Guide to the surroundings

The itinerary to discover Rome that we would like to propose you is neither your average tour of the most photographed landmarks, nor a guide to the best restaurants and rooftop terraces of the most exclusive hotels of the Capital.

Instead, we will try to guide you through the cobbled alleyways of the historical centre, starting from the Porticus Octaviae, where centuries of art and history overlap giving life to memorable scenarios. We would suggest going there early in the morning, when the Jewish Ghetto is still uncrowded and the first rays of daylight timidly hit the propylaeum, the white marble columns with cipollino marble shafts and Corinthian capitals; or in the evening, at sunset, when the sunbeams wrap up in pink and orange light the façade of the XII century church of Sant’Angelo in Pescheria and of the adjacent buildings. Let us continue then towards Piazza Navona and dwell on the Pantheon, the “temple of all the gods”, commissioned by Emperor Hadrian who wanted its spherical shape to evoke the terrestrial globe and the celestial sphere. The dome is shaped like an ancestral hut and if you linger inside and look up you’ll notice the central oculus, an opening on the ceiling resembling that of the primitive shelters, from which the smoke of the most ancient fireplaces used to soar towards the sky and the constellations.

A small detour to the left leads to the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi. You will find Caravaggio and his three absolute masterpieces in the Contarelli chapel: the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew, Saint Matthew and the Angel and The Vocation of Saint Matthew. A few steps away is also the Church of Sant 'Agostino. It houses the Madonna of Loreto, also called Madonna del Pellegrini, one of the most famous masterpieces of the painter donated to the church as thanks for the granted asylum. Difficult not to be overwhelmed in front of these paintings, in front of the meticulous and careful analysis of the human physical and emotional state, from the scenographic use of light and color, especially of his black, so different from the one used by Raphael.

Cross the Tiber and enjoy some coffee in the shade of century-old plane-trees standing out on the river bank at the Chiosco dei Libri, the book stall beneath the II century AD Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. It is impossible not to think of Marguerite Yourcenar and her outstanding Memoirs of Hadrian: «Anima vagula blandula…», this poem by the emperor himself opens her book, and we love to picture the two of them together, inseparable.

Behind the Mausoleum lies Piazza Cavour, where our agency is located, but you won’t have to interrupt your tour to stop by, because you can contact us online anytime and we’ll be ready to answer promptly.

Rather, follow your heart and head towards Villa Borghese for a refreshing walk in the green. Look at us directly from the Belvedere. Stop at the Borghese Gallery, in whose halls you’ll meet Bernini, Artemisia Gentileschi, Canova and once again Caravaggio. 

Then, for the final stop of your tour, discover a brand new language through images at the “Italian Institute of Oriental Studies”.  A huge statue dominates the centre of the courtyard, The Blue Sculpture by Massimo Fagioli, composed of a solid brass base and two outlined images made of thin iron wire. The one placed behind represents a man, who is astonished by the creativity of the woman, portrayed on the front and carrying a child: «certainly not the exact representation of the head of a baby being born» would later state the author. Yet that is exactly what makes this sculpture so unique, a ground-breaking ‘courage in the images’, which are simultaneously line and original creation.

This work has been the main inspiration for the creation of our logo, an ensemble of dedication and self-affirmation, also because the woman with the raised arms bears a strong resemblance to the letter Y, which happens to be the initial of Stella’s name in her native language.