Via Veneto

Via Veneto remains the symbol of the Roman “Dolce Vita"established during the 1960’s.
A street of select exclusive boutiques and chic historical cafes, the area is not surprisingly one of Rome’s favourite meeting places. The walk of fame begins with the two verandas of Harry’s Bar on the right and Gran Caffè Doney, just 100 metres across the way. Still ahead, the Swatch Point and fine “Kalos" shop providing serious shoppers with a wide choice of Moschino apparel and accessories for every occasion. The “Galizia" boutique, address 122, offers a considerable Gianfranco Ferrè selection while the “Glove Shop" at 106, specializing in not gloves but ties ranging from pure silk to cashmere.
Before the intersection, passers by stumble upon the fully enclosed “Caffè della dolce vita’s" veranda with additional classic indoor seating. Continuing along the promenade one hits the Hard Rock Caffè that likewise offers diners an glass-enclosed veranda and a large indoor dining room. Continuing further along, one comes across “Strada" bookstore, Gran Caffè Roma with dining al fresco and Alex Caffè with yet another veranda. The street’s final portion is marked by “La Baita" bar with outdoor seating that on one side overlooks the Barberini Square and its Triton Fountain.
A tour of the areas churches commences at this very point with Saint Mary’s of the Conception. Founded in 1626 by Anthony Barberini and later closed in 1631, the church is famous for its underground chapels, accessible by the vestry. The church interior contains works by Guido Reni, Giovanni Lanfranco, Domenichino, Andrea Sacchi, Pietro Da Cortona as well as Caravaggio.
Twenty metres up Via Barberini, lies the National Gallery of Antique Art, host of an important picture-gallery among which the works of artists such as, Bassano, Perugino, Filippo Lippi, Tiziano and Tintoretto may be admired.
Travellers may then opt to continue along turning right onto Via di Quattro Fontane where one may find himself/herself gazing at Federico Borromini’s most famous architectural gem, the façade of Saint Carl’s Church. The façade is characterised by its travertine stone work with concave and convex wave-like lines, while the interior is characterised by its square-shaped with rounded corners.
Just ahead along Via XX Settembre, one may visit the church of Borromini’s eternal rival, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The church, Saint Andrew of the Quirinale, is undeniably more eclectic and extroverted in style, that helped Bernini earn further recognition and other prominent assignments. The church was constructed from 1658 to 1670 and portrays the baroque style, with paintings by Gaulli, di Giuseppe Chiari, Carlo Maratta and Andrea Pozzo displayed in the interior. The church is located within close walking distance to the Presidential Palace (“Palazzo Quirinale"), open to the public the first Monday of each month.
Those visitors seeking one final stop, may proceed along Via della Dataria to the ever-acclaimed Trevi Fountain.
An intense but delightful day in the Eternal City sure to well nourished if not overloaded the senses with splendour and awe.