The Place where I live: Rome by Night /Gianni Murzi

A photo series by Gianni Murzi

I shot these photos around the Campidoglio Hill, the seat of the Mayor of Rome, and the Rione Trastevere, where I found a richly coloured vibrant nightlife. The period was from July to October 2019, just before the COVID 19 pandemic and its mandatory lockdowns hit us all. 

I take you around, and we start with two frames from the Campidoglio, the first is a classical view from the terrace looking over the Palatino Forum towards the Colosseo at sunset. The second is from a slightly different angle before walking down the stairs and go see the Settimio Severo Arch.

Once down the stairs, we take the next two frames, as we look at the imposing structure and sculptures of the Arch situated at the northwest end of the Roman Forum. It is a white marble triumphal arch dedicated in 203 to commemorate the Parthian victories of Emperor Septimius Severus and his two sons, Caracalla and Geta, in the two campaigns against the Parthians of 194/195 and 197–199.

We then climb the Via Sacra paved with large stones as we look at the back of the Unknown Soldier monument. While we walk, we get a glimpse of the Mercati Traianei, or the Traiano Market place, across the via dei Fori  Imperiali that goes from Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum.

We then go back up the Campidoglio hill and square, and, at one point, we get a good overview shot at the Mercati.

The Campidoglio square at the top of the same name hill, is a year round attraction with plenty of visitors taking selfies. The existing design of the Piazza del Campidoglio and the surrounding palazzi was created by Renaissance artist and architect Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1536–1546. At the height of his fame, he was commissioned by the Farnese Pope Paul III, who wanted a symbol of the new Rome to impress Charles V, who was expected in 1538. This offered him the opportunity to build a monumental civic plaza for a major city as well as to reestablish the grandeur of Rome.

Finally, we leave the beautiful square with the equestrian statue of Marco Aurelio, to descend towards the Ara Coeli basilica and Piazza Venezia.  

Trastevere at night is glittering of multicoloured lights. The October mild weather allowed night restaurant-goers to eat al fresco! We start our tour from Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere with its newspaper stall still open. 

... to move towards Sant'Egidio Square. 

The Trattoria de Gli Amici is part of a social engagement programme by the Comunità di Sant'Egidio. as it hires people with disabilities to work along professionals.  The Comunità mission among other engagements is Peace Building from Mozambique to Algeria, to other countries in Africa where it also runs programmes to combat AIDS.

 

Piazza della Scala ...

to end up in Via del Moro at the corner with via della Pelliccia ...

 

.... as we talk to a dog owner taking his dogs out for a stroll!