Blues Heart of Rome - BIG MAMA 6 May 2008
Posted by Danne75 in : Concerts in Rome, Events in Rome , add a comment
Rome is a fantastic city, a city that will never annoy you… Probably its beauty and eternity is exactly in its innate capacity to entertain people. It is entertaining with its great history, its glorious past, its difficult but adorable present, and, certainly its mysterious future. Rome offers you a lot of fun. Even very banal clerk office day is brightened by Rome’s sincere sympathy towards people. Before or after work one just can drown into existential thoughts of human destiny and beauty in the heart of mythic Trastevere, in Villa Borghese, in Villa Pamphili, or in the Roman Forums (the latter are not free any more sadly)… Yes, quite a long preface… But for what?
Such a long preface is to introduce you to a very special place for music lovers in Rome, for more than 20 years the real heart of Blues of eternal city. BIG MAMA. Located in the very heart of one the most roman of Rome’s quarters – Trastevere 
(did you know that a real native Roman should be of the 7th generation living in the city and born in Trastevere?) BIG MAMA is a quite small, but a unique place. It is definitely one of the best and original places to listen to live music in Rome. It offers a vast gamma of genres, originality and quality are must in this place .
Mostly known as "Home of the Blues in Roma" BIG MAMA has daily concerts of different music: jazz, rock, ethno, songwriters and, of course, blues. During the last years BIG MAMA has been not only a place for listening but also a stage for new and young talents. Many of them now are well famous, in Italy and in the rest of the world. Popular singers like Giorgia, Alex Britti, or a leader of Tiromancino Federico Zampaglione have also started in BIG MAMA and till now are quite often guests here.
International stars, that have performed here are Jeff Healey, Archie Shepp, Allan Holdsworth, Mike Stern, Joe Zawinul and many others. The place where BIG MAMA is located resembles a cave, and small corridors lead you into various rooms until you reach the small stage on which the artists perform. It is definitely a must to visit at least one the BIG MAMA’s greatest concerts( about 200 held every year). BIG MAMA is very simplistic in its style, but very cordial in its atmosphere. It is a perfect place for a romantic dinner : they do have some good pizza, and good wine, add a lot of good music, and… she will definitely say YES to your proposal.
I have enjoyed several concerts in BIG MAMA, and believe me, every time I left this place I had a feeling of pleasant joy and happiness, looking forward to my next concert at BIG MAMA.
Here is useful firsthand information on how to get to BIG MAMA, reserve a table and the just to enjoy the sound of music, which can heal our tormented souls. Many tourists and international guest of Italian capital who have visited BIG MAMA remained with an open mouth…of astonishment and just to sing along with the artists…
BIG MAMA - Vicolo San Francesco a Ripa 18
-Tel.06.5812551 -Fax 06.5806497
BIG MAMA is in Trastevere, probably the most beautyful neighbourhood of Rome, surely the most romantic. The club has a cocktail bar and it’s possible to dinner (short menu).
BIG MAMA open at 9pm, show start at 10.30pm, close at 1.30 am
Nearest Car Parkings are in Piazza S.Francesco d’Assisi and Piazza Mastai, both a few meters from the club.
If you stay in a nice hotel near Termini Station, you can easily reach Big Mama by bus: Lines 75 or 170 (from Termini Railway Station); by_Tram: Line 8 (from Largo Argentina) Line 3 (from Colosseo); RadioTaxi tel. 06.5551 or 06.4994 or 06.6645
HOW YOU GET IN
A membership card is required in order to enter. But do not be scared it costs only 8 Euros for a monthly card, or a year-long one will cost you 13 Euros. With the membership card you enter free of charge to the most of the shows. For some major events (usually one/two times a month) there is also a ticket charge, and sometimes the tickets are sold in advance. To reserve a table ( at no extra charge) please call Infoline +39.06.5812551 or fill in the form online on the website.
VISIT BIG MAMA, and then TELL WHAT YOU THINK!!!
ROME MASTERS 29 April 2008
Posted by Danne75 in : Events in Rome, Sports in Rome , add a commentThe Rome Masters is a tennis tournament held in Rome once a year.
The men’s competition is an event on the ATP tour ( it stays for Association of Tennis Professionals).
The women’s competition is an event on the WTA tour (it stays for Women’s Tennis Association).
The two competitions are held in separate weeks in May.
The men’s competition will be held from May 3rd (with the singles qualifying) to May 11th, while the women’s competition will be held from May 10th to May 18th(with the final).
The tournament is played on clay courts. It is considered by many tennis fans to be the second most prestigious clay court tennis tournament in the world, after the French Open.
From 1930 to 1934 the Italian tennis championship was held in Milan; in 1935 it was moved to the Foro Italico in Rome. But from the following year to 1949 there 
weren’t held any events. It resumed in 1950 and in 1969 it became an “Open” event. It was known as the Italian Open until 2001; in 2002 it changed its name and now it is known as the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
This year all the best tennis players will compete in Rome, making the 2008 Internazionali BNL d’Italia one of the biggest editions which have ever been played. Infact, the first 44 players in the ATP ranking and 28 of the first 30 players in the WTA ranking will compete in the 2008 Internazionali d’Italia.
Concerning the women’s competition, last year Jelena Jankowic took the Rome title without losing a set, becoming the Queen of Rome.
She defeated world number 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova for 7-5/6-1.
Chris Evert is the player who has won more Rome titles(five), even if Conchita Martinez was the only one to win four consecutive titles.
As regards the men’s competition, in 2007 Rafael Nadal defeated Fernando Gonzalez 6-2, 6-2 in the final. He has won three consecutive Rome titles; no one has been able to do the same in the Open era.
Even if he is “only” ATP World number 2, he has demonstrated his clay-court strength.
Before Nadal, the last winner in Rome was the Spanish Carlos Moya who defeated the Argentinian David Nalbandian in the final in 2004.
If you happen to be in Rome in May, do not miss this sports spectacle. This is an amazing tennis show, that will bring excitement, joy and happiness with a real competition spirit. Book your stay in Rome and straight away to the courts.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROMA!!! - Natale di Roma 25 April 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Events in Rome, Festivals in Rome, History of Rome, Rome - Off the beaten tracks , add a commentRome Anniversary
On April the 21th is celebrated in Rome the legendary foundation of the City. According to legend, the foundation took place in 753 BC. The tradition says that the founders of Rome were the twins Romulus and Remus.
Romulus and Remus were sons of Rea Silvia. She was the daughter of Numitor, king of Alba Longa. But Amulius, Numitor’s younger brother, in order to take the throne, expelled Numitor and forced Rea Silvia to become a Vestal virgin. 
This would prevent any threat from her children, he thought. Nevertheless Rea Silvia conceived by intervention of gods and gave birth to twins, Amulius ordered the boys to be thrown into the river Tiber in a basket.
Romulus and Remus survived the attempt on their lives, however. They landed on a riverbank and were saved by a she-wolf. The twins are often pictured drinking the wolf’s milk. Recently there has been some polemic on whether Italian archeologist found the place where she-wolf saved the twins on the Capitoline Hill.
Faustulus, a shepherd, found the twins and raised them. 
When time arrived and they were old enough, Romulus and Remus took their revenge on Amulius. They killed him and restored their grandfather Numitor as king of Alba Longa. Romulus and Remus decided to found their own city in the land in which they had grown up.
They argued about exactly where to start building and the rule of it, and eventually Romulus killed Remus. Hence Romulus actually founded Rome. They were believed to be descendants of the Trojan hero Aeneas.
Beautiful story, don’t you think?
In this Myth there are many interesting coincidences with other sacred stories: a virginal conception by divine intervention (Christ), babies left in a basket on a river (Moises), one brother’s killing (Cain and Abel). The fact that the twins were raised by a shepherd remind us the main activity of the first member of roman community.
Spontaneously groups of people, like the ‘’Gruppo Storico Romano’’ or the ‘’Scuola Gladiatori Roma’’ meet in commemoration performing the ‘’The Trench Diggin’’ at 11.45 a.m. in Via Appia Antica 76 close to the Priscilla’s Tomb (Free entrance)
So, visit Rome in April. Enjoy variety of Special offers of fancy YES HOTEL, and wish Happy Birthday to ROMA- Eternal and always Gourgeous!
Ariccia and La Porchetta 20 April 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Activities outside Rome, Food and Drink, The region of Lazio , add a commentToday I would like to talk with you about a small town, situated not too far away from Rome. ARICCIA!
Even if Ariccia is a small town, it is possible to relax spend some great time there, something different and extremely delicious: to eat some “porchetta” in a Fraschetta a place that you can find only in Lazio region.
Ariccia was a pre-roman village situated inside the area called “ Roman’s Castles”.
The origin of Fraschetta goes back to the times of ancient Rome when people who where travelling needed some place to have rest, eat, in other words to gain energy to continue travels, but it was only during the Middle Ages that this place acquired the name of Fraschetta. It takes origin from another local town, named Frascati.
In fact, local viticulturists started to put fronds outside the doors to indicate the solace place and to let people know that the new wine was ready to be drunk. And so, originally, people could only drink there some wine and have some light snacks, like boiled eggs, but slowly the owners of these places started to sell bread and porchetta.
Porchetta is a very famous dish of Italian cuisine: the pork is staffed with aromatic herbs and entrails. I can assure you. It is really tasty! Yammiiiiii…..
Today the Fraschetta is a simple place where one can have a good lunch without frills, typical wine served in carafe and a lot of horse d’ouvre like: “mozzarella di bufala”, sausages, ham, onion, pepper, cheese ,fresh bread and porchetta. You will pay almost nothing for all this staff, and the portions are really big, so don’t exaggerate! Be moderate!
After that you can have homemade “Pappardelle al sugo di cinghiale” or “ Fettuccine al ragù” and finally some good Roasted meet.
Still some place in your stomach?
Wine again and Tozzetti….Here we go!
Enjoy your lunch!!!
And once you’re done with it, in order to digest all these enogastronomic masterpieces of Ariccia, why don’t you spend some time having a walk in the famous bridge of Ariccia or visiting Chigi Palace and Santa Maria Assunta, church designed by Bernini.
Why don’t go to have a walk in the Appia’s Park that comprises 15 villages and towns like Ariccia..
So, again, Enjoy the lunch and stay in perfect shape.
Franchising at the New Rome Fair 11 April 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Events in Rome, Exhibitions in Rome , add a comment
You are looking forward to move to Italy? But you are not sure what enterprise to jump in ? What can Italy and Rome offer you in terms of professional growth. And the answer is… You will find it in Rome from 11th to 13th April at the Sixth Edition of Roman Fair on Franchising.
The sixth edition of Rome Expo entire dedicated to the Franchising will be kept to the New Fair of Rome from the 11 to the 13 of April.
The annual exposition and showroom of the Franchising , Rome Expo Franchising is one of the most important and completed events that are dedicated to this field.
Nearly all from that sector interested from the formula of Franchising will be presented in Rome Expo Franchising, in order to represent better and more real the inclined market and adopt this way of trade and commercial .
Among the many industries represented in the Expo are : the real estate industry, the tourism, the foods, the furnishing, computer science and many many more so it completes the variety of offers in that multinational event.
The strategic position of the New Fair of Rome represents one of the winning events of the manifestation Rome Expo Franchising, able event to be involved coming professionals from all over the world.
Been born on initiative of Italian FIF-Federazione Franchising and the Confesercenti of Rome, Rome Expo Franchising receives the more important franchisor, specialized professional figures, experts of affiliation trades , important points of reference for all the franchisee that wish to obtain precious suggestions for the management and promotion of their own activity.
Fields : hotels, footwear and accessories, games and other products for the kids, furniture; publicity and communication; services and products for the house; movierent; consultancy; pets; furnishings and complements of furnishings; car and motion; paper and office supplies ; advising; ; distribution; computer science, telecomunivation, electronics; laundry; jewelry shops and goldsmiths; optica and video; restorants; health and well-being; company serveces; personal services; real estate services; post services; sport and free time; travels and tourism; media; associations, agencies, fairs. 
The show is also about the development and the affirmation of the small and averages enterprises, where they will be able offer their products and services free of charge. They will appear with just a stand in which a selection will be exhibited of marks Italians called R&F Italy, to the foreign country through the representation of the Rome Expo Franchising that will participate to similar shows in Beijing, Moscow, Kiev, Bucharest and New Delhi and through the support of the ICE and Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Important point of reference for all the franchisee that try a brand to which affiliating themselves and on which investing, ambisce to satisfy the car-employment proposals and of innovation of the field they trades. To such purpose it is like a springboard of launch for all those who wish through the franchising to give life to a productive and profitable working activity.
In order to inform and to support the future franchisee in their choices, the Rome Expo Franchising dedicates particular attention to the organization of workshop, conventions and seminaries coordinate to you from important exponents of the world of the franchising. The event always takes under consideration the international markets like resource for national the economic development.
In cooperation with the Ministry of the International Commerce and with the Institute of the Foreign trade, a plan of international promotion was created with the aim to attract the greater possible number of investors and buyers interested to develop their businesses into Italy and foreign countries.
The promotional plan strongly previews the cover of strategic countries and in phase development among which are Russia, China, Romania, India, Ucraine as well as Spain, France and Greece.
How to get to Rome Fair Center and see The Expo:
The new Fair is located along the Roma-Fiumicino motorway, a few kilometres away from the city centre and in easy reach from hotels in the central area of Termini station. If you decide to stay in our brand new Yes Hotel Rome here are the directions:
How to get there from Yes Hotel:
° From Termini Station: the Roma-Fiumicino railway line is due to be upgraded, and on the occasion of the inauguration, a dedicated new Fair stop ("Fiera") will be opened. Journey time: 20 minutes approximately.
° From the centre of Rome (Piazza Venezia): the expo may be currently reached from Magliana. Two inbound and outbound access roads are under construction and due to be soon completed at the section between the GRA (Rome’s orbital road) and the Citavecchia Motorway junction, which will allow visitors to easily reach the new Fair by car. Journey time: 20 minutes approximately.
The strategic location of the new Fair will allow trade members and visitors to make the most of their stay in the Capital, allowing for an optimum balance between business and leisure.
Other events in 2008 at the New Rome Fair: see here for a complete list
Rome Sweet Rome 5 April 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Eating and Drinking in Rome , add a commentHi friends, here is your friend –big- mouth knows -all about- it .
During one of my tours around the wonderful Eternal city of Rome , after I was duly impressed by my visit to the great Rome Pantheon followed by the very interesting walk into and around the Rome Church of San Ignazio di Loyola (Where there is a great masterpiece of 3d conception) I found out something else altogether which was no less interesting.
You would suppose that an Ice cream Parlour that appears in every travel guide is only for tourist people that go to fancy places and ignore all about the secrets of the “natives” , the romans in our case.
Well, you would be wrong to assume so… Indeed the Roman ice cream parlour Giolitti at Via del Vicario 44 is probably the best ice cream shop in town. Be bold and and you may try any flavour : you will not be disappointed, and do not forget to add the delicious panna on top (cream). For those who really crave ice cream there is one special ice cream of almost 90 cm long.
You can see lots of clerks and all kinds of local people crowding the place including the famous. The other day on my way to Giolitti I bumped into the popular Italian singer Renato Zero, who was also cruising to the ice cream place. I said hi, he replied pleasantly with a smile and went on at a leisurely pace to choose his ice cream flavours. There also place for take a seat and relax while you are planning your next visit or tour.
It is springtime now that I’m dropping this lines for you fellows, but they told on winter the hot chocolate with panna (cream) is fantastic!!!
Few meters from there you find the spectacular Marco Aurelius Column (they say that the one of Trajan at the Forums is better, but you will not climb that high to check the difference)
In front at the Corner Via del Corso and Via del Tritone stands the Alberto Sordi Gallery, which is a beautiful Shopping Mall made within an ancient building . Alberto Sordi is a famous roman actor and in one his movies he played the part of an Italian guy trying to ‘’become’’ an American. Surely the result has to be interesting.
Ok, follow my humble advice (!) , take your girlfriend or boyfriend or whoever, or just go by yourself and have some fresh tastes of Rome.
Other suggestions of Rome Ice cream shops.
Take care, Your friend –big- mouth knows -all about- it alias Marcel
And for your stay in Rome why not try our new 3 star Yes Hotel Rome?
Cultural week in Rome March 2008 31 March 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Rome Travel Guide , add a commentThe translation for ‘‘Settimana della cultura’’ is as follows: Everything is free.
Not kidding.
During the ‘’Week of Culture’’ you don’t pay a dime to enter to the museums and archaeology sites. Rome is wide open to all visitors more than ever during the year from March 25th until March 31st included.
You may wonder: does this include the Vatican Museums also ? The Vatican is another country but don’t put that face, keep smiling, it just happens that every last Sunday of the month (March 30st ) the Museums are free and so Saint Peter’s, like everyday.
But not only museums and archaeological sites, also architecture, music, painting and sculpture are for free. If they require a reservation it may be difficult to get one, so phone for reservation! (The Borghese Gallery is an example).
Many interesting guided tours are offered, for walking across different sights or to see a particular one individually. You have even the chance to visit some sights normally closed and open for one day only, where volunteer’s staff fond of history offer help kindly.
Be patient, I warn you, you could find long lines, so be Stoic, and read information while you wait.
For information on events in Rome, phone +39 060606, or +39 060608 (multilanguage tourist service).
Free cultural week is also all over Italy , not only Rome, the Culture of Italy is never so handy as during this period.
There are thousands of events in Italy and hundreds in Rome regarding this special week, is not easy to list them all, check at the Web site of Italy’s Ministry for the Cultural Goods, it’s all in Italian but you only need the names and time table, sure you can do it!
Rome Hotel Deals 22 March 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Parks and Villas in Rome , add a comment
Spring is in the air…..
Eventually there comes spring : the air is gently scented by flowers and fruit trees, the city of Rome is warmed up by the sun, all around everything takes on a different look.
Rome, my Rome in this period is magic, charming, unforgettable.
Everybody, once in their lives, must see this city during the spring when is not too cold and warmer enough to permit you to enjoy every single moment and make it last for ever in your mind’s eye.
I would like to suggest you something a bit different from the usual itinerary that most of the websites and agencies generally suggest to do once in Rome.
I want to talk about one part of Rome that more than often tourists don’t know: “villas” and parks.
This is a shame. Roma’s villas are beautiful and so relaxing, that it will be as if you were far from the noise and buzzing city !
Villa Pamphili is the largest roman park. Divided in 3 parts, palace and gardens, pinewood, estate, is the ideal place where to have an outdoor hamper.
Villa Mazzanti was built in the middle of Monte Mario park, and there you can take a stroll among luxuriant vegetation like laurels, holms-oaks, palms, pines, agaves.
Scipioni’s park is where you can admire the sepulchre of the Scipione’s family and the famous Pomponio Hylas columbarium with its fresco paintings dated as old as 1st century A.C.
The Colle Oppio’s park, located behind the Colosseum, with the ruins of Traiano’s bath has been forsaken during the middle age and later on during the modern time inserted in the “reserved monumental zone”.
At the Yes Hotel we breathe the same air with our special discount for the spring time. In fact 6 days stay can cost you less than 600 euros. Check here to see our Yes Hotel spring rates !
Our Central Yes hotel Rome is a 3 star hotel, of modern design, and only open since 2007.
You will have a comfortable room with breakfast included, all the facilities, charming design, central position within few minutes walking from Termini station but over all at your arrival you will find me Arianna and all my colleagues everybody happy to welcome you in this amazing city. Try us ! The staff will do their best to make your stay unforgettable.
Try also our other discounted Des Artistes Hotel in Rome for your Spring stay in Italy.
Globe 2008 - Rome Travel Fair 13 March 2008
Posted by Danne75 in : Exhibitions in Rome, Rome Travel Guide , add a commentThe exhibition of Travelling and Tourism will take place in Rome between March 13 and March 15. It is an annual event and is an initiative of Expo Globe.
Globe is and event dedicated to the world business of tourism. A business that takes big and very important part of the economies of many countries.
The exhibition is in six areas: Italy, European Countries, the Mediterranean, Tour Operators, Global Tourism and Long range.
Many institutions, international organizations, buyers, decision makers , banks and investors will participate in this important fair.
This happening is an occasion that is beyond simple exhibition since it becomes and occasion of encountering and exchange between several different realities.
The intention of this fair is to grow the potential for tourism business under the light of new tendencies on the market and with the vision of imminent summer season.
We can conclude that Globe is an appointment worth seeing and visiting especially for all the operators in that sector. Also it will be highly informative and excellent for higher qualification event.
It will be a privilege to observe now the sure success in the future.
Representatives and buyers from 64 nations are going to be present. The bigger part(60 %) are 
countries from Europe.
U.S.A. and Canada- 18%
Asia 8,6%
South and Central America-6,3%
Australia and New Zealand-2,8 %
We can expect that Globe 2008 at the New Rome Fair is going to become a really main international event in the tourism for Italy and for developing the Fair way of doing business to business in all all aspects: logistics,technology,commercial in order to maximize the positive results for visitors and exhibitors.
The hours for visitors: 10:00-18:00
For more Information: (+39) 06 6500 3001, 06 6500 4689
You will visit a very exciting event in Rome and for your stay why not try one of our hotels in Rome ?
If you choose Yes Hotel in central Rome, here is how to get to the Rome Globe 2008 at the Fiera Di Roma from Yes Hotel Rome.
Go to Termini Station and take metro line B direction Laurentina.
You have to get off Piramide and take a bus number FR1 direction Fiumicino Airport.
Then get off the stop called Fiera di Roma.
Price for the ticket is 1 euro.
You will be able to take advantage of free transportation from the stop ‘Fiera di Roma’ to the entrance East of the exhibition.
Readers in italian only can discover more about the Rome Globe 2008 in italian.
And If you want to see more and discover the last important exhibtion at the New Rome Fair then click here to read more !
Renoir in Rome 9 March 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Exhibitions in Rome , add a comment
If you are planning to visit Rome between March the 8th and June the 29th there is a special Rome Exhibition in the Roman Forum where over 130 paintings by the great Auguste Renoir are on show and you may also want to take advantage of our new Yes Hotel Rome for your stay !
The exhibition does not exactly deal with the classical work of the painter Renoir, but rather is a collection as a result of the feelings expressed on canvas inspired by a visit to Italy in 1881 .
Auguste Renoir noticed the Raffaello creations and decided to make an experimental approach on a style focused on the line and the contour of the shapes.
The Renoir Exhibition in Rome is aimed on the analysis of this period and is hence named ‘’Renoir, la maturità tra classico e moderno’’, which translated means ‘‘Renoir, the maturity between classical and modern’’.
About Renoir ( Pierre-Auguste Renoir)
Born in Limoges, France in 1841, his family settles in Paris in 1845. At the age of 13, he began painting flowers in a porcelain factory and taking drawing classes.
In 1860 he meets Claude Monet, (another daddy of the impressionism movement).
His direct influence from Monet made his technique evolve toward little brushstrokes using vibrant colors, leading toward impressionism. Monet and Renoir worked closely and shared new techniques and new subjects.
But it is during the 1870’s that Renoir’s techniques reach their peak. He participates in impressionnist exhibitions in 1874, 1876, 1877 and 1882 and becomes a founding member of the review "L’Impressionniste" in 1877.
Around 1870 Renoir painted "The Swing" and the ‘‘Bal at the Moulin de la Galette’’. His technique is now firmly defined with a masterful rendering of movement and facial expression.
Later around 1880 Renoir meets Aline Charigot, who in 1890 becomes his wife. He portraits Aline in the ‘‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’’ that took him several months to complete. This was hard work both in composition and technique, in reaction to his friend the writer Emile Zola ’s (1840-1902) critique who said that the impressionnists would sell "sketches that are hardly dry". In this painting he pictures the specificity of a contemporary moment of 19th century leisure on the Seine.
In 1887, he completes ‘‘The Bathers’’ a group of nude female, recalled in the history of modern painting in their representation of feminine grace, and his great ability to depict the texture of skin.
During the last two decades of his life, Renoir suffers from arthritis. Unable to move his hands freely, he strapped a brush to his arm in order to paint.
On December 3rd, 1919, Renoir dies at his house in Cagne.
When? You can visit it from Monday to Thursday, from 09:30 till 19.30, Friday and Saturday from 09:30 till 23:30, on Sunday from 09:30 till 20.30. The entrance fee is 10 €.
Where ? On Via San Pietro in Carcere, where the Complesso Vittoriano stands.
Easter, a Chocolate and Egg odissey in Rome and Italy 2 March 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Food and Drink , 1 comment so farIn celebration of the now approaching Easter and its chocolate frenzy going along with it, we have been looking into chocolate closer than usual even !
Chocolate in Rome
Around this time of year, the air around a particular Trastevere shop in Rome leaves us all astonished…the elderly couple who keeps us all supplied with made-on-request cannoli di ricotta (exquisite sweet cakes ornamented with candied peel) and beautifully packaged peppery dark chocolates, during the rest of the year, now pull out all the stops to produce Easter eggs for Rome’s most discerning palates… Mm, that would remind me of the Chocolate Factory motion picture by Warner Bros !
You would find it hard to walk past without stopping by. Just think you may have arrived too late for temptation, but then you find Signor and Signora working away inside, mixing and moulding the Easter confections which appear in the weeks before Rome’s major festival are works of art, unchanged over the decades. And sometime after the April celebrations, fragments of broken Easter eggs appear in the shop for visitors to taste, and I can report that they are just as delicious…
Easter Egg Exhibition in Rome :
From 17th march at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome takes place "L’Uovo d’Autore“ (Art and the Easter Eggs) where you will be able to admire an extensive art collection of easter eggs . The funds will be used to a charity to fight the genetic disease which is fibrosis.
Chocolate in Italy :
A chocolate beauty parlour and a chocolate igloo are just some of the attractions at the Eurochocolate Festival in Perugia.
Last year in Perugia over three tonnes of dark chocolate bricks were cemented together with melted milk chocolate – much to the disagreement of the chocaholics hanging around : why couldn’t they just eat it instead ?
Fair G r Cinzia, Italian, reports that chocolate is a translation of hugging and cuddling because it represents all sweetness in life. It seems it also means smooth skin, tasty fingers and very sticky hair if you believe in alternative beauty dos : Because here every treatment uses chocolate, including facials, massages and fancy hair dos.
Organisator of the Eurochocolate Filippo Pinelli, says that they also take time to explain to the small Italian children that unfortunately many of the chocolate bars they enjoy are made with the cocoa that underage children of Africa, South America and Asia have to produce when forced to work. The Unicef puts lots of effort to help children get away from these terrible situations and so should we be aware of what we are buying too to help prevent some of the exploitation.
A curiosity is also the Armani Easter Egg, which is not a perfume or a top fashion accessory or shoe but an actual Chocolate egg which you –yes- eat.
The origins of the Chocolate Easter egg :
Since ages the easter egg has had an important symbolic value. Romans would name it “omne vivum ex ovo” which meant that it was the symbol of fertility and life itself. Christians also believed that the egg represented the life after passing over and Nowadays the real meaning of the egg got lost : indeed when given an egg it was a present to convey love and friendship.
It is said that the French King François I was presented the first Easter chocolate egg in history around 1500 and it is believed tradition of putting a small present inside started then.
However it is the Tsars in Russia who made the Easter Eggs to be an important present since they would decorate them with precious stones. Think of the Fabergé Egg , which is not made of chocolate but of gold and precious jewels : Peter Carl Fabergé was appointed jeweller and goldsmith to the Russian Imperial Court.
Other meaning of Easter egg : Some softwares have hidden functions or extra programmes such as videogames not advertised and which you discover when striking a particular key. They are a bonus, and are called therefore an Easter Egg, because it is a welcome surprise, a present. A famous example is Microsoft Office where sometimes you would bargain a videogame while using your Office package, but alas no longer it seems.
Sweet tooth will want to stop over for a few days, and staying in the centre of Rome is the easiest way to get around; Try our brand new 3 star hotel Yes Hotel Rome
RBS Six Nations, Rugby in Rome 23 February 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Events in Rome, Sports in Rome , add a comment
Rugby in Rome, Stadio Flaminio
The greatest sport passion in Italy is the football (say calcio in italian and you are likely to strike up an animated conversation), however of lately the rugby has become more and more popular with each passing year and tournament, and as a proof was the entry of Italy as the 6th nation in the famous tournament which used to be the RBS 5 nations !
The Italian Rugby Federation was created in 1928.
Six Nations Tournament is a competition which was created in 1883 in unofficial way and at first took part in the contest the four national teams of British islands: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales; later on, in 1910,France was added and more recently in 2000 Italy joined too.
It is played during winter months. Each team plays just one match against the other teams without return match. So each team plays five matches, with the advantage to play at home another match that changes every year.
The win is worth 2 points, the draw one point and the defeat 0 points. The matches played in Rome are played into the Flaminio Stadium which smaller than other rugby stadium but offering a better view and placed in a very served and organized area (hotel, restoration services, etc).
Some really high level teams and important 6 Nations international matches are happening in Rome and many rugby fans are coming from all over Europe to enjoy the spectacular game. For a few weekends Rome is getting packed with Scots in kilts or with English sporting rugby shirts.
Italy play their Six Nations matches at the venue Stadio Flaminio, which is also used for football matches, close to the the larger Stadio Olimpico.
The Flaminio stadium is easily reached from Yes Hotel Rome.
From Termini station, where you will find most of Rome Transportation : Take Metro Line A and get off Flaminio . It is best to go on foot from there, count a good 15 minute walk, in order to avoid heavy traffic. Else from Piazzale Flaminio take bus number 2 which heads to Via Flaminia, and get off at the Flaminio Stadium : its distinctive curving sides are visible on the right.
Along the way you some bars near the stadium set up temporarily and from where the visitors can get their drinks. Although public drinking is not exactly appreciated in Italy polite visiting rugby fans are regarded with an interest, and especially the kilted Scots !
In 2007 Italy did very well by beating Wales, although they surrendered eventually to France. See here for 2006 and 2007 Rugby in Rome.
This year 2008 , next encounter will be on Saturday, March 15, 2008 and Italy (Azzuri) will play against Scotland in a rugby union game which is going to be held at Stadio Flaminio ,Rome an it is part of the 6 Nations 2008.
Another game is South Africa vs Italy on June 16, 2008 and held in CapeTown.
Rome Marathon 2008 17 February 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Events in Rome , add a comment
The historic centre of the Eternal City will be the stage again of the mythical event of the Rome Marathon on March 16th . The marathon passes some of the most fascinating monuments and ancient areas in Rome, such as the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica, the main synagogue and mosque in the Campo de Fiori and Jewish Ghetto area . A parallel competition for the disabled will take part the same day.
The actual length of the route (42km 195m) was set for the first time in 1921. The departure was set on the Imperial Forum, right by the Roman Forum passing by Piazza Venezia, Teatro Marcello, the Imperial Forum, Trastevere, Piazza Navona. A stunning view for first time visitors and returning travellers too, those who never visited Rome or for those who already did! Since the very beginning, in the early years of the 20th century, the marathon has always been the most famous race on foot in Italy. The unforgettable Dorando Pietri on April 2nd 1906 triumphed in Piazza di Siena, where the Rome Horse Show takes place while during the following editions the winners were mainly African athletes, such as Abebe Bikila from Ethiopia who triumphant (and barefoot) won the Olympic Marathon in 1960, and the kenian-japanese Douglas Wakihuri, triumphant on 06th September 1960, defeating two acknowledged champions like Ahmed Saleh and Gelindo Bordin. In the female competition, Italian and Eastern women are the ones who gained far more victories.
The Rome Marathon is not only a race for professional athletes. As a tradition, Rome Stracittadina Fun Run is organized: a non – competitive route, this time reduced to only 4 km in order to foster the participation; more than a race is a walk where anyone ( grandparents, classmates, ..) can give their contribution.
Rome begins celebrating days before the actual big event with the Marathon Village, an initiative that includes concerts, shows and meetings throughout the city, headquarters being in the Rome Eur Area. A section is dedicated to companies with meetings, press conferences and promotions.
It is a unique opportunity to share your passion, but also to sightsee Rome or just to have a tiring but fulfilling day! Obviously you will want to have a central and comfortable Rome Hotel such as our Yes Hotel Rome , located near the historical centre in easy reach on foot (ah !) or by public transport.
Read more about the Rome Marathon,
Read about the Rome 2006 Marathon Edition.
Rome exhibition : Sebastiano del Piombo 12 February 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Exhibitions in Rome , add a commentStarting from the 8 of February 2008 is taking place in Rome the first monographic extension of 80 paintings of Sebastian Luciani, knows as Sebastian del Piombo.
Born in Venice he becomes first of all pupil of Giovanni Bellini and later on pupil and friend of Giorgione who partly influenced his painting style.
When Agostino Chigi, one of the most famous mecenates of that period, called Sebastian in Rome to paint a decoration in Farnesina Palace, Sebastiano met Michelangelo, - the famous author of the works in the Rome Sistine Chapel in the Vatican - , and the two became fast friends.
Raphael also admired greatly the works of Sebastian but they never become friends because of the rivalry between Michelangelo and Raphael .
Under the supervision of Michelangelo, Sebastian has painted many famous masterpieces like : “ Raising of Lazarus” and the “Transfiguration”.
But mainly, he created portraits of famous families such as Doria and Gonzaga all characterised by a vigour of colours and grace.
The location of this Rome exhibition is situated in Palazzo Venezia in the very centre of Rome next to the Imperial Forum (Fori Imperiali).
This Rome event has been organised by Paolo Strinati in cooperation with Luca Ronconi and Margherita Palli.
It proposes the rehabilitation of the painter who, during the XV secolo was considerated the biggest artist after Raphael but then was undervalued because of the influence of Giorgione and Michelangelo .
If you are a lover of Art you probably are a romantic and you should discover the Romantic Rome too!
And while staying in the Eternal City why not stay in our new and comfortable Yes Hotel Rome ?
Piazza di Spagna Rome 8 February 2008
Posted by Xtine71 in : Monuments in Rome , add a comment
By the 16th century the number of pilgrims increased so much that Rome turned into an unbelievably congested medieval centre.
To help the pilgrims move more smoothly from the north gate Porta del Popolo to The Vatican a new triangle of roads was built.
By 18th century as the district developed many hotels were set up to accommodate the increasing and constant flow of visitors. Famous poet John Keats lived in a house on the square, now converted in the Keats-Shelley House which you can visit.
Nowadays one can enjoy many of the attractions the area offers, mainly great works of Renaissance and Baroque art in Santa Maria del Popolo and Sant ‘ Andrea delle Fratte and Art exhibitions in the Villa Medici. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the Eternal city from the top of the Spanish Steps in the Pincio where you will be able to admire, amongst other unique monuments, the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica and enjoy amazing sunsets.
The Piazza Di Spagna district is also very famous for its most exclusive Rome shopping streets such as the high fashion Via Condotti, where the expensive couture shops such as Prada, Gucci and Ferragamo have set up their shops.
Piazza di Spagna in Rome (the Spanish Square) is the shape of bow tie and is no doubt the most famous “Piazza” in Rome ! Visitors but also the locals love sitting on the stairs for a chat, a drink or to enjoy an ice cream while looking at the passers by. Italian males here are renowned to flirt with the foreign girls, and some of them are actually called “Paparazzi”, because they are looking for rich women to go out with !
The Spanish steps are surrounded by tall houses painted in different warm colors, muted shades of ocher, cream and russet.
Why is it called ‘the Spanish square’ ?
In 17-th the Spain’s ambassador to the Holy see had his headquarters on the square.So this area around was deemed to be Spanish territory.
In 18-th and 19-th century Rome was almost as popular as now and the Spanish square was in the center of the city and it was a mai hotel district.
The small fountain in the square is called Fontana della Barcaccia. During spring and autumn it may not be noticeable because of the many people gathering around it. This fountain was designed either by the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini or by his father Pietro. The bees and suns that decorate the fountain are taken from the family coat of ars of Pope Urban VIII Barberini who commissioned the fountain.
In the 17-th century the French Owners of the church Trinità dei Monti decided to link it with the Spanish square by building magnificent new flights of steps to celebrate the newly found peace between France and Spain, and the square was named accordingly, “Spagna” meaning Spain in Italian. The famous church of Trinità dei Monti was under the French influence as early as the sixteenth century. Later on, the Accadémie de France in Rome was transferred to the nearby Villa Medici.
Nowadays the famous “Scalinata” (staircase) is used during summer for famous fashion catwalks such as “Donne Sotto le Stelle”.
How to get there : From Yes Hotel Rome take metro Line A , direction Battistini and get off at stop ‘Spagna’, only 3 stops away from your comfortable Yes Hotel.