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This blog has been around for nearly a decade.

More than 2,500 stories have been posted.

Nearly 2,000 original color images – taken on a series of Nikon Digital cameras by yours truly – have been posted.

The advocacy for people with disabilities has been ramped up.

The vivid color photography has portrayed street life in Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Istanbul, Marrakech, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Mexico City and dozens of urban locations in the USA.

The text would fill nearly four books.

The topics are relevant to urban designers, town planners, mobility engineers, landscape architects, architects, sustainability experts and others who impact our built environment.

IF I HAD ONE SUPER HERO POWER,

IT WOULD BE TO TAKE CARE OF ALL CATS

My model would be the love, care and shelter given by the people at the Largo di Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary.

They have given a good life to our distance adoption love, wise old Siamese baby boy Tichiro.

They are located among historic ruins in the heart of Rome's Centro Storico.

https://www.gattidiroma.net/web/en/

ROMA, ITALIA

BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA IN TRASTEVERE

Nestled in a quiet corner of Trastevere's focal square, this is said to be the oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. 

In its original form, it dates from the early 3rd century, but a major 12th-century makeover saw the addition of a Romanesque bell tower and a glittering facade. 

The portico came later, added by Carlo Fontana in 1702. Inside, the 12th-century mosaics are the headline feature.

--Lonely Planet

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 IL MESSAGGERO ICONIC HEADQUARTERS

Il Messaggero was founded in December 1878.

On 1 January 1879 the first issue of Il Messaggero was published under the management of Luigi Cesana.

The paper aimed at being the newspapers of newspapers and at providing its readers with all opinions and all events.

Once with a circulation of nearly 400,000, it now sells fewer than 90,000 copies per day.

--Wikipedia

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FORNO

Forno Roscioli is one of Rome's top bakeries, much loved by lunching locals who crowd here for luscious sliced pizza, prize pastries and hunger-sating supplì (risotto balls). 

The pizza margherita is superb, if messy to eat, and there's also a counter serving hot pastas and vegetable side dishes.

--Lonely Planet

ROME -- INCIDENTAL -- 10

ROME

Rome’s historic centre’s main sights are free and easy to visit in a meandering wander, stopping for lunch, a coffee or ice cream for an energy burst. 

Don’t miss the Pantheon, a magnificently preserved ancient Roman temple, with a circular hole in the huge domed roof open to the heavens.

A couple of streets away is the splendid Piazza Navona, Rome’s elegant showcase square. 

A short amble further and you’re at the foaming, massive Trevi Fountain, and the baroque Spanish Steps, a grand stairway that’s perfect for taking a perch and watching the world go by.

Close by, the Piazza del Popolo is an impressive oval-shaped square complete with an Egyptian obelisk, home to some wonderful Caravaggio masterpieces in the Santa Maria del Popolo church.

--Lonely Planet

ROME -- INCIDENTAL -- 9

CHURCHES IN ROME

Rome’s earliest churches date from the 4th century, built by the Emperor Constantine; the most notable of the many churches that he commissioned is the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. 

Reformed into its present shape in the 5th century, it was the model on which many subsequent basilicas were based. 

Other showstoppers of the period include the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, though they have been much altered since. 

A second wave of church-building hit Rome in the period between the 8th and 12th centuries, and the Renaissance period added still more architectural masterpieces. 

The architectural period that most shaped Rome’s churches, however, was the Baroque, whose opulent style mirrored the splendour, power and fury of the Counter-Reformation.

--Lonely Planet

ROME -- INCIDENTAL -- 8

ARCHITECTURE IN ROME

From ancient ruins and Renaissance basilicas, to baroque churches and hulking fascist palazzi, Rome’s architectural legacy is unparalleled.

Michelangelo, Bramante, Borromini and Bernini are among the architects who have stamped their genius on Rome’s remarkable cityscape, which features some of the Western world’s most celebrated buildings. 

But it’s not all about history. 

In recent years a number of high-profile building projects have drawn the world’s top architects to Rome, their futuristic designs provoking discussion, debate and soul-searching among the city’s loquacious and passionate critics.

--Lonely Planet

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CENTRO STORICO

A tightly packed tangle of cobbled alleyways, Renaissance palaces, ancient ruins and baroque piazzas, the historic centre is the Rome many come to see. 

Its theatrical streets teem with boutiques, cafes, trattorias and stylish bars, while market traders and street artists work its vibrant squares. 

The Pantheon and Piazza Navona are the star turns, but you’ll also find a host of monuments, museums and churches, many with works by the likes of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini et al. 

--Lonely Planet

ROME -- INCIDENTAL -- 6

MONUMENTO NAZIONALE A VITTORIO EMANUELE II, PIAZZA VENEZIA

Officially known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, the enormous white marble monument that dominates Piazza Venezia was built as a tribute to the first king of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.

As King of Sardinia and victor over the Austrian army in Lombardy, Victor Emmanuel had become a symbol of the Risorgimento, the movement for a united Italy. 

After his army joined forces with Garibaldi and defeated the papal army, the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861 with Victor Emmanuel as king.

ROME -- INCIDENTAL -- 5

 SANT'ANDREA DELLA VALLE SUNSET

Sant'Andrea della Valle is a minor basilica in the rione of Sant’Eustachio of the city of Rome, Italy. 

The basilica is the general seat for the religious order of the Theatines.

It is located at Piazza Vidoni, 6 at the intersection of Corse Vittorio Emanuele (facing facade) and Corso Rinascimento.

--Wikipedia

ROME -- INCIDENTAL -- 4

TESTACCIO

Testaccio may not be Rome’s prettiest neighborhood, but its rich history more than makes up for it.

In antiquity, the district was home to the Emporium port, where the bulk of the Romans’ food supply funneled into the city. 

Olive oil, grains, and other essential foodstuffs arrived in terracotta vessels called amphorae, and once emptied were disposed of in an outdoor dumpsite. 

The ancient Monte dei Cocci, or Monte Testaccio hill, composed of around 53 million broken amphorae, still looms today.

Centuries later, Testaccio housed Europe’s biggest abattoir, giving rise to rustic, Roman dishes like trippa alla romana and oxtail stew. 

It was in this neighborhood that the city’s beloved team, AS Roma, had their first football pitch, and where rowdy locals still gather to take in a match. 

Nowadays, Testaccio is hailed as a bastion of Roman culinary excellence, home to some of the Capital’s best eateries.

We’ll take that over charming piazzas and cobblestoned streets any day.

--Romeing.it

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MONTI

Monti is an eclectic neighborhood in the city center, with both bohemian and classical elements. 

Archaeological sites like Trajan’s Markets and Nero’s Domus Aurea palace occupy its southwestern edge. 

Family-run trattorias, hip wine bars and funky vintage boutiques are tucked in its piazzas and back streets, and draw a mix of expats, students and locals. 

Vias Nazionale and Cavour are the area's main commercial strips.

--Dreamstime.com

ROME -- INCIDENTAL -- 2

TIBER

The Tiber is famous for being the main river that runs through the city of Rome. Rome is situated on the Tiber's eastern banks. 

The Tiber (called the Tevere in Italian) is one of the longest watercourses in Italy. Its depth is between 7 and 20 feet. 

The Tiber rises from the Apennine Mountains in Emilia-Romagna and flows for 406 Kilometers. 

Its course runs through Umbria and Lazio and ends at the Sea.

The source of the Tiber is in two springs 10 33 feet apart from each other situated on Mount Fumaiolo in central Italy.

--Vatican.com

ROME -- INCIDENTAL -- 1

TRASTEVERE

Colorful Trastevere is a funky, bohemian area that clings to its centuries-old, working-class roots.

It's known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs and artisan shops, as well as simple B&Bs and budget hotels.

From the pre-dinner passeggiata (promenade) until late, a young crowd buzzes around Piazza di San Calisto and Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, the site of a gilded, mosaic-filled church.

--Dreamstime.com

ROME -- MONUMENTAL -- 12

LARGO DI TORRE ARGENTINA

A busy transport hub, Largo di Torre Argentina is set around the sunken Area Sacra, and the remains of four Republican-era temples, all built between the 2nd and 4th centuries BC. 

These ruins, among the oldest in the city, are reckoned to be where Julius Caesar was murdered in 44 BC and, while off limits to humans, are home to a thriving stray cat population and a volunteer-run cat sanctuary.

On the piazza’s western flank stands Teatro Argentina, Rome’s premier theatre.

--Lonely Planet

ROME -- MONUMENTAL -- 11

GALLERIA BORGHESE

If you only have time for one art gallery in Rome, make it this one. 

Housing what's often referred to as the ‘queen of all private art collections’, it boasts paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian, plus sensational sculptures by Bernini. 

Highlights abound, but look for Bernini's Ratto di Proserpina (Rape of Proserpina) and Canova's Venere vincitrice (Venus Victrix).

To limit numbers, visitors are admitted at two-hourly intervals – you'll need to pre-book tickets well in advance and get an entry time.

--Lonely Planet

ROME -- MONUMENTAL -- 10

PIAZZA NAVONA

With its showy fountains, baroque palazzi and colourful cast of street artists, hawkers and tourists, Piazza Navona is central Rome’s elegant showcase square. 

Built over the 1st-century Stadio di Domiziano, it was paved over in the 15th century and for almost 300 years hosted the city's main market.

Its grand centrepiece is Berninis Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, a flamboyant fountain featuring an Egyptian obelisk and muscular personifications of the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate.

--Lonely Planet

ROME -- MONUMENTAL -- 9

CAMPO DI FIORE

The oldest and most picturesque – also the most expensive – of Rome's neighbourhood markets. 

Each weekday morning, shoppers mix with tourists and visitors amid the colourful stalls that take over the historic piazza. 

As well as seasonal fruit and veg, you can also pick up pasta, cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fruit juice and much more besides.

--Lonely Planet

ROME -- MONUMENTAL -- 8

QUARTIERE COPPEDE

The compact Quartiere Coppedè, centering around the magnificent Piazza Mincio, is one of Rome's most extraordinary neighbourhoods.

Conceived and built by the little-known Florentine architect, Gino Coppedè, between 1913 and 1926, it's a fairy-tale series of palazzos with Tuscan turrets, Liberty sculptures, Moorish arches, Gothic gargoyles, frescoed facades and palm-fringed gardens.

--Lonely Planet