One of the first anamorphosis at Trinità dei Monti

Changing perception of beauty

Would we today pay attention to the Belvedere Apollo if we were not told that it was the most praised statue of the Antiquity, admired by Michelangelo and his contemporaries? Would we have the eye to appreciate it? I have my doubt. Less sensitive to its beauty as our ancestors…

Trajan column unravelled

In the second century of our era, Roman emperors had become very sophisticated communicators. They had discovered…

Roman Ayurveda

I do not particularly like to celebrate my birthday. This year, however, I decided to treat myself to an Ayurveda massage. When searching online, I came across an Ayurvedic centre offering all sorts of treatment by a certified practitioner from the Kerala region in India. It sounded exactly like the…

Living in a city that isn’t yours

My morning work commute in Rome is very pleasant. Starting in piazzale Flaminio, I cycle through the…

A play on the eye

Borromini was one of the most creative architects in 17th century Rome, both in terms of style and technical innovations. He was also a great rival of Bernini, his contemporary and the most famous Baroque sculptor in Rome, who overshadowed him throughout their life with his more exuberant and…

The mystical triangle

As we are approaching the festive celebrations linked to the Western Christian calendar, a brief look at the religious architecture of the city of Rome gives us an insight into the way the political power in place uses art to develop a sophisticated narrative, not always obvious at first…

Nespresso was conceived in Rome

Italy is famous for its art of making coffee, which has been exported worldwide through the espresso…

On Learning to Drive in Rome

Yes, it’s as hectic as one would think.