As we continued to explore, we passed another section of the Music School of Santa Cecilia. For many years, the school has been regarded as the most important place of learning, specializing in the training of musicians. As a matter of fact, over the years, thanks to the different papal concessions that were passed, one could not become a Chapel Master, in the Papal State, without passing a certain exam given by the Congregation of Santa Cecilia. It was strictly forbidden to play music in the Papal State, if it was not approved by the congregation. Santa Cecilia has remained an important part of Rome’s musical life to this day.
The two plaques, at the top of the doorway pictured below, mark what was the home of Adriano Bennicelli, a much loved Roman, known locally as the Conte Tacchia. Despite the fact that he brought laughter to the people around him, he lived a colorful, but sad life. He had flamboyant manners, a short temper, and above all else, a love for Rome, even though he often lost patience with his fellow Romans.
A bit further along, on Via dei Greci, we came across another plaque honoring the patriot, Giuseppe Sirtori, who fought alongside Garibaldi in 1849. The plaque is on the facade of the building where Sirtori stayed, while in Rome.
An archway, towards the end of Via dei Greci, was built in order to connect the Pontifical College for Greek priests to the Chiesa di Sant’Atanasio dei Greci.
Seeing a vintage car, parked in the entrance of an art gallery, we decided to check the place out.
The Fontana del Babuino is one of the so-called “talking statues” of Rome. The “talking statues” are pieces of public art where, over the course of the years, it became custom for the people of the city to post notes, expressing their feelings towards certain public officials or events. The fountain dates from 1581. The figure on the fountain represents a reclining Silenus, a character from Roman mythology that was half man and half goat. The Romans considered the fountain to be ugly, and in bad taste, and so they nicknamed it “babuino.”
An ancient ordinance is still visible, on a nearby wall.
We decided to do take out food, from Rokko, an Asian restaurant down the street from the apartment. While we were waiting for our order to be filled, we sampled one of the place’s appetizers.
Next up: We continue our stay in Rome, with a day of sightseeing, and a meal with friends!
<em>Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that 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!</em>