The Rione Monti district has always been a world apart from the other areas of Rome; even its dialect was slightly different from the one spoken in the city. In order to make room for the famous Via dei Fori, the Rione Monti district, which is rather small if compared to other areas of the eternal city, was dramatically altered during the fascist period. But despite this rather dramatic change, the district tucked between via Nazionale and via Cavour, has kept intact all its enchanting beauty and this is thanks to its lovely narrow side-streets and superb examples of architecture which never fail to take your breath away. One of the District’s chief attractions remains the beautiful piazza Santa Maria dei Monti which features two imposing churches that deserve all your attention. Not too far away from it there’s the infamous Palazzo Borgia from which one can enjoy an amazing view of San Pietro in vincoli or Saint Peter in chains (a basilica best remembered for being home to Michelangelo’s famous statue Moses).

Continue reading: Discovering Rome: the Rione Monti district

The first time I was in Rome I felt absolutely disoriented. I wanted to see everything, but I did not what to do or where to go so I stopped a passer-by and asked him for the nearest subway station . I then started walking down the indicated street when suddenly I came across this beautiful, mysterious church called San Pietro in Vincoli. I decided to go in and suddenly I found myself face to face with Michelangelo’s Moses.

Totally unprepared, I stumbled making heads turn and stare at me. I blushed like a child, but I couldn’t break away from that masterpiece. It was almost like a mystical experience. I had read about Michelangelo in my school books of course but this.. this was absolutely different. Something that melted my heart and made my blood run faster.

Even today looking at the picture by Gizax you see above I feel the same old emotion .The same strange excitement.

Continue reading: What to see in Rome: San Pietro in Vincoli