Rome with Alessandra

23/04/2025

The Sistine Chapel will be closed for the Conclave from April 28th.
The Vatican Museums will be open regularly.
It'll take a few days to prepare the Chapel for the Conclave then the voting will begin ( May 5th possibly?)
It is not my first papal election in 30 years of career but I have to admit that it is always excting to be in a place where history is being made.

22/04/2025

14/02/2025

A special visit for guides to promote the Vatican Observatory.
The Specola Vatican is one of the oldest observatories dating back to the end of the 16th century.
The observatory is located outside of Rome, in Castelgandolfo where the summer residence of the Popes is.
The Papal palace of Castelgandolfo is also open for visitors.

10/02/2025

A day out in Abruzzo visiting castles.

06/02/2025

I was in St Peter's today to see what is the new Jubilee itinerary like for visiting the basilica: a little confusing I'd say but they are still making changes to adjust it. Few visitors, no huge crowds yet.
I reached the square, in a few minutes I passed the security checks and I was inside the basilica really quickly using the main central door.
And the Holy Door? After visiting the basilica I had to walk back in the portico where I got in and only so I could walk through the Holy Door and that implies you are back inside the basilica once more. Once I walked through the Holy Door I could also see Michelangelo's Pietà.
So if you are planning to visit Rome during the Jubilee 2025 consider that some things could change again from now. March is supposed to be the real test for the Jubilee. It is rather complicated even for us insiders. So if you plan to visit Rome this year be patient and happy anyway because you are having nonetheless a great experience and opportunity!
Enjoy my photos!

24/01/2025

Gloomy January today felt like May with sun and temperatures around 18 degrees so it was a treat to have lunch by the sea at Fiumicino with some of my favorite seafood.
Rome's closest seaside locations are far from perfect and idyllic but a good way to enjoy some sea views, sun and breeze.
Besides they are easy to reach by car or trains.

17/01/2025

A morning at the Capitoline Museums. Extensive art collection in magnificent and elegant buildings.
Mostly ancient art but a Pinacoteca (Painting gallery) as well. One of my favorite museums in Rome.

17/01/2025

January in Rome

31/12/2024

Happy New Year to all my friends and followers! ✨✨✨

29/12/2024

Sulmona's main square beautifully framed by snow capped mountains.
I had a great meal with the kids then I tried unsuccessfully to convince them to have a ride on the ferris wheel.
Maybe tomorrow... 😄

28/12/2024

A short family holiday in my beloved Abruzzo.
Plenty of snow!
We hadn't got snow at Christmas for a while

24/12/2024

Ready for Christmas' Eve dinner. 🌲

24/12/2024

Happy Holidays
Buone Feste
Buon Natale
Merry Christmas

Wishing peace and love to all. 🌲♥️🌲

10/12/2024

Finishing touches in St Peter's Basilica where everything is nearly ready for the Jubilee.

17/11/2024

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Curiosità: dimensioni dell'Italia rispetto alla California

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Popolazione: 39 512 223
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07/11/2024

At last St Peter's canopy restoration is over.
The gold shines as in the past.

05/11/2024

Good morning