ROMA – SPRING 2017 – Pt 4b

A plaque on the edifice of a home near Piazza Navona pays tribute to the Italian actor/singer Romolo Balzani, who was born in the building.  Besides being best known for his interpretation of traditional Roman songs, Romolo was also featured opposite one of my favorite actresses, Anna Magnani, in the film, “L’ultima carrozzella.”I love discovering…

ROMA – SPRING 2017 – Pt 4a

I wanted to visit Villa Giustiniani Massimo to see the famous frescoes that adorned its walls, but unfortunately for me, the villa was closed.  I would just have to save that for another time.Close by is the Giardini di Via Carlo Felice — a small park that runs along a section of one of the…

ROMA – SPRING 2017 – Pt 3b

Madama Lucrezia, located right in front and to the side of the Basilica of San Marco, is one of the five “Talking Statues” of Roma.  These are statues on which verses, or comments were hung, by the populace of the city.  This is the only one of the five that represents a female.  It is…

ROMA – SPRING 2017 – Pt 3a

There is nothing better on a nice spring day, than simply walking.  I love those kinds of days – when there are no plans made, no appointments to keep.  Being out in the warm, spring sunshine is all that is important, letting instinct guide you and your feet.  What makes it fun, for me, is…

ROMA – SPRING 2017 – pt 2b

Adorning the Pincio, you will find 228 busts of famous Italians.  These are people who have added to the glory of Italy and, in some cases, Roma, by their distinguished works.  Vittorio Alfieri was a dramatist, who is considered the founder of Italian tragedy.Pietro Verri was a philosopher.Cesare Beccaria was a jurist, criminologist, and politician,…