Buying Art and Antiques in Rome

Rome’s art and antique shops range from exclusive establishments to contemporary art galleries. In response to a fashion for collecting early-20th- century artifacts, new dealers and galleries are springing up throughout Rome – Venini’s Murano glass is popular, as are lighting and furniture. Many more sell general bric-a-brac and jewellery. Copies of antique prints can [...]

Rome’s stylish interior design shops

Italian design belongs to a long-established tradition based on the skills of the master craftsman, and some firms have a history going back hundreds of years. Rome’s stylish interior design shops are worth seeking out, even if it is only to look around and enjoy the ambience. You might well pick up some design ideas [...]

Buying Shoes in Rome

Italy’s leather industry is renowned all over the world, and shoes, bags and belts are a good buy in Rome. Accessories in general are not just an afterthought but an integral part of an outfit for the well-dressed Roman. The choice of stylish jewellery, scarves, ties and other accessories is excellent. SHOES Rome is full [...]

Shopping Fashion in Rome.

Italy is one of the leading lights in high-class fashion, or alta moda. Many of the most famous designers are based in Milan, but Rome is home to a cluster of sophisticated and internationally distinguished fashion houses. There is also a wonderful selection of alta moda shops. Boutiques displaying an eclectic mix of designer goods [...]

Rome’s Best Shopping Streets and Markets

The most interesting shops in Rome are in the old centre, so shopping is easy to combine with sightseeing. The shops are often housed in medieval or Renaissance buildings and their window displays can be exquisite. Just like shopkeepers in past centuries, traders tend to specialize in one type of merchandise. Street names often refer [...]

Gelaterie in Rome

GELATERIE Ice cream (gelato) is one of summer’s main delights and at Rome’s ice cream parlours, you are certainly in for a lavish treat. Look for the word artigianale, if you want to savour the best. The choice is endless – water-ices made with a phenomenal variety of fruit; lemon and coffee granite (crushed ice); [...]

La Dolce vita in Rome

Rome can delight the most demanding gourmet and satisfy the keenest appetite, whatever the hour. An enticing array of gelaterie, pasticcerie, pizzerie, enote- che, rosticcerie and gastronomie means that good food and drink are, literally, around the corner. Hotel breakfasts often aren’t up to scratch and you would be better off starting the day with [...]

The Flavours of Rome – La Dolce Vita

There are few more enduring pleasures than lingering ove leisurely al fresco meal in a piazza in the Eternal City. Rom food is tasty, nutritious, simple and extremely varied. Menu tend to be seasonal and there are even specialities eaten o specific days of the week. Traditionally, Thursday is gnocc day, Friday is for salted [...]

Shopping in Barcelona

A CITY WITH impeccable style, Barcelona is where you’ll find the best in Catalan, Spanish and international design. For those in search of fashion, a good place to begin a tour of Barcelona is on the streets around the Passeig de Gràcia, which make up the most important shopping area, and where crowds browse among [...]

Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona

Born in Reus (Tarragona 1852–1926) into an artisan family, Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was the leading exponent of Catalan Modernisme. After a blacksmith’s apprenticeship, he studied at Barcelona’s School of Architecture. Inspired by a nationalistic search for a romantic medieval past, his work was supremely original. His first major achievement was the Casa Vicens (1888) at No. [...]

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