Rome - A city born on the banks of the Biondo Tevere and in the shadows of the seven hills (Aventino, Palatino, Celio, Quirinale, Viminale, Campidoglio and Esquilino). The subject of books, novels and fables, spanning genres and generations, the ongoing lure of this great city leaves little that hasn’t already been said. As a city so frequently visited and a location so coveted, it is clear that there is something magical, even mystical about this great city.

Trastevere is often considered to be the beating heart of Rome, and it’s easy to see why. This area is a traditional Roman area filled with small artisan workshops, restaurants offering authentic Roman fare and small cobbled lanes, made with bricks known locally (and much hated by Romans!) as ‘sampietrini’. Passing through the area offers the chance to visit the Santa Maria in Trastevere church, and by continuing along Via della Paglia, you will reach the slopes of Gianicolo, home to the church San Pietro in Montorio. A little further up past the Fontanone (loved by Romans after Venditti’s songs), you will find the stunning panoramic view Gianicolo offers, as well as a monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi.

This is the renaissance itinerary of Rome! Passing through the narrow lanes of the historic centre, stepping on the sampietrini of Campo de' Fiori sends you into a time long ago. If you pass through the square where stands the staue of Giordano Bruno during the morning you can smell the air of the historic market stands; you can still see the ancient toilets on the balconies, as well as the courtyards and loggias that transform every corner into a piece of history of the Eternal City.

Piazza Venezia, a square from which all roads leading out of the city are measured, is known as the true centre of Rome. It is also from here, or more precisely from the hill behind this square that street and civic numbers start. The hill, once the location of the historic headquarters of the municipality of Rome, offers a breathtaking view of the archeological area of the Forum. An area rich in history and a proud custodian of a mythical and majestic past.

Who hasn’t imagined themselves making a wish as they throw a coin into the famous Trevi Fountain? Who has not reacted in awe at this magnificent monument constructed by Bernini for Urbano VIII? The fountain, that has stood from time immemorial, is connected to the one remaining aqueduct still working in the city. The Vergine Aqueduct, which had it’s outlet in the square, has completely changed from how it once was. The Trevi Fountain is simply majestic!

Now an area considered a true historic (and panoramic!) gem, up until 20 years ago this area was practically abandoned. Via Appica Antica, the cornerstone of this immense area, is adorned with tombs of the most important families to have lived throughout the history of the Roman Empire ( the tomb of Cecilia Metella is to be found just past the catacombs for example). The area has been completely restructured, with original Roman paving (‘a lastroni’) restored wherever possible. In other areas, cobblestones (sampietrini) have been placed.