The Bite Magazine - Summer 2012 - Issue 5

a National Museum retraces the history of the castle where various exhibits range from Renaissance paintings and pottery to antique military weapons. SISTINE CHAPEL Famous for its architecture, the massive walls of the main chapel in the Palace of the Vatican are decorated with frescoes of some of the finest artists of the 15 th and16 th century. Paintings by artists including Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Signorelli grace the side walls, showing analogous episodes from the life of Christ and Moses. Look up and marvel at the chapel ceiling that was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 and the altar wall behind the Sistine Chapel showing The Last Judgement (1536- 1541) that was believed to be Michelangelo’s crowning achievement in painting. RAPHAEL’S ROOMS The Palace of the Vatican contains the four rooms known as Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael’s Rooms). A young artist at the time, Raphael was commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508 to redecorate the existing interior of the rooms entirely, perhaps to outshine the apartments of his predecessor and rival, Pope Alexander VI. After Raphael’s death in 1520, the project was completed by his three assistants Gianfrancesco Penni, Giulio Romano and Raffaellino del Colle. ROMAN COLOSSEUM Located just east of the Roman Forum, in the centre of the city is the famous Colosseum. The 80-arched elliptical amphitheatre dates back to first century AD and entertained up to 55,000 spectators with gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on classical mythology. Although it stands in ruins today, due to damage from earthquakes and stone-robbers, it is still regarded as an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. SAN LUIGI DEI FRANCESI CHURCH Also known as the Church of St Louis the French, this Roman Catholic minor basilica and titular church is located not far from Piazza Navona. The church features paintings by artists such as Domenichino, Giovanni Baglione and Tibaldi but the most famous are those painted by Baroque art master Caravaggio between 1599 and 1600 held in the Contarelli Chapel. Based on the life of St Matthew, the three most world renowned canvases are The Calling of St Matthew, The Inspiration of Saint Matthew and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew . NATIONAL ROMAN MUSEUM Spread over several locations including the Baths of Diocletian, the Palazzo Altemps, the Palazzo Massimo and the Crypta Balbi, this National Museum preserves the relics of Rome such as coins, statues, sarcophagi, earthenware, frescoes, mosaics and jewellery from the imperial and Republican periods through medieval times. NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART Featuring art from the 19 th and 20 th century, this modern art museum represents the works of Italian artists Giorgio de Chirico, Alberto Burri and Luigi Pirandello as well as famous international artists Goya, Renoir, Van Gogh and Kandinsky. MAXXI MUSEUM For the more modern art enthusiast, Rome’s newest museum designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, opened in 2010 and features 21 st century art. The museum holds in their collection paintings, photography and multimedia installations from renowned Italian and international contemporary artists. Where to Stay: ROME CAVALIERI This five-star hotel, part of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts group, is conveniently located near Piazzale Clodio, St Peter’s Basilica and Roman Forum as well as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. Make use of their Egyptian cotton sheets in the guest rooms, try out Pilates classes and take advantage of a complimentary breakfast. The hotel also offers a health club, a full service spa and shopping site as well as coffee shop/café and 24-hour room service and other amenities. bite travel