Not a well talked about place, I’m very grateful to Libby for recommending this place. We sought shelter after the rainstorm, and were there when the sun came out and the paths (and people) literally started to steam as they dried out.
Not only does the Castel Sant’Angelo provide some of the most stunning views of St Peter’s Basicila, it’s also one of the most interesting castles I’ve visited. It’s not very ‘touristy’, there’s little signs everywhere, you just have to explore. There’s lots of little paths to take, lots of hidden bits to look at.
This photo was a complete accident – my camera has a touch-screen, and I’d forgotten to take touch-shutter off. It was taking photos at virtually every step I look as the camera moved against me. Turns out it is one of my favorite photos of the trip!
I peered through a dusty broken window (as a joke) and found the most stunning painting hidden from view behind it. We wandered through stunning, ornately decorated rooms (not expected in a castle!), peeked through arrow holes, and climbed our way up the narrow, winding staircase out to the top. I’m quite glad the thunder had stopped by that point!
I wore one of my favorite summer pieces – a midi skirt with H&M in a burnt-orange color. Perfect for traveling as it covers knees (a necessity with a lot of places in Italy), and it packs up really small. I threw it on with a black vest top, then had a white shirt over the top as shoulders should also be covered in the Vatican. It proved useful in the rain too…and protected my blistered shoulders very nicely!
After a good few hours in the castle (at €7 for students, less in off-peak months, it’s a bit of a bargain) we wandered along the river, dodging more blimming selfie stick sellers. The above photo isn’t actually blurry – the paths (and people!) were steaming as they dried out from the rain! We were hunting down a place I’d found mentioned on a school friend’s year abroad blog; the Magnum Pleasure Store.
Not exactly Italian, but W is a huge fan of Magnum’s, eating them probably five nights a week.I knew we couldn’t pass up the chance to visit!
Probably the most expensive Magnum you will ever eat at €4, you choose between a vanilla or chocolate ice-cream filling. It is then dipped in either white, milk or dark chocolate, and scattered with up to three toppings before being finished with a drizzle of more chocolate. Not only is the product yummy, the store is lovely, vibrantly decorated at the front, but quite trendy and ridiculously comfy (and air conditioned!) out back.
Here’s a challenge for you – guess which one was mine, and which one was W’s! The white one was a chocolate ice-cream, covered in white chocolate (duh), sprinkled with salted caramel, hazelnuts and pretzels, drizzled with dark chocolate. The brown one was a vanilla ice cream dipped in milk chocolate, topped with rose petals, raspberry and brownie pieces, drizzled with white chocolate. So, whose is whose?!
Both were damn delicious anyway…
Do you like exploring hidden gems, or do you stick to main tourist attractions? And the most important question – what would you top your magnum with?
