Day 3 – Imaginary Italian Film Festival – Vincere in Fellini’s Famous Neighborhood

Did you tour the Coloseum today? Don’t lie, I know you got your picture take with those gladiators. Everybody wants to do that; don’t be embarrassed.

Tonight we’re going to one of those theaters with a little history and it’s located at the base of Via Veneto at Piazza Barberini – that’s the name of the theater, the Multisala Barberini. VIa Veneto is an expensive street with nice hotels and overpriced restaurants but the thing it’s really famous for is “La Dolce VIta“ – Fellini’s film was made in this area. It’s an old art deco theater from the 30’s but since they chopped it up into a multisala (multiplex) it’s lost a little something – doesn’t matter. Just know that you’re going to a theater that Fellini, Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg saw movies.

Piazza Barberini

Shall we have a drink first? This is such a touristy thing to do, but let’s go to Harry’s Bar a little further up on Via Veneto. It was actually in the movie, La Dolce Vita and let’s just go so you can say you went. The drinks are super expensive – your turn to treat.

I’ll always remember Harry’s Bar fondly for one thing – it’s the one place in Rome that an Italian actually pinched my ass. American women are told that you Italian guys are famous for it, so do us a favor and make our trip memorable and complete. Pinch our asses.

It’s time for the movie – tonight were going to see VIncere with Giovanna Mezzogiorno. Click here to get the Netflix instant viewing.

Vincere is the story of Benito Mussolini and his secret mistress – it’s got all kinds of sappy melodrama and you’ll love it. Read more of what I wrote about it HERE.

The restaurants around here are my least favorite in Rome – terrible, touristy food and so very expensive but the train station isn’t far from the theater – there’s a restaurant around Termini that we just love – Agata e Romeo. Again, it’s expensive but worth every penny – it’s old fashioned and a real Roman experience. C’mon, we’re on imaginary vacation! We should enjoy ourselves! There’s an actual Agata and Romeo, and they run the place themselves. We’ll meet them and have a really nice evening.

Agata e Romeo

Time for buona notte – Tomorrow we’ll see a movie with my favorite Roman!