The Fountains of Rome

Rome ranks among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and not just in Italy. There’s the Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican City, St. Peter's Square, and so many other fantastic things to see here. But there’s one thing in the city that does not get the attention it deserves. These are the fountains in Rome. Yes, the Trevi Fountain is certainly very popular. But we would like to stress here that there are many other fantastic fountains in Rome too apart from the Trevi that ought to get the attention they deserve.

You might be surprised to know that there is one fountain in almost every square in the city. Some of these fountains are stunning, exquisite. Perfect examples of what Roman art and craftsmanship stands for.

Trevi Fountain

This is the most famous fountain, a picture postcard. This Baroque masterpiece was completed in 1762. You will find tourists thronging the fountain and the lanes around it all through the day. Most of them would throw coins into the pool and make a wish. Traditionally, the wish was a return trip to Rome. However these days, people would wish for everything. There’s no cost for seeing this Roman attraction, except your coin.

Bernini Fountains

Gianlorenzo Bernini (1622-1680) was among the most famous artists in Rome. You will find some of his beautiful marble works at the Museo Borghese. Apart from this, Bernini also sculpted many fountains that are today laid out all across the city. However the most famous of them is the one you will find at Piazza Navona. It is the Four Rivers Fountain. There is also the Fontana della Barcaccia, which is located below the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Barberini’s Fontana del Tritone.

Fontana delle Naiadi

Many people believe that Fountain of the Nymphs or the Fontana delle Naiadi is the finest fountain in the city. There’s a central pool on this large fountain. The Water God, Glaucus, is perched on top of this. There are four nymphs or naiads surrounding Glaucus. This signifies the four water types – lakes, oceans, rivers and underground water.

Fontana delle Tartarughe

You should certainly visit the Fontana delle Tartarughe or the Turtle Fontain, though it is slightly out of the way. It has been designed by Giacomo della Porta. Here you will find four male figures located on dolphins. They are helping small turtles to get into a small pool. This is a nice fountain at Piazza Mattei.

Eating Pizza in Naples

Foodies of the world love their pizza. Almost all of them. If you are touring Italy, then you must eat the pizza here. After all, Italy is the birth place of pizza or pizzeria. Sure enough, you can have your pizza almost anywhere in the country. But there’s one place in Italy where it comes special. Go south of Rome, to Naples, because, they say that the pizzeria was first thought of, cooked, gulped down, and raved here, before word began to spread.

But here’s a word of caution for you. If you are thinking of trying pizza in Naples, then you should know that it is way different than what they serve you at the American eateries that you find in your city. Italian pizzeria is essentially simple and basic – the way it was meant to be. The menu choices are limited. You are going to love it though, if you are looking for an authentic experience. Go for it. Try authentic pizza in Naples, Italy, the city where it was discovered. You will carry the memory.

What You Should Order

The purest pizzeria in Naples is the Marinara. It is simple and straight. The only toppings are olive oil, oregano, garlic and tomatoes. You could also try Margherita, which is a classic. It comes with fresh green basil, white mozzarella cheese and red tomatoes. Siciliana contains eggplant and mozzarella. Diavola comes with spicy salami. Or you can go for Salsiccia e Friarielli. There is broccolilike vegetable and sausage here.

Pizzeria Standardizations in Naples

The Neapolitan Pizza Chefs Association has standardized the methods and ingredients that can be used. It is known as DOC or “Denominazione D’origine Controllata”. Some also refer to it as STG or “Specialità Tradizionale Garantita”. According to this, only San Marzano tomatoes that are grown locally can be used. There should be a cheese bubbling around the edges. Only Fior Di Latte cheese or Buffalo-milk Mozzarella can be used. The right durum wheat must be used for making the dough.

Where Can You Find the Best Pizzeria in Naples?

Here are some of the best places where you can have your pizzeria.

• Da Michele on Via Sersale
• Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente on Via Tribunali
• Brandi on Salita S.Anna di Palazzo
• Di Matteo on Via dei Tribunali
• Pizzeria Trianon da Ciro on Via P. Colletta
• Sorbillo on via Tribunali
• Da Ettore on Via S. Lucia
• Lombardi on via Foria
• Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba
• La Notizia on Via Caravaggio

Just remember one thing. If you are a big time pizza lover, then you should always try Naples in September. Because that’s when, every year, there is the annual Pizza festival. It is really a wonderful time of the year to visit this part of the world. The summer crowd is almost gone. The weather is still great. And do try the south coast from Naples. Visit Ravello, Positano, Capri and Pompeii. See stunning ceramic at Vietri. Head out to Paestum – you can see Greek temples that are 3000 years old here.