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Last posts

British Cemetery in Rome

Mónica Boixeda Only-Be, Roman

Perhaps one of the greatest contrasts of Rome lies south of the Capitoline Hill in the populous neighborhood of Testaccio, at the foot of the mountain of which takes its name. Unlike the nearby Aventine, the exclusive and quiet neighborhood that attracted writers and philosophers of ancient Rome, Testaccio has always been one of the busiest and most popular districts of the city, the perfect place to discover and observe the very essence of Roman life. You can find traditional grocery stores, antique markets, old factories, slaughterhouses and an assortment of vibrant restaurants, bars and clubs animation that prolong the day until the wee hours, making this a beloved area for nightlife. It is, however this neighborhood which is site where one of the most interesting landmarks of Rome: the Cimiterio Acattolico (Via Caio Cestio, 6). As its name suggests, it is simply a non-Catholic cemetery, a resting places for the bodies of Protestants, Orthodox, Buddhists, atheists and agnostics. For example, Antonio Gramsci, founder of the Italian Communist Party, a victim of fascism and perhaps one of the most suggestive and interesting thinkers of the twentieth century left, is buried here. Its fame, however, is due mainly to the Protestants and, more specifically, the English Protestants buried there which is why it is often known as the Graveyard of the English. Among them lie poets and friends John Keats (1795-1821) and Percy B. Shelley (1792-1822), who along with compatriot Lord Byron (1788-1824), who perhaps sought his own death to fight for freedom in Greece, another country of classical antiquity. These men make up the patriarchal triumvirate of imperial British... read more

El Barato: a midight oasis

Mónica Boixeda Barcelonian, Only-Be

El barato is a bar that is full of surprises. At first glance it looks like a simple neighborhood bar, which in Barcelona means dirt, grit, football and colorful characters getting drunk on cheap alcohol with a quasi-religious zeal. Perhaps it is not the most aesthetic setting, but on Saturday and Sunday mornings, El Barato functions as an after hours club, and a killer party atmosphere half-hidden behind a sliding door awaits you. What looks like a mere broom closet is actually a door to another universe inhabited by frenzied creatures reveling in the decadence and excess of modern urban social life. One night stands, a thirst for chemistry and sex, nocturnal instincts gone wild: you will find it all here at the Barato. This spot brings everyone together, from the police to the anarchopunks, gay, lesbian, straight and Blessed, modern classic fashion victims and conservatives, the dirty and the tidy. It offers a much needed space to finish off the night which always promises adventure. It is an oasis that offers the hope in the desert of dull uniformity which this city has become. As it should be, anything goes does not mean anything, and common sense respect for patrons and other customers should be shown. Try not to make noise entering and leaving so the neighbors can get some rest as well. Try not to tie up the bathroom with your bad habits; somebody might need to use it for its intended purpose. The bar might be cheap, but that doesn’t mean you have to be, they reserved the right to refuse admission or kick you out... read more

Maxxi museum wins prestigous Stirling Prize

Mónica Boixeda Only-Be, Roman

The MAXXI, a new contemporary art museum in Rome that was designed by architect Zaha Hadid recently won the Stirling prize awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Hadid´s career is illustrious, and she was the first woman to obtain a Pritzker (which is considered the Nobel of architecture). She is also responsible for designing the swimming pavilion in the London Olympics in 2012. According to the jury, Stirling´s building is ” a mature piece of architecture, the distillation of years of experimentation, only a fraction of which ever got built,and this is one of the main reasons which were given the award.” Critics have hailed it the best work of her career, or quipped that it does not mesh with the urban environment which surrounds it. Love it or hate it, it’s still a winner Hadid won a generous cash prize as part of the award; other buildings short listed for the prize include a housing project in east London and the Neues Museum in Berlin. The competition was very stiff. Ruth Reed, president of RIBA, said the MAXXI was a worthy winner and is very excited for having given the award to Zaha Hadid whom she considers one of the most important architects of Great Britain. As you can imagine the MAXXI is incredibly impressive not only because of the thrilling works it contains but also because of the building design. If you want to a visit this brilliant temple to contemporary architecture, rent apartments in Rome and enjoy browsing. More information: http://www.maxxi.beniculturali.it/ MAXXI: Via Guido Reni, 10, Rome, 153... read more