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| St.Peter's Basilica via Fotopedia |
The eyes of the world are on the Vatican City today as the conclave begins in the Sistine Chapel to select the new Pope. In the next few days, there will be quite a bit of news about how the conclave works and the history of the St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel. The news stories will culminate with the moment when thousands gather in St. Peter's Square to see the smoke arise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel indicating the selection of the new Pope. Soon afterwards, we will learn the name of the new Pope.
How incredibly cool is it that the cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel? Talk about inspirational!
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| Photo of Swiss Guard at Vatican via Fotopedia |
A little Vatican City trivia - The Vatican is protected by the Swiss Guard. They must be Catholic, single males with Swiss citizenship and must be between 19 and 30 years of age and at least 5 ft, 8.5 in tall...their uniforms have not changed since the Renaissance when they were designed by none other than Michaelangelo.
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We will let the Cardinals get to work picking the new Pope at the Vatican...
In the meantime,
here are my top picks on where to sleep and dine while visiting Rome:
STAY
Margutta 54 - My favorite hotel in Rome, this is a tiny, all suite hotel, in a lovely location on the Via Margutta. The suites are modern and large, perfect for a family.
Babuino 181 - By the same owners as Margutta, 54 this is a small boutique hotel right in the heart of the upscale shopping area...they know how to do things right!
Portrait Suites - Another five star all suite, boutique hotel, these suites come with terraces and Ferragamo amenities (and above the Ferragamo store, no less).
Villa Spalletti Trivelli - Old style Italian luxury at it's best - this would be my first choice for a honeymoon or special occasion visit.
Hotel de Russie - An ultra luxury five star hotel in the heart of Rome. Don't miss their "Secret Garden".
EAT
Fine Dining
Ad Hoc - Via Ripetta, 43 - Try the tasting menu...and if you are are large enough group, sit in the wine cellar.
Al Moro - Vicolo delle Bollette, 13 - Try the Spaghetti al Moro.
Antico Arco - Piazzale Aurelo, 7 - Creative Italian cuisine atop the Giancolo hill.
Le Jardin de Russie - Hotel de Russie - Lovely garden setting near the Spanish Steps.
Classic Italian Favorites
Ristorante Matricianella (my favorite!)– Via del Leone,4 - Classic roman favorites such as Bucatina alla Amatrician and Cacio e Pepe - do not miss the Carciofi ala Guida (fried artichokes) if they are in season.
Da Armando al Pantheon Salita de' Crescenzi, 31
Trattoria Da Luigi - Piazza Sforza Cesarini, 25
Giggetto - Via del Portico D'Ottavia, 21
Trattoria Cavalier Gino – Vicolo Rosini, 4
Il Chianti - Via delle Lavatore
Pizza
Dar Poeta - Vicolo del Bologna, 45
Da Baffetto - Via del Governo Vecchio, 114
Fior Fiore – Via della Croce, 17/18
Pizza Re – Via Ripetta, 14
Gelato and Dessert
These are the big three for gelato - I recommend trying all of them and deciding which you like best!
Giolitti - Via Ufficio del Vicario (near Pantheon)
San Crispino - Via de la Panetteria (near Trevi Fountain)
Fior de Luna - Via della Lungaretta
Tre Scalini - in the Piazza Navona - the tartufo is the specialty
Forno di Ghetto - Via
Portica d’Ottavia - a bakery in the Ghetto district with delicious cookies and biscotti
And now that you are salivating over the thought of authentic Roman cuisine, check out my early post on La Cucina Romana...
Buon Appetito!!
