Welcome fellow Italophiles. If you have a passion for visiting and learning about ITALY, a county rich in history, culture, natural splendor and gastronomic delights, In Love With Italy™ is for you! It’s an additional service we hope our friends and visitors will enjoy. List of all In Love With Italy™ editions and credits appear at the bottom of this page.
 Did you know?
Why the Rubicon River is so famous and where it’s located? The Rubicon (Rubico or Rubicone in Italian) is a tiny river with vast historical importance. At the height of the Roman Empire, it flowed between Ariminum and Caesena into the Adriatic Sea. Today it runs from the Pisciatello to Fiumicino rivers Northwest of San Marino into the Mare Adriatico—Adriatic Sea. The Rubicon was renowned because law prevented generals from crossing it with an army to protect the Roman Republic from invasion. In pursuit of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey), Julius Cesar crossed the Rubicon on 10 January 49 BC and made history by coining the phrase: “The die is cast" or “Alea iacta est” in Latin.“ Crossing the Rubicon” is a phrase used today to caution someone from committing themselves permanently to a perilous action.
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Famous Italian:
Francesco Totti is one of Italy’s most successful and popular soccer players, captain and #10 on the A.S. Roma soccer team. A talented soccer player at an early age, Totti joined A.S. Roma at the age of 16. Born 27 September 1976 in Rome to Enzo and Fiorella, Totti has been the star of A.S. Roma since 1992 and is a fierce adversary on the Italian National soccer team as well. Francesco hit a career-high in 2003-2004 with 20 goals. Pelé calls Totti one of the greatest footballers. He authored a best-selling book of jokes “Tutte le Barzellette su Totti” (book cover to the left) and the profits go to support UNICEF for which he serves as a goodwill ambassador. Rome’s star likes to talk about his blessings: “What I can say is that I really believe in God. If only I look around and I see how many people of my age just struggle without a job, I realize how happy I am and I try to do my best to deserve such a fortune”. |
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New phrase:
"Paesi che vai, usanza che trovi” means when in Rome, do as the Romans do (Literally: The country you visit, the customs you find). The more literal phrase in Italian using specific references to Rome and Romans: Quando siamo a Roma, faciamo come i Romani: When in Rome do as the Romans do. The phrase is advice St. Ambrose gave to St. Augustine.
Place to visit
 Rome - the Eternal City, is a metropolis which emanates vitality and is quite simply one of the most remarkable places in the world. Roma, where most visitors start their journeys in Italy, is a city without peers—unequalled in history, art, beauty, famous venues, world-class hotels and restaurants. It is both ancient and timeless. “There is no better place than Rome,” said Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Roma was founded in the year 753 B.C. and every 21st of April there’s a huge festa in Rome to celebrate. Rome is one of the top  travel destinations in the world and millions flock here every year. The highest number of pilgrims traveled to Rome in 2000 to usher in the Jubilee and the third Millennium. One could spend a lifetime in Rome alone and not absorb all of its culture and history. The symbol of Rome used for centuries includes the letters SPQR on a shield which stands for “The Senate and People of Rome.” Ancient Rome made lasting contributions to the world through it’s Roman law, foundation for a democratic form of government, art, theat re, religion, philosophy, math, science, architecture (enormous roads, bridges, baths and aqueducts) that endure to this day. For 2,758 years Roma has served as the seat of ancient Rome, the Roman Kingdom, Roman Republic, Roman Empire, the Papal States, Kingdom of Italy and now the Italian Republic. Here are just a few of Rome’s most famous sons and daughters: Julius Caesar, Marc Anthony, Augustus, Livia, Pliny the Elder and Younger, Seneca, Cicero, Trajan, Julia Domna, Constantine the Great who unified Europe and made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in 313, St. Helena, Constantine’s beloved mother; Federico Fellini and Giulietta Masina, Domenico Modugno, Francesco Totti, Enrico Fermi, Gina Lollobrigida, Anthony Sabato, Jr., Gregorio Allegri, Maria Rosa Coccia and Francesco Petrarch. Must-see sites are St. Peter’s Basilica, built over the tomb of San Pietro – Saint Peter. Largest church in the world with masterpieces  such as Michelangelo’s “La Pieta” and Bernini’s “Gloria” as well as tombs of the Popes. Walk to the top of the massive cupola for spectacular views of Rome. Vatican Museum which preserves some of the world’s most inspiring art collections including Michelangelo’s Creation of Mankind in the Sistine Chapel and many of Raffaello’s greatest works. The Colosseum built by Emperor Vespasian in 80 AD (It could seat 55,000 people. When it was partially destroyed, slabs of the travertine marble from the Colosseum were used to build St. Peter’s), Roman Forum, The Pantheon, Vittorio Emmanuele II Monument,  Trevi Fountain (Throwing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain is the tradition), Spanish Steps near some of Rome’s exclusive shops. Walk the Via Veneto (Named after Vittorio Veneto, it opened in 1889 and is one of Rome’s most celebrated avenues immortalized in Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita”) for some of Rome’s most elegant shopping and best restaurants. Close to the charming Villa Borghese Park. For a patriotic and impressive performance, don’t miss the changing of the guard at the Italian Presidential Palace - Il Quirinale. Roma is a splendid and overwhelming feast for the eyes, palate and soul! There are hundreds of historically significant churches in Rome. Enjoy a drink and piano music in the lobby of the Cavalieri Hilton, situated on one of Rome’s seven hills. While on one of Rome’s seven plateaus, Marie-Henri Stendhal said, “From the table I am writing at I can see three quarters of Rome; and before me on the other side of the city the Dome of St. Peter’s soars majestically….Nothing on earth can compare to  this…” La Pergola, one of Italy’s highest rated restaurants, is on the Cavalieri Hilton’s roof garden and provides one of the best views of  the Eternal City. Roman food connoisseurs hail La Pergola. It is perched high on Monte Mario, one of Rome’s seven hills. The setting is elegant and the Italian haute cuisine superb. For over ten years the talented Heinz Beck has been delighting those who are fortunate to dine at his renowned restaurant. Michelin bestows five red forks and two stars to La Pergola and adds, “Luxurious but refined elegance, impeccable service, wide and evocative views over the Eternal City of Rome: a dinner in this roof top restaurant is a really unique experience.” Via A. Cadlolo 101, Roma 00136. Hotel: 06.35092031. La Pergola: 06.35092055. http://www.cavalieri-hilton.it/indexx.html Vecchia Roma is another favorite restaurant. Specialties include pastas and risottos which are prepared to perfection such as the linguine alla marinara with calamari and risotto with red cabbage and frutta di mare -- "fruit of the sea”, lamb and spigola-- white fish. Owned by Giuseppe Pallatino. Michelin two forks. Located nea r Campo De’Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto at Via della Tribuna di Campitelli 18, Roma. Telephone 06. 6864604. Closed Wednesdays and for two weeks in August. When in Rome, do as the R omans do. When you’re here it seems clear why poets and songwriters have called this the capital of the world. “Here was Rome indeed at last; and such a Rome as no one can imagine in its full grandeur,” said Charles Dickens.
 Restaurant
Il Matriciano. This bustling and warm ristorante, with their time-honored Italian specialties, has garnered a loyal following among locals. The signature dish is the matriciana (pasta alla pomodoro sauce simmered with pancetta-bacon and basilico). Homemade cheese ravioli melt in your mouth. Outstanding tagliata (grilled filet with olive oil and rosemary), scaloppa alla valdostana (chicken sautéed with ham and mushrooms in a cream sauce) and delectable abbacchio (suckling lamb) al forno. Divino crème brule, zabaione and tiramisu for dessert and fresh figs during the summer. Excellent wine list. Less than a ten minute walk from the Vatican Museum’s entrance. It’s one of the favorites of Vatican officials and Pope Benedict XVI (Benedetto Sedicesimo) ate here often when he was a Cardinal. Owner Alberto Colasanti has attracted some of Rome’s best chefs and waiters Mario, Stefano, Giuseppe and Alessandro have been providing friendly, attentive service for years. Alfresco dining during the spring and summer. Closed 5-31 August and Wednesdays May-September. Via dei Gracchi 55 located 3-4 blocks from entrance to Vaticano Museo at intersection of Via Silla & Via dei Gracchi. Telephone: 06.3213040 or 06.3212327.
 Hotel
Hotel Nova Domus **** Considered one of the best hotels in Rome and reasonably priced for a four star property. Located in the city center the Hotel Nova Domus is within walking distance to the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Square, Trastevere and an elegant shopping district. Rooms with balconies and views of St. Peter’s cost a little more but are worth it. General manager Carlo Izzo and his staff make this a comfortable home away from home in the Eternal City. Outstanding meals served in their restaurant and patio dining available. Via Girolamo Savonarola 38, Rome 00195. Telephone: 06.399511 FAX: 06.39731470 info@novadomushotel.it | http://www.novadomushotel.it/ The Dong Feng Ristorante Cinese, across the street from the hotel, prepares some of the most authentic Chinese food in Rome. Wang, Monica and their families from China who own and run this great restaurant provide excellent service. Circ.ne Trionfale 38-44 (Ple. Clodio – Ple. Degli Eroi) Telephone 06.39746769.
Winery 
Conte Zandotti. Roma. Conte Enrico Massimo Zandotti has now passed the reins over to his son Conte Leone Massimo Zandotti who brings continuing impetus for innovation while remaining true to tradition. With valuable help from oenologist Marco Ciarla, he has embarked on a replanting program in the family vineyards. Production is now around 500,000 bottles a year, many of these destined for export markets, but all of them with a clear stamp of the family’s committed approach. In 1734, Marchioness Pentini, ancestor of Count Zandotti, bought from the Cesi Princes the property which is now the vineyard. It came by testamentary succession to Cardinal Pentini, a keen agriculturist and great uncle of Conte Zandotti.
Wine
Malvasia del Lazio Rumon 2003. Due bichiere or two glasses. “The Malvasia Rumon scored highly, the 2003 showing eloquence and character with a nose redolent of spring flowers, apple and bread crusts and a palate of good harmony, elegance and length, “ says Gambero Rosso, the world’s leading guide of Italian wines for over 18 years
“Italian Wines 2005”, Gambero Rosso and Slow Food Editore, page 715
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© 2004-2006 Sette Angeli “Seven Angels”, LLC. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Le parole “Sette Angeli-Seven Angels” ed il disegno associato sono marchi di Sette Angeli "Seven Angels”, LLC. Le parole “In Love With Italy” ed il disegno associato sono marchi di Sette Angeli "Seven Angels”, LLC.
In Love With Italy™ - List of All Editions:
- Vol VII, No. 1
- Vol VII, No. 2
- Vol VII, No. 3
- Vol VII, No. 4
- Vol VII, No. 5
- Vol VII, No. 6
- Vol VII, No. 7
- Vol VII, No. 8
- Vol VII, No. 9
- Vol VII, No. 10
- Vol VII, No. 11
- Vol VII, No. 12
- Vol VII, No. 13
- Vol VII, No. 14
- Vol VII, No. 15
- Vol VII, No. 16
- Vol VII, No. 17
- Vol VII, No. 18
- Vol VII, No. 19
- Vol VII, No. 20: In Heaven with SEVEN and Seven Angels
- Vol VII, No. 21: The Heavenly Angels - Sette Angeli - Seven Angels
In Love With Italy™ Index >>
In Love With Italy™ Directory >>
Vol. VII № 15 Source Notes and Credits
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The Rubicon – Il Rubico o Rubicone – Julius Caesar
- Francesco Totti
- Paesi che vai, usanza che trovi -When in Rome, do as the Romans do - Quando siamo a Roma, faciamo come i Romani
- Rome – Roma - Cavalieri Hilton – La Pergola – Vecchia Roma
- Ristorante Il Matriciano
- Hotel Nova Domus – Dong Feng Ristorante Cinese
- Conte Zandotti – Malvasia del Lazio Rumon 2003
The Rubicon – Il Rubico o Rubicone – Julius Caesar
Francesco Totti
Paesi che vai, usanza che trovi -When in Rome, do as the Romans do - Quando siamo a Roma, faciamo come i Romani
Rome – Roma
Ristorante Il Matriciano
Hotel Nova Domus
Conte Zandotti – Malvasia del Lazio Rumon 2003
- “Italian Wines 2005”, Gambero Rosso & Slow Food Editore. Editors Daniele Cernilli & Gigi Piumatti. Roma, 2005. page 715.
- Conte Zandotti – Malvasia del Lazio Rumon 2003: Conte Zandotti: http://www.cantinecontezandotti.it/
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