26 Comments
Mar 9Liked by Life Lived Italian

This is written so beautifully and so descriptively I feel I know this man personally. You nailed it.👏

Expand full comment
author

Wow— this means the world. So nice to know that someone really “gets” what you’re trying to say. So appreciate you taking the time to comment. Having lived in NYC for many years, I know what you’re saying about the challenges of not getting caught up in the whirlwind of those places. I spoke with someone recently who was born in Milan, moved to Rome for ten years and is now back in Milan. She considers herself Milanese, but said Rome is the city that most “formed” her— changing her values, her attitudes, her whole approach to life. It’s that kind of place.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much!!! Agree about Rosati-- might even be nicer, but for some reason, Canova is my spot. There's no explaining these things. And yes, the frescoes are mind-blowing. Every room had me reeling. Thanks again for the kind comments!

Expand full comment
author

Lucky you!!! Thanks so much for the kind comments. And yes-- be sure to stop by Canova. Also really loved Palazzo Massimo-- the third floor is a stunning collection of frescoes. Worth seeing if you haven't already. Buon viaggio a Roma!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much!!! Dreaming of getting there soon! Abbracci…

Expand full comment
author

I’m often only passing through Rome on the way to Fiumicino— it had been a long time since I had a couple of days to enjoy the city in the off-season. Was really struck at how everyone’s demeanor changes (Marcello included) when you catch them before the heat and tourist crush sets in. It’s true in NYC as well— in December, even your favorite maitre’d treats you like a stranger. Thanks always for taking time to read the post—enjoyed your recent piece on Abruzzo!

Expand full comment
author

So glad you liked it— happy to hear you’ve got a Rome visit coming up! Be sure to check out Palazzo Massimo. The statues are fantastic but the frescoed rooms on the third floor are jaw-dropping. Thanks again for the kind comments!

Expand full comment
author

Have wanted to go into the Anglican Church— that’s on the list for the next visit. They seem to do a lot of concerts there. And yes— the ghost do linger in Italy, as if they just can’t find any reason to leave. Thanks always for reading and sharing!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much— can’t believe you were living on Via Margutta. That really is one of the most magical streets in Rome. Hope all is well with you— thanks always for the kind comments!

Expand full comment
author

I did see the frescoes and I’ll still reeling. Really incredible. That whole third floor just kind of finished off my day— couldn’t really see anything else after that. Thanks so much for the comment!

Expand full comment
author

I so appreciate the lovely comment! Perhaps every place is like this— but Italy in particular, even with all of its natural beauty and amazing history, always seems to come alive through the people. Thanks so much for the encouraging words!

Expand full comment
author

So glad you liked it! You would all love Palazzo Massimo— it’s amazing. And I could see Aidan becoming a regular at Canova!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much!! Such an amazing city— not just the wealth of art and history, but also the wonderful characters on every corner. Really appreciate the encouraging comment!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks so much!! He’s a funny character— I managed to catch him in the off-season and he actually had time to chat. Glad you enjoyed it!

Expand full comment

I love this! Taking notes to add Canova (and Palazzo Massimo!) to our places to visit next time!

Expand full comment

Oh how beautifully you have captured a special part of Rome

Expand full comment

A walk across Piazza del Popolo passing Canova then a visit to the twin churches, if either is open, stroll down Via del Babuino past the antiques shops ,galleries. And the English church . The Lions bookshop is gone, and many other familiar places too, but the atmosphere and the ghosts of Roma in the old days remains.

Expand full comment