Author Archives: Natalie

L’Immacolata: Italy’s December 8th Holiday for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 8th is a public holiday in Italy, known locally as L’Immacolata. The holiday celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Businesses, schools and government office all close in order to honor the Virgin Mary (la Madonna), the mother of Jesus who is thought to be free from sin according to Catholic tradition. In Rome, […]

Rome Christmas Markets

Rome is undeniably beautiful at the Christmastime. Large trees appear in front of the Colosseum, in Piazza Venezia and on St. Peter’s Square. And the yuletide vibes keep coming between the twinkling lights and decorations that are strung up across the city. But one of the best things about celebrating the holidays in the Eternal […]

Polvere di Tempo: Dust of Time Shop in Rome’s Trastevere Neighborhood

UPDATE 2024: Store permanently closed due to owner’s retirement, unfortunately. Via del Moro is a particularly charming street. It is also one of my preferred shortcuts through Trastevere because I can check out the book display at The Almost Corner Bookshop, and then ogle (eat) all the pizza at La Renella. But one of the […]