Did you know that Rome is not just the Colosseum or the Vatican? Of course, if you come for the first time, you certainly sound not avoid these two mastodons. However, if you do not want to face crowds, chaos and heat during the high season, there are excellent options.
I confess that it took covid19, the lack of mass tourism and the reopening of daycares for my kids, to give me the opportunity to get lost on the streets of Rome to rediscover lesser known corners. So in company of my friend and colleague Laura, we went around the centre to define ideas and routes for the two tours we Havel in mind to propose, named Demons and ghosts and The courtesans in Rome during Renaissance. If you want to follow me in this venture you will discover many things. For instance:
- That women knew how to be very emancipated 500 years ago
- That Rome is not only Baroque but there is still some Renaissance reminiscence hidden in unsuspected places
- That in Rome there are not only buildings that occupy an entire block but also very, very small houses.
- That an apparently conventional building can hide a dense mystery of poltergeist
- That popes could have a sort of wives and also children
- That the facades of the buildings could be decorated with beautiful color or monochrome stories. It may not be easy to notice if you’re in a hurry, but if you come with me we will take all the time to stand up and admire them.
- That once if you found a column or a piece of ancient building near the place where you were constructing your house, that piece was yours (without going to jail, as would happen today!) And you could embed it in your building.
- That when facing important choices, a bewitching sister-in-law could completely change your mind.
- That being a prostitute was once a taxable job (not any longer now) and this income could also be used to build one of the most beautiful bridges in Rome.
- That the best sausages were made with … human flesh!
- 11) That if you are religious and devoted to Saint (father) Pius or John Paul II there is a church that you should not miss.
The stories of courtesans and ghosts will be the tip of the iceberg. The real purpose will be to discover and rediscover suggestive corners, full of history and stories. I am waiting for you, do not miss it. I am looking forward to sharing so much beauty. Because my office is the whole eternal city!
