Take a Walk in Rome with the Washington Post

Giovanna dell'Orto, a former resident of Rome and well-known journalist, takes readers on a walk to her favorite (and mostly free) sights in Rome. She hits many of the Modern Traveler's favorite spots, like the Capitoline Hill, the Forum, the Pantheon, Tiber Island and Via del Governo Vecchio. Along the way she stops for pizza, gelato and pasta. She doesn't forget to stop at the Trevi Fountain to throw in her coins, ensuring that she will come back to Rome again.

Delfina Delettrez Fendi-Jewelry on the Via del Governo Vecchio

A new jewelry boutique has opened in Rome on the Via del Governo Vecchio. Where else would a fourth generation Fendi heir decide to sell her designs but on the most unique and eclectic shopping street in Rome? Delfina Delettrez Fendi, the daughter of Silvia Fendi, accessories designer for Fendi and Bernard Delettrez, the French jeweler, has created a modern line of jewelry inspired by Gothic themes: snakes and skulls in lots of enamel. Even if playful Goth is not your style, you should stop by and see the exquisitely designed store. The green jewel-box of a shop is located at 67 Via del Governo Vecchio.

Readers: Have you been to this store? What did you think of Delfina Fendi's jewelry?

Elle Magazine Interviews Designer Erin Bazos About Her Rome Favorites

Erin Bazos, a designer at the Hanger Design Group in New York City, was a long-time resident of Rome. The July issue of Elle Magazine (unfortunately not on-line) interviews her about her top spots in Rome for shopping, dining and living. Included in her recommendations are the Hotel Teatro Pace near Piazza Navona (pictured), avant garde clothing at Luna & L'altra (Piazza Pasquino 76 near Via del Governo Vecchio), and organic groceries and health foods at Albero del Pane (Via di. Santa Maria del Pianto, 19, in the Jewish Ghetto). Stay tuned for her restaurant recommendations.

More Hip Shopping on the Via del Governo Vecchio

Near Piazza Navona is a shopping district that many tourists do not visit-or at least, if they do, they are in the minority. The Romans themselves still very much possess the Via del Governo Vecchio. For all the best international designers, visit Josephine de Huertas and Co. (pictured), at three locations in the vicinity. Arsenale, opened ten years ago (64 Via del Governo Vecchio), is known for its unique silks and interesting embellishment. This year, Arsenale's designer, Patrizia Pieroni, is featuring bright colors and flower appliques reminiscent of the 1970s flower-child movement. For more on restaurants and hotels in this neighborhood, see a recent article in Travel and Leisure.

Readers: What's your favorite shopping district in Rome?

Via del Governo Vecchio-Hip Shopping near Piazza Navona

If you are not into the big-name designer shops around Piazza di Spagna and you are looking for a more avant-garde experience, take a stroll down Via del Governo Vecchio near the Piazza Navona. You'll find unique clothing stores from Italian and international designers, funky jewelry, trendy leather goods and even vintage apparel shops. You'll avoid the major crowds and certainly discover something entirely new. There are also a few restaurants and cafes with which you can restore yourself after the sensory overload that you'll experience. The famous Antico Caffe della Pace is just around the corner (head north on Via di Parione). Diverti te!