Realtors aren’t supposed to take vacations — at least that’s what people love to tell me.
But this spring, I traded contracts and closings for cobblestones and Caravaggios… and I flew back to Rome, a city that steals my heart a little more every time.
And what did I learn?
You can take the Realtor out of real estate, but you absolutely cannot take the love of architecture, art, and beautiful spaces out of the Realtor.
Rome is a living masterclass in design.
Every time I return, I’m reminded that homes and cities are not just places — they’re stories. They’re layers of people, ideas, risks, reinventions, and moments of genius that last long after their creators are gone.
So, while this was “vacation,” it ended up being the kind of trip that fills your creative soul to the brim. Here are the highlights — the places that made me stop and think about space, history, and the quiet magic of stepping back in time.
The Hidden, the Grand, and the Completely Mind-Blowing
Domus Aurea — Nero’s Lost Palace
Imagine a palace of more than 300 rooms, glittering with gold and frescoes… buried on purpose and forgotten for centuries. Nero’s Domus Aurea was rediscovered only when a young boy fell through a hole in the ground, and Renaissance artists like Raphael and Michelangelo were lowered in by rope to study the walls. Walking through it feels like being inside the bones of ancient Rome.
Palazzo Colonna — 900 Years of Living History
Still owned by the same noble family, this palace is pure operatic beauty. The Great Hall feels like stepping straight into a painting — mirror-lined, golden, breathtaking. It’s grandeur with a pulse.
Doria Pamphilj Gallery — Intimate, Gilded, Unforgettable
This private palace-turned-gallery is quiet and deeply personal, with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Velázquez displayed just as the family intended. A completely different museum experience — like visiting an old friend with exquisite taste.
Passetto di Borgo — The Popes’ Escape Route
This elevated corridor has been saving lives since 1277. Popes fled through it during invasions, most famously during the brutal Sack of Rome in 1527. Standing beside it, you feel the weight of fear, power, and survival baked right into the brick.
Castel Sant’Angelo — Mausoleum, Fortress, Sanctuary
Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb, it morphed over centuries into a papal stronghold, treasury, and prison. Every level tells a story — some glamorous, some dark. And the rooftop view? Pure magic.
Caravaggio’s Churches — Masterpieces in the Wild
This is one of my favorite parts of Rome: Caravaggios casually hanging inside neighborhood churches, no ticket required. You slip into the shadows, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with raw, dramatic beauty.
Borghese Gardens — Rome’s Breathing Space
Wide tree-lined paths, sunlight filtering through pines, families strolling peacefully. It’s the perfect place to wander with no destination and let the city slow you down.
Baths of Caracalla — Engineering on an Epic Scale
Built in just about four years by roughly 6,000 workers, these ancient baths were once a lavish complex of pools, saunas, libraries, and gardens. Today their ruins stand open to the sky — breathtaking, massive, and humbling.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore — Ancient, Sacred, Timeless
One of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, built in the 5th century and now the resting place of Pope Francis, who chose this Marian shrine for his tomb. Its mosaics and relics make it feel as though the centuries have layered themselves gently inside.
And yes — I climbed the new panoramic terrace. The views? Absolutely worth every step.
Fontana delle Tartarughe — A Small, Perfect Jewel
The Turtle Fountain in the Jewish Ghetto is one of Rome’s sweetest little surprises. Delicate, elegant, and tucked into a quiet piazza, it’s pure joy — proof that even Rome’s small moments carry art and charm.
So What Does This Have to Do With Real Estate?
Everything.
Travel reminds me why I love what I do:
helping people find spaces that speak to them.
Rome is a city of layers — ancient foundations supporting Renaissance beauty supporting modern life. Homes are like that too. They hold our stories, our histories, our dreams.
And just like exploring Rome, finding your perfect home is part research, part instinct, part magic.
So yes — the rumors are true.
Your Realtor took a vacation.
And she came back more inspired than ever.
If you want Rome travel tips, architecture chat, or you’re ready to find your own little masterpiece closer to home, I’d love to help. ❤️
therealtorrn 