The courtyards of Palazzo Mattei were specifically designed by Carlo Maderno, to hold the statues and ancient fragments that we see there today.  It is truly a magical place, and one that I think anyone visiting Rome should seek out.

Directly across the street from Palazzo Mattei, on Via Michelangelo Caetani, you will find the Lapide in Memoria di Aldo Moro.  This plaque pays tribute to the former Italian Prime Minister, and also marks the spot where his body was found, in the trunk of a car, after being killed by the Red Brigade.

The Church of Santa Caterina dei Funari takes its name from the fact that it was built over the ruins of an ancient Roman theater, where, in medieval times, string and rope makers used to dry their wares, before selling them.

There are ruins everywhere in Rome, including in the Ghetto.  Next to the Theater of Marcellus, you will find the ruins of the Portico of Octavia, or the Porticus Octaviae, which later functioned as a fish market.

The building where Santa Lucia Filippini lived, in Rome, is now a monastery that offers travelers rooms to rent.

The building was right across the street from Palazzo Ginnasi, which is where our apartment was.

Not far from the apartment, on Via delle Botteghe Oscure, are the remains of the Tempio delle Ninfe, or the Temple of the Nymphs.  The Temple dates from the 3rd century BC, and was dedicated to the Nymphs.

Next up: A visit to the Vatican Museums!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Rome, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!