All roads lead to Rome, says the famous medieval proverb, but once you get there… what’s the best way of exploring and living the city? If you are planning to sign up for an Italian course in Rome, we have some insider tips to make your study abroad experience as genuine as possible.
Firstly, we recommend signing up for Italian classes in Rome for at least two weeks. This will give you the opportunity to study while also “slow travelling”, exploring hidden corners and interacting with the locals.
Here are our tips for your amazing Italian language holiday in Rome!
The Romans are… caciaroni!
Asterix, the character from the comic book series, used to say: “sono pazzi questi romani!” (these Romans are crazy). Still today, the Romans tend to be cheerful and noisy people. ‘Caciarone’ is a local word used to describe someone who is lively and boisterous, just like Rome and its citizens!
Gianna, a word from the local dialect
Rome has a Mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers. If there are days with a strong, cold wind, you might hear Romans comment to each other about the gianna. This is a typically local word for the cold wind! In Italian, Gianna is a diminutive form of the name Giovanna (Joanna).
Secret place for a walk or to study in nature
When you study Italian in Rome and want a quiet, inspiring corner where to read, walk or study, Villa Torlonia is the perfect place. This villa from the 1800s was designed by the Neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Around the villa’s park you can find a museum and the pretty Casina delle Civette (House of the Little Owls).
Artichokes: Roman-style or Jewish-style?
They might not be the first food that come to mind when you think of Rome. Yet, artichokes are extremely popular among the locals and you will find them in the restaurants that serve traditional dishes. You must try the Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style braised whole artichokes) and the Carciofi alla Giudea (Jewish-style artichokes, which are fried and typical of the Jewish Ghetto neighbourhood).
A little-known, but amazing museum
When walking on Via del Corso, Rome’s most famous shopping street, you cannot miss the beautiful façade of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Inside, you will find a treasure! The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is a large art collection of paintings, furniture and statues. It has been assembled since the 16th century by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi and Aldobrandini noble families.
Our insider tip
Romans spend a lot of their time in their cars… stuck in traffic. And unfortunately, the public transport is not very efficient. During your Italian course in Rome, we suggest that you explore the beautiful city by moving around on foot or on a bicycle.
If you have already studied Italian in Rome: did we miss any tips in your opinion? Comment below!
Recommended websites for more tips on Rome:
- Le Coliche – a satirical channel on Youtube.
- Pendolare Disagiato – an Instagram account on public transport malfunctions.
- A Day in Rome – great tips of all sorts about Caput Mundi.
- Instagramers Roma – amazing photos of an amazing city.
Curiosity:
Did you know that Rome is the home city of Måneskin, the Italian rock band that has just won the Eurovision Song Contest 2021?Buon Italiano a tutti!
Do you want to know more about our Italian course in Rome?
Contact us: we will be delighted to assist you by chat, telephone or email. You can also request a virtual meeting to meet us online.
