The story of Papessa Giovanna, or Pope Joan, is one of the most fascinating and enduring legends of the medieval period. Whether it is a true account or a product of anti-papal sentiment in the 9th century AD remains a topic of speculation. While historians have debated its authenticity for...
Rome, a city of timeless beauty, is renowned not only for its ancient ruins and architectural marvels but also for its unexpected residents: a vibrant colony of cats. These felines, appearing in countless postcards and calendars, have become emblematic of the Eternal City's charm. You'll find them lounging at the foot...
La Fontanella del Leone is a special little fountain that quenches the thirst of our four-legged friends for centuries. Rome, a city steeped in history and intertwined with the ever-present Tiber River, has long celebrated its bond with water. This connection is evident not only through the mighty Tiber but also...
Righetto: the brave Roman child who, alongside his dog Sgrullarella, defied bombs in the name of freedom. Following an internal uprising that resulted in Pope Pius IX fleeing from Rome to Gaeta, the Roman Republic was proclaimed on February 9, 1849. In its brief existence, the Republic transitioned from one of...
Once upon a time in Rome, a city known for its rich history and mythos, a cat achieved a distinction that set it apart from all other creatures. This cat, embodying the perfect Roman citizen's spirit, appeared idle and indolent, detached from worldly concerns. Yet, like the astute citizens of ancient...
Nestled discreetly a few meters away from Campo de’ Fiori lies a small street that connects Piazza del Biscione with Via di Grottapinta: Il Passetto del Biscione. This seemingly unremarkable covered walkway has borne silent witness to over two millennia of Roman history, encapsulating the rise and fall of empires,...
Enrico Toti was an Italian patriot who fought in the ranks of the Bersaglieri during World War I. However, he could also be recognized today as the first Paralympic champion in history, as he achieved remarkable sporting feats in swimming, diving, and with his beloved bicycle, all with only one leg. The...
The Enigmatic Tale of Rome's Solitary Angel: A Symbol of Beauty and Controversy. Rome is full of angels, present in many artistic representations in churches, paintings, sculptures, tombs, castles and palaces. Everyone can choose the type of angel they prefer and maybe even select one as a personal guardian of sorts. In the...
Nestled just a stone's throw away from the renowned Trevi Fountain lies the Sciarra Gallery, a secluded courtyard within the Sciarra Colonna palace. Serving as a pedestrian thoroughfare connecting Via Marco Minghetti and Via dell’Umiltà, this gallery was established in the Trevi neighborhood during the latter half of the 1880s....
The Church of the Madonna dell'Archetto is the smallest shrine to Mary in Rome, and perhaps the world. This small place of prayer can be found in the Trevi neighborhood, at the end of a small street that crosses Via San Marcello at number 41b. Inside the church is an...
