Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and a visit to "The Eternal City" will literally take your breath away. But when it’s time to leave, you’ll want to take a little piece home with you, whether to keep her in your heart forever or to share with a friend.
If it’s a little of that Roman cuisine you want to take home and recreate, don’t leave without some Pecorino Romano or guanciale (pork cheek or jowl). With these two premier Rome food items, you’ll be able to whip up a carbonara back home in no time.
At a salumeria (delicatessen) like Volpetti in Testaccio or Antica Caciara in Trastevere, you’ll be able to get quality meat and cheese products vacuum sealed and safely packed for long-haul travel.
Shop your way through the streets of Rome — Photo courtesy of Marcel Oosterwijk
When it comes to fashion and the famous Made in Italy, you’re in luck. Head to a handmade leather maker like Sermoneta near the Spanish Steps, famous for their gorgeous leather gloves for men and women.
Or if it’s a custom bag, jacket or even a passport holder – a lovely memento of your travels – you should experience the unique artisan leather artisan that is Armando Rioda. Hidden in a little workshop space in Via Belsana (right by the famous designer shopping strip of Via dei Condotti), here you can take home something unique that will be with you for the rest of your life’s travels.
Something like a custom-made leather passport holder, or a bag and wallet, will set you back upwards of €200. Keep in mind that depending on what you’re having made, you’ll need a few days up your sleeve.
Your "Roman Holiday" doesn't have to end at the airport — Photo courtesy of Public Domain
Religious buffs are also in the right place, with Rome being home to Vatican City. Head to the Vatican for religious items like rosary beads that can be purchased in all sorts of shapes and colors and in wood or Murano glass.
And if mementos and ornaments are your thing, there are plenty of those that can be found in souvenir stores or from a street vendor. Think a mini ceramic Colosseum or Pantheon, or even the iconic vintage Vespa to adorn the mantelpiece.
Whatever it is you’re in the market for, there’s a little something for everyone to take home from Rome to keep your Roman Holiday alive long after you’ve said, "Arrivederci, Roma!"
