Lucci Hotel Rome Blog

Written by : Marcelo

Tango is fascinating . Tango is sensual. Tango has become a global music genre because of the passion that expresses and of its elegance.

A little history ! From the beginning in the middle of the XVIII century, down by the Rio de la Plata river in the coasts of Argentina and Uruguay, and for more than a century Tango music searched for a respect, the dance was refused by intellectuals and rich people. Just consider that in the early days it was only danced among men because it was not accepted that a lady could, it was almost an scandal. Something similar happened with jazz until it was finally accepted as a form of art, evolution and sophistication. In Rome you can actually take up a class of tango

Jorge Luis Borges, the argentinian writer, made an important contribution for its acceptance, including ‘’tangueros’’ characters in his short stories and poems and revealing by that the magic contained in the rhythm and the social aspects of a way of life.

In 1917, the first tango song with lyrics was recorded by Carlos Gardel ‘‘Mi noche triste’’ linking tango with the feeling of tragic love as said in the lyric. Tango lyrics also describe the urban landscape and the life of the marginal in the society, with the nostalgy of time lost that was much better, the youth, as well as moral lesson in many cases.

Nowadays tango means fun and exercise for the legs of both sexes, ladies and gentlemen (why not the chance to begin a romance).

From September 6th to 18th, Tango will be celebrated at the Parco della Musica in Rome, Buenos Aires Tango, a festival where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the exhibitions of the most famous artists and also important artists coming directly from the city who will express freely the feeling of Tango at the its purest form. The Tango festival, unique in its kind in Europe, is produced by the” Musica per Roma Foundation”.

Over 23 shows are scheduled, and courses in dancing will feature, and so will wokshops, a photographic exhibition ,a film exhibition (with films of Carlos Gardel a legendary singer and actor compared with Rodolfo Valentino whose voice is a symbol of Tango itself). On top of all , an actual tango club will be set up ‘‘Club de Tango’’in the Studio Teatro where will be a real ‘‘milonga’’ (the place where you dance and have a blast).

Among the shows that will be presented Adriana Varala a performer that reveals the most traditional way of tango singing, the melancholy sound of Pablo Mainetti’s bandoneón (a sort of accordion wich is the most representative instrument in tango music), the dancers Gloria and Eduardo, living legends of Argentine tango, the voice of Dolores Solà, accompanied by Cuarteto Decarísimo, Noche de Tango, a kind of musical marathon to be held in Piazza Navona. Performances of the highest level, with The Orquesta El Arranque, singer Noelia Moncada, and two shows dedicated to Horacio Salgán, the legendary Argentinian pianist and composer of many classic standards.

For more info see Romanotizie and the Auditorium

(it’s in italian) or just call 06-80241281, tickets price is 12-20 euro.

And if you come on vacation in Rome, why not take advantage of our great Lucci Hotel Rome deals ?

Other events held at the Auditorium : Read further !

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

August as in many countries world wide is commonly known as  a month for vacation. In Italy you might feel it even deeper. Your barber shop, or your nearby farmacy will have a sign CHIUSO PER FERIE (Closed for vacation)  from August 2nd till August 24th, or something similar.  The streets of Rome are mainly deserted and many local clubs and pubs are also closed for summer or move their activities towards the sea side. And even it might give you, as a tourist visiting Italy in August, an impression of cultural stagnation or disinterest, many summer activities in Rome prove the opposite. I can proudly say that Music does not leave for vacation, it does not abandon Rome.

Even in August the great music continues to heat the city. Once the thrust of the great festivals in July is off, the offer moves towards the places of vacations, with seaside resorts, while in the city Villa Ada, Fiesta!, House of Jazz and Villa Celimontana continue to breath throughout the month and to propose  high lively quality events.
As mentioned before resorts  become places of tours of the great artists, especially Italians: the first to perform is the great Donatella Rector, Sunday 3rd August, he performs in the main square in Fiuggi, followed Wednesday 6th August by Antonello Venditti, in the scene of Arena del Mare of Sabaudia. The day after, in the same location, a young composer Giovanni Allevi, returned from three sold out concerts in the capital: an excellent opportunity for thosewho have missed them. The tour continues in the province, Friday 8, with Loud! Saturday scene at the Open Bar of Ostia while, Sunday 10, redivivi Stadium arise in the splendid setting of Villa Clementi to Cave. On the day of Ferragosto great appointment with Enrico Ruggeri, which celebrates the more than twenty years of career with a live at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica while, simultaneously, Petra Magoni and Ferruccio Spinetti will perform all’Autodromo Vallelunga. In the second half of the month, the attention moves southward, with performances by Fiorella Mannoia, Saturday 16 March in Piazza XIX in Latina, Mario Biondi, Sunday 17 at Villa Adele at Anzio, and Patty Pravo that closes the season of  Arena del Mare of Sabaudia. On the same evening, eyes to Palestrina, where the Roman king is back and I think that Franco Califano that does not require any special presentations. For those who had not any intention to leave the Eternal city, in August focuses, as mentioned in historical location of Estate Romana. Villa Ada, which this year ends the first half of the month, offers us Friday 1 Eugenio Bennato, followed in the first weekend of the month, by Nando Citarella and the Kocani Orkestar. Other appointments are indispensable Amy Coleman & Texa.Co Jive, Acustimantico and Roots In Cement, respectively Monday 4, 5 and Tuesday 5 Tuesday before the grand finale with Daniele Sepe, Sunday 5. Lovers of South American sounds, which will saziarsi, with performances at Fiesta! Charanga Habanera y of the People Friday Zone 1, Jose Luis Cortes y La Banda 4 Monday, and the great Toquinho Wednesday 6. If you love jazz, instead, Villa Celimontana there leaves you alone and offers its fans a timetable that, alone, namely the renunciation to holidays. Some suggestion? Please do not miss the three performances of the great Enrico Rava: quartet, in standards and in a special edition, respectively Wednesday 6, Thursday 7 and Friday 8. After the showing of Giuliana Soscia and Pino Iodice Italian Tango Quartet, Sunday 10, here is to get Avier Ghirotto: first, Wednesday 13, with its "Latin Project", then, Thursday 14, when together with Sinesi and Bruhn present his new disc "Dos Sles" and then conclude with two dates, Friday 15 and Saturday 16, along with Aires Tango and Atem Saxophon Quartet. If there still enough, 17 rounds Sunday to see Alain Jean-Marie and Nicola Stilo, Friday 22 for Carla Marcotulli Dick Halligan together and say hello the end of the month with double live, Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28, the project "Ensemble Paris - Rome. "

There are still many interestinf music events that will take place in Rome, just do not hesitate book you flight to Rome, book our nice LUCCI Hotel, take all the advantages of cool summer Roman nights either in the city or by seaside and just relax and ENJOY!

If you compare, you will find out that there was not pretty much a difference between our pastimes and those of classic Rome age (excluding the computer staff) that we have to admit is not helping to keep the body in good shape. The Romans wanted to show themselves like their beautiful statues here and there. These is how they worked it out.

In ancient times Rome had a place called Campus, a kind of drill ground for Roman soldiers, by the Tiber. Later, the Campus became Rome’s track and field playground, it is said that even Julius Caesar and Augustus used to go there for practising . In time, these type grounds were developed in other cities and military locations.

Here, the youth met to play and exercise: jumping, wrestling, boxing, racing, riding, throwing, swimming, and many other things. As a legacy from the Greek

culture, sport was very important in Roman education. In the countryside, the favourite pastime was hunting. Females did not participate in these activities.

Ball playing was a popular sport and ancient Romans had several ball games, which included Expulsim Ludere, that is the way they called handball, field hockey, catch, and even some form of soccer.

Of course board games were played also, choices were Tesserare that you know by the name dice, Latrunculi, the roman chess and we could not forget the Egyptian backgammon, the Tabula as they called. It is funny to think that gambling was not legal, but in every bar they had a section at the back, well covered for this sort of entertainment! It was unofficially tolerated in fact as long as you didn’t show it in public. Just like the gangster films!

There were many other activities like chariot races, musical and theatrical performances and the well known public executions and gladiatorial combat at the Rome Colosseum, one that we have left way (with the little exception of the fiction in films, which makes me wonder about…). And if you plan to stay in Rome why not take advantage of our discounted prices in our Lucci Hotel Rome?

It is said that the people in Ancient  Rome knew how to enjoy the pleasures of life. Among these pleasures of course the joys of the table are certainly included. Banquets that combined  the most exotic tastes coming from different parts of the Empire ensured the joys of all guests during hours, even until late at night, sometimes the whole night, giving permission to another sort of pleasures. 

This time we will illustrate partially what regards the happennings on the table (What happened under the table we leave it freely to your immagination). Therefore,  some information about  Roman dishes of this period.

Enjoy ancient secrets from ancient cooking:

PEPONES ET MELONES (Water and Honey Melons) 
Ingredients:
————
1/2       honey melon - both peeled, diced  
1/2       water melon - and stoned
500ml     Passum
a little bit of honey (or Passum)
1 tblsp   minced parsley
1/2 tsp   freshly ground pepper
a little bit of Liquamen, or a dash of salt
Poleiminze, Silphium, vinegar, if wanted

Instructions:
————-
Cook diced melons in a pan together with spices and herbs until done.
Sometimes Silphium is added.

PATINA DE PISCICULIS (Soufflee of Small Fish)
Ingredients:
————
500g      boiled fillet of small fish or whole sardelles
150g      dried raisins (sultanas)
1/2 tsp   freshly ground pepper
1 tblsp   Liebstoeckl
1 tblsp   oregano
2         small diced onions
200ml     oil
50ml      Liquamen, or 1/2 tsp salt
some cornstarch

Instructions:
————-
Mix raisins, pepper, Liebstoeckl, oregano, onion, wine, Liquamen and oil
together and put in a casserole. Cook until done. Then put small boiled
fish fillets or boiled small whole fishes into it. Thicken with a bit of
cornstarch and serve it!

  (Pear Soufflee)
Ingredients:
————
1kg       pears (peeled and without core)
6         eggs
4 tblsp   honey
100ml     Passum
a little bit oil
50ml      Liquamen, or 1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp   ground cumin
ground pepper to taste

Instructions:
————-
Mesh cooked and peeled pears (without core) together with pepper,cumin,
honey, Passum, Liquamen and a bit of oil. Add eggs and put into a
casserole. Cook approximately 30 minutes on small to moderate heat.
Serve with a bitt of pepper sprinkled on the soufflee.

I hope you really enjoyed my virtual Master classes of ancient Roman cooking. But this is just the beginning and we will certainly continue in future.

If you decide to stay in Rome and enjoy its enogastronomical variety, do not hesitate to book our lovely Lucci Hotel, and nearby you will find a nice Roman hosteria A ME MI PIACE, which has tons of specialities and surprises for you!

Roman hot summer tires a lot of tourists, who still are attracted by the charm of the Italian Capital, the Eternal City. Yes, of course, all the roads lead to Rome, and I would add, especially, to Colosseum.  This year as a continuation of a good tradition, “Castellum” agency organized from the 21st June an initiative, called All’Ombra del Colosseo (In the shade of Colosseum), and it reached this year its nineteenth edition  becoming a cornerstone of Estate Romana (Roman Summer) and  a reference point for all  the Romans who remain in city during the summer.  This initiative will last till September 2008.

“Eventhough this season certainly is  not easiest one for the new municipal administration - said the president of Castellum - we  still decided to revive this event to be  the flagship of proposals  for the capitoline summer.”
And this year there are some great innovations and inventions. 
First of all, has been put an outdoor pool with panoramic view of the Colosseum with aperitifs served on the boards of the pool every day from 19.00.  Swimming lovers can enjoy a  true  pool, sized 10 x 20 metres, and not a  plastic swimming pool. This pool is a jewel of transportable engineering, placed strategically in front  of the Anfiteatro Flavio. 
Then  there will be tons of art, culture, music, cabaret shows with the presence of many famous artists, solarium, poker tournaments, different sports, swimming courses for children, theatre performances and a draft catering Food & Fashion: dishes combined with color creations, tailored and signed by Emi Fabbri.

All’Ombra  del Colosseo will be open free of charge from 9 am to 2 at night. Admission  to the shows is  from 8 to 16 euros and cost of the pool from 10 to 12 euros. Do not hesitate to take advantage of so many Summer Special offers of My Hotel in Rome, and take yourselves and your children to enjoy the summer roman heat and summer roman relax in the shade of Colosseum.

Your summer stay in Rome should not be only focused on the eternal beauties of the Eternal City. But once you have walked and walked around again the whole city, choose an alternative path for your final dot of top vacations. My suggestion is simple and it is good food and especially good wine. An excellent opportunity is given in Tuscia area of Lazio these days.

"VinTuscia" guided tastings of wines of Tuscia  will  be held on Saturday, July 19th in Viterbo by the Chamber of Commerce of Viterbo and associations for the Notte Bianca  (famous so called White, or Sleepless Night) organised by the city of Viterbo this year.  A little historical overview will help you to understand why Tuscia is famous for wine. The territory of Higher Tuscia is a land of wines since the times of Etruscans. This famous way of wine runs between six Doc Vignanello, Aleatico di Gradoli, Orvieto, Colli Etruschi Viterbesi, Montefiascone "East! East! East!, revealing us some of the most picturesque corners of the Region. To get an idea of beautiful landscape of these lands and the particularities of settlements built on the tuff ideally one should  visit the area north of Viterbo, near the Tiber River and the border with Italy. Important in terms wine - to report the DOC wines Orvieto and Colli Etruschi Viterbesi . This area is also full of interesting historical and cultural outline.

The  wine tastings  on the 19th July will be  held at the conference room of the Chamber in Via Fratelli Rosselli, 4 starting from 21.30 with white wines offered by wineries Villa Chiarini Wulf, Tenuta La Pazzaglia, Sergio Mottura, Tenuta di Nepi Ronci and Antica Cantina Leonardi.
Around 11 pm it will be the right time for red wine cellars Isabella Mottura - Tenuta Corte di Tregoniano, Fattoria Madonna delle Macchie, Tenuta Sant’Isidoro, Viticoltori dei Colli Cimini and Caprigliano.
To lead these tastings will be the journalist Alessandro Scorsone, sommelier Master Class co-editor Bibenda, Sommelier of the Year and the winner of the Prova del Cuoco. 

"With this initiative-declares Ferindo Palombella, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Viterbo - we want to give the importance the wines of Tuscia do deserve, which will also appear in trade fairs and national competitions. An opportunity of this extraordinary visibility for our growers and their products  is as a prologue to the Wine Festival of Tuscia scheduled to last until August 24.
The entrance to the tastings is free. It is  recommended  to do the reservation by Saturday, July 19  before 13;00 at no 0761.234441, or directly at the conference room from 15  till 20.

Do not hesitate to plan your visit to Rome and to Tuscia Romana.

Book a great DES ARTISTES Hotel in Rome, which is strategically located just  few blocks away from the Central Station, from where you can take a train to Viterbo and enjoy all night long absolutely unforgettable wines of Lazio and will keep these Italian memories for a long, long time.

As the days in Rome this summer becoming hotter and hotter, and your stay in Rome allows you to spend some more time, in order to hide away and enjoy the nature, the beauty and the sea, I highly recommend to go to the Sea. But let us avoid a bitten track of going right away to Ostia from Piramide station, but let us explore and visit a pearl of Lazio’s seashores- Sperlonga!

Sperlonga is a beautiful tourist town of low Lazio: is located in the province of Latina, a few kilometers away from Gaeta, Formia, Itri, Fondi and Terracina, hosts about 3300 inhabitants, a figure that grows significantly in the summer because of the numerous tourists who choose Sperlonga  is notable for its beaches, clean and equipped, accommodation facilities, which offer a good value for money, premises where exclusive dancing and having fun, many of them along the way Flacca, which in summer nights overcrowded by many young people in search of fun and relax.

The town of Sperlonga is located on a rocky spur at 55m above sea level: here lies the ancient heart of the city, with its narrow streets and small shops, old churches and small bars where the evening you can see many young people  sipping a cocktail; walking along the alleys, you arrive on the seafront of Sperlonga: here there are the most exclusive of Sperlonga bathing establishments and the villa, where both during the summer and winter young people can play outdoors on swings, springs and other games designed for them. The lovers of art also remain certainly satisfied with the visit to the Grotto of Tiberius, dating back to Roman times, and the National Archaeological Museum , where are preserved numerous archaeological findings.

How to get to Sperlonga
The town is 116 km away from Rome and to 114 from Naples. Coming by car from the capital, is reachable with the  Pontina highway up to Terracina and then continue along the Via Flacca. For

Sperlonga and its beauties

those travelling on the Autostrada del Sole Roma-Napoli, the exit closest to Sperlonga is Cassino. From your hotel close to the station, you can reach it by a  train (FS, direct Rome-Naples)  and should get off at the station Fondi. . A small tourist port allows the docking and storage for about 150-200 boats with draught not exceeding 0.50 m
The Museum is located on the Via Flacca, about two kilometers from the Borgo. It is from 9 am until sunset. The ticket costs 2 euros.

Between 20 June 2008 and 14 September 2008 , the Ara Pacis  Museum in Rome (via di Ripetta 190) hosts a traveling exhibition on the creations of one of the greatest French architects and designers of the 20th century.

Jan Prouvé developed the idea of nomadic architecture, whereby a chair was given the same iconic importance as a house, designing both with transportability in mind. His work has had a lasting impact on furniture and industrial design.  His main achievement was transferring the manufacturing technology from industry to the architecture, without losing the aesthetic qualities.

It demonstrates how Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) had a remarkable capacity to combine entrepreneurial skills with craftsmanship, design and architecture.
More than 100 of his works, executed between 1924 and the mid 70s are included in this exhibition:

50 objects of design(chairs, tables, desks, beds, lamps), architectonic elements, various architectural models as well as a rich selection of signed drawings and studies for the Péchiney pavilion in Paris.

Prouvé is considered a leading exponent of industrialized building.

Jean was born in Nancy. In Nancy in 1923 he opened what would be the first in a string of his own workshops and studios. He produced wrought iron lamps, chandeliers, hand rails and began designing furniture. In 1947 he built the Maxéville factory. After Maxéville he started "Constructions Jean Prouvé" In 1957 he started the Industrial Transport Equipment Company and built the Rotterdam Medical School, the Exhibition Center in Grenoble and the Orly Airways Terminal façade.The metal furniture of Jean Prouvé was produced copiously in every studio and workshop. Prouvé was influential in the development of the idea of nomadic architecture, likening a chair to a house, and designing both with portability in mind.He died in Nancy in 1984.

Opening hours

Tuesday - Sunday 9.00/10.00am – 7.00/8.00pm

Entrance ticket

ordinary: € 6,50; reduced: € 4,50;

How to get to the Ara Pacis Museum  with Rome  public transport :

Museo Dell’Ara Pacis, Lungotevere Augusto (near Piazza del Popolo) . If you stay in Rome central Hotel this is going to be easy to get there.

From Termini station take line A metro and get off at the stop "Spagna"