City Breaks

La dolce vita

I woke up at the crack of dawn as I wanted the Italian capital all to myself for a couple of hours. It was eerily quiet, too early even for the locals to set off to work. I wound my way along the river, across the bridges until I reached the Vatican city without a single human being in sight. So ingrained into my memory is the emptiness of St Peter’s square with the light rising above the arches that I couldn’t now imagine it flooded with tourists. I spent a long while marveling at this city within a city.

To my eye there are two contrasting sides to Rome; the first being the Eternal city of ancient monuments and grandiose architecture and the second being the Rome of winding backstreets and dilapidated buildings. Last time I tried to share with you the charming side-streets where you’ll stumble across authentic bakeries and cafes but there is no denying that Rome simply wouldn’t be Rome without the intimidating monuments jutting out from the skyline. The city is often referred to as an open-air museum and I entirely agree, it’s impossible to walk down a road and not notice the domed roof of the Pantheon or the crumbling arches of the Colosseum. A place steeped in so much history, it feels as though every wall has a story to tell..

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Comments

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Alessia says:

August 25, 2014 at 4:54 pm

Wow! I’m italian and I’ve never seen Rome so quit <3
Amazing post!

Alessia

Farfelue says:

September 16, 2014 at 8:47 pm

It was so quiet it was bizarre! How lucky to be Italian :)

Milly says:

August 25, 2014 at 5:55 pm

What beautiful imagery – thank you for sharing such an incredible city with us! I’ve actually spent a lot of time in Italy, but strangely never been to Rome (while other members of my family have). I have the longest travel list of all time (doesn’t everyone?) but it’s definitely on there! x

Farfelue says:

September 16, 2014 at 8:46 pm

So fortunate that you’ve traveled Italy so extensively its one of my favourite countries, so culturally rich and diverse I could spend months eating my way through the country. Yes indeed I have quite a few Italian locations on my travel list

Rachel says:

August 25, 2014 at 10:50 pm

This looks so amazing, how early did you get out there to make these beautiful photos?

Love, Rachel
http://www.herheadintheclouds.com

Farfelue says:

September 16, 2014 at 8:44 pm

So happy you think so. I woke up at about 5am and probably arrived at Vatican City at about 6 although I forget exactly

Megan // Oh Hey Blog says:

August 26, 2014 at 2:49 am

It must have felt so much more imposing and beautiful without the crowds. I’d like to think I’d get up early as well.. but….

Farfelue says:

September 16, 2014 at 8:38 pm

Hehe yes it’s always the toughest thing and nothing seems worth it when you’re snuggled up in bed

Barbara says:

October 11, 2014 at 8:52 pm

Wow these are just incredible! I’ve been to Rome but don’t have such pretty memories! you made me want to go again

Farfelue says:

November 3, 2014 at 2:41 pm

Thank you so much you’re so sweet yes I’d return in a heartbeat