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
Via Ottaviano, located just 50 meters from QuodLibet B&B, is a lively street in the heart of Prati. Via Ottaviano is a key artery leading visitors directly to the Vatican area. It is the natural continuation of Via Barletta, which is part of a longer road that begins near the Stadio Olimpico (just a 20-minute walk from QuodLibet B&B) and continues through Via Ottaviano.
Although Via Ottaviano doesn’t extend all the way to Piazza San Pietro, it stops at Piazza Risorgimento, an important crossroads and a popular meeting point for those heading to the Vatican Museums or St. Peter’s Basilica. The street is known for its proximity to the Vatican and its varied shopping scene, featuring several stores catering to both men’s and women’s fashion. From high-end boutiques to more casual clothing shops, Via Ottaviano is a favourite destination for fashion enthusiasts.
One of the standout destinations on Via Ottaviano is Castroni, a historic gourmet food store that opened in 1932. Famous for its selection of high-quality coffee, Castroni is a paradise for food lovers. Inside, you’ll find a vast assortment of Italian delicacies, from truffle oils and wines to a wide selection of international products that are hard to find elsewhere in Rome. Their “Miscela Bar” coffee blend, a signature product, is a must-try.
If you have a sweet tooth, Parenti, a well-known local pastry shop, is the perfect place to indulge in one of Rome’s best maritozzi con la panna, a traditional Roman pastry filled with fresh cream. It’s a true Roman treat, and Parenti’s version is considered one of the best in the city.
For those craving gelato, Lemongrass offers a wide variety of artisanal flavours made with natural ingredients, while the more established Grom is a reliable choice for high-quality gelato with an emphasis on traditional flavours.
Via Ottaviano is also home to Bialetti, where you can find the iconic Moka coffee makers and a wide array of accessories for coffee lovers. This store is a great place to pick up authentic Italian gifts or kitchen essentials to bring a taste of Italy back home.
For fans of fantasy, a stop at Storia e Magia is a must. Located just 250 meters from QuodLibet B&B at Via Ottaviano 32, this enchanting store is filled with magical items that bring beloved fantasy worlds to life. From Harry Potter memorabilia to medieval armour, fairy figures, and mythical creatures, this shop is a haven for fans of all things magical
As you walk further down Via Ottaviano, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant energy of Rome. Whether you’re stopping for a coffee, shopping for gourmet ingredients, or exploring the Vatican, Via Ottaviano offers a delightful mix of local charm and international flair.
For travellers staying at QuodLibet B&B, Via Ottaviano is the perfect starting point for exploring the Vatican area, discovering local flavours, enjoying fashion shopping, and experiencing Rome like a local.
