Stuff you don't find in guide books
In the 19th century, various states on the Italian peninsula united to become a single, new country. While some papal states merged with the others, the Vatican refused to be under the control of an earthly ruler. It even considered moving the seat of the Holy See to Malta.
Rome’s Spanish steps are an iconic image of the city. People have loitered on the stairs since the 16th century. Not everyone knows the reason behind the name. Why would it be the Spanish steps when it’s in Italy?
One early scholar of Kabbalah was a 13th century mystic called Abraham Abulafia. He had visions, tried to convince the Pope of his reasoning and lived in Malta.
But who was this strange troglodyte?
Architectural connections between cities are interesting because they show how influences affect architects visions. The connection alone tells a story about how something came to be. In this article I look into the connection between the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Prague and Rome’s twin churches in the Piazza del Popolo.
Ask anyone in Malta to direct you to the Mosta Dome and you’ll get immediate directions. Not all churches on the island are as well-knownRead More
In the days of the Roman Empire Gaius Octavius, Caesar’s adopted son, divided Rome into 14 subdivisions called Rione (Latin for region) which are synonymous with modern-dayRead More
Wherever you are in Europe, it is safe to say that you are no more than a stone’s throw away from the location of some key historical event. Rome is no different and while the ruins of the old Empire are obvious, there are many more recent stories to be told.
It was the first time I’d done this, sitting at a cafe, watching. Just watching. Not talking and letting my sight wander while trying to follow some conversationRead More
Imagine what life must have been like in Ancient Rome. The hustle and bustle of the metropolis of the city-state that ruled the known world must have been awe-inspiring to anyone, particularly a recently freed slave.
There are many considerations that come to mind when choosing a restaurant – location, style, quality, parking maybe – but I’ve never found myself inRead More