As you may have guessed, my name Folcarelli is Italian. The name originates from my husband Claudio, whom I have known for more than 30 years now!Over the years it has turned into many trips to Italy. Especially to Rome, where our family live.
I have just returned from beautiful September days in the eternal city. And I want to share some of my favorite spots with you. Small hide-aways located a little away from the well-known tourist attractions, the large crowds and the hectic traffic. Places where I love to stroll around, hang out, and find peace and inspiration.
Are you planning a trip to Rome? Then take a look below…
A GARDEN FOR QUIET RELAXATION
Rome's botanical garden Orto Botanico is located as a quiet green oasis in the neighborhood of Trastevere. A fantastic hide-away, whether you are a plant nerd or not. A very beautiful, poetic, and peaceful garden, which is not overcrowded. Here, I love walking around, discovering new plants and motifs.
A STREET FOR SHOPPING & INSPIRATION
Campo de Fiori is one of Rome's well-known squares and tourist attractions. If you are in the square, take a walk down the small, narrow street Via del Pellegrino. Here you will find a wonderful mix of small workshops, artisans, galleries, restaurants and bars. The basket shop Guincart is always worth a visit. Here you can buy handmade baskets created in the workshop, where as many as 3 generations are active basket makers.
The street recently got its own Instagram profile, where you can follow what is going on.
In one of the side streets - Via del Pavone - a new little bakery and cafe has popped up. Here, the two women Flamina and Sara work with interior design, artistic bread and cakes. See more here:
A NEIGHBORHOOD TO HANG OUT IN
We often stay in the Pigneto neighborhood a little outside the city center. A formerly very run-down district that has now been given a boost. During the day it is very quiet, but in the evening the neighborhood wakes up with lots of restaurants, lively bars and music. Pigneto has become a haunt and popular spot for artists, creatives and alternative types. The district is also known for its many murals and street art.
My favorite place is Necci dal 1924, where we often have our morning coffee in the courtyard. On warm evenings, the garden in the Rosti al Pigneto restaurant is a great place to cool down. And at Pinseria Romana Pigneto, you can get a fantastic Pinsa - a rustic Roman pizza.
A PLACE FOR MODERN ART
If you've had enough of ruins, monuments and ancient relics, then take a trip to the MAXXI museum. Here you will find changing exhibitions with modern art, events, talks, and films. The masterpiece of a building was designed by architect Zaha Hadid and completed in 2009. Just walking around this architectural gem is a delightful experience.
ITALIAN ATMOSPHERE FOR YOUR WALL
If you, like me, are in love with Rome and Italy, then take a look at my Architecture collection. I have created prints of floor plans from ancient Italian churches and iconic buildings that have always fascinated me. I think the geometric structures and patterns create a beautiful contrast to soft botanical and organic forms.
The prints are limited edition and they are all numbered and signed.