Lucci Hotel Rome Blog

Our Blogger: Rhodora

It’s winter time!! But in Rome, its very difficult to get any snow, so during your stay in the eternal city, if you want to spend a day practicing some winter sports, here are some suggestions of good places to visit in the neighbourhood:

Terminillo Mountain, with its considerable natural beauty, combined with modern hotel facilities and sports activities, it is one of the most prestigious tourists spots.

Terminillo mountain, belongs to the group of Monti Reatini Appennino Abruzzese, located 20 km from Rieti and 100 km from Rome. Its highest peak is 2217.13 m. Its a ski resort, with eight lifts spread between 1500 and 2108 meters, 40 km of trails for the fans of the ski sport and 20 km of Paths dedicated to Nordic skiing. It’s connected with Rieti road through 4a of Terminillo.

MONTE Livata (ROME) Monte Livata is a ski resort situated in the province of Rome, which is 78 kilometres from it. Here there are three lifts serving nine courses suitable primarily for skiers of intermediate level, with few exceptions, such as the black track Nordica, served by skilift Monna dell’Orso. Recently a snow park was set up in the area Fossa dell’Acero. Mount Livata is also an important canter for cross-country skiing: in fact there are four courses of 5, 8, 10 and 15 kilometres that have hosted major national events in the past.

Campocatino (FROSINONE) The basin of karstic Campocatino, located at 1,800 meters altitude, is in a good position between the Ernici mountains and the Cantari mountains. The Access is by Guarcino (km. 18.5) along a panoramic road on the bends. Situated 39 km. from Frosinone, 98 from Rome, 165 from Naples.

The ski slopes are located on different sides of the basin and include a range ski lift and 10 km of track of different difficulty (blue, red and black) ideal for beginners but also for experts.

So head to Yes Hotel in Rome this winter for a relaxing stay while you prepare to hit he slopes.

Our Blogger: Diana

Food, art and design were the ingredients of Gustovagando, a tasteful event which took place at Macro Future from December 27th 2008 till January 6th 2009. Christmas was still in the air and the cheerful and cosy atmosphere of this festivity was re-created through an imaginary apartment including a kitchen, a dining-room and a living room. 

Every day one region of central Italy was welcomed as a guest to present their traditional culinary delights. It was a great chance for producers, who actively took part in the exhibition, to promote their products through seminaries and tasting.

Food lessons were organised during the afternoon, where high level chefs proposed the main Christmas dishes. Thinking of a place to stay in Rome? Try Lucci Hotel, it’s smack bang in the centre!

MACRO FUTURE

Piazza Orazio Giustiniani 4

How to get there from Termini station

BUS 75 (POERIO/MARINO) for 14 stops. Get out at MARMORATA/GALVANI then walk for 500 m.

Entrance opens from 16.30 till 24.00
Food Educational: from 18.00 to 20.00 (on January 04th and 05th from 19.30)
Live concerts: from 21.00

Closure days: December 31^st 2008 and January 1^st 2009
Free entrance

Ticket price of Food Educational ranging from 20 up to 70 euros

Today’s Blogger: Vanda

Located in the south of Rome, near the town of Latina  , Il Parco Nazionale del Circeo hosts some of the most rare and interesting species of animals in Italy today. It was founded in 1934 to protect a whole range of species, including birds and plants that rely on its unique environment.

MYTH AND REALITY

The name “Circeo” comes from the Greek myth concerning Sorceress Circe – a portrayal of whom can be found in the Borghese Gallery, Rome. Circe was a goddess and sorceress who used medicine to change men into beasts. She had also managed to imprison the hero Ulisse during his adventurous trip to Itaca. Classically, the area of land which is now today’s national park, was characterised as open, green, and ideal for the survival of animals and beasts alike (even if they used to be men).

PAST AND PRESENT

Even in the waters of the park, a wide range of fish can be found. Mussels are extremely common alongside spigole and orate. Other common kinds are eels, mullets, saraghi, tinche and carps, that, in some cases, can be fished with prior authorisation.

The park also has a great prehistoric and archaeological history. There are numerous caves and natural shelters which document Circeo’s existence since ancient times. During the Second World War, a skull of Neanderthal Man was discovered inside one of the caves, further evidence of early man during prehistoric times. Archaeological finds meanwhile are mainly Roman. Torre Paula’s channel port, or the spa and residential complex of Domitian’s Villa, have both been preserved up to today.

And you can visit the park all year round. The aquatic birds that crowd the lakes, the marshes, and the fields in spring and autumn, are surely the greatest attraction in the damp zones of the Park. Over 265 kinds of birds have been found . A pair of binoculars and a good bird spotter’s guide are a must. So why not book your stay at Lucci Hotel, Rome, where you are perfectly placed to visit this wonderous park?

HOW TO GET THERE

By train • Leave Roma Termini for Napoli but stop at the Priverno-Fossanova Station. From there take a bus for Sabaudia.

Our Author: Arianna

Hi everyone,

I decided to do something special for you last week.

I went to visit a small pretty village in Lazio called Bellegra.

Let’s start from the  very beginning.

As you may know I work for a group of hotels in the city center of Rome.

So, at the end of my shift last week, I spent the night in one of the most beautiful, warm rooms at Hotel des Artistes.

After a nice rest and a very nice tasty breakfast, which I had on the roof terrace( So nice to have the breakfast kissed by the sun!) I left the Hotel des Artistes to go to Bellegra.

I know you are demanding yourself, what’s so nice about Bellegra?

I chose this village for two principals reasons: first of all was going to the Tacchie (type of pasta) with Porcini mushrooms festival; second reason  is the incredible cavern’s bow uncommon kind of design made from the torrential water.

Unfortunately, the cavern that is open every day during summer time, during winter time it needs to be booked in advance, which I didn’t know.

Bellegra is as well a nice village where it’s possible to have a relaxing walk. In fact it is rich of spiritual places, really beautiful S. Lucia and S. Sisto church built in a modern style or S. Nicola church built in Barocco style with some painting from XVII.

Feature characteristic of this place is also the antique trade market where you can find typical products from this part of the region. In particular this antique trade market which takes place every second Sunday of the month contributes to enforce the Bellegra images in tourism industry.

But let’s get back to us.

I was talking about the porcini and the pasta that unfortunately you cannot try anymore.

What you can still see, what I really recommend is the Christmas’ market which takes place every year starting from the 8 of December, in Tyrolese style, with small wood’s object, souvenir and handcrafts.

Not finished yet with the surprises: where we go with something that you really enjoy: The Bisagra of the boar and olive of oil, where it’s possible have lunch or dinner tasting delicious boar with polenta, spiced boar, and bruschetta.

So what do you think?

Do you know what? Let’s go togheter. I’m waiting for you here at Hotel des Artistes in Rome.

Directions: SS 6 Casilina, or A24- Aquila , Vicovare exit, Subiaco direction until Bellegra.

Roma- tiburtina cotral bus, 1 and an half hour journey time.

Our author: Arianna

As every year, this month takes place in the Tuscia area the chestnut festival, that involves many people and many villages located in the surrounding area.

During the roman period the Tuscia, was a residential territory, chosen by rich roman people to built their houses.

In fact with a really rich soil, plenty of water and mild climate Tuscia became a vacation place where to go.

Naturally this type of climate is still the same and for that reason we have every year 2 important rendezvous: wine’s festival, during summer time and now autumn’s time the chestnut festival.

Really we can talk about a gastronomic trip, a journey inside the specialities and the flavours of Lazio’s countryside. And I will keep that in my for my future blogs.

In particular way there are some special municipality protagonist of: Capenina, Caprarola, Carbognano, Latera, Soriano nel Cimino, Vallerano.

In these villages it’s possible to taste the real chestnut, big, white, gluttonous grilled or boiled.

Close your eyes and try to imagine the scene.

Imagine yourself walking the tortoise medieval street, imagine a little slope to climb, feel on your skin a soft jumper, the first cold air itching the nose, smell now all around, chestnut sweet flavour mixed with the one stronger of roosted met , imagine your self in the middle of traditions old centuries. Tell me now, do you wish to be there with me, don’t you?

More information: www.tusciaviterbese.it 

My last suggestion when you will come to visit my beloved Eternal City is to book a place in a nice and cozy hotel in the city center, strategically close to main railroad station-Termini- Lucci Hotel, the place where I work! We will definitely plan a trip to Tuscia together!

If you would like to visit Rome and its region during the  Indian Summer, now that is, my great proposal is to visit the Pontine Islands. These islands uniquely beautiful by their nature are situated not really far from Rome in the region of Lazio.

The Pontine Islands are an archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the west coast of Italy. The islands were  named after the largest island in the group, Ponza. The other islands in the archipelago are Ventotene, Palmarola, Zannone, Santo Stefano and Gavi.

The archipelago was created out  of volcanic activity and has actually  been inhabited for thousands of years. The history of the islands dates back to the prehistoric period and further on  in a series of episodes involving a  presence of the Greeks, the Romans, the Pharnesians, the Bourbons and the British. Even pirates and the Saracens attacked the islands quite a few times before it  being eventually added as part of the Unity of Italy in 1861. The islands have always been famous for their mild  climate and for the beauty of their all  surrounding sea and sea depths which can  range from 3 to 50 metres and a maximum depth measuring below 100 metres at a distance of over 3 miles from the coast. Here, divers will indeed be delighted thanks to a totally unspoilt environment.

Ponza Island

Ponza is the biggest island of the archipelago, is the most interesting island. It’s full of grottoes and small hidden beaches Here, divers will experience magical emotions in a totally unspoilt environment. Many VIP (Italian and not) comes to Ponza for the summer and not also so, during your stay in this island, meet an international VIP will be not a surprise. But Ponza is also renowned for the climate and nature: you can admire breathtaking views of the city from the Monte La Guardia, the highest point of the island , many tour are organized, many activities are offered to discover the Tyrrhenian sea and overall the island of Ponza.

Ventotene is smaller and more calm and has a very relaxing atmosphere. For most of its history it was a prison and there’s not a lot to see and do now. There are remains of a Roman villa – but they’re not exactly spectacular. The beaches are okay but the tranquility of the island is probably the main draw.

Zannone  is part of the Circeo National Park because of its beauty and the integrity of its environments. The island is uninhabited but supervised by the Forestry Service. There are no tourist facilities and camping or overnight stays are prohibited although no special permit is required to visit the island. It is mainly covered with a thick vegetation based on Mediterranean scrub, but there is also a small ilex-wood. On top of Monte Pellegrino there is a Forestry Service station with a small educational exhibition concerning the naturalistic aspects of the island. Beside the building you will also find the ruins of a Benedictine convent dating back to the XIII century. The complete tour following well-marked paths along the upper ridge of the island takes 40 minutes; don’t be surprised if you meet some wild sheep during your walk.

Not to miss is the cuisine of the archipelago delle Pontine, full of fresh fish and pasta…

How to get to the Pontine Islands ? departures by boat are from Latina, Formia, San Felice Circeo, Fondi, Gaeta, Sperlonga and Terracina and see here for major schedule information.

Since you will also likely stay in Rome, which is nearby, why not book your stay in our Lucci Hotel Rome?

Related blog :  Lazio and its unique seaside

Temperature is getting high? Let’s get a fresh start talking about Zoomarine!

Covering an area of 34 hectares, Zoomarine is the most outstanding marine amusement theme park in Italy. Located in Torvajanica, Pomezia, 25 kilometers from Rome it’s a theme park where both adults and children can have fun and learn to respect nature. Zoomarine as well, has always been on front line in defense of turtles and mammals threatened on our coasts, signing several conventions with important research organizations.

Zoomarine Italy is the offspring of Zoomarine Portugal, which has been attracting loads of visitors over the last 10 years.

Water rides and log fulmes apart, the real attractions of the park are the amazing shows displayed where the magnificence of the sea mammalians and the tropical birds is celebrated. In the “Tropical Birds Forest Show” for example, fantastic colored parrots interact with the public and the trainer creating sort of gags and in the “Pinnipeds Bay Show” five different species of Pinnipeds play games of skill and speed. The most famous show remains anyway the “Dolphins’ Island Show”, where dolphins are hosted in a set of pools and there’s a seating area of over 3000 seats.

Sounds exciting, don’t you agree?

Closed in winter ( October until March), tickets cost 22 euros for adults, reduced to 15 euros for children from 4 up to 10 years old; entrance is free for children under 4 years old. You can easily reach the park thanks to a free shuttle bus service as follows:

Shows at Zoomarine Rome

Roma Ostiense 09.30 (arrives at Zoomarine at 10.30)

Returning at 6.20 pm and arriving in Rome Ostiense at 7.30 pm.

Or if you are staying in our Lucci Hotel Rome near the Rome Termini station then it is convenient to take a train and timetables are as follows:

09.07 , arriving in Pomezia at 9.25

11.07, arriving at 11.25

13.07 arriving at 1.25 pm

And once in Pomezia a free Zoomarine shuttle will take you there (takes 30 mins approx.)

On your way back from Pomezia train runs with the following schedule:

5.22 pm, arriving in Termini at 5.45 pm

6.26 pm, arriving in Termini at 7.13 pm

8.22 pm arriving in Termini at 8.45 pm

And if you plan your Rome vacation look out for great Rome hotel deals

If you happen to be too tired to always walk about the famous sights in Rome and would like something more folk like then you must not miss out on the various festivals in Rome and its county scattered all through the month of July.

Sagra della Cozza from 4th to 6th July 2008 based in Anzio, near Rome :

The Mussel Festival takes places in Anzio, the small sea town where the Americans first arrived during the 2^nd World War. It is in the area of the quarters of Colonia that you will be able to taste the mussels made in many different sauces and ways. This area of Anzio is highly populated and was chosen purposefully in order to put it on stage and for visitors to discover it.

Sagra dell’olio di oliva e pizzafritta on 12^th July 2008 in Monteflavio, near Rome :

The festival of the olive oil and fried pizza will open at 4.30 pm on the main square. You will enjoy tasting the “pizzafritte” which are basically doughnut fried in olive oil. Another typical food is the bruschetta (toasted bread) topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil from the Latium. For meat lovers you cannot miss out on the “coppiette” of smoked dry meat , sausage shaped. To wash it all down you will taste good wine also and for dessert there will be a variety of local italian pastries and cakes….

At night from 9.00 pm, a musical festival will start until late at night and you will be able to dance away all the food you have eaten….

Monteflavio is a location not far from Rome in the Regional Park of the Monti Lucretili.

Festival della Birra e della Bruschetta, in Allumiere, near Rome :

The Beer and Bruschetta Festival will take place between 24 and 27 July . You will be able to taste over 30 different types of bruschette all made with local breads and local toppings and olive oil. The local bread in Allumiere is the yellow bread cooked in the wood oven.

The beer provided is from Munich, Germany !

Summer months in Italy Latium are great to chill outside in cooler regional areas outside the buzzing city of Rome, so you can actually relax and meet different people and get to know more small towns which are always warm and welcoming and plentiful of traditions and great food and wine. All the above are good  for a day trip.

Enjoy !

And for your stay in Rome, watch out our My Hotel Rome special deals !

Italy attracts millions of tourists every year, led by keen and growing interest in its historical and archaeological heritage (Italy possesses 60% of World’s cultural heritage), but Italy has a lot more to offer. Today I would like to stress out its unique geography and nature, which also attract many tourists, not mentioning local fluxes of travellers within the country.

Ancient Romans were extremely intelligent folks, even when choosing a place to build their capital. They had chosen a place with extremely favourable moderate climatic conditions. One should not forget that it almost never snows in Rome, and when it rains, the average temperatures are quite high. Rome is a unique place, built in a unique territory. Natural parks and resorts near Rome are abounding. In our previous post we already talked about the area of Castelli Romani (Ariccia, Genzano). Today I would like to mention Bracciano Lake and small town on its shores – Trevignano Romano. 

Bracciano Lake is a volcanic lake, situated about 1 hour away from Rome. Recently it became famous for a celebration of wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. On its shores we find several cute and sympathic little towns, like Trevignano. It extends on the northern shore of Lake Bracciano or Sabatino. The lake is almost circular, with a diameter of about 9 km and a depth at the center of 170 metres. 
It has a system for collecting sewage and ia under a strict control of the use of pesticides in surrounding crops, which makes its waters clean, enough to form the pool of reserve for emergencies of water in the city of Rome. For this reason  all motor boats are prohibited, making the lake ideal for sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. The shores of the town are ideal for trekking activities.

This picturesque country town of Trevignano on the north shore of Lake Bracciano, is just a few dozen kilometers away north of Rome. Built on a cliff lava leucitica, the country is located at the edge of a small bay, secondary crater of an ancient volcano. 
Has a precious medieval village structure and has beautiful lakeside trees that extend for about 3 km, with many bars and restaurants with a view of the lake.
Trevignano Romano is located in the so-called "Tuscia Romana" and is an ideal centre for trips in a region of high tourist, artistic and naturalistic interest.

In addition, of course, to Rome (about 45 km)  you can easily reach from Trevignano  Cerveteri (30 km), Bracciano (12 km), Sutri (12 km), Viterbo (45 km), Filadelfia (61 km), Tuscania (52 km) , Caprarola (25 km), the mountains of Tolfa and other picturesque locations.

Trevignano is very small, but offers tons of possibilities to enjoy your time,  nature and have a spiritual retreat, or just to organize a nice family picnic. One place for that would be the ruins of a medieval fortification. This fortification  was of the family Orsini, was fitted with double walls, extending up to the lake, defending this way the country. It was destroyed in 1496 by Giovanni, the brother of Cesare Borgia, during the war unleashed against the Orsini by Pope Alexander VI Borgia, which failed to impossess of the castle of Bracciano.
The ruins of this castle-fortification are easily reachable from the church of Trevignano, from up there you can enjoy a scenic view of the lake and surrounding countries beyond the roofs of Trevignano.

Trevignano is a part of Natural Park of Bracciano-Martignano. It has an important Etruscan Museum.

Some of the Important Initiatives, taking place in Trevignano in these days are the following:

• FEAST OF SAN BERNARDINO PATRON OF SIENA and the 37 th SAGRA  OF MARINATED FISH   The festivities are planned on Saturday, May 24 according to the following programme:
  18:00 Concert presented by Musical Band "Cesare Carbonetti" directed by the maestro Francis Consaga. Piazza del Comune
  21:00  Daniele Sinasce sing songs by Renato Zero. Piazza del Comune
  21:30  Tombola of San Bernardino. Piazza del Comune
  23:00 Fireworks display of Company Colonnelli of Nepi

• INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF SHORT OF FICTION 
  From May 28 to June 1, 2008  will be held in Trevignano’s the 14th edition of International Festival of Short Fiction organized by the Cultural Citadel and supported by the Municipality of Trevignano Romano, the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, the Lazio Region and several other public and private partners.

In the small villages of Lazio  the attachment to the local traditions, even not counting the daily espresso, is definitely pretty strong.

The organization of the popular festivals puts into the inhabitants the will to do things, to creat entertainments and to rediscover some traditions, often existing for centuries. 

The atmosphere during these events taking place from the early morning often is undescribable. The continuous movement all-around of excited and happy people , smells of traditional meals and delicious food, the lighted fires, children who attempt to play in games already forgotten from the elder, it is not surprising these traditional folk events receive so many visitors.

For the regions of the historical centers the doors of old wine cellars are opening for the wine tasting.

Many beautiful gardens, palaces and premises are typically recreated for the occasion and are filled up of examples of local handicraft in order to help the tourist to know more about the country and its inhabitants.

Like in a movie, the festivals are like mirrors of the history of the antique centres that are just a few kilometers out of Rome .

One of the most beautiful festivals are happening in June and is called Infiorata in Genzano di Roma. The word Infiorata comes from ‘Fiore’ and is the Italian word for flower.

Many tourists and admirers from many countries are attracted by the skilful flower works ,the completely decorated streets with many flowers of so different colours creating this lovely natural carpet.

It has been celebrated for more than two centuries but the origin of this tradition comes way back from 600s when the flowers were thrown by hand.

The festival is connected with the Christian celebration of Corpus Domini the origin of which comes from 13-th century.

Later they started using the flowers.

For the happening of the event the road Via Italo Belardi is turned into a flower carpet by picture drawn the same way every year. Exactly there about two thousand square meters are decorated with flowers, seeds, petals and leaves which all together give gorgeous pictures and shapes with bright naturals colours .

This evocative festival is consisted of: first with procession of Corpus Domini an then children running from the stairs of the church Santa Maria. After, within the celebration atmosphere the great flower pictures are shown to everybody.

I have visited Infiorata two years ago. And I have to say that it is not just amazing, it is something breath-taking, the beauty is in the air, the beauty is everywhere… Infiorata in Genzano has also different exhibitions, and different artisan traders all over the town. I had a unique chance to see the collection of War period and early post war period Italian motorbikes, like Lambretta, or first Vespas.

There were also some war vehicles exposed, like tanks. Do not miss this great event, book your stay in Rome, take a little bag-pack, take the first train and right away to Genzano! Enjoy Infiorata!!! Remember also  that Genzano has the best baked bread of Rome!!!!