The Arch of Septimius Severus from AD 203
[The continuing saga that left off in Sardinia…]
Here are some snapshots of experiences while in Rome that totally made the trip worthwhile, despite the challenge of finding gluten-free, corn-free, and dairy-free food.
The famous Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi
My friends were the perfect combination of art and history snobs, so I just followed their lead to many Roman treasures.
A view of St. Peter's from Castel Sant' Angelo
The Vatican museums were amazing! With all due respect, I found it ironic that there was a dress code to cover your knees and shoulders here, yet there were naked pagan statues everywhere. Things that make you go, "Hmmm."
I don't have a photo, because it would not have done it justice, but I really was happy that we stumbled into the the Church of Saint Ignatius to see the optical illusion trompe l'oiel painted dome. Amazing – and free! You can find this at the Piazza Sant' Ignazio, Rome.
View of Rome from the top of the dome of St. Peter's
Triton and Sea Horse at Trevi Fountain
Interesting trees near the Museo e Galleria Borghese
The Forum
Piazza del Campidoglio
Michelangelo designed the geometric paving and the facades of these buildings. This is where the two Capitolene Museums are, which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Statue inside one of the Capitoline museums. [Thank to my friend at Sitka Creations for adding the quotation bubble for me!]
This lady reminded us of one of our funny dining stories. One night we plopped down exhausted at the sidewalk table of a quaint looking restaurant. An older woman came to our table to serve us and I gave her my gluten-free, corn-free, dairy-free Italian dining card. She kind of freaked out on us and said adamantly, "No! NO!", and walked away waving her hands in the air. We laughed and I quickly decided that I was going to enjoy another evening of vino for dinner. Suddenly she reappeared with a large wooden crate full of giant storybook size mushrooms. These mushrooms were so large and amazing that I half expected a little elf to peek out from among them. The woman energetically repeated several times what sounded like, "Mangia di funghi! Mangia di funghi!" I didn't really understand why she was singling out mushrooms for me, but I nodded and then pointed to the grilled mushrooms on the menu and at that point she just said, "No! NO!" and then just walked away frustrated. So, to this day, for laughs we all use the term "Mangia di funghi!" in a crazy voice whenever we can.
"Excuse me, but I think I ordered the large glass of wine?!"
Just one more Italy post, I promise! Next up…Tivoli!!
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I found your blog via Marie Forleo and I just love how many Italy loving women are pulled together in her community. I read your comment on her latest blog post and I just want to encourage you to write that book! I hope we can stay in touch…would love to keep updated on your journey…and also, Rome!
arrivaderci! 😉
MorganDayCecil,
Thanks for the support! Back atcha![air kiss]
the mushroom lady– too hilarious!
based on what you wrote, i think what she was saying “mangiare funghi”, which literally means “eat mushrooms”. i knew instantly what she was getting at (having an italian mom myself): “what! well if you can’t eat what i cook, then you’ll just eat mushrooms. take it or leave it. i can’t believe this.”
SO funny.
Hey everybody! I am a freelance writer/traveler and just got back from Rome–check out my article for some great (and up to date) gluten free suggestions!!
http://www.suite101.com/content/gluten-free-in-rome-a334461
thanks so much for the link…VERY helpful in our upcoming trip. Love that you indicated which restaurants are near different attractions!
Thank you so much!
OH how I would love to hear about where you found food. We are vegan, celiac (gf) and corn free and I am sending my teen daughters to Rome with my mother this summer. Any input would be EXTREMELY appreciated.
Am going to Rome with 2 gluten free granddaughters. Would like recommendationns for hotel with gluten free breakfast and GF restaurants in central Rome
Louise…Here is another blog post all about GF Italy….you really will enjoy the guidebook. http://www.celiacchicks.com/uncategorized/eating-gluten-free-in-italy.html
If I’m not too late for Louise, we LOVED this hotel. The staff took great care of my gfcf son when we were there last month. The free wifi in the room worked perfectly. The minifridge let us keep some gf treats on hand. Great location. I’d go back in a heartbeat. http://www.mascagnihotelrome.it/ita/offerte_hotel_roma_centro.htm
Hi Melissa,
Thank you for the information on the hotel. Were the rooms American size rooms or close to American size rooms? Any air-conditioned rooms?
We also have a son in the same diet, can you share with us what were you able to get for his breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Did you go in any particular tours close to any restaurants that will accommodate the gfcf diet?
Thank you so much for your help,