Reasons to visit
tours and the lawns, flowers and fountains are impressive. Note the Spanish guard on patrol outside the ugly building to the east of St Peter’s – Pope Francis refused to move into the Papal Palace, declaring, ‘‘I’m a priest, not a king’’, so he has a simple room surrounded by other priests. The radio masts on top of Vatican Hill is where Vatican Radio commenced broadcasting in 1931, with Marconi introducing Pope Pius XI. Two-hour tour, except Wednesday and Sunday. See mv.vatican.va. PALAZZO COLONNA If the words Roman Holiday make you think of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn rather than pizza and culture, you need to visit this palace. The Gallery where ‘‘Princess Ann’’ was presented at the movie’s end is simply more splendid than anything else in a city where magnificence is almost commonplace. The Palazzo is open Saturday mornings from 9am to 1.15pm, entry off via della Pilotta 17, galleriacolonna.it/en/ palazzo-colonna/ LA DOLCE VITA The heady days of Rome’s 60s social life revolved around the Via Veneto and were captured by the Fellini films 81⁄ and La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life). Modern excesses were lovingly framed in Paolo Sorrentino’s exquisitely beautiful 2013 film The Great Beauty. An internet search will reveal the sites that star in movies – and the tours
to take you there. MOUTH OF TRUTH It may have originally been a drain cover but, since medieval times, the circular stone face at Santa Maria in Cosmedin has been a testing place. Liars who put their hands in the mouth will lose them. It formed one of the most memorable scenes in Roman Holiday and now there’s a line of presumably honest tourists waiting to prove their virtue. ST PETER’S AND THE PIETA The centre of the Catholic faith, St Peter’s is overwhelming. So, too, is St Peter’s Square. Photography is freely allowed inside because every rich piece of art is made of stone not light-sensitive paint. Michelangelo contributed the 136.5-metre-high dome – oh, and the Pieta. Bernini designed the baroque canopy over St Peter’s tomb. It will be crowded, particularly under this most