Free roming
Terracotta is your ticket to an idyllic city escape in Rome, where the romance of Italy permeates every space of this historical apartment, that overlooks the inimitable urban landscape.
When in Rome, make your way down the old cobbled lanes of Via dell’Arco del Monte, look up at the earthy tones of the ancient homes, and follow the blue pathways in the sky. Pause for a moment, marvelling at the weathered marble columns. Lay your summer travelling hat down on the centuries-old bench, pondering your fortune of having discovered this sublime European urban escape.
Before you’ve even stepped inside the apartment, and become acquainted with the spaces of Terracotta, you’re molto contento! It’s the ambience of the area, the ancient history, the fragrances from the Sicilian bakery – I dolci di Nonna Vincenza – and the local market selling fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables – Campo de’ Fiori. The sounds of freedom coming from cafés, and that effervescent feeling of amore that enraptures, before you’ve put that holiday hat to rest, at the end of your bed.
So up we go to the top floor of the beautiful building you’ll have access to, for as many of your chosen Roman days. A serenely stylish two-bedroomed apartment, Terracotta lends its uniquely luxurious spaces to you and your travelling tribe of three. Four at a push. Living, dining and cooking areas, with its ancient timber beams, original tiles, copper pots, polished marble bathrooms and counter tops, antique cabinetry, heirloom rugs, treasured art pieces and views of Rome’s rooftops, capturing your gaze at every opportunity.
Dialling up the molto contento vibes even more. The beds in both of the two bedrooms will be hard to part from during your stay. The soft, quality linens and that total absence of urgency lets you lie in for an extra hour or two. Endlessly reading. Listening to when the quiet streets get interrupted by the occasional outburst of laughter and conversation. Italian never sounded so soothing.
This city pad has everything you and your travelling companions will need when gallivanting the great voyage of Rome. You’ll pivot from your own penthouse with ease. Either by foot or by car. Steps away from the River Tiber, you’ll cross the Ponte Sisto bridge that connects you to the Trastevere neighbourhood. Famous for its eateries and aperitivo bars.
The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Venezia are all only a 10-minute walk away. The Spanish Steps or the Piazza del Popolo is about a 25-minute stroll, depending on how many gelatos you stop for on the way. The Colosseum and the Vatican City are only a 30-minute pedestrian adventure away, either side of the apartment. You could not be better located to it all, from the comfort of the19th-Century bones of Terracotta.
Oh, the places you’ll go
Everyone has their own wish lists and ideals on how an Italian getaway unfolds. Allow for enough days to simply savour the perks of the area that Terracotta rests within. A few minutes away from the apartment is the famous Roscioli – and the “Salumeria” (sausage shop) – where you can by the freshest, most exciting ingredients to take back to the apartment and spend the afternoon feasting around the kitchen table. Or have your meals made fresh, on-the-spot and sit outside in the sunshine. There should also be a bit of time invested in boutique browsing.
Via dei Giubbonari is full of lovely little souvenir shops that sell just about everything the cousins might want. The area is more about the locals, less about the tourists, so you’ll have the beautiful opportunity to really feel the Italian pulse of Rome. Stop in at the famous Pandemonium or Benetton stores. Venture down the streets of Via dei Banchi Nuovi and Via dei Banchi Vecchi for their unique fashion boutiques. Or curious ceramic shops, and revered vintage stores along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. And then finish off the afternoon of retail therapy, with a bit of relaxing therapy, at the Aquamadre Spa in the Jewish ghetto.
Whatever’s on the agenda for the day, remember, when in Rome, follow the nose of the wise. Let the itinerary get as lost as you do. It’ll always find its way back into action. As you navigate your way over the bridge, along the river, down the cobbled lanes and into the arms of Terracotta. Ticking off all of the little things you least expected to find, in some of the lesser-known places. With some new faces and new learned Italian words. Molto contento, infatti!
What we love!
- The terracotta tiles, the timber floors, the marble, the paintings perfectly placed on a story part of the walls. The light that floods through the windows, and the door that escorts you out onto the patio.
- The home’s location is perfect. Though it’s right in the hub of Rome, it’s not a tourist trap, nor is it noisy. In the simmer months it’s delightfully quiet, and in winter there’s a neighbouring school where happy sounds echo the Roman streets.
- Spending time in the kitchen where you can gather around the table and enjoy the breathtaking views of Rome’s rooftops.
- No matter what’s on the itinerary for the day, everywhere you need to go, or anything new you want to see, is within walking distance.
What you need to know…
- Terracotta sits in the heart of Rome, in the area of Via dei Giubbonari, steps away from the Ponte Sisto bridge. The property is only a 30-minute drive from Leonardo da Vinci International airport. If you are travelling by car, parking options will be provided, prior to your arrival. There are a couple of secure parking facilities close to the apartment, at an extra cost.
- When you’d like to explore the culinary scene of the area, for fine dining, make a reservation at Pierluigi – one of the most famous restaurants in Rome, revered for its seafood dishes. For traditional Roman trattoria, head to Osteria La Quercia, located in a small square right behind the apartment. It’s definitely worth exploring the Jewish ghetto, which is just about a 5-minute walk from the apartment for some fabulous eateries typical Roman menus, with a little twist.
- If Terracotta is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Italy.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie