Blog - Life in Italy

Would you like to spend some time far from the city's noise and traffic? Why not consider a stroll through a fairy-tale place like Garbatella? This unique destination is so magical that you will feel engulfted in its unforgettable charm.

It was founded in the 1920's and was laid out to host workers from other parts of Italy. For this reason the first houses were built with  vegetable gardens so that the new residents could cultivate the food they needed. The initial style adopted to build the housing units, including connecting courtyards and ladders, known as a "barocchetto", was both elegant and refined. Visitors will find that, using the ladders to go back and forth and passing under the beautiful archways, is a pleasure all by itself.

Under Mussolini's regime, however, typical fascist buildings began to be built. This architecture can be characterised as monumental, rigorous and severe, almost to the point of disturbing the observer. An example of this rationalist expression can be seen clearly in the Cesare Battisti primary school with its Imperial eagles and the open-work bell tower. Observing this school building one is easily reminded of the dictatorship which lasted twenty years.

The strangest impression that strikes the visitor strolling through the famous roman quarter, known as well for its frequent use as a set for various TV series and movies, is the feeling, even more than in Rome, of being in a little village frozen in time. As you continue on your way, you will notice that the families here are used to gathering in the courtyards chatting in the open air and the women, returning home with shopping bags in hand, have that typical good-natured Roman look. Life in general moves along slowly and peacefully.

If you want a taste of roman life, the one old and genuine, a stroll through Garbatella is a "must". There you will encounter truly Roman people, who speak a roman dialect and demostrate the easy-going behaviour of the real Romans. A local symbol of this Roman-ness is Carlotta's fountain where young couples gather to drink of this water before the fateful kiss.

If you pass under Via Rublino's arch which is next to the Saint Isidoro and Saint Eurosia's church, the so called "chiesoletta", an obligatory stay for pilgrims of the seven churches, and walk along this green and quiet road, you will soon arrive at Piazza G. Sapeto within a few steps, one of the most fascinating squares of the district, going down the steps to your right, you can easily reach the above-quoted fountain for people in love.

Nanni Moretti,* in his movie Caro Diario, cites Garbatella as the dstrict he likes most and we are right to believe it. From his vespa, he points out the most impressive corners, which strike us with their unmistakable beauty. You will feel the same emotions that are stirred by scenes in his movie.

- How to get to Garbatella: Coming from Termini station, take the metro linea B, Laurentina direction, and get off at Garbatella stop.

 

*Nanni Moretti is one of Italy's most original and indipendent film directors. His movies are full of sense of humor and very interesting if you want to know a little more about italian society.

 

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If you are that curious type which loves peering into antique trade, collectibles, new and used clothing, shoes, vinyl and CDs, there are several places you should definitively go in Rome!

You will find here below the list of the most frequented open-markets in the Rome.

“PORTA PORTESE” MARKET:
Is the biggest and most famous of the markets in Rome.
It is open on Sundays only from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm..
It goes from the homonymous arch of “Porta Portese” (the very end of “Trastevere”) to “Piazza Ippolito Nievo” and to “Via Ettore Rolli”. The market holds over 1000 stands of every kind of goods/ antique furniture / collectibles / stamps and also shoes / clothing / kitchen utensils etc… It is extremely crowded and requires several hours to visit.
Website: http://www.portaportesemarket.it/

“PONTE MILVIO” MARKET
Open every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm in “Piazzale di Ponte Milvio”.
The 3rd Sunday takes place a special market made by handcrafted products.
 For info call +39 335 5804254.

ANTIQUE TRADE IN “PIAZZA VERDI”
Open every 4th Sunday of the month from 9:00 am until dusk. It is held in “Piazza Giuseppe Verdi”.
For info call +39 06 8552723 – 8552773.

THE OLD STAMP MARKET IN “Largo della Fontanella Borghese”
Held on Mondays and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. You will find here every kind of stamps and books.

“VIA SANNIO” MARKET  
It is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm (close to “San Giovanni in Lateran”)
Its name comes from the homonymous street hosting it. The market offers new and used clothes and shoes as well as accessories.

“BORGHETTO FLAMINIO”
Open on Sundays (except in August) from 10:00 am to 7:00pm.
It is held in Piazza della Marina 32 (next to “Piazza del Popolo”)
For info call +39 06 5880517.

For more info about markets visit http://www.060608.it

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Piazza San Marco: Go to Cafè Florian or Quadri for live music. Crowds gather to listen to popular classical music. Tables and chairs laying outside will definitely give you a better feel for the ambience while sipping on a cocktail but enjoying the magical scenery of Piazza San Marco lit at night. You can't miss it!

Casanova Music Cafe: This is Venice's only Disco, located on the busy Calle Lista di Spagna in the Cannareggio district. Although the space can feel somewhat cramped at times, it still offers some convincingly diverse music, such as Rock, instrumental, House and even Latin American Music.

Piccolo Mondo: Opposite side of the Accademia Cinema theatre, this small club attracts a young crowds and is usually crowded full of life and energy. Calle Contarini Corfu, Dorsoduro 1056/A

Martini Scala Club Piano Bar: A place where class and style is highly welcome. Enjoy live ambience music while you dine in this elegant establishment. Dress appropriately. Campo San Fantin, San Marco 1980.

Le bistrot de Venise: Venitian Cusine at its best with some very ancient and luscious recipes at a costly price.  Enjoy a local, diverse cultural programme from cabaret to poetry readings while you eat. Calle dei Fabbri, San Marco 4685

Casino Municpale: Located in the elegant Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, on the Grand Canal (Vaporetto Stop: San Marcuola). For a 10 Euros entrance fee (Includes a 10euros free casino chip), you'll get to familiarize yourself in the magnificent 18th century setting Palace. Truly a memorable evening in Venice. Even suitable for those who don't like to gamble.

947 Club: A club with live DJ and an amazing lounge atmosphere offering excellent service. It also has an upscale restaurant part of the establishment, 947 Club Restaurant. Castello 4337.

Campo Santa Margherita - The most lively Square in Venice. 10 minutes walking distance away from Piazzale Roma. Live music, young people, people dancing, good music and fun atmosphere.  Around Carnival time, it's full of people, live shows and tents of all sorts. Bars are open until 3 or 4 in the morning.

Stazione Marittima - A large club and beer/wine hall by the river on the south of the main island. Only a few minutes walking distance from Piazzale Roma Square. You can't miss it as you can hear the music and see the lights from the distance. Very popular during the Carnival time. A must see!  Open until 3 or 4 in the morning.

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Many people wonder when is the best time to come and visit Venice! We have gathered useful information to provide you with a sneak preview of activities and weather conditions for each and every single month throughout the year in Venice.  

January in Venice is cold but magical, dress up warmly. The streets are quiet, and the locals live their normal everyday lives or stopped to chat in the little Venetian Squares. This is the hot chocolate season; time to retreat into a snug cafe, sip a steaming hot chocolate and maybe read a Venetian book about the history of Venice. January is the perfect time of year to really feel connected to the city and its past. Good points: Quiet streets, cheap accommodation apartments, authentic local atmosphere, hot chocolate in cosy cafès, atmospheric photographs.  Bad points: It can be cold,  you may spend a lot of time outdoors.

February is Carnival time, so the city is very busy, lively and colourful. Renting an accommodation may be hard to get as they are heavily-booked as tourists arrive to enjoy the spectacle, so book early. In Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's area are most fun and exciting. Stepping away from the masks and costumes, the outside local areas of Venice are still quiet and peaceful. Good points: The Carnival.  Bad points: The Carnival.

March and April the air can still be crisp and the streets are quiet in Venice. During Easter, Venice is invaded with tourists arriving for Easter weekend  from all over the world- every European country is on holiday, and feels most of them come to Venice. Although it can still be cold at night, spring makes itself felt with small hidden walled gardens and breaks of sunshine ripping through the clouds. Locals gradually get rid of their thick winter coats. Good points: Sunshine, small crowds (except) for Easter.  Bad points: Crowed on Easter, March and April is still a bit cold.

May is a happy and exciting month. The cold slowly drifts away and the sun becomes a daily visitor. The air is still fresh but warm enough to hit the beaches on the Lido (where some businesses are still closed). May is really the best month for visiting Italy, with its warm sunshine, comfortable temperatures, dry and humid air and flowers begin to open. Good points: Sunshine, comfortable climate. Tourist services are fully operational but without excessive crowds.  Bad points: Practically none.

June in Italy (Venice) is the start of summer and Italy braces it with open arms. The weather is usually fine, although sometimes it reaches hot temperatures. This is your last chance to visit your favourite spots before the peak of the summer season starts. Space on the beaches can still be found especially on the week-days. In odd-numbered years Venice hosts its Art Biennale in the Castello District, which runs from early June to November. Good points: Warm weather, plenty of sunshine, no rain.  Bad points: High Temperatures.

July the hot weather is customary, the summer has arrived. The Lido and the seaside resorts near the lagoon fill up with sunbathing families from tourists all over the world. The "Festa del Redentore" is a massive party and celebration for Venetians, which takes place on the third weekend of the month. Tourists will gladly enjoy watching the show, but it may get frustrated by the on going transport disruptions and early-closing businesses. The lagoon's mosquitoes are at their peak as well. Good points: Festa del Redentore, sunshine.  Bad points: Crowds, hot, mosquitoes.

August is a strange month in Venice for tourists. Some tourists don't come to Venice in August scared away by stories of smelly canals, domineering heat and horrible crowds. Nowadays, the city is reasonably hygienic and safe from all hazardous. Some tourists, many of them families still come to Venice in August. Italians pack up and go on holiday in July and August, sometimes for more than a month, when many businesses (not all) are closed. If you are looking for a restaurant of choice or regular shops, it can become a bit frustrated. It's not really recommended to come to Venice in August, especially if it is your first trip and you plan to visit the main tourist sights. You won't be able to see the best of the city and what it has to offer. Good points: Hot.  Bad pointsCrowded, hot, mosquitoes, locals go on vacation (many businesses closed).

September, when the locals return from their summer vacations re-opening their business and Venice takes on a whole new life. It's also when the Venice Film Festival takes place on the Lido at the end of August / beginning of September, lasting for a week and a half. Most of the expensive hotels are booked by film industry staff. The weather is at a mild comfortable temperature. You may enjoy a late burst of summer, but temperatures can get much cooler, especially at night. Sudden rainstorms are common during the Autumn season in Italy, and some are overwhelmingly heavy at times. Mosquitoes are another hazard of the season; and visitors are well-advised to take precautions against bites. This is the beginning and the best time to see Venice. You sunshine and blue skies, cool temperatures and less crowds or heat of the summer. Good points: Best time to visit Venice; local businesses re-open; the Film Festival.  Bad points: Occasional heavy rains, mosquitoes.

October is a transitional month, between the cool/warm and cold/crisp air (winter). The "Acqua Alta" season starts and there will be the occasional flooding during high tides (around a full or new moon). Visitors may want to bring warm clothing, coats (especially for the evenings) and rain boots. Venice is a university town therefore you will see waves of students hanging outside the Dorsoduro bars. Good points: Fewer tourists.  Bad points: Beginning of the cold nights; not many mosquitoes.

November is the start of the winter, but generally less harsh than January and February. This is when the wonderfully rich drinks of hot chocolate that Venetians have enjoyed for centuries take full affect (Casanova swore by it). The Art Biennale (in odd-numbered years) begin to die down and close for the year until the next event. On  November 21^st, the festival of the "Salute" is celebrated, a temporary bridge is built over the Grand Canal to the Salute church served with a special mass.  Good points: Venice turns into a "local" town.  Bad points: Cold temperatures, grey cloudy skies.

December,  the weather is overwhelmed with grey skies, breaks of sun and cold temperatures. Venice gets very cold in winter and you'll need lots of layers of clothing and a hoodie. Though you will enjoy a mix of different events, such as: Grey shadow photographs, although they can also be superbly atmospheric: misty views, snow falling on the Grand Canal, and the shallow floods in St. Mark's Square. Definitely something you want to experience. Again, bring your rain boots. Good points: Quiet streets, cheaper accommodation rates, local atmosphere; hot chocolate.  Bad points: It can be cold, most of the time indoors, grey cloudy skies, mist and fog.

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Come and celebrate the New Year or "La Festa di San Silvestro" in Rome this winter. In the past, New Year in Rome was a time to celebrate and eat only traditional food like fish and pasta. Through the years, New Year in Rome have changed  and has gotten even better. Nowadays, the  New Year in Rome has exploded in time to dance, eat, drink and party hard with friends, family and loved ones around. The sky is also lit with multi colours of great fireworks illustrating an art show expressing how Rome passes the New Year with a Bang. Whether you are at your rental vacation accommodation or on the street, the beauty being in Rome on New Year is the life and excitement transmitted with a combination of locals and tourists. They all have one thing in common, have fun!!  Rome's traditional New Year's Eve celebrations are most popular in Piazza del Popolo. Huge crowds gather to celebrate with rock and classical music for all tastes counting the seconds to midnight ending with splendid show of fireworks. The celebrations last well into the hours of the night. On New Year's day, children are entertained in the square by performers and acrobats. Next to the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, you can still see the exhibit of the old traditional celebration ways (lasts until January 8) from 100 regions of Italy and other countries of the world.

In recent years and many to come, there is a new celebration in the square in front of the Quirinale off Via Nazionale, with outdoor concerts playing Classical music followed by fireworks at midnight. Even the Italian President and other important members of the Italian government attend to this event. Also, another must see event during this time of the year and much waited all year long, is the New Year Parade procession. Thousands of people wait anxiously to receive the Pope's blessings in Rome. The New Year parade in Rome, passes through the historic Castel Sant' Angelo, proceeding down Via della Conciliazione ending in St. Peter's Square. This event, the New Year Parade in Rome is worth witnessing on January 1^st, 2007. Many celebrities and politicians participate in watching this magnificent site. The parade has grown so much along the years that it has become world renowned event and earned a partnership with Gateway Music Festivals.

From all corners of the city, the sky of Rome is lit with fantastic shows of Fireworks! Wishing you a very happy and prosperous New Year in Rome!

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When arriving in Venice you might feel a little confused at the beginning…this city after all has no cars, no taxis and you’ll immediately start feeling the unique (and charming) atmosphere of a city living on the water.

It worths to make up your mind in advance on how to get around in Venice so that you can feel yourself immediately at home at your arrival.

Here below is a short-guide about “vaporetti/waterbuses”. Please take a look at it as we believe it will make your acquaintance to the city much quicker and smoother!

We also recommend not to bring too many heavy luggages/trolleys with you on your trip, in fact you’ll soon find out that Venice requires a good amount of walking, getting on waterbuses and crossing bridges. Keep your luggage to a reasonable and comfortable level!

Waterbus or “Vaporetto”
The public boats called vaporetti and motoscafi run almost constantly, and you'll seldom have to wait more than a few minutes for one to come along.
For convenience, "vaporetto" is often used as a generic synonym for "water bus," but technically there are different types of boat:

• the "vaporetto," a flat-decked boat used on routes such as No. 1 (Grand Canal) and No. 2;
  
• the "motoscafo" (used for routes that go into the Lagoon);
  
• and the "motonave" (a large double-decked vessel that looks like a ship and is used for commuter service to the Lido, Punta Sabioni, and Treporti).

Vaporetto Line No. 1: The waterbus line you'll use most often is the No. 1, it runs up and down the Grand Canal and stops more than 20 times from Piazzale Roma (close to our Venice Office) to Santa Lucia Train Station, and then towards Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. It's popular with tourists because it offers a leisurely tour of the Grand Canal and offers a quick way to get from one side of the canal to the other.

Vaporetto Line No. 2: This express line runs from San Zaccaria (above the Piazza San Marco) through the Giudecca Canal to the Piazzale Roma, and the railway station. It has fewer stops compared to line #1 so you can prefer it to line #1 (if your destination stop is on the line #2 as well as line #1) as it takes shorter.

Other Vaporetto Lines: There a number of other Vaporetto lines: Circular Routes (41,42,51,52,61,62), Seasonal Routes, Lagoon, etc please refer to Actv (the Venice public transportation system) printed timetable (orario) booklet that you can get at any ticket booth.

Where can I buy tickets for Vaporetto?
You have different ACTV booths (local transit company):
•    outside the Train Station of Santa Lucia (Ferrovia stop)
•    very next to the main bus station (Piazzale Roma stop)
•    at other major vaporetto stops: San Marco/Vallaresso, Rialto, Accademia, San Tomà and San Zaccaria.

How much does it cost?
The standard waterbus or autobus fare is about €6,50.
However, if you plan on traveling extensively by public transportation, you can save money with a 12h/24h/36h or 72-hour "tourist travel card”.
The validity starts from the moment in which you validate the card for the first time.
With Travel Cards you’ll be able to use almost any vaporetto line in Venice for the duration of the card. Ask at the booth for a vaporetto map and the supported lines.

How does the whole thing work?
Along the canals are the vaporetto stops. You’ll see some landing docks (which is not the vaporetto itself) where you are supposed to wait for the next vaporetto to arrive.

Before entering the waiting area you are required to pass your ticket or travel card on some dedicated machine. Just tap your card on it, no need to punch it. The reader will show a green light and will show on the display the validity of your card (i.e. the expiry time/date).

Inside and outside the waiting area are some panels that will tell you which vaporetto is approaching and at what time is it supposed to arrive. If there is more than one landing, you’ll first need to identify the correct one, then board when the boat arrives.

You might also be requested by the conductor to show your ticket when onboard the vaporetto. Always make sure to validate your ticket before boarding the boat.

If you board at a stop that doesn't have a ticket office, approach the conductor immediately after boarding and ask for a ‘biglietto’ (ticket) otherwise you could be fined for traveling without a ticket.

How do I get from here to San Marco/Rialto/etc?

Again, you basically will have to identify by which vaporetto stops you are, which vaporetto line will get to your destination stop (most probably you’ll use line n.1) and the direction to your destination. The vaporetti have little signs on the front of the ships telling you which line they are and where they are going.
Once on the vaporetto the attendant will be announcing the approaching vaporetto stop name loudly before stopping, giving you enough time to prepare and get off. A schedule with specific times, stops, and direction is located at the entrance of each landing.

Enjoy Venice!

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Epiphany in Italian,   "La Festa dell'Epifania" on January 6th is as a significant holiday as  Christmas Day in Italy; especially for Italian children! According to the Italian legend, "La Befana", a witch-like woman riding on a broom, refused to join the Wise Men on their journey to see the baby Jesus. When she regrets her decision, she sets out to bring gifts to the Child but never finds him. Instead, she leaves gifts for other children. Italian children leave out their shoes or put up stockings for the "Befana" to fill them with presents on January 6^th. In honour of the Three Wise Men, Italians go to church and spend the day with family. Following the Epiphany, the long, festive Italian holiday season comes to a close. This beautiful site and glamour atmosphere is most lively and be witnessed in the largest square of Rome, Piazza Navona. You will see the Befana represented in many forms at the Christmas Market in Piazza Navona, and also during the Epiphany parade of colourful characters and floats leading up to the Vatican.

Try one of our many vacation rental apartments in Rome. The key to Italy.com is a specialist english-speaking apartment rental agency based in the center of Rome, and catering to English--speaking tourists from countries all over the world.

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Italy enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate of the Mediterranean coasts of Italy. It is at its most comfortable from April through June, and again from mid-September to October, which are also known as the "beautiful October days" for its sunny and warm days. By August, the temperature during the heat of the day often exceeds 32 °C (90 °F).

 

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