During one of my countless wanderings through Rome, I once met an old man who told me about his youthful days in the city. He said he was originally from Venice, but had lived in Rome since he was 13. I asked him if he missed his hometown. He looked at me with a serious expression and said, "How can I not miss it? Venice is the most beautiful city in Italy. But Rome is the most beautiful city in the world!" Then he smiled. He passed this phrase on to me, and to this day, the old man is still right.
As for me, I also come from the north of Italy, specifically from the German-speaking part next to the breathtaking Dolomites. Like many, I got to know Rome through films. I wandered through the Rome of the 1950s with Marcello, rode a motorbike with Princess Ann, took on a different identity with Mr. Ripley, fought with Maximus in the Colosseum, and raced through the twisted alleys with Robert Langdon.
I was so enchanted by the city that I decided to stay. As we all know, all roads lead to Rome, right? I wanted to soak up the beauty of Rome, preserve it, and nurture it. The best way to discover it was through its history and art. I studied art history in the most suitable city for it on the planet. This time, I built palazzi and churches with Borromini and Bernini, painted light and dark with Caravaggio, and met Michelangelo and Raffaello in the Vatican.
I want you to experience this fascinating Rome, too! Let yourself be carried away, not only by the countless treasures of the city, but also by its numerous cultural phenomena, and you will see that everything is connected. Together, we will absorb the spirit of the city, capture the so-called eternal gaze, and ultimately become the eyes of Rome.
