Rome
Event
Events
Dress Code
Welcome Dinner
A Night at Trastevere // Warm clothing​
Holy Matrimony
-
Keep shoulders covered
-
Avoid revealing clothing
-
Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be at or below knee length
-
No hats or sunglasses inside the churches
-
Avoid clothing with offensive or provocative messages, symbols, or graphics
Reception Dinner
Stay warm!
General
Audience
with
Pope Francis
27 Nov
The Wednesday General Audience starts at 9.15am; however the Holy Father begins his tour among various sections at 9.00am.
Therefore, it is recommended to be at the place of the event by 8.45am, taking into account the time necessary to pass the security controls (metal detectors), as well as the inevitable waiting lines.
​
Please PM Shienny or John if you are interested to join as they are applying for tickets in October.
Things to do in Italy...
Vatican
On Wednesdays (except for July, when the pope generally takes a break), the pope holds an audience at St Peter's Basilica. In warmer months, it will be in Saint Peter's Square. In colder months, or if it's raining, it will be in an auditorium-type hall just to the left of the basilica. This means that the whole area will be packed due to all the people who attend the papal audience, many of whom visit the Vatican Museums after the audience.
​
If you do visit Vatican City on a Wednesday, keep in mind that St Peter's Basilica will be closed until the papal audience is over (around 12-1pm.)
Palazzo Spada
Near Campo dei Fiori yet blissfully uncrowded, Palazzo Spada is a striking historic palace built in the 16th century and redesigned by Roman architect Borromini in the 17th century. Inside there’s a rich art collection with Renaissance and Baroque masters, and outside there’s a peaceful courtyard where eight impressive colonnades create a mesmerising optical illusion. The palace itself is exquisitely Baroque, with elegant, perfect symmetry and ornate decorations. Inside, there are walls plastered in frescoes, immaculate stucco work, and grand halls of opulent, gilded marble. Palazzo Spada houses an incredible art collection, with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts by artists including Titian and Caravaggio. Don’t miss the Borromini Perspective Gallery, a masterclass in optical illusion where a corridor appears to be much longer than it actually is.
Case Romane del Celio in Rome
Underground beneath the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, this heritage museum shows how Roman daily life has changed over the years. There are 20 rooms showing ancient Roman homes, shops and shrines. It’s cheap to get into and relatively quiet, even on weekends. This is one of the best preserved examples of ancient Roman domestic architecture. The houses date back to the second and third centuries AD. They were part of a larger residential complex, possibly belonging to a single aristocratic Roman family. One of the most remarkable features is the underground area known as the hypogeum—a subterranean complex of chambers and passageways. Visitors can explore several interconnected rooms, including reception areas (atria), living quarters (cubicula), kitchens, and courtyards. The houses are decorated with colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and marble floors, showcasing the opulence and artistic sophistication of the Roman elite.
Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza
Most artists and architects working in the characteristically ornate and emotional Baroque style leaned heavily on color and materials to create strong visual impressions. Not Borromini, in this magnificent church originally designed for the Università di Roma. Using simply molded stucco forms and daylight, the maestro created an interior space that's at once intimate and infinite, simple and complex. If you've seen Bernini's interior design at St. Peter's Basilica, this is a great place to see how his rival achieves absolute architectural perfection without using scale and color as a crutch. There's no guide. Walk in, take a seat, and take it in.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
This museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage. It’s set in a noble palace still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and the ornate halls provide a grand setting for such an overwhelming amount of art. The collection is acclaimed among 16th and 17th-century art aficionados but is off the average visitor’s radar even though it's located just off Piazza Venezia and close to the Forum.
Colloseum
If you know the background of the building, a visit to the Colosseum will be truly amazing and totally live up to the hype. The place was used for wild beast hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights for several hundred years, then became a condo of sorts as medieval Romans made their homes in the hulking ruins. Spend a little time on the second story exhibition area, check out the artists' renderings of the building's ancient and medieval incarnations, and you'll be anxious to learn more.
Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala
Entering this ancient apothecary, the oldest in Europe, feels a little like stepping back in time. You enter through the ground floor of the building, which is now a functioning, modern pharmacy, before heading upstairs to the ancient iteration. Visitors are welcomed by a friar, who talks you through the various herbs, potions, unguents, balms, and oils that they used to heal the ancient Romans. He knows his stuff. Ask him to show you some of the original wooden furniture from the 18th century, and the instruments they used for weighing ingredients and making the medicines. Look out for the teriaca, a potion created and used by Romans as an antidote—ingredients include viper meat.
MAXXI Rome
MAXXI is the kind of place you go to spend half a day, with no plans other than to take the entire place in. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this is Rome’s museum for all things contemporary, with exhibitions spanning modern fashion, cinema, art, and architecture. Heck, it’s worth visiting just to check out the building, a piece of art in itself. The labyrinthine space at MAXXI is astounding. It gets busy, but there's so much space that you wouldn't notice. Big, wide halls give way to rooms of different themes and sizes, resulting in five floors of non-stop, incredible artwork. Spaces range from performing arts to galleries with modern artworks to open cinemas. For some, this might feel a little incoherent, but it helps if you take it in as a whole rather than different spaces.
Capitoline Museums
Home to one of the finest collections of ancient sculpture in Rome (and therefore the world), the Capitoline Museums are—weirdly—rarely crowded. They attract school groups, local history and art buffs, and travelers, all of whom tend to meander through the museums' various buildings, two of which were designed by none other than Michelangelo. Thanks to its collection and its proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, it's a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is a big, sprawling open-air museum. There are emperors' palaces, manicured gardens, medieval churches, and a terrace overlooking the Forum and beyond. The admission fee is about $18 and covers the Roman Forum and Colosseum, too, making it a pretty great deal. Although the Palatine has monuments from every major era in Rome's history, the real draw is a first-century palace built by Domitian, a mad emperor with a very serious architecture addiction.
Jubilee Church
Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, also known as the Jubilee Church, was designed by American architect Richard Meier as part of the Vatican's grand church-building and city revival program leading up to the Millennium Jubilee, a Catholic pilgrimage year held in 2000. The church is free, though getting there may cost you. It's about six miles from central Rome, so a taxi could easily cost more than €25 ($28). Alternatively, you can reach the church via public transport for €3 ($4) round trip.
San Zeno Chapel at Santa Prassede
The San Zeno Chapel is a small chapel and major pilgrimage destination inside the church of Santa Prassede (aka Saint Praxedes). The church, chapel, and mosaics all backdate to the 9th century when Pope Paschal I built the chapel and its Byzantine mosaics for his mother. Because the chapel houses the remains of a pillar believed by many Catholics to be from the Flagellation of Christ, it draws some pilgrims. Other visitors are travelers specifically there to see the Byzantine mosaics.
Domus Aurea
A sprawling palatial pavilion built by emperor Nero in the 1st century that will blow you away with the design taste and command of concrete and space on display. You can only visit on weekends—the site's under restoration during the week—but admission includes a guided tour. Ours was led by an archeologist who not only worked on the site but was totally obsessed with it; the passion made for a terrific tour. Try your luck.
Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo
Despite being Rome's largest farmers market, the Mercato di Campagna Amica remains down to earth and not at all corporate—as demonstrated by the fact it's only open on weekends. The stalls adhere to the "0 km" philosophy, shorthand for products made or grown within 100 kilometers from the point of sale; and vendors come mostly from Lazio, Rome's home region. It's a crash course in the local leafy greens, amusing in their number and variety, especially to visitors from northern climates. Both the olives and the olive oil you'll find here are worth a splurge, but one of the market's best uses is as a source of super-fresh (and super-cheap) picnic material. Grab some bread, a little fresh pecorino, a few slices of prosciutto, some fruit, and make yourself a lunch.
Villa Farnesina
The Villa was the private residence of Agostino Chigi, one of the Renaissance's richest men; he liked to showcase his wealth by hiring artists to paint elaborate frescoes on the walls and ceilings in his palace. That makes this a great place for Renaissance fans who want to take their time and see the art in-situ without the crowds. Thanks to Raphael's emphasis on mythological themes, it's also a great place for kids who know about the Roman gods—or want to!
Vicus Caprarius
This museum takes you beneath the Trevi district, through an intricate maze of ancient vestiges to the archaeological ruins of Vicus Caprarius (which roughly translates to “City of Water”), an old Roman apartment complex dating back to the first-century A.D.. You get to see first-hand how the rich Romans lived, using their very own aqueduct–the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain–for their running water. The entrance is unassuming, and if you hadn’t been told it was there it would be easy to walk right past. There’s a fairly comprehensive website but all bookings are made (and confirmed) via a Whatsapp chat. Skip the guided tour—there were 8 of us in the tour group, but we shared the same (small) space with self-guided individuals, many of whom had just showed up and booked on the day. If you're keen on a post-museum cocktail, head upstairs to Harry's Bar.
Santa Maria del Popolo
Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church at the edge of Piazza del Popolo and just within Rome's 3rd-century walls. It was decorated during Rome's most recent artistic peak, the 15th to 17th centuries, and is packed with masterpieces. The church is free, though some coins will come in handy for turning lights on in chapels. The place mostly draws visitors on the Caravaggio trail. Two canvases painted by that controversial and innovative artist hang in the chapel next to the main altar.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
This museum takes you beneath the Trevi district, through an intricate maze of ancient vestiges to the archaeological ruins of Vicus Caprarius (which roughly translates to “City of Water”), an old Roman apartment complex dating back to the first-century A.D.. You get to see first-hand how the rich Romans lived, using their very own aqueduct–the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain–for their running water. The entrance is unassuming, and if you hadn’t been told it was there it would be easy to walk right past. There’s a fairly comprehensive website but all bookings are made (and confirmed) via a Whatsapp chat. Skip the guided tour—there were 8 of us in the tour group, but we shared the same (small) space with self-guided individuals, many of whom had just showed up and booked on the day. If you're keen on a post-museum cocktail, head upstairs to Harry's Bar.
Palazzo
Massimo
The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's busiest station, yet few travelers make the trip to see the museum's masterpiece-packed halls. The collection is a mix of Classical sculpture, Imperial frescoes, and Hellenistic baroque-style statuary. After the Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Massimo is a must for ancient art lovers.
Testaccio Market
This market in one of Rome's most bustling central neighborhoods has all the usual suspects: bread bakeries, produce stalls, fishmongers, butchers, and delis. You'll also find seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini, cuts typical of the local cuisine like tripe and liver, and little chewy pizzas common to Roman bakeries. If you're looking for lunch (or to stock a picnic), hunt down takeaway stalls like the stellar Mordi e Vai, which serves Roman sandwiches near the Via B. Franklin exit. The stalls on the eastern side of the market mainly sell clothes, shoes, and housewares. There's even a hair salon, in case you're needing a touchup.
Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning.
Quartiere San Lorenzo
This working-class neighborhood near Termini station first gained international prominence when Soho House opened their Rome outpost a few years back. Since then, it’s evolved from a rough-around-the-edges student hangout into a decidedly bohemian district, with street art, street food, lively bars, and cool fashion boutiques. To get the most out of the neighborhood, visit in the late afternoon, when fashion boutiques like L’Anatra all’Arancia and La Maison de la Mode will still be open. Refuel with a coffee at the diminutive Giufà Libreria Caffè bookstore-bar, then check out the street art around Via dei Sabelli and Scalo San Lorenzo. Stop by Blackmarket San Lorenzo for a pre-dinner cocktail and vegetarian small plates, or pop into Sanlollo for pizzas, bruschetta, and salted cod. Gelato San Lorenzo does some of the best ice cream in town, all of it organic. Still, don't bring your parents or your fussiest friends here; rather, come with someone who’s up for a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.
The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning.
Pantheon
Built in 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient times. Its dome, measuring 142 feet in diameter, is the largest in the whole world. Meanwhile the Pantheon's oculus, the central opening at the top of the dome, not only provides a unique source of natural light but also serves as a symbolic connection between the temple and the heavens, enhancing the spiritual and architectural significance of this ancient marvel. This is a must-see in Rome, and if you’re heading to the city during Pentecost weekend, you’re in for a treat – during Sunday Mass, tons of rose petals get dropped from the oculus to mark the occasion, and the sight is really something.
Castel Sant’Angelo, ‘The Castle of Angels,’ is an eye-catching cylindrical fortification built on the banks of the Tiber River by Roman Emperor Hadrian in the second century AD. Originally commissioned as a mausoleum for Hadrian and his family, it was later used as a fortress and castle by the popes. It even includes a secret escape passageway that links the structure to the Vatican City. Today, it is a museum with frescoed rooms, a collection of medieval weaponry and sweeping views of the city of Rome and nearby St Peter’s Basilica. There’s a little cafe inside where you can enjoy snacks or a drink with a view of the Vatican.
The Trevi Fountain
Rome is known as the city of fountains – there are over 2,000 throughout the city, both big and small – but none is grander than the Trevi Fountain. Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in the 18th century, this majestic work of Baroque art was carved out of Carrara marble and took 30 years to complete. It was built on the site of an ancient aqueduct which dates back to 19 BC and features Oceanus, the god of the sea, sitting triumphantly atop a chariot pulled by seahorses at the center. On either side are Tritons, mythical sea creatures that resemble mermen, blowing into conch shells. According to local legend, if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, you'll return to Rome again in your lifetime. Each year, millions of coins are tossed into the fountain: they're regularly collected and donated to charitable causes.
Built at the end of the 19th century, the Teatro dell'Opera is a neo-classical opera house hosting around 200 performances each year, from opera and ballet to contemporary dance. The opera house has collaborated with several celebrity directors and fashion houses, including Sofia Coppola, Valentino and Dior, to create innovative shows. In the summer months, performances are held al fresco in the evocative Terme di Caracalla (Baths of Caracalla), an enormous archaeological complex built between 213-216 AD that was home to an open-air pool, saunas, a library, shops and more.
Mercato Campagna Amica
Located near Circo Massimo, an ancient chariot racing stadium, Mercato Campagna Amica is heaven for foodies and a favorite with the locals. Open from 8am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, it brings together local farmers who sell quality, seasonal products — from fruits and vegetables to cheese, baked goods and specialty items. Created in 2008 by the Italian Farmers Confederation (CIA), the Mercato Campagna Amica is more than a farmer’s market: it’s a movement towards a sustainable and locally sourced food system. You can also come by for pop-up events, like cooking demonstrations, tastings, and seminars about composting, organic farming, and biodiversity.
It is worth climbing to the top of the “wedding cake” not only to appreciate the enormity of the structure but also to see the Art Nouveau mosaics in the colonnade and, most importantly, to enjoy the view from the only place where you can see the whole city centre without the panorama being interrupted by the Vittoriano itself. Even more impressive is the view from the very top level of the monument, reached by a glass elevator accessed from behind the structure, by the side of the Aracoeli church. And while it has had a mixed reception from tourists and locals alike, it is one of Rome's must-sees (honestly, it will be hard for you to miss it).
Galleria Colonna
Galleria Colonna is one of the oldest and largest private palaces in Rome and one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Originally built as a fortress for the Colonna family, it was turned into a Baroque residence over time and now hosts a world-class art collection with masterpieces by Carracci, Tintoretto and Guercino. Step inside to discover the Great Hall, an enormous mirrored gallery lined with statues, paintings and chandeliers on-par with the beauty of Versailles. Galleria Colonna is open every Saturday. Be sure to visit Princess Isabelle’s apartment and the secret garden.
Villa Medici, home to the French Academy in Rome, supports research and creativity in the arts and humanities. The building was built in the sixteenth century by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici, who later became Grand Duke of Tuscany. It enjoys a privileged position above the Spanish Steps and is known for its vast, manicured gardens and views of the city skyline. Today, the academy offers residencies and fellowships to scholars, and hosts events and exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can tour the gardens and some of the historic rooms in the villa, including the Grand Salon and the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist.
01
FAQ
When is the RSVP deadline?
To ensure we have an accurate headcount,
please RSVP by July 31st, 2024 for Italy Event
​
​We're eager to hear from you and make sure everything is perfect for our celebration!
02
What can I do to feel included in the wedding if I can't attend?
We are aware that scheduling time away from family and work may pose challenges. So if this time of the year doesn't fit into your current situation, we sincerely understand and hope to see you all soon. We will gladly accept your prayers and warm wishes from afar!
Thank you again for your continuous love, as we begin our lives together. We can't wait for the BIG DAY and look forward to celebrate with you all - near or far!
03
What time should I arrive at the venue?
Please refer to the 'Schedule' section of our website.
04
Can I bring a guest?
Due to limited spots, we've extended plus ones only to those indicated on the invitation. We hope you understand and we're looking forward to celebrating with you!
05
Are kids welcome?
Our guests are welcome to bring along children, subject to venue constraints. Please inform us in advance if you wish to bring children along so that we can make the necessary arrangements with the venue.
06
What is the weather generally like in Rome?
-
The weather in Rome in November is pleasant and mild. It’s not too warm and not too cold, with an occasional rain shower. Temperature-wise, there is a big difference between visiting Rome in the first week of November or around Thanksgiving. While you can still wear t-shirts and sweaters during the day at the beginning of the month, you’ll definitely need a warmer jacket towards the end of November.
-
Average November temperatures in Rome are between 7 and 17°C (45-62°F). On average, Rome gets 8-9 days of rain in November, and it’s the rainiest month of the year in the Eternal City. However, in practice, you’ll most likely have dry and rather warm weather with just a few showers (if any).
-
If you visit Rome at the beginning of November, you can expect daytime temperatures of around 18-22°C (65-72°F). If the sun is shining, you can sometimes still wear shorts and t-shirts during the day.
-
Mid-November usually has temperatures of 14-16°C (57-61°F). By the end of the month, you’ll likely experience daytime temperatures of 10-12°C (50-54°F).
07
Is accommodation provided?
Yes, we provide two nights of complimentary accommodation at the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel.
08
Will transportation be provided to/from the airport to the hotel/events?
Two-way complimentary transport is provided from the hotel to the event venues. (see Schedule for the timings) We do not provide complimentary airport transfer. Feel free to reach out to the hotel directly should you wish to arrange for a transfer.
Directions to hotel:
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi is just 10 minutes walking from Termini Railway station. It is 45 minutes from Fiumicino Airport and 25 minutes from Ciampino Airport.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jARuofRKKSxBe3EM9
By Taxi: Taxi fares from the airport are a flat rate: €50 from Fiumicino and €33 from Ciampino.
By Car: The hotel is located just outside the ZTL, which means it is accessible to private vehicles. Valet parking is offered in front of the hotel.
By Train: The Fiumicino shuttle, Leonardo Express, runs every hour into Termini. From there it is a 10-minute walk to the hotel.
By Metro: The Repubblica metro station is just across the piazza. It is one stop to Termini, where all three lines connect.
09
What if I have a dietary restriction?
We have a buffet-style setup for appetizes, starters and desserts which will include a variety of options to accomodate those with dietary restrictions, ensuring there's something delicious for everyone.
For main courses, we have arranged these based on your stated dietary preferences.
10
Will there be alcohol?
While the Bride and the Groom do not drink, alcohol will be provided at the reception for the enjoyment of our guests.
11
Is there a gifts registry?
We do not have a gift registry. If you feel inclined to celebrate our union with a gift, we would be honoured to receive the gifts in person or by way of bank transfer to the accounts listed in "Gifts and Testimonial".
