The other face of Rome

Rome is a city filled with history and culture. It is called “The Eternal City” because it was founded in 753 BC and is still alive today. People from all around the world visit Rome to see the birthplaces of Western civilization.
Rome’s historic center is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and people come just to see aspects of the Italian Renaissance. But what happens after you visit all the historic areas and see the art works? My last visit to Rome was to answer that question and I found that the city has another face that reveals a variety of interesting art, music, food and shopping areas.

Art and culture
a) The Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna: The National Gallery of Modern Art was established in 1883 and is located at Via delle Belle Arti. The gallery features art from the 19th and 20th centuries. With its neoclassical and romantic paintings and sculpture, it makes a dramatic change from the glory of the Renaissance and ancient Rome.
b) Maxxi, the National Museum of Art from the 21st century: The first national museum dedicated entirely to contemporary art is a curving, jutting structure of glass, steel and concrete. The museum is located north of the center, in the Flaminio neighborhood, on the site of a former military barracks. The Maxxi consists of two museums: Maxxi Art and Maxxi Architecture. In addition to the two museums, it also features an auditorium, a library and media library specialized in art and architecture, a bookshop, a cafeteria restaurant, and galleries for temporary exhibitions, performances and educational activities.

Retail therapy:
If you're searching for celebrated international brands then Via Condotti and Via Borgognona next to the Spanish Steps is the place to be. You will find everything you want if not more. Boutiques such as Gucci, Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Hermes and Bulgari are walking distance from each other. All you need is a credit card and comfortable shoes to enjoy shopping in this area.
If you're looking for antiques then head to Via dei Coronari, Via Giulia, Via Margutta, Via del Babuino and Via del Pellegrino for the best kind of hand crafted home accessories and antiques. Ancient mosaics can be found on Via dei Gigli d'Oro.
For art shoppers there is the Via Margutta, which is a small street, lined with art boutiques and galleries. It turns into an open-air space for art exhibitions during spring and autumn.
There are few shopping centers that offer both local and international shopping brands, cinema and food courts such as Roma Est, Parco Leonardo, Euroma2 and Porta Di Roma, which are the four biggest malls in Rome.
If you're searching for vintage and cheap second hand clothing and accessories for both genders then you will definitely enjoy the Sunday market located in Porta Portese Street, which is open early morning until the afternoon.
If you're anything like me, you'll love the Marcato di Testaccio market located in the Piazza Testaccio. You'll find different Roman harvests, great cheese and lots of fruits, vegetables and meats.

Music and entertainment
a) Auditorium Parco della Musica: This is a large multi-functional public music complex also known as the “Factory of Culture.” There are three concert halls that stage ballet and theater productions, and the Cavea, an open-air theater reminiscent of a classical amphitheater. The Auditorium is the world's most visited music facility with over one million spectators a year.
b) Casa del Jazz (The House of Jazz): The Casa del Jazz is home to the Italian jazz scene, with artists of all ages from all regions. It has hosted musicians of international renown, but also offers a space for lesser-known musicians.

Restaurants and cafes
a) Tartufi and Friends is heaven for those who love truffles. It is located in Via Condotti close to the Spanish Steps. This tiny restaurant and boutique has a chic atmosphere with its black and white interior. The entire food menu offers different kinds of dishes made with truffles.
b) Café Greco is a place to see and be seen. It's one of the oldest cafes in the city located near Piazza di Spagna. It’s the perfect place for a light bite after a long day of shopping.

Where to stay:
The Gran Melia Villa Agrippina is an urban luxury resort. It is located in the heart of the city making it the only resort in central Rome.
Located at Via del Gianicolo 3 in the center of the city by the Tiber River, the hotel is surrounded by shops and monuments such as the Coliseum, Saint Peter's Basilica, the Castel Sant'Angelo, Piazza Navona and the Oratorio del Gonfalone, all within easy walking distance. This paradise in the heart of The Eternal City will offer visitors a sanctuary away from the urban hustle and bustle.
The legends of ancient Rome and the outstanding scenery of the historical Villa Agrippina, which once belonged to the Roman empress, mother of the Emperor Nero, wrap around the hotel. Its rich history blends impeccably with elegant interiors, which masterfully balance traditional luxury with a sophisticated modern extravagance.
The hotel is beyond expectations. As soon as you get out of your taxi you will feel like you're in a private villa. On your right, steps lead you to the Liquid Garden with white sofas and chairs overlooking the hotel’s pool. Here they serve you light snacks and fresh juices.
Surrounding the terrace is the Lunae Terrace, which is a perfect place to celebrate Rome or any other occasion. On the other side is the famous Viva Voce restaurant, which is a gourmet restaurant with the two-Michelin-star Chef Alfonso Laccarino’s innovative cuisine. The restaurant is a destination for fine Mediterranean dining in Rome and is a culinary jewel.
Walking to the lobby you will see hard wood floors and wall accessories with beautiful pieces of art and flowers. At the reception, you will be greeted with a beautiful warm hand gesture that Arabs are familiar with, which is placing the right hand on the heart. If you are a Red Level guest, you will be treated like a celebrity and have full access to the Red Level Lounge from midnight to 7 p.m. that offers a la carte breakfast, snacks, tea, coffee and juice throughout the day. You will also be offered different kinds of special treatments that will make your stay extra special.
The Gran Melia has 116 rooms and suites on eight floors, each offering a delightfully intimate contrast to the clean and open common spaces, with a rich blend of luxurious satin and velvet-like fabrics, warm wooden and precious Trani stone floors and crisp white high-count sheeting. Each floor of the hotel is inspired by an artistic theme, reproduced on the walls or as a dramatic backdrop to the ample beds. Acting as true artistic galleries with modern reproductions of famous paintings on show in city museums, the guests continue in a delightful journey of discovery through the city’s most prized cultural possessions, in the privacy of their own rooms.
On my tour, I visited the Emperor Suite with Wellness Area and terrace, which I think is perfect for families who like to travel together. The 200-square-meter suite is very elegant and offers a great space at the private terrace that can host a small outdoor private party. The terrace is equipped with whirlpool bath, relaxation area, Bali bed and panoramic view of Orti Domiziani, Villa Agrippina and the Vatican. The suite features a large bedroom, a spacious living room and private spa/wellness area.
The best part of any luxury resort is the Spa and wellness area where the Gran Melia offers its guests four treatment rooms with a variety of services from massages, facials, nail spa, body treatment and rituals from different parts of the world. I tried the Diamond Lift-Effect Facial. I have to admit my face loved the different types of temperature and the products they used even though my skin is young. This facial is the latest generation in skin care formulas with an extraordinary lifting and balancing effect through the application of diamond crystals on the face. The treatment combines different massage techniques to restore and tone the facial muscles.

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