The Life and Paintings of Artemisia Gentileschi, the #MeToo Movement’s Old Master

“My illustrious lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do.” — Artemisia Gentileschi to her art patron Don Antonio Ruggo Here’s my guide to the compelling life of Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi and her most important masterpieces. I bet you’ve never heard of Artemisia Gentileschi, am I right? She was one of the … Read more

Guide To the Church of Sant’Agnese In Rome’s Piazza Navona

The Church of Sant’Agnese s one of the most beautiful churches in Rome. It’s located smack in the middle of the historic Piazza Navona, the very symbol of Rome. But the Baroque church doesn’t get the attention it deserves. People gawk at the Bernini fountains and forget to walk inside. That’s a mistake. The church … Read more

An Epic 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary in Italy, From Milan To Rome

It’s only a 6 hour drive from Milan to Rome. But this well-traveled route is dense with amazing must see medieval villages, ornate palazzos, Roman ruins, and sublime treasures of the Renaissance. There’s plenty of great destinations in Italy to explore along the way. This super detailed 10 day itinerary takes you to them. It’s … Read more

30 Free Cultural Things To Do In Rome

If you’re an art lover seeking an affordable vacation in Rome, Italy, you’re in luck! This is the ultimate guide to experiencing the finest free art, sculpture, and architecture in the city. As it turns out, some of the best things to do in Rome won’t cost you a penny. Traveling in a bustling and … Read more

Guide To Rome’s Castle Sant’Angelo: Ruins, Angels, and Layers of History

Here’s my guide to visiting the Castle Sant’Angelo. The castle is a 2,000 year old landmark in Rome Italy. As a national museum, it’s official name is the Museo Nazionale di Castle Sant’Angelo. You might consider the distinctive round bulwark a sign that you’ve arrived at Vatican City. The castle is a former tomb of … Read more

See the World on TV: the Best TV Shows For Wanderlust and Cabin Fever

Here’s my wanderlusty guide to the best TV shows to virtually travel the world. Let’s face it. Most of us won’t be traveling for a good long time. We’re stuck at home. The anticipation of a vacation has been temporarily squelched. But are we really stuck? In the era of streaming, we now have access … Read more

Underpants in the Sistine Chapel: Was Michelangelo’s Last Judgment Fresco Too Risque?

“Without having seen the Sistine Chapel, one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving. ” — Goethe On my last trip to Rome, I learned that Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel fresco, The Last Judgment, got a makeover after his death. It was censored. Underpants were added to the nudity-filled fresco. … Read more

Michelangelo’s Stunning Moses Sculpture in Rome’s St. Peter in Chains

Are you a fan of Michelanglo visiting Rome? If so, you need to visit St. Peter in Chains, or the Basilica de San Pietro in Vincoli. The off the beaten path church houses Michelangelo’s acclaimed Moses sculpture. The stirring sculpture is the central piece of the Tomb of Pope Julius II, who was an important … Read more

Waiting for the Barbarians: Traveling In Rome During the Coronavirus Crisis

It started out innocently enough. Just over 2 weeks ago, I headed off for a blissy geographical cure in Rome. I have an unquenchable taste for ancient history and Roman ruins. Plus, I wanted to escape the impenetrable gray gloom of winter and the never-ending tasteless food, culture vacuums, and puerile political debates. When I … Read more