RomaPolacchi

A friend who is taking a day trip to Rome recently asked me what he should see. What a tough question-you could spend a day in Rome just getting lost! But if your time is limited there are a few sites that you can easily do in one day and feel as if you have seen a lot. To start, I would visit the Roman Forum . Try to get there when the doors open or just before they close so that you can avoid the crowds. If you have time and you haven't seen it before, pop into the Colosseum . I would also visit the Capitoline Museum . It has recently been remodeled and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius is on view in a spectacular gallery. The basement exhibit, with its fascinating collection of inscriptions, takes you out to the Tabularium to a gorgeous view of the Forum that I think you shouldn't miss. After your morning in Ancient Rome, walk over to Piazza Navona  (walk through the Jewish Ghetto and Campo dei Fiori to get there) for a light lunch and a few glasses of wine at Cul d

Giambattista Valli is of my favorite Italian fashion designers and his decorating style does not disappoint. He takes his influences from all parts of Asia and, of all places, Texas! Take a look at his apartment in Rome on elledecor.com .  If only it was available for vacation rentals!

Aida and Rigoletto are on the program this summer at the Baths of Caracalla. See the New York Time s for an update on the shows and a link to the ticket website. Operas have been performed at the Baths since the 1930s-a truly Roman way to spend an evening.