Lucci Hotel Rome Blog

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: Diana

“REWIND ROME” is a brand new 3D simulated show of the ancient Rome opened to the public on November, the 20th in a playhouse just a few steps from the Colosseum (via Capo d’Africa 5). Visitors will experience the thrill to visit the streets, the tribunals, the temples and the stunning arena of the Colosseum as they lived in the year 310 A.D.

With earphones available in 8 languages, the whole work is the result of an usual but creative cooperation between classicists, engineers and archaeologists. The setting is based on archaeological evidence whereas characters as the emperor Maxentius, ruling at that time, the lions and the gladiators have been jazzed up.

GLADIATORS FIGHT TO DEATH

Thanks to the latest 3D techniques used, we have the unique chance to see a gladiator fight like from the front row of the Colosseum.

The realism of the gladiators’ movements is terrific. Motion capture technology was applied, that is using body-sensors on real people, and the authenticity of the gestures was guaranteed thanks to the contribution of a local historical society running a gladiatorial school in Rome. The scene climax is reached when the audience screams for a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.

Among the reconstructed monuments we find also the Forum, a gathering place of social and political significance, and the temple of Vesta, where visitors are revealed a sacred rite.

Interaction is another key-word: an exceptional artificial character named Sapientinus introduce the visitors to this incredible world, screening detailed shootings of the ancient Rome, and dedicated devices will let them walk the city giving tourists and residents a sense of the city in the past.

Come and book your stay at Hotel des Artistes in Rome, just 20 minutes away from this fabulous adventure!

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: Marcelo

Great music lovers have a must on November in the Eternal City! The Roma Jazz Festival 2008 will be held in Rome from November 5-30. Over two hundred artists for a total of 20 concerts.

Organized with the cooperation of the Academy of Santa Cecilia, the House of Jazz and the Goethe Institut and hosted mainly in the Auditorium Parco della Musica, the festival will offer a remarkable overview of the current jazz scene.

A wide and exciting mix of styles, the concerts will be divided in three main sections:

Focus Orchestras, performing a style that has animated the music scene since the early 40s, and among the artists, the Count Basie Orchestra and his swing of the years’40 and’50.

A female section with three outstanding artists, surely the most engaging and surprising in recent years, as the Canadian singer Terez Montcalm, the free-Israeli singer Yael Naim and the virtuous Japanese pianist Chiciro Yamanaka

From Bossa Nova to Fusion. The Bossa Nova, which has left a mark on the history of jazz for the last 50 years and its evolution resulting into new experiences. Get ready for Milton Nascimento with Jobim, celebrating 60 years of Bossa Nova, with Enrico, through the Five Peace Band, Chick Corea and John McLaughlin, and Herbie Hancock with his sextet

The excentric Sun Ra with his Arkestra, the local Gianluca Petrella Cosmic Band, and many other performers giving their personal interpretation of the living spirit of Jazz…

If you are heading to Rome’s Jazz Festival, and you are just lost and do not know where to stay and leave your precious saxophone, then do not hesitate to check our great and cosy hotel, just around the corner from main railroad station in Rome- YES Rome Hotel. Your stay in Rome will be unforgettable in all the ways possible.

For more info check www.auditorium.com. Enjoy it!