Romani

This church was built at the beginning of the 16th Century for the Florentine community in Rome as St John the Baptist is the city's patron saint. A competition was held by the Medici Pope Leo X and Jacopo Sansovino was declared the winner. The work continued by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, who built the foundations, and then by Giacomo Della Porta and Maderno, who built the dome. Michelangelo submitted a design but it was never used. San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini holds many works by famous artists: an altar-piece by Salvator Rosa depicting the saints Cosma and Damiano, frescoes by Pomarancio, and a lovely sepulchral monument by Borromini who is buried in this church together with his relative Carlo Maderno.

Jeannine Martinovic Samona has created this shop for women who love simplicity, but wouldn't mind a dash of originality. This is found above all in the little details of the always-fashionable clothes that she sells. Classic cardigans, pastels, pearls, knits, flowing garments that last throughout the seasons.

Rome is the capital of Italy; its center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk among the ancient ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, pay homage to Michelangelo’s famous ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and Vatican City, stroll among the bustling streets until you find the perfect sidewalk café to stop and sip an espresso. Family travelers can’t go wrong with the food options: pasta, pizza and gelato.

The “Eternal City” sits on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, and was the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, which ruled from Britain to Mesopotamia. According to mythology, Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus. They were abandoned as infants in the Tiber River and raised by a mother wolf before a shepherd found them and adopted them as his own.

Aside from the ruins, there are awe-inspiring churches, bustling public squares, numerous fountains sure to trigger memories of Anita Ekberg among Fellini fans and museums everywhere waiting to be discovered.

The splendid fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian in 139 CE. In the 10th Century CE it was transformed into a castle, then, 500 years later, into the elegant residence of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Michelangelo designed the marvelous main court for Pope Leo X and many of the rooms inside are decorated with frescoes of great beauty. It is also been used to house prisoners, including the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. The terrace offers a fine view of the river Tiber and opera lovers will know that this was where the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Tosca (1900) took place. The building is now a museum with a fine collection of suits of armor which is open to the public.

A big chain of pizzerias with numerous locations in Rome as well as other major cities throughout Italy and the world. A refined but informal, pleasant setting for true lovers of pasta and pizza. The pasta is made in many different ways and you can choose a classical pizza or select your own ingredients, which is the specialty of this locale, so let your imagination run wild! Excellent hors d'oeuvres buffet, salads and desserts.

This is a traditional Roman trattoria with efficient, friendly service from the owners Andrea and Paolo. Among the dishes on the menu you will find Cannelloni, pasta and chickpeas, Penne Arrabbiata, Rigatoni with Tuna and Broccoli, Saltimbocca, Tripe and Oxtail. Food aside, the atmosphere of the restaurant is rustic and reminiscent of classic family cooking. Do not forget to complement your meal with a delicious bottle of wine. And be sure to top things off with a fantastic dessert.

San Giovanni in Laterano is the oldest church in the world. It was founded by Pope Melchiade at the start of the 4th century on the ruins of the villa of the Roman family, the Laterani. The church's current appearance was created by Borromini for the 1650 Jubilee. Although he retained the 16th-century ceiling and floor, the architect altered the appearance by joining pairs of columns in the central nave to make a single pillar inside. In this he built colored marble niches and placed statues of the apostles. In 1735, Alessandro Galilei renewed the façade entirely in travertine stone and crowned it with 15 statues, and at the end of the 19th Century the apse was also rebuilt. The venue is open daily from 7 a.m.

This church was built at the beginning of the 16th Century for the Florentine community in Rome as St John the Baptist is the city's patron saint. A competition was held by the Medici Pope Leo X and Jacopo Sansovino was declared the winner. The work continued by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, who built the foundations, and then by Giacomo Della Porta and Maderno, who built the dome. Michelangelo submitted a design but it was never used. San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini holds many works by famous artists: an altar-piece by Salvator Rosa depicting the saints Cosma and Damiano, frescoes by Pomarancio, and a lovely sepulchral monument by Borromini who is buried in this church together with his relative Carlo Maderno.

Franco Borini is well known and popular with young Romans, as well as artists and celebrities. This is the perfect place for women looking for fashionable and sometimes extremely eccentric shoes, for women who want to splurge on that signature piece, like platform shoes from the 1970s in every color and design, furs, super-high heels of every size.

Making its debut in March 2005, this bakery made a name for itself in a relatively short span of time. Catering to weddings and birthdays, these folks have mastered the art of cake-making. The proof is in the eating – and the sales! The shop displays an array of unbelievably real cake patterns, ranging from flowers to handbags. The innovative and creative designs are all the rage, as are the flavors. Choose from a variety of gateaux, biscuits, breads, pies, chocolates, wines and tea that make for delicious little gifts to take back home. Gift-wrapped confections are also available, accompanied by a choice of stationery and greeting cards.

Raffaele De Vico designed this park in the mid-19th century with the aim of making the city center more attractive in accordance with a plan begun during the Napoleonic era. Note the octagonal fountain embellished with terracotta amphoras known as Canestro's Fountain. In addition, there are nymphaea with tufa decorations, fountains dedicated to Nero and Trajan, and various statues.

This elegant shop sells delicacies from all over the world, from German wurstel to American candies. Visa accepted.