Eyes on Storytelling

Summer Snow

Snow in Rome is a rare sight that happens about every 20 years. But, once it snowed in the middle of summer! "I saw the snow! I saw the snow! Tonight it was so hot and I could not get any sleep!I went out to breathe some fresh air and I saw a frozen miracle!" said one of ...

Eyes on Storytelling

The origins of St. Valentine’s day

During Roman times, there were 3 days, corresponding to our February 13th, 14th, & 15th, when it was time to celebrate Faunus, better known in Rome as Lupercus. He was the God who protected the forests, the countryside and the flocks of sheep and goats, especially from wolf attacks. We...

Eyes on Storytelling

Curiosities of the Massimo Family

The noble House of Massimo is historically one of the great aristocratic families of Rome, renowned for its influence on the politics, the church and the artistic heritage of the city. The picture above is one of the many curiosities of Rome, located very close to Piazza Navona. You're looking at ...

Eyes on Storytelling

Mystery in an Ancient Mosaic

The presence of the pineapple has baffled historians for centuries as it wasn’t brought to Europe until the time of Christopher Columbus. Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, close to Termini train station in Rome, houses one of the world's most important collections of Classical art. On ...

Eyes on Italy

When in Rome

Rome's local secrets finally uncovered! When you come to Rome you definitely have to visit a number of must-see places among unique archeological sites, memorable museums and the most-scenic squares. But once you are done with that, what else can you do to go back home with the authentic flavor of ...

Eyes on Storytelling

How the Romans tricked the gods

In Ancient Rome there was a special order of high priests called Fetiales in charge of the relationships between Rome and its neighbors. These priests had another important task. They also linked the Romans to their divinities. In fact, the relationships, friendly or belligerent, between people ha ...

Eyes on Storytelling

Discovering the Fountain of the Four Rivers

The fountain of the Four Rivers by the Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini is one of the most spectacular fountains in the world. HISTORY In order to celebrate the Jubilee of the year 1650 and to celebrate the papal family, Pope Innocent X Pamphjli decided to adorn the wonderful Piazza Navona, whi ...

Eyes on Italy

Rome in the Movies

“Rome does not need to make culture. It is culture”Federico Fellini Rome is a world-famous capital of cinema and many famous movies were shot or set in the Eternal City. Rome’s monuments, squares and churches have been transformed into wonderful film sets by the greatest directors in th ...

Eyes on Storytelling

Feasting Roman Style

At a Roman feast, lavish foods like roasted peacock and ostriches were essential components of the cuisine of the upper class. Eating habits in Ancient Rome were significantly different from the eating habits of current Romans. These differences can be attributed to differences in lifestyle and dai ...