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
Dan Brown’s “Angels and Demons” is set during a turbulent time in the Vatican, following the death of the Pope. The novel focuses on Robert Langdon, who is called to Rome to prevent a devastating plot by the Illuminati, an ancient brotherhood believed to be at odds with the Catholic Church. Set in the heart of Rome, the story unfolds over the course of a day, as Langdon uncovers hidden clues within the city’s most iconic landmarks. These locations, deeply rooted in religious and historical symbolism, play a crucial role in the narrative as the Illuminati’s plot threatens the election of a new Pope.
Key Locations in “Angels and Demons”
- Pantheon
- Curiosity: Although the Pantheon does not play a significant role in the film adaptation, it’s featured prominently in the novel. The temple-turned-church is one of Rome’s best-preserved monuments.
- Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Free entry.
- Getting There: From QuodLibet, take the metro Line A from Ottaviano to Spagna, followed by a 10-minute walk to the Pantheon, or directly walking from Quodlibet in about 35 minutes.
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Curiosity: The Vatican is central to the novel, with St. Peter’s Square and the Sistine Chapel playing a pivotal role in the story.
- Visiting Hours: The Basilica is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The dome opens at 8:00 AM.
- Getting There: Just a 10-minute walk from QuodLibet.
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Curiosity: Castel Sant’Angelo serves as a key location where crucial moments of the story unfold. It’s an ancient fortress with a secret passage leading to the Vatican.
- Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
- Getting There: A 20-minute walk from QuodLibet along Via Cola di Rienzo.
- Piazza Navona
- Curiosity: Piazza Navona, with the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi by Bernini, is a major setting in the novel, with dramatic events taking place at this famous Roman square.
- Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Getting There: From QuodLibet, take the metro Line A to Spagna and then walk for 15 minutes, or directly in 30 30-minute walk.
- Santa Maria della Vittoria
- Curiosity: Known for Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, this church plays a pivotal role in the book.
- Visiting Hours: Open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.
- Getting There: Take the metro Line A from Ottaviano to Repubblica, then walk 10 minutes.
- Piazza del Popolo
- Curiosity: Another important location in the novel, featuring the Santa Maria del Popolo church, which houses works by Caravaggio.
- Visiting Hours: Church is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Getting There: A 15-minute walk or a short metro ride from Ottaviano to Flaminio.
Exploring Rome Through Fiction
For fans of “Angels and Demons”, exploring these iconic Roman sites offers a fascinating way to engage with both the city’s history and its modern cultural landscape. From QuodLibet Bed and Breakfast, these locations are easily accessible, allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of the novel’s characters while discovering Rome’s artistic and architectural treasures.
