps to sit on them among groups of young people lazily resting, writing postcards, playing music and singing. A meeting place and an incredible scenery the steps bring us to Piazza di Spagna. This famous square, with the unusual shape of a butterfly, is always full of people at all hours of the day and the night. In the middle of the square we find the Fontana della Barcaccia, a work of Bernini and, all around us, the suggestive environment of ochre and rust coloured buildings. Before continuing we stop for an old style cup of tea at Babington’s or for an espresso coffee at the famous Caffè Greco (opened in 1760 and frequented by renowned artists such as Byron, Keats, Goethe, Listz and Casanova). We visit the house museum of Keats and Shelley. |
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We cover Via Condotti and Via Borgognona where world famous stylists and designers of clothing, furniture and jewellery have their exclusive boutiques. Here it’s possible to meet well-known showbiz and cinema stars, singers and sports champions. Along Via della Croce until reaching the Mausoleum of Augustus (28 a.C.), the dark tomb of the Emperor used as a fortress, as a garden and even as a vineyard during the Middle Ages. Another few steps to the Ara Pacis. |
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Our walk ends in Via del Corso where time ago Romans held horse races without jockeys. Now days it’s synonym of the Centre of Rome and is full of young people shopping. |
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ROMAInsieme - A Roman Walk An amusing walk not to be found in the usual tours |
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