The Sweet Life (Rome for the Soul)

Nov 26th 2025

The Sweet Life (Rome for the Soul)

Hey Y’all!

I want to share the part of Rome that doesn’t always make it onto the busy itineraries. This is about the “Sweet Life” (La Dolce Vita)—the moments where you just sit, watch, and soak it all in.

A Picnic at the Palace

Our hotel wasn’t far from Piazza Cavour, so we spent a lot of time there just hanging out.

Dominating the square is the Palace of Justice. It is this massive, ornate white building topped with bronze chariots and framed by tall palm trees.

(Fun fact: Locals call it “The Ugly Palace” because they think it’s too much, but I thought it was grand!).

The Palace of Justice in Rome featuring bronze statues and palm trees in the foreground.

We grabbed sandwiches and drinks and just sat on a bench for a while. We watched the Romans go about their day, listened to the city, and rested our feet. It was one of the most relaxing parts of the trip.

People relaxing on park benches in Piazza Cavour under tall palm trees.

My Magic Moment: The Carousel

Right there in the shadow of that serious government building, we found something pure whimsical: a vintage carousel.

Watching it spin, with the music playing and the lights twinkling, was magic. It was such a contrast to the ancient ruins and the serious history. It was just… joy.

The Bridge & The River

We also loved walking across the bridges over the Tiber River. I think these are some of the best photos from the trip! The view looking toward Castel Sant’Angelo with the clouds reflecting in the water is postcard-perfect.

Scenic view of the Tiber River, the Bridge of Angels, and Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome.

The sun sparkling on the Tiber River with St. Peter's Dome visible in the distance.

Hidden Treasures: The Woodcarver

Wandering the streets, we found Bartolucci, a shop that felt like stepping into a storybook. It is dedicated to wood carving, and the smell of timber hits you the moment you walk in.

A wooden ferris wheel toy inside the Bartolucci wood shop in Rome.

They had everything from cuckoo clocks to rocking horses, but the star was Pinocchio. I bought a few treasures to take home, just to keep a little piece of that magic with me.

The One That Got Away (The Keyhole!)

Now, I have a confession. There is one famous spot in Rome that I did visit, but I have zero photos to prove it!

It’s called the Aventine Keyhole (Knights of Malta Keyhole). It’s a bit of a climb up a hill, but when you look through this tiny keyhole in a green door, you see a garden path that perfectly frames St. Peter’s Dome in the distance.

We went, we climbed the hill, and… my phone was dead! Mike had to remind me that we were actually there.

  • Travel Tip: Go see it! It is worth the climb. Just make sure your battery is charged!

  • The Promise: I guess this just means I have to go back to Rome, right? I’m already planning to revisit just to get that shot.

Important Safety & Practical Tips

Before I sign off on Rome, I need to share a few serious practical tips.

  1. Shoes (Yes, I’m Saying It Again!) I know, I know—I sound like a broken record. But y’all, I keep mentioning the shoes because it is THAT important.

Close-up of uneven cobblestone path in Rome.

Look at those cobblestones (“sampietrini”). They are uneven, slippery, and everywhere. If you wear flimsy sandals or heels, you will be miserable.

Practical wins every time in Rome.

  1. Bag Smarts Rome is generally safe, but like any big city, you have to be smart about pickpockets.

  • Cross-body bags are essential. Keep it zipped and in front of you. Do not wear a backpack on your back in crowded areas.

  • Men: Do not put your wallet in your back pocket! Move it to your front pocket. It makes a huge difference.

    2. The Passport Rule It is actually Italian law that you must carry a valid ID with you at all times. For tourists, that means your passport. Keep it safe (in that zipped cross-body bag!), but make sure you have it on you while you roam the streets.

Rome captured our hearts, and we definitely want to visit again. Until then, Arrivederci!

A Little About Me

Tara and Mike taking a selfie on a bridge in Rome with the river and St. Peter's Basilica in the background.

Hi y’all, I’m Tara! There’s nothing I love more than traveling the world with my husband, Mike, and exploring the beauty of God’s handiwork. As an avid reader, when I’m not off on a real-life adventure, you can usually find me reading about one!

I poured that passion into my business, Tailored Travel, a full-service travel agency where my team and I would be tickled to help you cross off the next destination on your list—including this beautiful place.

Let’s Start Designing Your Dream Trip!

Email: tara@tailoredtravel.vacations

Phone: (423) 641-1070