Things I did in the past two days:
- I went to visit a 4th century roman villa archaeologists unearthed from under Palazzo Valentini (that’s where Rome’s Provincial Administration offices are). Very interesting, shame no snapping allowed, I would’ve loved to take a few pics, especially of the beautiful mosaic and marble floorings. Still, I’d recommend a visit, the virtual reconstruction is very well done by Piero Angela and Paco Lanciano (and everybody loves Paco Lanciano!).
- I went to visit the “Michelangelo architetto a Roma” exhibition at Musei Capitolini. Bad move. If you’re planning to go there, just don’t do it, it’s very disappointing, mark my words: they advertise the exhibit claiming there also are models (plural, mind you) of some of Michelangelo’s designs, the truth is there is only one (singular) section-model of St. Peter’s cupola, and that’s all on models front. Drawings by Michelangelo are only a small part of the exhibited collection, which is mostly engravings of his buildings by other artists; also, no snapping allowed, here, too — but since museum’s staff are pretty rude and just lazily loaf around in the lobby typing text messages into their mobile phones not really paying attention to what visitors do, I took pictures anyway, just ‘cos.
- I then went to visit Crypta Balbi, where staff people are much nicer than Musei Capitolini people. You can take as many pics in there as you like, you’re only kindly requested not to use a flash, which is fair enough. Also, ticket for Crypta Balbi is a 3 days pass that costs 7 euros, you can go back there as many times as you like, and using the same pass you can also visit Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, the Baths of Diocletian and, above all, my favourite place in Rome which is…
- Palazzo Altemps. I just love it. You can snap pics (and in fact I did so, happily took a kazillion photos). It’s a museum too often neglected by tourists (shame on them!), but that also allows people spend as much time in there as they like, wandering around rooms with lots of beautiful statues and decorations. It was designed in the 15th century by Melozzo da Forlì and then rebuilt by Martino Longhi in the 16th century but it’s actually built on and incorporates various medieval buildings, you can see its “layers” when visiting it.
- last but not least, went once again to Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza: entry is free, you can take pics (apart from when there’s service going on, of course) and generally be amazed by the genius of Francesco Borromini.
Of course, I’m absolutely knackered now.
p.s.: I’ve also listened to Fleetwood Mac all the weekend, almost non-stop. And for some obscure reason people laugh at me when I mention that.
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