roma: epoche e stili

This image really encapsulates the essence of Rome. A wild juxtaposition of layers, eras, and styles.
In the foreground, the Renaissance classicism of Michelangelo's Campidoglio; behind it, the stark Romanesque/Gothic lines and ogives of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli; beyond that, the neoclassic 20th century Monument to Victor Emanuel, inaugurated in 1911, completed in the 30's and added with a panoramic elevator in 2007.

pigneto_1

Pigneto is the "it" contemporary culture neighborhood. I like the relaxed vibe, the rainbow of cultures that populate its humble perpendicular alleys and wide tree-lined streets, the shabby-chic bars and edgy boutiques that sit adjacent to the old corner shops that still sell buttons and zippers to local housewives. To spend a lazy day at Necci, window shop at the Iossieliani flagship store, or just for the great restaurants and wine bars, I take numerous buses and cross the train tracks into the gritty pedestrian-only Via del Pigneto, and stroll in the footsteps of Anna Magnani and Franco Citti, in the original filming location of Pasolini's Accattone and Rossellini's Roma Città Aperta.

turisti

Rome is still flooded with tourists. Despite the heat, school calendar, and worldwide economic crisis, people still travel to the Eternal City, and flock to the Colosseum.
I'm obsessed with the Flavian Amphitheater these days, I'm drawn to it and can't avoid shooting it from all angles. I promise to stop. Really.

biscotti

My favorite biscotti... The ones I grew up with. I like to bake my own now, but I'm never out of these popular Italian brands. Whether dunked in a bowl of morning caffelatte, crumbled over gelato, dipped in bitter coffee as a spongy base for tiramisu, or simply to soothe a broken heart, these three friends have constituted reliable comfort over the years.
I love cookies, don't you?

via della conciliazione

This month's Theme in the City Daily Photo community is PERSPECTIVE.
In this photo the light rays contribute to leading to the focal point at the end of the vast Via della Conciliazione.