To many visitors, One of Testaccio’s most unexpected landmarks is the ex Mattatoio – the old slaughterhouse. But this hulking, half-abandoned urban relics is exactly why Testaccio exists. The mattatoio was inaugurated in 1890, replacing the slaughterhouse that was located in Piazza del Popolo. As the population of Rome grew, it simply wasn’t prudent to […]
Author Archives: Natalie
01
Sep
Sep
I moved to Rome in September of 2010, so the month has long had a special place in my heart. Though there are thunderstorms in the forecast for the first few days, it is usually one of the best months to come to Rome. It is also the time of the rientro, when the city […]
25
Aug
Aug
One of the things that really confounded me when I first moved to Rome was the lack of thrift stores. I could not figure out where you could go to buy anything used. I am a bit savvier now and love the occasional wander through the weird world that is the mercato dell’usato and even […]
23
Aug
Aug
There are meals and then there are meals in Puglia, and you never forget those. If you happen to be eating at Cibus, then your meal may turn into a four-hour affair, which leaves you extremely full, ridiculously happy, and filled with a bittersweet nostalgia as soon as the epic lunch has slowly wound down. […]
21
Aug
Aug
Did I ever tell you about the time I moved to Rome, went to the wine festival in Marino the next day, and found out that wine really does come out of water fountains in Italy? (Sometimes). Regardless of when you visit, it is always a good time for a Rome wine tasting. I think […]
19
Aug
Aug
International rates on cell phone plans are incredibly expensive so you may want to consider buying a SIM card in Italy. Have a local SIM allows you to easily place calls within Italy, use data, and even take your phone between different EU countries without additional fees. So how do you buy a SIM card […]
16
Aug
Aug
Venice is so beautiful on the outside that it can be tempting to spend all of your time along the canals. However, the truth is that some of the most ornate buildings in all of Italy can be found in this former trading city – and one of the loveliest of all is the Scuola […]
14
Aug
Aug
One of the things I love about Rome in summertime is how much the Romans use the city. Sure, a lot of people head out of town on vacation, but even those who stay in the city want to be outside as much as possible. So the warm nights tend to mean lots of fun, […]