The Italian Night
Come join us for a relaxing stroll through the city center at sunset. From the great Baroque 'piazza Navona,' traditional location site of the martyrdom of Saint Agnes, to the splendor of Ancient Rome with the Pantheon. Learn about the life of another child prodigy-Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and his great rival Borromini. We will make our way to the romantic atmosphere of the Trevi Fountain, where you can toss a coin or three, and learn why people do. You will pass the parish church of Michelangelo, where two of the twelve Apostles are buried. Don't forget to bring along your camera for the little quaint streets, and for the nighttime views of Palazzo Venezia (see below), and the many monuments and foutains. The tour ends atop the Capitoline Hill, the most important of the so-called 'seven hills' of Rome. It was here that Michelangelo left one of his last architectural achievement, the Campidoglio. It forms the center of what are the oldest public museums in the world today-the Capitoline Museums. A five-minute walk brings you into one of the more tasteful parts of Rome-the Jewish Ghetto. You will find the restaurants specializing not only in the great italian specialty dishes, but even in Kosher. One appetizer you must not forget is the Grilled Artichokes!
Palazzo Venezia
Benito Mussolini (1883-1945), also known as 'Il Duce,' was editor of the socialist newspaper 'Avanti!' before becoming leader of the 'fascisti.' Demanding to be made Prime Minister in 1922, Mussolini later implanted himself in the Palazzo Venezia, from where he would rule with the power of an ancient Emperor. Hoping to emulate Roman expansion as in the days of antiquity, he ordered the installation of four marble maps outside the Roman Forum, still visible today, extolling Roman domination under Emperor Trajan (98-107 AD). From the balcony of Palazzo Venezia, when Italy was slowly starting to lose power, he presented Adolf Hitler to the crowds, with whom a recent pact had been made. Later (1941) Mussolini would declare war on the allies from that same balcony. On the Rome at Dusk tour, re-experience these 20th century events where they took place in the Piazza Venezia, where you can also see and learn about the massive Victor Emmanuel national monument.
