Also see:
- Travel Journal: Lazio Region
- Great Places to Stay : Lazio Region
- Rome - A Short History
Our trip will start in Rome. We have made arrangments for a penthouse apartment with a large patio. Our friends, will be starting their trip at the beautiful Villa Scarpariello not far from Amalfi.
Our apartment, on via Milano, is a 11 minute walk to the Trevi Fountain, and even more important, a short 13 minute walk to Noveli Pen on via San Marcello We are staying in what is known as the Monti district of Rome. It is between the via Nazionale and the ruins of the Fori Imperiali and the Coliseum. It is known as an area of authetic charm. Small streets have an array of boutiques. Good thing we plan to be cooking in our apartment as this district is known for high-end shopping rather than restaurants.
I have read that the Lireria Caffe Bohèmien, at via degli Zingari, 36 has "nailed the wine bar, coffee shop, bookstore combination". It has small tables in small rooms lined with bookshelves and walls showing paintings and photographs. the New York Times refers to the Monti neightbourhood as being lively. An 18 minute walk is planned to the Enoteca Corsi on via del Gesù, 87 was one of the first wine stores to start serving lunchs. Our friends, the Grants, have been visiting that location on their last few visits to Rome. The menu changes each day and we will be sure to go early as it is packed for lunch. Last year we walked by but were too early in the day.
While we are in Rome, our friends are in Amalfi staying at the Villa Scarpariello. They have booked the Giardino Suite. It offers a killer patio and is very nicely appointed.
The Villa Scarpariello has an interesting history. Tthe old tower dates to 1533 and was built by the University of Ravello. The tower was part of the old fortifications that were along the Amalfi Coast for protection from Turkish pirates. Later it took on the role of residences for the Princess of Marsicanovo, the Barons of Campagna and even King Vittoria Emanuele III of Italy.
Today the villa includes both apartments and furnished double rooms. Villa Scarpariello is located just down the road from the Hotel Villa San Michele.
