CCR Day Trip: Orvieto - October 19, 2019

Come and discover the enchanting city of Orvieto in Umbria, whose rich history dates saw Etruscans, Romans, Goths and Longobards before becoming a self-governing medieval township within the Papal States. Most of its most beautiful constructions, including the magnificent duomo, date back to this period. Join us to learn more on a lovely day trip just an hour from Rome.

Upon arrival, our English-speaking guide will meet us and accompany the group to visit the famous Santa Maria Cathedral, providing a detailed description of the two levels, its architecture, artwork, mosaics, and bronze statues. Afterwards our guide will take us for a walk and tell us about the history and the architecture of this very picturesque city before going to visit Saint Patrick's Well with its amazing view of the city and Etruscan ruins. This well was commissioned by Pope Clement VII when he took refuge in Orvieto during the sack of Rome in 1527. Ensuring a supply of water to its citizens all year and in case of prolonged sieges, it is considered a marvel of the architectural genius of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and his collaborators.

By then it will be time to eat! We've reserved at a classic restaurant called Le Grotte del Funaro -- and yes, lunch will be served in real grottoes. The menu includes grilled vegetables, cheese and bruschettas along with a home-made pasta typical of the region called Ombrichelli with a sauce made with seasonal veggies, along with wine and water.

After lunch people may want to take a stroll and go for ice cream. There will be time for those who wish to visit the Etruscan museum on Piazza del Duomo.

When: Saturday, October 19, 2019  
Transportation and timing: Participants may drive to Orvieto with their own vehicle or meet up at Termini to take the 9 o'clock train arriving in Orvieto at 10:14. Our guide will meet us at the station. For those returning by train, there is a convenient one at 5:27 p.m., arriving at 6:54 at Termini.
Cost: €36 per CCR member, €40; includes the guide, entrance fees at the Cathedral and Pozzo and lunch. Advance payment required.
N.B. Numbers are limited, so book early
RSVP at canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle.

Culture, Wine, Food and Music in the Italian countryside - May 20, 2017

May is turning out to be a great month for CCR activities! We have another day trip organized for members and guests and it will touch on everything that we love about Italy. 

First, culture. The day begins with a guided tour of the beautiful medieval frescoes in the crypt of the Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria (1072-1104) in the medieval hill town of Anagni, located about 50 km south of Rome. The walls and vaults of the crypt are completely covered with brightly coloured frescoes considered some of the best works of Romanesque/Byzantine art in Italy. Painted in 1237, they form one of the most extensive and best-preserved medieval pictorial cycles in Europe.

Next, wine. From Anagni we drive to the nearby Azienda Agricola Coletti Conti for a tasting of Cesanese wines. The owner Anton Maria Coletti Conti is widely considered to be one of the greatest producers of Cesanese del Piglio, the only DOCG wine in Lazio. Cesanese, with is bright fruit characters and earthy overtones, is considered by many to be one of Lazio's most interesting grape varieties -- and, for the most part, not yet well-known beyond circles of wine enthusiasts.

And then, food and music. We will be treated to a home cooked ‘pranzo al fresco’ hosted by members Evelyn Beller and Blando Palmieri on the terrace of their country cottage in their small vineyard in the countryside outside of Paliano. A time to relax, chat, eat and at the end of the meal enjoy traditional accordion music by a young local musician.

A very special thanks to our friends and CCR members Evelyn Beller and Blando Palmieri who generously organized this outing. In addition Evelyn and Blando are cooking the meal and offering their wine (vino di casa) on behalf of our charity Project Rome.

When: Saturday, May 20, 2017
Transportation, Meeting Point and Time: 9.30 a.m. in Piazza Papa Innocenzo III, Anagni FR. We will meet at ‘Bar del Duomo’ in the piazza for coffee. The guided tour of the crypt in the Santa Maria Cathedral starts promptly at 10.00 a.m. Instructions on where to park will be sent to participants.
Car Pooling: Please let us know if you can offer a ride in your car. We will help organize car pools so that those without vehicles can enjoy this day outing
Cost: €10 for the guided tour of the crypt (members and non-members). The price may vary slightly (higher or lower) depending on the number of participants. We are also asking members to donate on a voluntary basis to Project Rome, CCR’s 2016-17 charity. Non-members may only participate in this exceptional outing and meal with a donation of at least €15, which we will collect on the day of our outing. CCR supports Project Rome's efforts to provide fresh, hot meals to those most in need as well as clothes, shoes, bags and bedding to Rome's poor and disadvantage.
NB: Book early as space is limited and remember that you are financially responsible for your participation.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Thu. May 18.

CCR Walks: Cavallini & St Crisogonus - February 19, 2017

Researchers have gradually shed light on the mysterious Roman painter Cavallini, active in Rome in the 1290s and responsible for a spate of paintings and mosaics in the churches of the Medieval Trastevere quarter. Come learn his story and that of other interesting residents of this picturesque neighbourhood!

When: Sunday, February 19, 2017
Time: 9:30 a.m. for coffee; 9:45 for the walk; special entrance to the archeological area arranged for 10:00 sharp.
Meeting point:  area, exact location to be provided to those registered for this walk.
Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members. There is also an additional entrance fee of €5.50 for both sites.
RSVP required by Thu. Feb. 16, ATTN Joe at canadarome@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation.
NB: Please bring correct change.

CCR Walks with Olivia: The Hidden Frescoes in San Giovanni a Porta Latina - March 9, 2013

San Giovanni a Porta Latina

 Our March walk takes us to San Giovanni a Porta Latina one of Rome's most picturesque churches nestled close to the Aurelian walls. This church is dedicated to St John the Evangelist who, it is believed, miraculously remained unscathed after being plunged into boiling oil. The spot marking this miraculous event is now occupied by a small octagonal building designed by Borromini. Our visit will focus on recently discovered and restored frescoes found under layers of old plaster in the Medieval church. These fascinating frescoes show Bible stories dating from 1191-98 and help shed light upon a little-known period of Rome's artistic and cultural history.

When: Saturday, March 9, 2013 

Where: Meet at Caffé NINI, via Latina 23 (just outside the walls), famous for its chocolate diamond truffle. 
Time: 10 a.m. The walk lasts two and a half hours, starting promptly at 10 a.m. (and concluding around 12:30); those who would like to meet for coffee beforehand, please join us at Caffé Ninì at 9:30 a.m. 
Cost of the guided walk: €10 for CCR members, €15 for non-members 
RVSP required by Thu. March 7th, ATTN Linda at canadarome@gmail.com or Olivia Ercoli at oliviaercoli1@gmail.com. You are financially responsible for your reservation. 
NOTE: Please bring correct change, familiarize yourself with the meeting place ahead of time and make sure you are ready to depart promptly. We suggest that you not bring your dogs since they are not allowed in churches.