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The Papal Conclave and Experiencing the Dolce Vita in Rome

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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.
 
via

How incredibly cool is it that the cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel? Talk about inspirational!

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!!

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Comments

  2. I love this. I was in Rome exactly one year ago…such a perfect time to be there…warm, sunny days, no crowds, few tourists, cozy dinners among other Italians. One of my favorite photos was taken at the spot of that first photo…the best view of the dome from inside the Vatican. I'll dig it up and send it to you! Loving my daydreaming, thanks to you!

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  3. Your posts make me wish I were in Rome…..and enjoying some fine Italian cuisine. I would say grace to be there right now during this historic event.
    I love all the history you shared here.
    pve

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  4. Some great reco's here for Rome Sandy! That tartufo at Tre Scalini is the bomb (literally) and not to be missed, especially since you can stroll around the Piazza Navona while devouring it.

    And don't even get me started on all the fabulous food and wine. I could eat 3x my weight in pasta carbonara 🙂

    There are so many things to do in Rome that don't even cost a dime. I just love being out and about, walking around. One of my favorite strolls is walking up the Gianicolo Hill which hugs the river and catching the awesome views of Rome's rooftops, crossing over the river and back down the Via Giulia, which is one of Rome's oldest streets.

    You can see some photos of the Via Giulia here : http://bit.ly/drPg5y

    And both the Borghese and Pincio Gardens are lovely green spots as well.

    And of the thousands of beautiful churches, Basilica San Clemente is one worth a visit, along with the very unique Cappuchin Crypt, which is made of human bones.

    You could spend a lifetime exploring Rome and never get through all the wonderful things to see!

    And though I agree that conclave is such an exciting time to be in Rome, I prefer to avoid the crowds when I visit, so I'm happy to watch from far away and visit during a calmer time.

    Sorry for rambling….I'm so passionate about Italy, I just can't help myself 😉

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