Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
Rome is known for its ancient monuments, rich history, and vibrant street life, but there’s another feature of the city that often surprises visitors: the gulls. These majestic birds, once mostly seen along coastal areas, have become a familiar sight in Rome’s urban landscape.
With their large wingspans and loud calls, seagulls now patrol the city’s skies, particularly near historic landmarks like the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica. They’ve adapted perfectly to the Roman lifestyle, finding easy meals in the city’s abundant waste and open-air markets. Their presence has sparked curiosity and fascination, with many wondering how these once-coastal birds have claimed the city as their own.
Seagulls are drawn to Rome for a variety of reasons, but most notably because of the city’s food supply and its mild Mediterranean climate. They are known to nest on the rooftops of Roman buildings, scavenging from food markets and trash bins. In the mornings, you’ll often spot them around Campo de’ Fiori or Trastevere, searching for scraps or leftovers from nearby restaurants.
Despite their charm, seagulls can sometimes be quite aggressive, swooping down to snatch food right out of people’s hands. They’ve become such an iconic part of the city that they’re often seen perching on statues or gliding over the Tiber River.
Their presence isn’t just an amusing quirk of modern Rome—it’s part of the city’s ongoing adaptation to urban wildlife. As the Eternal City continues to evolve, so too does its ecosystem, blending nature with the hustle and bustle of human life.
Next time you visit Rome, take a moment to observe these seagulls in action. Whether soaring high above the Roman Forum or diving down near Piazza Navona, they’re a reminder of the constant interplay between the natural world and this ancient city
