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City Secrets: Rome
This unique compilation of insights into the world's most magnificent art, architecture and antiquities, by the people who know them best, unlocks the door to the Rome most visitors miss.
A renowned painter shows the way to an overlooked masterpiece; an archaeologist walks you through an intriguing ancient ruin; a Renaissance scholar tells which of Michelangelo's works he finds the most moving of all. Along the way a poet laureate imparts the address of a gourmet cheese shop with its own pizzeria and an acclaimed director sets the stage for an ideal Roman afternoon.
City Secrets Rome reveals the city that will take your breath away. Organized by area; with colour maps, vintage photographs and illustrations.
A renowned painter shows the way to an overlooked masterpiece; an archaeologist walks you through an intriguing ancient ruin; a Renaissance scholar tells which of Michelangelo's works he finds the most moving of all. Along the way a poet laureate imparts the address of a gourmet cheese shop with its own pizzeria and an acclaimed director sets the stage for an ideal Roman afternoon.
City Secrets Rome reveals the city that will take your breath away. Organized by area; with colour maps, vintage photographs and illustrations.
- GenresTravelItalyNonfiction
266 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 4, 2023
This guidebook is definitely for high brows. Still, it was fun to read about Rome romanticized by artists, book collectors, historians, etc. I found a couple things I want to visit after reading the recommendations of the contributors of the book.
The problem with the book though was:
1. There was no pictures! It was tough because I’d have to look up things that sounded interesting (and usually, they didn’t look interesting online). If you lived in Rome and had weeks to visit, this wouldn’t be a problem. But when you only have a limited amount of time, you need to see things before signing up for them.
2. The book is over twenty years old so I’m not certain all the restaurants and stores it mentions even still exist.
For these reasons, I wouldn’t recommend it if your planning a trip to Italy, not unless your staying in Rome for several weeks at least.
The problem with the book though was:
1. There was no pictures! It was tough because I’d have to look up things that sounded interesting (and usually, they didn’t look interesting online). If you lived in Rome and had weeks to visit, this wouldn’t be a problem. But when you only have a limited amount of time, you need to see things before signing up for them.
2. The book is over twenty years old so I’m not certain all the restaurants and stores it mentions even still exist.
For these reasons, I wouldn’t recommend it if your planning a trip to Italy, not unless your staying in Rome for several weeks at least.
October 12, 2010
I've been to Rome a number of times and this is the best guidebook for the city (or any other city) that I've come across. The concept is to allow academics and arts professionals to suggest their favorite places and works of art to visit. Most other guidebooks ensure all popular sights are listed, whereas with this book the recommendations will either inspire you or not, which helps you filter your trip. (For example, this book does not include the Trevi fountain).
It's out of print and perhaps difficult to find, but get it.
It's out of print and perhaps difficult to find, but get it.
May 27, 2009
This was a great companion in Rome...people writing of what they love best in the city - plazas, museums, food - it has it all.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews