Egypt in Rome at the Castel Sant'Angelo

Until October 28 the Castel Sant'Angelo will host an exhibition linking two of the greatest civilizations of all time-Egypt and Rome. The exhibit focuses on the influence that Egypt and her artifacts had on the art, architecture and culture of the city of Rome. "L'Egitto a Roma dalla storia al mito" (Egypt to Rome through the story of myth) will shed light on the Egyptian obelisks and deities visible throughout Rome.

Tosca at the Teatro Flaiano

Giaccomo Puccini's most famous opera, Tosca, is now playing at the Teatro Flaiano near the Pantheon. Tosca, the main character for whom the opera is named, is a singer who commits a serious crime to save her lover. The opera culminates in a dramatic scene atop the Castel Sant'Angelo. Don't miss the opportunity to see this quintessential Roman opera while you are in Rome. In the past the opera has actually been performed on the Castel Sant'Angelo, so if you miss it at the Teatro Flaiano, you may get lucky and see it where Puccini imagined it!

Bernini and the Ponte Sant'Angelo

The bridge to the Castel Sant'Angelo (a.k.a. the Mausoleum of Hadrian) is no ordinary bridge. Pope Clement IX asked Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the famous sculptor, to design 10 statues of angels to line the bridge. From Bernini's designs, the pupils in his studio executed the sculptures in 1670. The angels tower over the sides of the bridge at a height of 15 feet. At the foot of each angel is an inscription in Latin. Pictured here is an angel with a lance by Domenico Guidi whose inscription reads: vulnerasti cor meum-"you have wounded my heart." The bridge, open to foot traffic only, was historically the route of pilgrims to St. Peter's. The original bridge was built in the 2nd century CE to provide access to Hadrian's tomb.

L'altro Mastai near Ponte Sant'Angelo

Tucked away on a tiny street near the bridge to the Castel Sant'Angelo on Via Giraud, 53, is a restaurant unlike the typical Roman trattoria. L'altro Mastai, opened four years ago, is innovative, unexpected, and truly a gourmet experience. The menu offers many interesting twists on Roman dishes such as hen soup with Jerusalem artichoke and braised veal with parsley sauce. There is always a tasting menu with wines to match. The wine list is extensive and offers selections from all over Italy and Europe in all price ranges. The chef often circulates around the dining room after the meal, so don't miss the opportunity to talk to him about your exquisite food. Reservations are necessary. According to Zagat, the restaurant will be moving to a new location in winter of 2008-Via delle Terme di Traiano, 4a, near the Colosseum.