May 15 Angels and Demons

Set almost entirely in Rome, the movie based on Dan Brown’s book, Angels and Demons, will premier on May 15th. Word is that the moviemakers (including director Ron Howard) were banned from filming in any churches in Italy because the last Dan Brown film, The Da Vinci Code, portrayed the Catholic church in such a negative light. But apparently some shots of the Vatican will make it on the big screen-thanks to secret cameras! If you didn’t see the trailer on SuperBowl Sunday, watch it here.

Ristorante L'Arcangelo in the Prati

The Prati district near the Vatican is becoming one of Rome's most interesting neighborhoods when it comes to food. Bibenda magazine, Italy's premier wine publication, recently rated Ristorante l'Arcangelo one of Rome's best restaurants for 2009. On the menu you will find quite a bit of seafood (if you like anchovies, there are several options for you!) and an entire section devoted to foie gras. There is even a price fixe menu of Roman specialties. Throughout the menu you have the option to order half portions for a reduced price. What a novel idea! Don't miss the wine list offering many options under 20 Euros.

Vatican Catholic-Muslim Talks End On Promising Note

A three day summit at the Vatican between Christian and Muslim leaders ended last night with a joint declaration of cooperation and intention between the two religions. After the Pope's comments in 2006 about Muslims and the violent protests over Danish cartoons depicting Muhammad, this summit was long overdue and much welcomed. There was even discussion of forming a Muslim-Catholic crisis management committee for conflict resolution. Perhaps the recent outcome of the U.S. election has inspired a few world leaders?

The Via Giulia is 500

One of Rome's most elegant streets, the Via Giulia, is celebrating its 500th birthday this summer. The street, built by Pope Julius II, was originally part of a building program around the Vatican. The street runs almost parallel to the Tiber River for a spell, but does not have the traffic of the Lungotevere, the thoroughfare which brings traffic north along the river. The Via Giulia is lined with churches and palazzos-one even belonging to the Medici family. Many of these churches and palazzos, usually closed to the public, will open this summer in celebration of the quincentenary. See the website devoted to the events (unfortunately only in Italian) or read more about the sights on the Via Giulia in a recent New York Times article.

Orange Hotel in Rome: 139 Euros

Tablet Hotels is offering a great deal. Through August 3rd you can stay at the Orange Hotel, located between the Vatican and the Castel Sant'Angelo, for 139 Euros a night. The Orange Hotel is not at all traditional-it's hip, trendy, contemporary and cheap! The location can't be beat if you are intending to visit Vatican City. The best part? From the roofdeck you'll be able to enjoy cocktails and the sunset over the dome of St. Peter's.

Rome at Night

Ian Fisher, the chief of the New York Times bureau in Rome, has a wonderful article on the attractions of the Eternal City at night. He suggests after-hours Vatican tours, outdoor musical performances, restaurants with a view of the ruins, and must-see piazzas and fountains illuminated at night. The Modern Traveler has always been a firm advocate of Rome after dark, especially in the warmer months. There truly is something magical about the gentle summer air and the golden glow of the light in the piazzas.

Long Lines at the Vatican Museums-What can you do about it?

A visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters is essential for any first-time (or fifth-time) visitor to Rome. Unfortunately, the line to get into the Vatican Museums is notoriously long-2 hours is not an unusual wait time. There are a few things you can do.
If you are willing to pay extra for a guided tour:
1. You can ask your hotel concierge to recommend a tour company and guide to take you in. For a premium you will be able to avoid the line and you'll have the added benefit of an expert's explanations of the sometimes poorly marked galleries.
2.You can fax the Vatican tour office at least two weeks ahead of time to request a guided tour. Guided tours for individuals cost 23.50 Euros and must be confirmed by fax from the Vatican to be considered valid. See the Vatican's website for instructions.
If you don't want to work with a guide, you can brave the queue. Two suggestions:
1. Arrive an hour before the opening time (10:00 most days, but check the Vatican Museums website to make sure). There will be a line and you'll have to wait for an hour, but you won't have to wait long after the museum has opened and you will have the added benefit of getting to the galleries and the Sistine Chapel before they get too crowded.
2. Visit St. Peter's first and then at around 1:00 try the Museums. Depending on the day, most of the larger groups will have finished their tours and taken off for lunch, leaving a short line for entrance and galleries less crowded.
Remember that weekends, holiday seasons (especially Christmas and Easter), and summer months are always the busiest. And try to avoid the "Free Sundays" that occur at the end of each month. Mama mia, you've never seen such crowds!

Christmas in Rome

Winter can be an exciting time to visit Rome, especially during the holidays. The Italians celebrate Christmas in grand style, with decorations (see St. Peter's pictured) and food (especially sweets like biscotti and torrone) unique to the season. Watch out for crowds, however, as all of Italy seems to descend on Rome during this time -and decide to fare un passagiata (take a walk) through the city all at once. Piazza Navona even hosts a special Christmas Market, complete with Santa Claus, a Nativity, and special stalls selling holiday goods. However, shopping thoughout the city can be unpredictable as many shopowners close down between Christmas and New Year's.