Seeing before going (2) -- RomePhotoBlog

Recently, I blogged about this photographer who is based in Rome (visit his site). I just enjoy his photography because when I see his photos, it feels like I am actually walking through the street of Rome and also because he has taken photos of a great many things that I have yet to see.

This blog, RomePhotoBlog, has a different kind of take on photography -- a set of photographs that seek to capture the character and personality of Rome. The photographer is Jessica Stewart, who has been in Rome some years now. Many of her photos are whimsical, capricious...even comical in some respects. She captures a Rome that a casual tourist might not see or even want to see. For those of you who have been to Rome many times, you might appreciate more the way in which her "eye" works and how the most mundane of images can communicate so much. Some of her photos also have a level of detail that you might miss in your own walks and jaunts through the city, as she spots certain details and then "enlarges" them in a way that give them a greater presence and voice. Her photos have a way of bringing you into her world, and you almost feel a part of her experience living in the Eternal City. There is a definitely sense of vicariousness in her work that is sometimes too compelling (even attractive) to ignore.

Pay her blog and visit. You can also find her blog on Facebook.

Centrale Montemartini

When I tell someone that I've been to Rome over fifteen times and even lived there, they seem suprised when they find out that there are actually museums, sites and places that I have never visited. I tell them not to be surprised since one could spend a lifetime in Rome and still not see everything -- there really is that much to see.

One place in particular that always seems to escape my radar (which is surprising given that I must have walked by the place a dozen times on my last trip to Rome and didn't even realize it!) is Centrale Montemartini, an extension of the Capitoline Museum located on Via Ostiense 106. This museum, originally a temporary exhibition while restorations and renovations took place at the Capitoline Museum, is now a permanent museum. It contains many of the leftover archeological finds that just don't fit into the Capitoline Museum due to space constraints.

What makes this space so unique, as I am finding out, is the juxtaposition between ancient art and the industrial setting in which the pieces are housed. The building, a former power station, is now a strange combination of ancient sculpture and art set against a backdrop of industrial design. I hope that on my next trip to Rome that I will be able to spend some time at this museum.

The museum is located between the metro stops for Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura and Piramide. If you're in other parts of Rome, hop on the "B" line for the Metro and walk along Via Ostiense until you see it (I want to say that it can't be that hard to miss, but...well, considering that I missed it...). You could even get off at Garbatella and cross the pedestrian bridge from the station, but this area can be confusing to navigate as there aren't many signs to direct you. Alternatively, you could take various bus routes (23, 271, 769, 770) or simply walk. I find Rome to be a very walkable city, and, if you have the time (and stamina!), why not enjoy the sights and sounds.

Tickets cost 4.50 euro, but there are various ticket combinations that can be purchased. To read more about that, check out the museum's web page which is easy to understand and very informative.

photo (top): Facade of Centrale Montemartini, image released to the public domain
photo (bottom): View of the entrance to the museum, courtesy of Andrea Giovagnoli

Seeing before going -- a photo gallery of Rome

Before heading to a new place, I always think that it's important to familiarize yourself with landmarks, especially if you're the type that gets lost easily (like myself). While getting lost and finding your way can be fun, if your vacation is only a few days, who wants to spend a majority of the time trying to figure out where you are. Sure, if you're in a place for a few weeks, it's not a problem, but when time is your enemy, and you have limited time to do the things you want to do, being a little prepared can make your trip more enjoyable.

Besides studying maps, a great way to learn about your destination is through photography. A few years ago, I stumbled across a web site called Panoramio, where I discovered this photographer. He takes some really fantastic shots of Rome and some of his photos can be found in Panoramio. I like how he captures the monuments, sites and places of Rome in such a way that it feels like you are almost there. Now he has a budding web site of his photography, so if you've been to Rome or are soon heading there, check out his site for some spectacular shots of the Eternal City.

(I also enjoy photography...check out my Flickr Photostream for more photos of Rome and Italy)

Leonardo's "St. John the Baptist" at the Palazzo Venezia

On exhibit in Rome until the end of January is Leonardo's Saint John the Baptist, on loan from the Louvre in Paris.  If you're in Rome, swing on by the Palazzo Venezia and have a look at this exquisite work of art.  The painting is part of a larger exhibition, entitled Il Potere e la Grazia. I Santi Patroni d´Europa (Power and Grace: Patron Saints of Europe).

Leonardo painted and finished so few paintings, and that when there's an opportunity to see some of his work, you should jump at the chance! If you've ever been to Paris, you know that getting into the Louvre and seeing all you want to see can be difficult to do.  Now you can see this superb work of art in a less crowded setting.

This exhibit is free. The Palazzo Venezia is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, and it is closed Mondays. It is pretty easy to find and reach and is located at Via del Plebiscito, 118 in Rome. -Map It With Google Maps-

You can read more about the exhibit here from La Repubblica:
http://roma.repubblica.it/dettaglio/il-san-giovanni-battista-di-leonardo-in-mostra-a-palazzo-venezia/1818696

 photo credit: work of art depicted in this image and the reproduction thereof are in the public domain worldwide. The reproduction is part of a collection of reproductions compiled by The Yorck Project. The compilation copyright is held by Zenodot Verlagsgesellschaft mbH and licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.

Caravaggio at the Scuderie del Quirinale

If you're heading to Rome in the coming months, you might think that Rome has nothing to offer during the colder winter months of January - March. At the Scuderie del Quirinale starting in February, there will be an exhibition of the works of Caravaggio. I blogged about Caravaggio last year and even created a map of his works in Rome that makes a great walking tour.

From February 18 to June 13, 30 of Caravaggio's works will be on display at the Scuderie del Quirinale. If you're heading to Rome in the coming weeks, there's also an exhibition about the paintings of Ancient Rome entitled Roma : la pittura di un impero.

The Scuderie del Quirinale is located at Via XXIV Maggio 16. It can be reached by bus or metro -- my advice would be to take either Metro A or B and get off at Piazza della Repubblica or Cavour, respectively and walk. If you prefer the bus, the bus routes 16, 170, 36, 360, 37, 38, 40, 60, 61, 62, 64, 70 or H all stop nearby. If you're at Termini Station, take bus 40 (Piazza Pia/Castel S. Angelo).

The Scuderie is open seven days a week. From Sunday through Thursday it opens at 10:00 am and closes at 8:00 PM. Fridays and Saturdays, they remain opened until 10:30 PM. Remember that ticket offices generally close an hour before the museum (so don't expect to pop in for 30 minutes before it closes -- they won't let you in!). During Christmas Eve and New Years Eve the museum closes at 2:00 PM. Christmas Day and New Year's Day, the museum opens at 4:00 and closes at 10:30 PM.

Tour guides are available but require booking, especially if you prefer a language other than Italian. Tickets are 10 euro. Check out the Scuderie's web site for information on discounts and other reductions.