TRIP + PLATE + 365 days
Rome doesn’t ease you in gently. From the moment you step out of the airport transfer and into the city, it hits you all at once — ancient ruins sitting casually between modern apartment buildings, scooters weaving past 2,000-year-old walls, the smell of espresso from a bar that’s been in the same spot for decades. … Read more
Santa Maria Maggiore is not only one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, but also one of the most emotionally resonant churches in the city. Located on the Esquiline Hill, it stands slightly apart from the dense layers of ruins and forums that dominate central Rome, yet it remains deeply woven into the city’s spiritual … Read more
There are few monuments in Rome that encapsulate the city’s layered history as vividly as Castel Sant’Angelo, a structure that has evolved from imperial mausoleum to papal fortress, from prison to palace, and now stands as one of the Eternal City’s most captivating museums. Rising beside the Tiber River and facing the elegant Ponte Sant’Angelo, … Read more
The Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) are not just museums — they are a living narrative of humankind’s search for beauty, truth, and divine meaning. Located within Vatican City, an independent enclave inside Rome, this colossal complex holds one of the world’s most extensive and breathtaking collections of art. Walking through its endless galleries feels like … Read more
At the northern gateway of Rome, where ancient travelers once entered the Eternal City, lies Piazza del Popolo — a magnificent square that captures the essence of Rome’s spirit: majestic yet inviting, historical yet alive. Its name means “Square of the People,” and few places in the city deserve it more. With its sweeping symmetry, … Read more
Standing above the bustling Piazza del Popolo and framed by the quiet elegance of Villa Borghese Gardens, Pincian Hill (Colle Pinciano) is one of those places that makes time stand still. While the ancient hills of Rome are tied to emperors and battles, the Pincio belongs to beauty, peace, and light. It is not a … Read more
Few public spaces in Rome rival the charm and historical layering of Piazza Navona. Located in the heart of the city’s Centro Storico (historic center), this bustling, oblong-shaped square is a celebration of Baroque art, architecture, and Roman life itself. With its trio of magnificent fountains, vibrant atmosphere, and centuries of cultural evolution, Piazza Navona … Read more
If you’re in Florence and craving freshly made pasta at an affordable price, Pasta Fresca inside the bustling Mercato Centrale is the place to be. Tucked away on the first floor of this historic market building, Pasta Fresca has built a strong reputation among locals and tourists alike for offering delicious handmade pasta cooked to … Read more
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome and a must-see for any visitor to the Eternal City. Tucked into a small square in the Trevi district, this grand Baroque fountain captivates millions each year with its dramatic sculptures, cascading waters, and romantic traditions. Whether you’re tossing … Read more
Towering above the heart of Florence, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore—commonly known as the Florence Duomo—is one of Italy’s most awe-inspiring architectural masterpieces. With its iconic red-tiled dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, elegant Gothic façade, and a richly adorned interior, Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore stands as both a spiritual sanctuary and … Read more