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 has been a source of inspiration for countless poets, writers, and thinkers throughout history. From the Romantic poets of the 19th century to modern-day authors, the city’s ancient ruins, winding streets, and vibrant culture have sparked creativity and contemplation. For travelers staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, discovering Rome through the eyes of these literary greats offers a deeper, more poetic perspective of the Eternal City.
Join us on a journey through some of the most famous literary quotes about Rome, where we explore the connection between art, literature, and the city’s timeless beauty.
1. Lord Byron: Rome as the Eternal City
One of the most famous Romantic poets, Lord Byron, was deeply moved by his time in Rome. In his work “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage”, Byron captured the grandeur and melancholy of the ancient city:
“Oh Rome! my country! city of the soul!
The orphans of the heart must turn to thee,
Lone mother of dead empires!”
Byron’s words reflect his awe at Rome’s monumental history and its emotional resonance, describing the city as a “mother” of empires past. Byron spent much time exploring the Roman ruins, especially the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, places where he could meditate on the transience of power and civilization. These ruins, easily accessible from QuodLibet with a short metro ride or a 40-minute scenic walk, provide the same sense of grandeur today.
2. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: The Traveler’s Dream
Another towering figure of literature, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, wrote about his travels to Italy in “Italian Journey”. In it, he expresses his admiration for Rome, its art, and its culture:
“I am finally in this capital of the world! I now see all the dreams of my youth come to life!”
Goethe’s fascination with Rome’s art and architecture led him to explore every corner of the city, including the Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and Pantheon. As you stroll through the Prati district or venture toward Piazza Navona, you’re walking the same paths Goethe once trod, dreaming of the beauty of the Eternal City.
3. Henry James: A City for Reflection
Henry James, an American author, also found inspiration in Rome. In his novel “The Portrait of a Lady”, he reflects on the profound effect that Rome’s historical depth can have on a visitor:
“Rome is the ruin of ancient grandeur, but the modern heart beats there still.”
James was intrigued by the contrast between Rome’s ancient past and its vibrant present. Walking through sites like the Forum of Caesar or admiring the Pantheon, visitors can feel the same timeless pulse that James wrote about. While staying at QuodLibet, you’re perfectly situated to immerse yourself in the blend of ancient and modern that makes Rome so special.
4. Percy Bysshe Shelley: Sublime Ruins
Percy Bysshe Shelley, another Romantic poet, famously described the ruins of Rome in his work “Prometheus Unbound”:
“The sun goes down, and with him takes
The golden atmosphere and leaves the breath
Of the calm night, throned on the massive ruins.”
Shelley’s description of the Roman sunset captures the sublime beauty of the ruins as day transitions to night. For guests of QuodLibet, this poetic moment can be experienced in real life, whether on a quiet evening walk by Castel Sant’Angelo or while watching the sunset from Gianicolo Hill.
5. Charles Dickens: Rome’s Layers of History
In his book “Pictures from Italy”, Charles Dickens captured the layers of history present in every Roman street:
“It is a place, where everybody, who has a mind of his own, must go, sooner or later. Whether for good or evil, it is the Grand Despot among cities.”
Dickens was captivated by the sheer weight of history that Rome carried, from its imperial past to its Christian heritage. Exploring the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, or the streets of Trastevere, visitors can experience the same awe that moved Dickens to call Rome the “Grand Despot.”
Curiosities and Fun Facts
- Keats-Shelley Memorial House: Located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, this house celebrates the lives of John Keats and Percy Shelley, who both spent their final days in Italy. The house is now a museum dedicated to the Romantic poets, and it’s an ideal place for literature lovers to explore.
- Goethe House: Goethe’s former residence in Rome has been transformed into a museum near Piazza di Spagna, where visitors can see artifacts and manuscripts from his time in Italy.
Literary Rome and Your Stay at QuodLibet
Staying at QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast offers you the perfect base to explore the literary landmarks of Rome. Whether you’re tracing the steps of the Romantic poets, visiting the ruins they immortalized, or enjoying the modern city that inspired Dickens and James, you’ll find that Rome is a city that continues to inspire creativity and reflection.
As the sun sets over the city, and you relax on our rooftop terrace, you can reflect on the same beauty that stirred the hearts of these legendary writers.
