Art Nouveau is not typically associated with Rome, but there are a few architectural gems that feature the swirling, floral designs that characterize this style. The Galleria Sciarra is one such gem, tucked away off of the Via del Corso and comprised of only a building courtyard (so it’s good for a few minutes of gawking… Read More Art Nouveau in Rome: the Galleria Sciarra is a lovely, quick break
I love the lesser known Michelangelos, because I get them all to myself. In the case of the Baths of Diocletian, a huge complex of ruins across the street from Termini, you get pleasant ancient stuff, weirdo early modern stuff and an entire Michelangelo courtyard all to yourself. I commend all the Roman visitors who don’t go… Read More A Michelangelo right next to Termini, but totally empty. Win for me!
There’s a main thoroughfare through the heart of central Rome that leads from Largo Argentina to the river and the Vatican. Lots of buses (and cars and everything else) take this road including the useful but infamous 87 and 40. Called the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the road zips by many of the loveliest church… Read More Roman Church Avoiding Stops Now!: Chiesa Nuova and Sant’Ivo
Few people go to Rome for contemporary art. It’s just not really the draw. But there is actually a LOT of modern and contemporary art there, and a fair amount of really great/nutty/great contemporary architecture. MAXXI the national museum of 21st century art has both: modern art and great/nutty/great architecture. Designed by Zaha Hadid a fancy… Read More MAXXI: Everything that is Wrong with Contemporary Art Museums BUT it looks like spaceship, so wash?
As an architectural landmark the Guggenheim Museum is totally admirable. The shining white funnel-shaped exterior and the AMAZING interior are certainly worth the 10-ish minute walk up from the Metropolitan Museum on 5th Avenue. But as an art museum experience the Guggenheim leaves me cold. The admission price is too high (a required $22 is… Read More The Guggenheim: Stay for the Architecture…
Before I visited Istanbul for the first time, I had no idea that the Blue Mosque was across a huge square from Hagia Sophia. It makes for one of the grandest, most impressive, magnificent sights I have ever seen. I don’t think my humble words can do it justice, so here is the Blue Mosque, in… Read More The Blue Mosque: a story best told in Photos
Most people think of Roman neighborhoods as pastel/earth colored Palazzi from the 19th century or older. But if you go beyond the centro storico, the city is also packed with ugly 20th century architecture making you question what architects were thinking over the last 100 years. There is, however an EXCELLENT early 20th century neighborhood… Read More The early 20th century was Ridiculous: the Quartiere Coppedè
Ruins + Relics 