42. Epic Road Trip-We were three full levels below what is current day Rome!

03/29/22 • 29 min

1 Listener

What are the chances you run into your friends on a Saturday afternoon at the Roman Colosseum? Well, it happened and luckily our Milanese friend suggested a visit to her favorite building in the city, three layers of history, and centuries, on top of each other. A somewhat under the radar archeological gem just a 10 minute walk from the Colosseum.

Basilica San Clemente was built in the 12th century, however another basilica from the 4th century was discovered underneath it only 164 years ago. As you walk through this excavated structure one floor below, you can't help but think you are standing on the same stone floors that were put in place 17 centuries earlier. Yet, there is even one more floor below this second basilica. After descending steep and narrow stone stairs, we entered a nobleman's dwelling from the 2nd century. We were three full levels below what is current day Rome, and you have to believe there is yet even more beneath that!

I am Kimberly Holcombe and I am a travel planner and lover of all things Italian. I lived in Italy for six years as a fashion photographer, and fell head over heels for the people and the culture. I plan private trips to anywhere in Italy for individuals, couples, families and small groups of friends.

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com

Previous Episode

41. Our (delicious) conversation with Paolo, a Tuscan chef

The day after the savory dinner Paolo prepared for 12 of us (previous episode), we sat down in the recording studio and discussed his trajectory in life that let him to where he is today. What a travel-filled path it was, filled with cuisines from around the world that influenced his skills in the kitchen. Most Italians have it in their DNA to be able to whip up a tasty pasta with whatever is in the frigo, however Paolo chose to dive deeper into the culinary traditions that make the Italian cuisine a global favorite. He suffered through cheese tasting / cheese making courses and studied all phases of oenology / viniculture (vino!).

To summarize Paolo's take on his profession... I first speak with people about a dinner or a food tour, and they become my client. I then give them a cooking class and prepare a meal, and they become my guest. After the meal and conversation, they become my friend, and this is La Dolce Vita.

Kimberly and Paolo finally met in person last October in Val d'Orcia, Tuscany after a 4 year email friendship. To be able to spend a long and delicious weekend with Paolo on our home turf, and to record his story, was a special visit indeed.

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com

Next Episode

43. Epic Road Trip - A stellar day spent mostly in the 1st century BC Rome!

Starting with Augustus's Mausoleum from 28 BC, to the Ponte Fabricio from 62 BC, to Teatro Marcello finished in 13 BC makes you think twice about all that has taken place since. Walking across the Tiber River in 2021, on a bridge that was built 2083 years beforehand is not something you get to do every day.

Several buildings, theaters, porticos and even the bridge that crosses the Tiber, are from the 1st century BC. It's almost impossible to remember the dates and history of these sites as you are standing on them, or walking over them, but one thing is for sure, you will always remember that you did.

Rome is a very special city for so many reasons, but in my opinion, the fact that all of these historical sites are still there, and so well maintained (considering the amount of people from around the world who descend upon Rome year after year) is a testament to the Italian people. They respect their history and their pride is clearly evident.

Get in touch, lets talk about a magical trip!

https://www.kimberlysitaly.com