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13
Aug
2020
Ferragosto: 3 recipes for a few extra kilos!
Posted On 13 August 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

Ferragosto is approaching. Like every single Italian holiday, it’s a great “excuse” to spend the day with friends and relatives and …eat!

Well, it’s not a respectable special day if you don’t get up from the table with a few extra kilos 😉 

The Ferragosto is an all-Italian holiday coming from Ancient Rome. The “feriae Augusti”, as they were originally called, were instituted by Augustus around 18 B.C.  It was a holiday for all citizens, after the hard work in the fields for the annual harvest. What can we say… Augustus knew how to make the citizens love him. 

The tradition of Ferragosto is still present nowadays and it is typical to organize a trip outside the city, surrounded by nature.

What are the typical recipes of Ferragosto? Here 3 traditional dishes from some Italian regions (yes, each region has its own speciality!)

Stewed chicken with peppers (Rome)

We are “biased”, so let’s start with the traditional dish of our city, Rome! It is tradition to prepare for this day chicken with peppers, a classic of the Roman cuisine. 

The sweetish taste of the pepper is mixed with the meat one. The sauce that is formed on the bottom of the pan invites the diners to the so-called “scarpetta”, that is to use the bread to pull everything up and make a “pre-cleaning” of the pan itself. If you are as good as the locals, there is no need to put the pan in the dishwasher! 😉

The traditional cuisine is able to use and enhance even the less valuable parts: this second course is often accompanied by “fettuccine” (strictly made by “mamma” or “nonna”) with sweetbread ragout. 

Roast pigeon (Tuscany)

A popular “motto” says: ” Per Ferragosto, piccione ed anatra arrosto” (“for mid-August, pigeons and roast ducks”). 

If you are curious to taste the pigeon, now very unusual on our tables, you have to go to Tuscany to celebrate your Ferragosto. Here the pigeon is stuffed, like is done in the US with turkey on Thanksgiving. The stuffing is created with finocchiona, a typical sausage of this area, flavoured with fennel.

According to some, this recipe was made for the first time by Carolingians! We simply say that: the pigeon baked with potatoes and sausages is really a dish for kings.

Margheritine di Stresa (Piedmont)

Do you know the story of the pizza Margherita created as a dedication to Margherita di Savoia? The queen Margherita must have been a great gourmet if even these crumbly biscuits were named after her. 

In Stresa, on the Maggiore Lake, the pastry chef Pietro Antonio Bolongaro created this recipe in 1857. The Savoy royalty, Margherita above all, liked them so much that they wanted these biscuits every year as dessert for their “Ferragosto” lunches.

The secret of the fragrance of the pastry is due to the use in the dough of the boiled yolk, sieved and reduced into flour. 

We must thank Queen Margherita if today we can enjoy these sweets, perhaps with a good coffee, perhaps on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Perhaps.

 

And you? Do you have a party like this for “Ferragosto”? Or have you ever celebrated this special summer day during one of your trips to Italy? 

Let us know in the comments!

Until the next digital trip!

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9
Aug
2020
Excursions around Rome: feel like Indiana Jones!
Posted On 9 August 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

Rome is wonderful, but in summer an escape from the city is a must. 

With a few minutes by car, you can reach magnificent places, totally immersed in the nature, where you will regenerate yourself and get away from the stress of the city chaos. Many are the benefits of a nice trip out of town in the surroundings of Rome!

Get in the car, we are about to reveal some fantastic and “unknown” places less far than 30 km from the G.R.A. (Grande Raccordo Anulare). 

The peculiarity of these places in fact is that they are super secret – very few people know them – and are so beautiful, wild and adventurous that they have nothing to envy to exotic places far away hours and hours by plane.

Are you curious?

Le cascate dell’inferno (Hell’s Waterfall)

By car: 40 min from Rome

Things to Bring: a picnic basket (if you want to eat outside), hiking shoes

Located within the Veio Park, the fourth largest park in Lazio, this waterfall is a place that is hard not to fall in love with. 

You’ll find it a few hundred meters as the crow flies from the “Sorbo meadows”, a picnic spot for families; but don’t worry, your destination is anything but “crowded”. As soon as you reach the place, you’ll feel the emotion of whoever arrives first in a mysterious place (Indiana Jones docet).

The arrival is surprising: you can hear the sound of the waterfall’s roar of water, but the waterfall is invisible, being behind a curve inside the rocky gorge, and appears only at the last moment in the eyes of the curious visitor.

Le cave di Salone (The quarries of Salone)

By car: 26 min from Rome

Things to bring: hiking shoes, a flashlight

What follows is not exactly one of the most beautiful secret places near Rome. Because it’s not near Rome, but in Rome: beauty at kilometer zero!

And that’s not all: it is under the eyes of thousands of people who drive through the highway Rome – Aquila in the direction of Rome every day.

These are the Salon quarries, from which the Romans extracted the material that was transported to the city via the river Aniene, then along the Tiber, and finally arrived in the city. The Romans used it for the construction of the great monuments and buildings of the capital.

It is such an extraordinary place that looks like a movie location: medieval towers reflected in the lakes, a rock cliff overlooking a huge cavity with trees upside down, climbing plants covering the ruins, the sun illuminating the environment through huge open holes in the vaults.

This place will give you a sense of suspension of time.

Il ponte coperto (The covered bridge)

By car: 40 min from Rome

Things to bring: hiking boots, torch.

Perhaps the most stunning place near Rome.

It is located near the city of Ceri, a medieval fortified village built on a large spur of tufa rock. This area, not far from Cerveteri, was inhabited in ancient times by the Etruscans, who built something that will leave you breathless.

Near Ceri, in fact, the ground sinks forming a ravine, that is a very deep gorge than can be visited. 

These are ancient tunnels that were dug by the Etruscans to drain the water of the nearby river during floods, in order to avoid a flood in the esplanade surrounding the town and its cultivated fields. You will therefore walk in one of the oldest water infrastructures in Lazio, even older than the great Roman aqueducts.

Today you will see that these tunnels appear larger, because the water continuing to flow has caused an erosion of the walls.

After a few hundred metres of walking you descend steeply to the bottom of the gorge, inside which you walk until, suddenly, you find yourself in front of a gigantic cavity with a smaller one on the side, and another even smaller nearby, all dug in a large rock basin.

This is an unmissable stop for those who want to have a spelunking experience, discovering hidden corners by the light of a torch.

Do you want more information about these or other itineraries near Rome? Write us in private!

Until the next digital journey!

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2
Aug
2020
Secret corners of Rome
Posted On 2 August 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

Listing all the curious and hidden corners of Rome is an endless undertaking.

Next to the attractions known and admired all over the world there is a secret and “not-known” Rome (also for 7th generations Romans) that deserves to be discovered. 

The best way to do it? It’s on foot. Wander the streets and get lost lost in the intricate streets of the historic centre, or the most interesting “new neighbourhoods”.

Here 3 secret places that you can visit!

Crypt of the Capuchin Friars

The crypt of the Capuchin friars is certainly one of the strangest places to see in Rome. It is located under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione in Piazza Barberini. 

The Crypt is composed of six small chapels. The peculiarity is that these chapels keep the bones of almost four thousand monks of the Capuchin order. The monks began this practice in 1631 and since then the six chapels have been decorated with bone parts to create chandeliers, seats and frames. 

A place macabre and fascinating at the same time that recalls another secret and little place in Milan: the Chapel of San Bernardino alle Ossa. 

The magic door of Piazza Vittorio

If you pass by Piazza Vittorio, just behind Termini station, you will for sure notice that in the middle of the square a mysterious door. It is in marble and is protected by two statues of the Egyptian god Bes.

The mystery is also fuelled by a coded message, written on the door itself , that no one has yet unveiled.

The Magic Door, also known as Alchemical Door of Rome, was part of a villa, of which today there is nothing left.

The legend says that the Marquis Palombara, 15th century Italian alchemist and poet, managed to transform metals into gold through this door. To succeed in this task was the dream of every alchemist.

It is one of the most magical and mysterious places in Rome.

The Coppedè district

The Coppedè district is one of the most special (and also a little bit noir) places in Rome. It remains a little out of the city centre, but is definitely a reference point for all the lovers of Art Nouveau and Liberty architecture. 

The area gets its name from the architect Coppedè who started the project in 1915 and left it uncompleted. He decided to commit suicide in 1927.

Immerge yourself in the Art Nouveau by entering the neighborhood through the entrance of the Ambassadors’ Palaces and let yourself be conquered by the buildings in the neighborhood that recall Gaudi’s fantastic houses.

Among the most beautiful palaces are the Palazzina del Ragno (Spider Palace) and the Villa delle Fate (House of the Fairies).

 

Are you in town in August? 😉

If you want to have fun and discover Rome with a specialized archaeologist, write us and we will organize a private experience for you!

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24
Jul
2020
Cycling through the wonders of Rome
Posted On 24 July 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

Rome is a city waiting to be discovered: getting lost in its streets is the most fun and magical activity you can do. Although, especially in summer, walks in the late afternoon are a must, there is another way to fall in love with Rome and to find wonderful corners: on the saddle of a bicycle.

Few people know the “bike-friendly” side of Rome, but with its bike paths and a little bit of spirit of adventure you can reach fantastic places.

We haven’t convinced you yet?

Here are three itineraries to live on two wheels!

Bicycle path from Villa Ada to Villa Borghese

Itinerary: here the map

Cycling you can reach two of the largest municipal parks in the capital: Villa Ada and Villa Borghese. Green oasis very different from each other, but full of hidden and magical corners.

Villa Ada presents numerous neoclassical buildings, such as the royal villa, and is located in the northern part of the city, in the Parioli district. 

Villa Borghese includes the Italian garden, large English style areas, fountains and ponds. There are three things you really cannot miss: the breathtaking view from the Pincio, the garden of the lake with the small temple of Aesculapius and a walk in the “Bioparco”.

The cycle connection between the two parks goes from Via del Foro Italico to the Parco delle Valli, along Viale del Giardino Zoologico.

From Eur to Caracalla baths

Itinerary: here the map.

From the Eur lake to the centre of ancient Rome: more than a bike path, it’s a real time machine! 

It starts from one of the most modern districts of the city, which develops around the well-known “EUR lake”, where you can relax or enjoy various sports.

Then, following the cycle path, you magically move from modernity to ancient Rome. Once you have reached the ancient Aurelian walls, built between 270 and 275 by the Emperor Aurelian to defend Rome from possible attacks by the barbarians, the route leads to the thermal baths of Caracalla and the city centre. 

And just at the Caracalla baths you can stop for a visit, because it is one of the most impressive examples of imperial baths, preserved for most of their structure. (here an amazing experience to live!)

Until the birth of the Baths of Diocletian, the Baths of Caracalla have been the most important public spas of the city. They served mostly the residents of the Augustan region between the Celio, Aventine and Circus Maximus.

Auditorium: the park of the music

Itinerary: here the map.

In case after relaxing in the shade of the trees of Villa Ada you want to listen some good music and not only, get back on the saddle: the Auditorium Music Park is waiting for you.

It is a complex built on a project by the famous architect Renzo Piano and has been inaugurated in 2002.

A curiosity: during its construction, a Roman villa dating back to the 3rd century B.C. was found! You know, in Rome every excavation is a discovery 😉

The music park is an open-air work of art, composed of museums, places for cultural activities and exhibitions, and also bars were you can enjoy an aperitif. But the absolute protagonists are the rooms dedicated, as its name says, to the music.

The Sala Santa Cecilia is one of the largest concert halls in Europe!

The ride to reach the Auditorium is not only pleasant, but it will also allow you to discover unknown corners of the city, such as the area of the Mosque or the hill of Villa Glori.

Moreover, after having filled up with music, you can continue your ride to Ponte Milvio, where other bike paths connect.

and the GRAB?

 What is it? It’s the Large ring connector of the Bike

Anyone who loves bikes is… waiting for it! 

It is in fact still an uncompleted project that provides the connection to all the Roman parks and cycle paths.

A 44 km route to get around the Eternal City safely and dedicate a day dedicated to beauty. 

Of course, we will keep you updated on the realization of this fantastic project!

 

Are you interested in a cycling experience in the streets of Rome, write us to discover our proposals on two wheels 😉

And if you know any other bike itineraries in Rome, suggest them in the comments, we are always happy to ride our bike discovering Rome 🙂

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14
Jul
2020
Secret Rome (even for a Roman for 7 generations)
Posted On 14 July 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

It is said that all the roads lead to Rome: but how many secrets are hidden along each route?

Counting that Rome is “old” only 2767 years, you can imagine that it is a treasure chest of many little hidden gems all to be discovered. Just know where to look!

Well, with our special events we want to let you discover some “chicche” (“gems”) of the city, that even the Romans from five, six, seven generations ignore. All this while being accompanied by an archaeologist: an experience not to be missed!

To increase your curiosity, here are two special stories about the Eternal City.

La Bocca della Verità

How many times have you dreamed of visiting Rome on the saddle of a Vespa like in the movie “Vacanze Romane”? In one of the scenes, the two protagonists visit the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, very popular because preserves in the porch one of the symbols of Rome: the famous Bocca della Verità. 

We all know that the ritual photos are those that depict us with our hand inserted in “the mouth” … but would we continue to do so even if we know that this mask of two meters in diameter was, in fact, a manhole cover of a cloaca? An ancient toilet seat, in short!

But come on, that’s not the only hypothesis. Another highly accredited claims that the mask was the cover of the sacred well of Mercury, where the Roman merchants solemnly swore their honesty in buying and selling. Perhaps this gave rise to the idea – in which the Romans strongly believed – that, if you tell a lie while putting your hand in the mouth, the mask will unveil the liar and cut the hand!

Testaccio: the quarter-dump

Testaccio is one of the truest neighborhoods in the city! But… have you ever wondered where the district name comes from? Monte Testaccio, also called Monte dei Cocci (testae, “shards” in Latin) is an artificial mountain 36 meters high that originated as a real “controlled landfill”.

We are in fact not far from the ancient river port Emporium, where materials and consumer goods from distant worlds arrived. The terracotta pots used for transporting food – especially oil – were not covered internally with protective materials, and therefore could not be reused; they were consequently broken, and the shards were stacked neatly on top of each other. And so it was that the heads of over 53 million unused amphorae formed the hill that today gives the whole neighborhood its name!

If you liked this article and you will come to Rome in the coming months contact us: we can create private experiences for you and your travel group

On the other hand, if you are already in Rome and  you want to discover other secret and curious places in Rome join our special event “Secret Rome (even for a Roman from 7 generations)”.

When: Friday 24th July at 19:00

Where: Via degli Zingari 59

Duration: 1 hour and 30 min

Price: 10 euro per person

Also suitable for families with children

To book just send an email to: romaeat@yahoo.it or write a message to +39 3398421687 

There’s only a few places left! Do not miss an incredible experience led by an archaeologist on the streets of Rome!

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9
Jul
2020
Mysterious Rome: Creepy Stories
Posted On 9 July 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

It is said that on the streets of Rome you may can meet ghosts and mysterious spirits wandering around at night with the full moon.

These unusual “encounters” are are linked to the millenary history of the city itself, where the great shadows of the past, as soon as night and darkness falls, walk undisturbed and return to the places of their past lives.

However, they are not shy: if they meet you in their path, they don’t miss a chance to scare you or shudder you. So be careful when you wander around Rome’s alleys at night!

If you’d like to meet one of these ghosts, here are two places where you could spot them.

Piazza del Popolo and the ghost of Nero

 One of the most hated and visionary emperors of Rome, Nero, is said to still wander around one of the busiest squares in Rome: Piazza del Popolo.

According to medieval tales, the emperor was buried in the centre of the square and a walnut tree was planted in his memory. Nero’s bones attracted spirits and demons, who, during the night, frightened the Romans living nearby.

The area was considered damned and, when the scourge became intolerable, the people asked the Pope for help. In 1099, Pope Pasquale II prescribed three days of fasting as a curative measure. He retired to pray in seclusion and, during a vigil, the Virgin appeared to him and suggested the solution: the only way to free the area from the demons was to cut down the walnut tree, dig up Nero, burn the bones and scatter them in the Tiber.

Quick and simple solution: why didn’t they think of it before?

On the third Sunday after the three days of fasting, Pasquale II did what the Virgin suggested, freeing the square forever from demonic spirits. At the request of the people, where the walnut tree had previously stood, a memorial chapel dedicated to Mary was built.

In 1472 Pope Sixtus V replaced it with the present church, which took the name of Santa Maria del Popolo (from the Latin populus = people) in memory of the will of the people who had done their best to have a sanctuary to remember the removal of demons. 

But there are those who say they have sighted the ghost of Nero still walking around the square…..

The ghost of Messalina at the Colosseum

 We’re in Ancient Rome. Messalina was a young woman, daughter of Marcus Valerius Vessalla Barbatus, Duke of Rome. At just twelve years of age, she was one of the most desirable women. At the whim of the emperor Caligula, at the age of fourteen she was forced to marry her mother’s forty-year-old cousin, Claudius (who will become emperor after the death of Caligula). 

Messalina had a restless soul and was always looking for new adventures. She certainly wasn’t a faithful wife, also considering that she had been forced to marry a not very attractive man. In fact, history tells us that Claudius was not a handsome man at all: lame, stammering and drooling (that’s right, it is said that he “spat” quite a bit). 

Although Messalina had many reasons on her side, this way of life led her to death at the hands of her husband. Claudius, before killed her, pronounced these words: “If your death be planted by all your lovers, half of Rome will weep!”

The cessation of her heartbeat, however, did not stop Messalina’s desire at all. It is said that at nightfall her ghost wanders between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum always in search of a new adventure.

So men, be careful not to be dazzled!

Rome is full of stories like these, and often they also concern places where we pass almost daily.

If you want to discover other places in Rome populated by legendary ghosts participate to our special event “Mysterious Rome: between magic and esotericism”.

When: Saturday, July 11th at 7 p.m.

Where: Largo Argentina

Duration: 1 hour and 30 min

Price: 10 euro per person

Also suitable for families with children

To book just send an email to: romaeat@yahoo.it or write a message to +39 3398421687 

There are only a few places left! Don’t miss an incredible experience guided by an archaeologist on the streets of Rome!

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3
Jul
2020
(R)estate a Roma? C’è da divertirsi!
Posted On 3 July 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

Cari amici romani ed italiani in vacanza a Roma,

questa strana estate ci offre “l’opportunità” di scoprire l’Italia come non facevamo da tempo. Abbiamo deciso di organizzare una sorpresa che vi farà vivere la città in un modo insolito e curioso: lasciatevi stupire dalla bellezza di una Roma meno conosciuta.

Ecco qua le 3 “esperienze fuori dagli schemi” alla scoperta della città in nostra compagnia. Segnatevi le date e prenotatevi presto:

  • Sabato 11 luglio: Roma misteriosa: tra magia e esoterismo
  • Venerdì 24 luglio: Roma segreta: anche per un romano da 7 generazioni!
  • Sabato 25 luglio: Pedalata sul Tevere: l’ottavo re di Roma

Per prenotarsi basta mandare una mail (romaeat@yahoo.it) oppure un messaggio al + 39 3398421687.

Il costo della visita è di 10€ a persona.

No, non stiamo scherzando: solamente 10€ per vivere una nuova Roma accompagnati da un archeologo. Inoltre, se prenoterete due esperienze riceverete in regalo la nostra borraccia eco-friendly.

Ecco il dettaglio degli itinerari (senza esagerare con gli spoiler) 😉

Roma misteriosa: tra magia e esoterismo

Una passeggiata insolita alla scoperta dei misteri che si nascondono tra gli angoli più suggestivi della città: la Roma dei fantasmi.

Verrai condotto tra vicoli, piazze e strade sulle tracce di spiriti di altri tempi: personaggi di ogni epoca e rango, con la loro storia ma soprattutto i loro segreti. 

Vivrai una Roma dai tratti magici, legata alle religioni e ai riti misterici del passato, a partire dalla tradizione etrusca, fino ai culti orientali e ai primi riti cristiani. 

Partiremo dai fantasmi che si dice infestino le più antiche rovine romane imperiali, per passare a quelli creati dai roghi e dai processi della Santa Inquisizione, e arrivare infine ad alcune presenze più vicine a noi. Una finestra su una Roma esoterica, inquietante e dal fascino sorprendente. 

  • Quando: sabato 11 luglio alle ore 19
  • Dove: Largo Argentina
  • Durata: 1 h e 30
  • Prezzo: 10€ a persona
  • Adatto anche a famiglie con bambini

Roma segreta (anche per un romano da 7 generazioni!)

Se pensi che Roma non abbia più segreti per te… ti stai sbagliando! Lasciati stupire dalla scoperta della Città Eterna che non conoscevi.

La capitale dell’antico Impero Romano, con il suo fascino millenario, nasconde alcune piccole gemme, che raccontano storie poco note e mai scritte sui libri di storia. 

Goditi una passeggiata che ti condurrà in luoghi segreti, particolari e curiosi, lontani dai classici percorsi più battuti. Dalle madonnelle che vegliano sulla tua anima ad ogni passo, alla chiesa più piccola della città, a misteriosi scorci medievali: tutto arricchito da curiosità sulla storia e la cultura della Roma antica e moderna.

A partire dal rione Monti, preparati per un viaggio capace di farti cambiare prospettiva, anche su luoghi che sei abituato a vivere ogni giorno.

  • Quando: venerdì 24 luglio alle ore 19
  • Dove: Via degli Zingari 59
  • Durata: 1 h e 30
  • Prezzo: 10€ a persona
  • Adatto anche a famiglie con bambini

L’ottavo re di Roma: pedalata sul Tevere

Passeggiare per le strade di Roma è sempre affascinante…ma farlo sul sellino di una bicicletta?  

Ripercorri la nascita e lo sviluppo della Città Eterna seguendo lo scorrere del fiume che l’ha sempre accompagnata in tutta la sua storia: il Tevere. Un legame tra la città ed il fiume di amore e odio, che esiste da sempre e ancora oggi sa affascinare. 

Dal ruolo chiave di questo bacino per la sopravvivenza dei cittadini, alle inondazioni che hanno portato distruzione, fino ai benefici per gli scambi commerciali.

A partire dal ponte Sublicio scoprirai la vera storia dei monumenti che si affacciano sul fiume, per poi proseguire all’interno del centro storico, fino a raggiungere il più antico dei rioni. 

  • Quando: sabato 25 luglio alle ore 18
  • Dove: Porto di Ripa Grande 26
  • Durata: 1 h e 30
  • Prezzo: 10€ a persona
  • Adatto anche a famiglie con bambini

Nota bene: puoi venire con la tua bici o, se non hai la bici, segnalacelo al momento della prenotazione e ti aiuteremo con il noleggio (il noleggio non è incluso nel prezzo)

Ricorda: Per prenotare la partecipazione è sufficiente scrivere indicando il numero di partecipanti a:

Prezzo: 10€ a persona pagabili in contanti il giorno del tour o in anticipo su Paypal o Satispay

E ricordate, per chi prenota almeno due esperienze in regalo la borraccia di Roma Eat, per salvarvi dal caldo estivo con stile!

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24
May
2020
A Little Gift from Rome
Posted On 24 May 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

In this tough period of pandemic crisis we learned, or maybe re-discovered, the importance of spend some quality time at home, even alone or with our beloved.

We, the whole Roma Eat team, are missing the possibility of staying out with people discovering the city together, but we are finding new methods to feel more “near” to our past and future guests. For this reason we created a little gift for you, a good way to spend some time dreaming about Rome and learning some interesting stories while having fun.

 

 

Click here to download your totally free Special Gift, entirely created by Roma Eat team.

 

 

Are you ready to test your knowledge about Rome, or to discover 5 unknown anecdotes about wine, while kids are are drawing the statue of Julius Cesar? Would you like to organize a culinary challenge with an historical recipe? Have fun and, at the end, prepare to become a real Roman Emperor.

 

Enjoy and… Let us know if you liked it 🙂

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3
May
2020
5 tips from a Local to visit Rome
Posted On 3 May 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

Hello friends,

In these months we are all facing a complicated period, in which our world has been reduced to the walls of our home. Travels cancelled, holidays postponed.

But who hasn’t fantasize about the destinations of the next trip? 

While we are all waiting to travel again, here are 5 tips for your next visit to Rome. But these are not “classical indications” for tourists, are advices from a real local perspective.

The Vatican necropolis

When in Rome, the Vatican is a must. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest in the world (23,000 square meters) and the Vatican Museums are a marvelous treasure trove of art and culture, including the beautiful Sistine Chapel.

But there is an equally magical place that very few people know about, and even more wonderful if you visit Rome in summer, with no line at the entrance: the necropolis.

Underground streets will lead you to the discovery of ancient tombs, both Roman and Christian. On the walls you will find colourful frescoes, decorations and marbles that will leave you breathless.

The gem? You’ll be able to see St. Peter’s tomb very close.

The Pyramid Cestia

Every time we think of the pyramids, our minds take us to Egypt. But what if I could visit one in Rome?

Along the Aurelian walls of the city there is a beautiful white pyramid, created in the first century BC.

The Romans loved Egypt and Eastern culture, so much that they decided to build their own tombs like those of the ancient pharaohs: with the shape of a pyramid. The interior can be visited and preserves beautiful paintings.

After the visit, you can get lost in the streets of Testaccio district: the typical trattorias and taverns are not lacking!

The ancient Via Appia

After the months spent on the couch or on the computer, there is nothing more pleasant than a walk in the green… or even a bike ride!

What if you could walk along an ancient Roman road? In the heart of the Appia Antica Park, you can walk on “basoli” (large square stones) on which ancient leaders and traders walked. You can note the traces of chariots! 

The road Appia was inaugurated in 312 B.C. and is the oldest and best preserved ancient street in Italy . It was the first road called by the person who built it (or rather, gave the money to build it).

Along the way many ruins, ville and catacombs await you.

 Virtual tour in the Baths of Caracalla

 The ruins of the ancient Romans are always fascinating, but if you do not have an archaeologist in your backpack ready to explain everything, it can be complicated to understand what you are looking at.

But technology can help us and make us totally immersed in the Ancient Rome. An example? The Baths of Caracalla.

Through augmented reality viewers you will be able to see one of the largest thermal complexes in Rome in all its beauty. You will be surrounded by wonderful colors, decorations and paintings.

After this experience, no brick wall you will see in the archaeological areas will be the same, but you will see everything with the eyes of a real archaeologist.

 Aperitif in Piazza Navona

 We’re a team of archaeologists, but we also love good food and wine, so we can’t wait to recommend a “refreshing” and relaxing stop… or maybe two!

You know, the beauty of an aperitif is in the company, the wine and the view. So why not choose one of the most romantic corners of Rome: Piazza Navona. 

So crowded during the day, and so poetic in the evening: the sunset and the lights that slowly turn on, create a wonderful atmosphere.

Unfortunately Piazza Navona, as many areas of Rome, is also full of “tourist traps”. But don’t worry, you will easily avoid these places thanks to advices by local people. For this reason we are happy to suggest you not just one, but two fantastic places for an unforgettable aperitif.

At the corner of the square, inside Palazzo Braschi, you’ll find a small place enclosed by a big door: DiVino! Reserved and relaxing, it offers you a view of the whole square, without being in the middle of the noise.

Otherwise, if you are looking for a view from above: Terrazza Borromini. Your eyes will see the square as they have never seen it before.

Have you visited one of these places before? Do you know any more or do you want some more advice? Write us in the comments!

 To the next digital journey,

Chiara

 

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3
May
2020
Lasagna challenge: the winner is?
Posted On 3 May 2020  By Roma Eat  And has No Comment

Hello friends,

this week you decided the recipe for our traditional Italian themed culinary challenge. 

As real locals, you voted the perfect dish to stimulate a fantastic post-lunch nap, as well as the top recipe of every self-respecting “nonna”: lasagna.

A dish for real sailors (and astronauts)

The love for lasagna in Rome is very ancient. The ancient Romans were already very fond of it, and to cook it they followed the recipe of the multi-starred chef of the time: Apicius.

In his cookbook, the recipe is called “lagana” and was created from thin sheets of pasta stuffed with meat, and baked in the oven. 

If the ingredients seem to you the same today, the result was very different and certainly less fit for Instagram: it was a mess of pasta and meat in bulk.

During the Middle Ages, lasagna was so widespread that many poets cited it in their poems.

But the real enthusiasts were the sailors. The Republic of Genoa, in fact, served it on boats as early as 1100 A.D. 

You wonder how they cooked it? Lasagne is one of the best dishes that you can heat the next day. And even several days later.

On the other hand, is one of the dishes that today the astronauts can bring with them in the space. In fact, astronaut Luca Parmitano was among the first to ask the European Space Agency (ESA) chef to prepare this tasty recipe in “space travel” format.

And the winner is?

Also this week many of you have been sending us photos of your creations; so many that we hope that one day you will invite us for lunch!

After a careful analysis (between one fork and another) we decided the three winners:

Best traditional lasagna award: @bonsy84 (special thank for the amazing videos!)

Best vegeterian lasagna award: @craveworthybites

Best creative lasagna award: @m.flossy_

The prize is a discount on any of our experiences with the code: LASAGNA. 

You can use it for yourself or give it to friends!

Joining us  you will continue to discover  all the history of every recipe, having fun together!

Thank you very much to all participants.

Until the next digital cooking challenge!

P.s. If you wish the recipe that we love in Italy, here are the ingredients and the procedure for four people:

Ingredients (for 4 people):

  • 1 medium carrot
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 300 gr of beef meat, minced
  • 200 gr of sausage meat, minced
  • 1/2 glass of red wine
  • olive oil
  • 400 gr of tomato sauce
  • 500 ml of milk
  • 50 gr of butter
  • 50 gr of flour
  • 6 fresh lasagna sheets
  • 4 table spoon of parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt
  • bay leaf

Directions

Ragù sauce: heat 3 table spoons of olive oil in a large saucepan on a medium heat. Add carrot, onion and celery peeled and finely chopped. Stir for around 15 minutes until the mixture is lightly colored.

Add the two types of meat, earlier minced, and stir breaking up meat with the spoon until the color is well brown. Pour the wine and mix until the alcool is evaporated. Add the tomato sauce, a glass of water, a generous pinch of salt and two bay leaves.

Turn the heat down and cook on low heat for at least 2 hours with lid. Stir occasionally. If the sauce start to dry out add a splash of water.

This sauce can be made in advance and kept in the fridge 2-3 days. If you want you can also chilled it.

Béchamel: melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add flour and stir until the mixture becomes like a cream. Pour in very warm milk and whisk vigorously until you have a smooth white sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce heat and cook for at least 10 minutes.

Assembly: lasagne sheets can be used without precooking only if they are fresh. If you have the dry ones cook them in boiling water according to the instructions of the package (usually4-5 minutes).

Spread three spoon of ragù into the bottom of a earthenware ovenproof dish (25x35cm approx.). Follow with a layer of lasagne sheets, add a third of your ragù and a third of béchamel. Repeat the process (sheets, ragù and béchamel) two more time and top with grated parmesan.

Preheat oven to 200°C. Bake the lasagne for 20 minutes until beginning to brown on top. Leave the dish 20 minutes before serving.

Buon appetito!

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