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A Roman Holiday
A detailed guide to the romantic Italian city, through the lens of our creative team on set for Spring 2024.
The Eternal City, a city rich in history, culture and romanticism, serves as both the backdrop and inspiration for our Spring 2024 collection, Roma. With 70s inspired paisley and an exclusive hand-drawn print by English Italian artist, Chiara Perano, we pay tribute to the cobblestone streets and piazzas of the Italian city as well as its ancient architecture and early-century sculptures. As we travelled to Rome this past year to bring our campaign to life, our creative team shared their recommendations on where to stay, where to dine, where to enjoy an aperitivo hour, and amidst the plethora of attractions to choose from, where you should actually visit.
“Where to stay”
A luxury boutique hotel built by one of the Fendi sisters, Alda Fendi, that consists of several unique apartment-style rooms. Its interior has been remodelled by architect Jean Nouvel to be effortlessly chic with industrial-style rooms and minimalist decor. Here, you’ll also find the Rhinoceros Gallery, which houses an incredible exhibition space and art gallery with pieces from Pablo Picasso.
An urban oasis in the heart of the city, Chapter Roma is contemporary, classic and fitted with warm wooden flooring mixed with marbles, velvet fabrics and a range of local and international artworks and furniture.
A small luxury hotel with only 8 rooms, that occupies part of an 18th century noble residence. Martius Private Suites has retained the same original frescoed high ceilings but added deluxe accessories, a mix of antique and contemporary style furniture and new marble bathrooms.
This 5-star hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites designed by Richaed Meier and featuring an array of artworks, including Picasso ceramics and paintings by Mirò, Morandi and De Chirico.
A boutique hotel experience run by a local Italian family, Hotel Nerva Boutique is quaint, cosy and is reminiscent of a stylish townhouse, decorated in vines.
What was originally a 17th century residential building is now a stylish, modern apartment complex with architectural and design touches from the 1960s. Each apartment, whether it’s a studio or penthouse, is fitted with a private kitchenette and living space – perfect if you’re planning to travel with a family or group.
Designed to feel more like a high-class residence rather than your usual hotel, Le Quattro Dame is set inside a restored Roman residence and is fitted with fresh, contemporary features. It does, however, still include antique-style features like exposed wooden beams, French windows and Renaissance portraits.
Located in an ancient 18th-century building, Hotel Forum is less of a boutique-experience with a larger variety of room styles on offer, stunning city views and traditional Italian decor.
“Where to enjoy an aperitivo hour”
A rooftop bar with panoramic views of the historic city, but with a modern twist. Offering delicious cocktails, an expansive wine list, canapes and a light dinner menu, there’s really no better spot to watch the sun go down with an aperol spritz in hand.
A romantic-style rooftop bar with plush seating, floral arrangements and marble details, book into Oro for their signature cocktails and spritzes.
Known as one of Rome’s most popular bohemian-style hangouts, Bar San Calisto is an outdoor bistro and bar with cheap wine, beer and spritzes on tap. Always busy (so once you find a table, you’ll want to spend all afternoon there) you’ll be surrounded by locals playing cards and debating the latest soccer scores.
Even if you’re not planning to stay at the Fendi sister hotel, plan an afternoon visit to their gallery followed by drinks on their rooftop bar. With incredible views of the historic city and a cocktail list that’s made up of both classics and twists.
“Where to dine”
For a sticky and delicious cacio e pepe pasta with lots of black pepper and grated pecorino romano cheese, we found the very best one at Flavio al Velavevodetto.
While this restaurant sits just outside the city centre, it hits the spot for all the Italian and Roman classics – gnocchi on Thursday, fish on Fridays. The crowd is mostly locals who enjoy the low-maintenance interiors and splattering of tables that sit out on the street.
Mater Terrae Restaurant at Hotel Raphael
Mixing old world charm with new age sustainability, the Hotel Raphael Rooftop is a traditional-style terrace restaurant adorned in bougainvillaeas with 360 views of the city. Their menu is eco-luxe, offering only vegetarian dishes and organic produce. We’d recommend the La Focaccia col Formaggio (focaccia filled with cheese), Il Paradiso di Dante (fresh spaghetti with parmesan mousse and truffle butter), La Dolce Vita (eggplant parmigiana) and Tiramisù ai frutti rossi for dessert.
For a Julia Roberts-Eat Pray Love moment, Santa Lucia is a quiet restaurant and wine bar with a romantic ambience and outdoor terrace. Our pick for the night was the Paccheri All’amatriciana, a three-ingredient pasta with tomato, bacon and pecorino, and the aubergines antipasti.
Salumeria Roscioli Restaurant by Roscioli
Just as you wouldn’t skip steak and frites in Paris, you wouldn’t skip creamy, delicious carbonara in Rome. Roscioli’s dinner restaurant Salumeria Roscioli Restaurant is led by a team of skilfull Italian artisans who have perfected the traditional dish. Ristorante
A classic, hole-in-the-wall style pizzeria found on the cobblestone streets of Rome. Serving fresh pastas, woodfired pizzas and traditional Italian dishes, the Saltimbocca alla Romana is a must-try.
Vegetarians may need to stay home for this one, as this hip and buzzy restaurant has a short but curated menu of fried chicken, off-cuts and traditional meat pastas, like Amatriciana.
“Where to find a sweet treat”
Pasticceria by Roscioli While the Roscioli group is a favourite for its buttery-truffle pastas and wine lists, Rosciolo’s Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria is a must-visit for its coffee, pastries and sandwiches. We’d find ourselves too often ordering an espresso and Maritozzi.
This historical and antique gelateria pasticceria dates back to 1890 and is a favourite among locals and visitors for its authentic gelato and rich selection of flavours. They have two locations in Roma, but their Via Uffici del Vicario location is their original home and only a stone’s throw from the Pantheon.
A classic gelateria that’s beloved for its fruity, citrusy flavours as they craft their gelato with seasonal fruits and herbs. Their menu is ever-changing as they offer flavours based on the time of year, like their Amalfi Lemon, which is made from organic lemons from the Amalfi Coast and obviously served during the summer months.
“What to see”
Piazza di Spagna
Also known as the “Spanish Square,” the Piazza di Spagna sits at the foot of the Spanish Steps and is home to the Baroque-style fountain, Fontana della Barcaccia. While it might be streaming with tourists all year round, it’s worth a visit even just for a quick picture on the world-renowned steps.
Piazza Navona
Widely considered one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy, the Piazza Navona is littered with Baroque masterpieces by Bernini and Borromini (both Italian architects) and some of the world’s most famous fountains, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Fountain of Neptune.
Piazza della Rotonda
The square outside the Pantheon, the Piazza della Rotonda offers an incredible look at the former Roman temple and Catholic Church, and is surrounded by buzzy cafes, restaurants and gelaterias.
Piazza di Trevi
Synonymous with the Trevi Fountain, the Piazza di Trevi is perhaps one of the most iconic locations in Rome (and Italy to visit). You can stop by for 5 minutes for a photo op and make a wish by throwing a coin into the fountain, or you can enjoy a spritz nearby at one of their many bars, restaurants and cafes.
Colosseum
What once hosted gladiatorial games has remained the world’s largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, despite its age as it was completed in 80 AD. Even if you’re not planning to purchase tickets to tour inside, you can walk right up to it any day and at any time.
Borghese Gallery and Villa Borghese Gardens
One of the most famous art galleries in the world, the Borghese Gallery is set inside an incredible palace designed in 1613 and plays home to some of the most beloved pieces of work – paintings by Caravaggio and Raphael and the Neptune by Bernini statue. The Villa Borghese Gardens which sit outside the gallery are also a tourist attraction in their own right as they’re free of charge and the perfect place to explore or even enjoy a picnic.
Museo Nazionale Romano
While The National Roman Museum has several different locations across Rome, the original is set in a monastery known as ‘Santa Maria degli Angeli’ near the Baths of Diocleziano and hosts an incredible display of classical art, sculptures, mosaics and jewellery including a Roman sculptural work that dates back to the 3rd century.
Capitoline Museums
A group of art and archaeological museums in the Piazza del Campidoglio, atop of the Capitoline Hill, that display some of the most impressive sculptures and statues in the world. Immerse yourself in Roman culture by exploring the famous colossal statue of Constantine and the Bust of Medusa.
“Where to go”
Appreciate the architecture in Monti
If you’re hoping to take a step back and enjoy the more low-key side of Rome, spend some time wandering around Monti, a neighbourhood that borders onto the Colosseum. Here, you can appreciate mediaeval buildings covered in ivy, grand 18th-century palazzos, bespoke boutiques and quaint coloured houses. Some of our favourite streets include Via Panisperna, Salita del Grillo, Piazza degli Zingari and Via del Boschetto.
Go designer window shopping on Via Condotti
Just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps, you’ll discover Rome’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue with flagship stores from luxury and Italian designers.
Visit Campo de’ Fiori
A square, located south of the Piazza Navona, that’s famous for its daily outdoor markets (with the exception of Sundays). Peruse their offerings of flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and fresh produce. Come later in the day and locals and tourists will be spotted drinking in nearby bars and restaurants and on terrace balconies.
Walk up Janiculum Hill
Often known as the ‘Balcony of Rome,’ Janiculum Hill not only has panoramic views of the city, but it’s a scenic walk that takes about 20 minutes and is dotted with historic monuments to Garibaldi along the way.
“Where to go vintage shopping”
Borghetto Flaminio Flea Market
Open on Sundays from 10am to 7pm, at this upmarket yet funky flea market you can find everything from pre-loved designer goods to antiques, jewellery and accessories.
For eclectic, colourful designer gems, the best spot is Twice Vintage (which is also a favourite of Zendaya’s). You’ll find everything from 70s-inspired sunglasses to faux fur coats, moto jackets and Mary Janes.
Specialising in designer bags, leather accessories and luggage, you’ll find everything from vintage Hermès scarves to YSL carry-alls.
An absolute go-to for perfectly worn-in Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags and vintage jewellery. Peruse their Instagram account for a taste of what you might find.
With two different locations in Rome, Pifebo is a go-to for menswear pieces (or oversized womenswear looks), specifically vintage jerseys, shackets, bombers and pullover sweaters.
Humana offers a fun mix of high and low brands, from second-hand 90s athleisure to vintage tees and denim pieces.
For classic, tailored pieces visit Blue Goose who sell pre-loved luxury designer goods like Gucci wrap dresses and sweaters, Moschino coats and Sartore Paris riding boots.
An independent bookstore that not only hosts a series of readings and events but offers second-hand books in Italian, English, French and German. There’s everything from Shakespeare to travel coffee table books and custom tote bags.