Dubai-based Lebanese designer Donna Hourani recently took time off to see Italy’s capital, soaking in all the art and culture that the city has to offer. With her family in tow, she visited everything from farmers’ markets to historical landmarks, so can we venture a guess about what’s to come in her next jewelry collection?
That, we have yet to wait and see – but for now, the designer is sharing some stunning photos from her recent trip to the Eternal City exclusively with Savoir Flair. Scroll through to see her photo diary below and visit Rome through the eyes of Donna Hourani.
This was the second time I visit the Colosseum, and I was still in awe. We had prepared the kids before getting there about what they’re about to see, so they were super excited, especially after hearing about the gladiator fights that once went on there.
A crisp, sunny morning called for a long walk to explore many corners of the city. One of the most authentic places that we enjoyed walking through was the flower and produce market on Campo de’ Fiori, with its stands of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, truffles, spices, olive oil, and more.
Gusto Osteria, a cozy little restaurant on a quiet street close to Via del Corso, one of the best shopping streets. Try the eggs on mashed potatoes and truffle appetizer – probably one of the best dishes I had during the entire trip!
At Hosteria del Mercato, a restaurant and café that serves and sells only organic foods. It was beautifully decorated inside and out, and served delicious lunches.
We stayed at the Boscolo Exedra Roma hotel, which is suspended over the ancient Diocletian Baths. It felt like such a magical place to stay at, knowing its historical value. Besides its ideal location, one of the first things you notice is the massive size of its rooms compared to other hotels in Europe.
Almost daily, we would pass by Piazza Del Popolo en route to wherever we were headed because our kids would ask us to. The man making bubbles here was the main attraction for all the children in the city. We didn’t mind hanging around in such a beautiful area, though!
We managed to squeeze a little bit of shopping here and there as we walked through Piazza di Spagna and Via del Corso.
Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful open spaces due to its Baroque architecture and incredible sculptures. We stepped into the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone facing the obelisk as we passed through.
Pompi, a tiny place known for its tiramisu. Huge crowds gather outside each day, enjoying theirs in takeaway boxes.
Trevi Fountain, one of the many historical landmarks in Rome. Of course, we each made our wishes and tossed the coins into the fountain and took lots of photos – like typical tourists would.
You could sit for hours staring at the frescos on the walls and ceiling created by Michelangelo. The last judgement is seen here on the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
We were pleasantly surprised to see a cedar tree that was brought from the cedars in Lebanon and planted in 1852.
