Rome is a city of museums, each one packed with treasures from emperors, popes, and artists who shaped Western culture. From the ancient wonders in the Capitoline Museums to Caravaggio’s shocking canvases in the Borghese, you’ll find stories of power, beauty, and scandal at every turn. But you don’t have to drown in marble and … Read more
Rome’s Capitoline Museums sit atop the city’s most legendary hill. It’s a place where emperors gazed over their realm, and today you gaze over theirs. Within these walls are icons: Romulus and Remus suckling under the she-wolf, mighty equestrian statues, Caravaggio shadows, Baroque sculpture jostling with ancient marble. Forget wandering aimlessly — this guide leads … Read more
The House of Augustus was the home of Rome’s first emperor Augustus. It stands as a symbol of the transition of Rome from a republic to an imperial empire. The House of Augustus opened in 2014 after decades of excavation. The site is basically a “new attraction,” only open on a limited basis only with … Read more
Palazzo Spada is a magnificent Renaissance palace named after Cardinal Bernardino Spada. The cardinal purchased the palace in 1632. He hired famed architect Francesco Borromini to transform the building to beautiful effect. If you’re wondering whether the off the beaten path Palazzo Spada is worth a visit, the answer is yes — especially if you’ve … Read more
Palazzo Colonna was built between 1650 and 1700 to house the Colonna family’s art collection. It’s a Baroque masterpiece stuffed full of art and frescos. You’ve likely never heard of Palazzo Colonna. But if you’d like to have an aristocratic private palace all to yourself in Rome (who wouldn’t?), this is the place. The noble … Read more
If you’re planning a trip to Florence, be sure to include a visit to the magnificent Pitti Palace on your itinerary. This guide will give you an overview of 20 must see masterpieces and famous paintings in the palace. The Pitti Palace is truly one of Florence’s must see sites, offering visitors a wonderful and … Read more
Are you a repeat visitor to the Vatican looking for some more unusual things to see? The Vatican Museums are an expansive and famous collection of 26 separate museums, with over 70,000 art works adorning their walls. Even with multiple visits, it’s difficult to scratch the surface of this massive collection, which is considered one … Read more
The Borghese Gallery houses a jaw dropping art collection in a luxurious garden villa. It’s the most perfect art collection in the most perfect setting. The Borghese is rich in ancient Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque pieces. It houses works from the greatest artists of the time, including Bernini, Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, Rubens, and Canova. The … Read more
The Vatican holds one of the world’s greatest art collections. It’s a place where some of the most famous images on the planet live under one roof. If you love art or history, it’s basically non-negotiable. But the Vatican Museums can feel overwhelming. They’re huge, crowded, and so packed with masterpieces that it’s easy to … Read more
The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is one of my absolute favorite spots in Rome. It’s a hidden gem housed in a lavish 17th century Roman-Rococo palace. The remarkable art collection was meticulously assembled and is still owned by a powerful Italian family, the Doria Pamphilj (pronounced Pom-fee-lee). The museum boasts over 650 works spanning the 15th … Read more