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
The term overtourism often brings to mind crowded streets, endless queues, and a city overwhelmed by visitors. It is a real issue in many destinations across the world. But does it truly define Rome? We believe the Eternal City, precisely because of its extraordinary richness and vastness, tells a very different story.
The Jubilee as an Opportunity
Far from being a source of chaos, the Jubilee has given Rome a chance to renew itself. Squares, fountains, and monuments have been restored; new pedestrian areas have been created—such as Via Ottaviano, just steps away from Quodlibet; and infrastructure has been improved to welcome visitors in the best possible way. The result is that in the coming months Rome will show itself at its most splendid, offering travelers a city that feels refreshed, livable, and more beautiful than ever.
Beyond the Crowds: The “Mimetic Traveler”
While many tourists gather around the same handful of landmarks, Rome’s secret lies in its endless layers. The traveler we like to call mimetic—the one who wants to blend in, to eat where the locals eat, to wander into neighborhoods where daily life unfolds—will find an inexhaustible world of discoveries. From hidden churches to lesser-known archaeological sites, from local markets to artisan workshops, Rome rewards those who wish not just to visit but to live the city.
Why Rome Is Different
Unlike other destinations where overtourism risks diluting authenticity, Rome remains unique. Its cultural heritage is not concentrated in a single square mile, but spread across a wide urban fabric. This means that even in busier seasons, one can always step aside from the flow and encounter Rome’s quieter, more intimate side—without giving up its grandeur.
Choosing the Right Time
One of the secrets is timing. Rome’s winter is mild, its skies often bright, and its streets pleasantly calm. Visiting in the colder months offers the chance to enjoy major sites without the peak-season energy, while still experiencing the city in its full cultural and culinary vibrancy.
A City to Be Lived, Not Consumed
Overtourism may be a reality in the global conversation, but in Rome it does not have to be your reality. With thoughtful choices and the guidance of experienced locals, Rome opens up as a city of encounters and experiences, not just checklists and snapshots.
Rome remains one of the few cities in the world where it is still possible to feel like a local—even in times of celebration and renewal. For travelers who want to blend in, to learn, and to savor the rhythm of everyday life, the Eternal City offers endless opportunities. And as hosts rooted in this community, we see our role simply as opening doors: helping each guest find their own path into a city that is as timeless as it is alive.
