Tuesday, February 11, 2014

What to See While in Rome: Piazza del Popolo


“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou.


I will never forget the feeling I had when I landed in "Piazza del Popolo" for the first time.  I had just moved to #Rome and after a couple of weeks figuring out the new house and the unpacking I decided to go for a walk and ended up at the #PiazzaDelPopolo.  I got mad at myself thinking I should have left the packing undone and the organizing for later, because the Piazza was at an arm's length and I had not yet discovered it!

View from Villa Borghese's Pincio terrace.

The Piazza is a large open square with an Egyptian obelisk in the middle, flanked by water spitting lions. Three streets originate at the Piazza: Via del Babuino, Via del Corso and Via di Ripetta.  One is nicer than the other; they are all cobblestone streets with clothing stores and restaurants.  I could walk them for hours!

You can also go up the ancient steps to #VillaBorghese (Rome's equivalent to Central Park) and enjoy one of my favorites views of the Roman skyline.

The Piazza del Popolo, that literally translates to People's Square has been for centuries a place for gatherings, from public executions up until 1826 to the modern day New Year's concerts and political rallies.  On any given day you can find street musicians and other performers.  

The square is my favorite spot for just soaking up the sun and for people watching.  Once I get hungry I look for a bite in one of the nearby restaurants.  Prices are always higher if you sit at the piazza itself.  A short walk from the square I found this great restaurant GiaNdo (Via Francesco Carrara 12) where they serve and amazing pizza, great salads and of course a good plate of pasta.  The ambiance is American chic and the service is great.

They love pizza and I do too!


I hope the tips make your time in #Rome an amazing one! Arrivederci,


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