Villas of Rome

Three oustanding Villas in Rome are worth a visit. These are Villa Borghese, Palazzo Farnese and Palazzo Doria Pamphilj.

The first is Villa Borghese situated in the beautiful Borghese Gardens just north of the city centre.

No photos were allowed inside but this 17th century villa houses some amazing works of art

Visits are restricted to two hours and it is advisable to book beforehand on http://www.galleriaborghese.it/. It is one of the most popular attractions in Rome

The Villa holds some great Renaissance and neoclassical art. As well, some of the best known sculptors including Bernini and Cordier were commissioned to do works now standing in Borghese. The sculptures are well worth seeing with our favourites being Bernini's Apollo and Daphne and The rape of Prosepina. What an amazing talent Bernini was.

Another highlight is the Caravaggio room which houses six works from our favourite Italian master (1573-1610). St. Jerome is so typical of his wonderful interpretaion of light and colour. Other artists on display include Raphael, Bernini, Bassano, Rubens and Bellini.

And after visiting the Villa Borghese take a leisurely walk through the Borghese Gardens. Magical.

Below is a view overlooking Rome and Piazza del Popolo from the Borghese Gardens

The second of the Villas is Palazzo Farnese. Now the home to the French Embassy it is situated in the enchanting Piazza Farnese. The Villa was built in the 15th century and came into the hands of Allessandro Farnese in 1495.  This Palazzo is only open for a short period until April 2011.  The current Ambassador has organised the Palazzo as it used to be in its heyday by bringing back pieces from the Louvre and the Naples museums.

This is the magnificient courtyard of the Villa.

And part of the lush gardens.

The imposing facade from Piazza Farnese.

Looking through to the French Ambassador's office in the Hall of the Splendours of the Farnese. This room has amazing frescoes by Salviati from mid 16th century. In great condition and covering every piece of wall.

This Villa has some of the best ceiling and wall work we have seen. It also has wonderful paintings including works by Titian, Raphael and El Greco

Looking toward the Villa with one of the two fountains on Piazza Farnese laid out in the 17th century using basins from the Baths of Caracalla.

The final Villa houses the Doria Pamphilj Gallery

The original courtyard of this privately owner Palazzo. It has been held by the Pamphilj family since the 17th century

This room houses a "throne" where the pope would hold audience

Another wonderfully decorated room in the Palazzo

This is the ballroom and is in fact the only room without paintings. The walls are all finely papered with the orchestra area in the left hand corner.

The Aldobrandini room houses large scale canvasses, antique statues and some outstanding ancient Sarcophagus'.

This wing houses works by Carracci, Rembrandt, Lanfranco and Guercino

This is the second wing (Gallery of Mirrors)

Outstanding works of art in rooms off these wings can be found from the Flemish artists including Pieter Bruegel, van Lint, Jan van Kessel and Wittel. Two masterpieces by Caravaggio and one by Rubens are held in this area.

So all three Villas are highly recommended if you have the time when visiting Rome. If you do not have enough time to visit all three then I would recommend that..............you toss a coin to decide!

Well, enough art and culture for a Sunday evening in Rome!

Baci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan

London and New York

We had a quick trip in the middle of January to visit Peter and Victoria in London and Kylie and Ian in New York. Here are just a few of the pics. Hope you like them.

Peter and Victoria at Aqua Nuovo restaurant in London.

Peter and Dad.

No bull between father and son!!!!!

Kylie and Dad at Kylies restaurant, P J O'Briens in New York.

Alan and Kylie (with "friend") in New York.

Kylie and hubbie, Ian at lunch.

Central Park and ice skating.

Kylie and Dad in Central Park...talk about theatrics.

More ice skating.

Ian, Kylie and Alan in south Manhattan looking toward Brooklyn.

From Kylie's apartment loooking toward the Statue of Liberty.

From Kylie's apartment in Brooklyn looking toward Manhattan.

Kylie and Dad.

The best ribs in New York? ...maybe... at Blue Smoke.

and Carolyna e Alan outside P J O'Briens restaurant.

So baci a tutti da molto freddo (very cold) New York.

Carolyna e Alan

Missy in Italia - Part two - Rome

Finally, in our apartment in Rome.

It is the first time for Melissa in Rome and what a wonderful treat for all of us after having a great time in Montalcino!

Carolyna e Melissa at the Spanish Steps

Then on the first day, the important ritual, coffee at our local with Fabio.

Fabio and Maurizio at the coffee shop

And in front of one of the magical fountains of Rome (designed by Bernini) in Piazza Navona.

And yes, one does get hungry being a tourist...so off to lunch in Trastevere....and yes we are dining "fuore" (outside) in winter. It was a balmy sunny 16 degrees.

Then it's off to see the amazing area around the antiquarium Roman fish markets 

And one of many tourists posing for the camera on Capitoline Hill outside the amazing Capitoline museum.

From there its just a short walk to the Roman Forum. Here Melissa had a great view over the Forum.

The Roman Forum

And no visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Fontana di Trevi, a wonderful example of Bernini at his best.

"Three coins in the fountain, which one will the fountain bless....". I think from Roman Holiday with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.

Then onto the fabulous Vatican museum.....one of the best...a must visit

Here Alan with his audio guide listening to an explanation about the god of wine and intoxication. I wonder why Alan was so interested..........??

The beautiful ceiling in the antique map exhibition hall at the Vatican museum.

And of course the Sistine Chapel and the genious of Michelangelo Buonarroti.

And again Michelangelo's Pieta in St. Peters

Protected by the famous Swiss Guard.

Melissa outside St Peters

On our way home from the Vatican looking back at St. Peters.

What can I say...the "girls" had to stop for a look in Via Condotti...."THE" shopping street of Rome.

Next day and what a wonderful experience to be standing inside the Colosseum

The interior of the Colosseum

Then onto the Vittorio Emanuelle monument to commemorate the first king of Italy.

Limoncello....one of the favourite after meal drinks in Italy.

At one of our favourite restaurants "Settimo delle Arancia" not far from Via del Corso.

Followed by.....

Espresso

Missy just could not be stopped...museums, restaurants, shopping, walks, coffees and a ride on a vesper......okay it wasn't hers.....and the key wasn't in it......and the owner was nowhere to be seen........a girl can dream though!

And the final day lunch at "Gusto" before Missy caught a plane back to Australia.

What a wonderful time

Baci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan