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Chiostro del Bramante
Chiostro del Bramante

Rome - There is more than a lifetime of things to see wandering through the streets of Rome, yet one often forgets that there is a whole other city inside the building walls that is just as interesting and worth seeing. This is one of those spots that is perfect when you're overwhelmed by the city, have sore feet, and just need to sit quietly for minute.

Chiostro del Bramante

No surprise really as it was actually designed for this purpose (quiet contemplation, not sore feet) by Bramante around the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. It was his first project in Rome, before he went on to design other things . . . St.Peter's basilica being one of them. Needless to say, he got the cloister right, in its proportions, elegance, and peacefulness.

Swing by next time you're in the area. There is a lovely café on the second level with tables under the arches of the upper portico where you can sit for a break or for lunch (and brunch on weekends). Sara the barista makes a great espresso . . . and they have free wi-fi internet access. Guess where this note was written?

Chiostro del Bramante, Via della Pace, 26, behind Piazza Navona. www.chiostrodelbramante.it

Chiostro del Bramante



--contributed by GB (see bio), owner of Welcome Home, quality expatriate housing in Rome since 1984.