The Basilica of St John Lateran is the church were the bishop is the pope. It's one of the oldest basilicas in Rome located outside the Vatican City. This 18th century church is decorated with elaborate mosaics, art-deco and porticoes.  

This is where a number of papal tombs are located. There are also sculptures of the 12 apostles by Italian sculptors such as Camillo Rusconi, Franceso Moratti, Lorenzo Ottoni and more. 

The Via Sannio is like a flea market selling bargain items. They open only in the mornings, unfortunately. There's a lot of walking involved when you visit Via Sannio so a good pair of shoes is a must.

The place fills up with people after 9am. If you plan to buy souvenir stuff here, make sure that you go there early. All the nice items will be gone after 9am. 

As far as purchases as concerned, I got myself some really nice antiques and trinkets for my nieces. 

Via Sannio is worth a visit, that is if you're looking for a bargain. 

Piazza di Spagna or The Spanish Steps is a steep climb of about 138 steps linking the Palazzo Monaldeschi in the piazza below, with the Trinità dei Monti above.

The Spanish Steps is ALWAYS crowded with people. It was also a favorite location shoot for international films. 

It was built in the 18th century and the steps has been restored several times to preserve it's original state. 

Villa Borghese is minutes away from our apartment. This beautiful garden is the second largest public park in Rome. There were also buildings and museums inside the villa. The garden was designed by Flaminio Ponzio for the Villa Borghese Pinciana. 

Some of the highlights of the garden are: The Water Clock, Fontana, Alpini Monument and the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna.

I love strolling in the park during the early morning. The breeze and sunlight was perfect. 

A Casa di Lia Home in Rome is a bed and breakfast type of hotel.  It's located in the center of Rome in the Flaminio neighborhood, a quiet residential block near the river of Tiber. The place is surrounded by beautiful lush gardens.

What I love about Casa di Lia is that is it near popular tourist spots such as the Olympic Stadium, the Piazza del Popolo, Via del Corso and the Spanish Steps. 

Also, we had a lovely view of St Peter's dome from the apartment's terrace and the villas below were spectacular. 

The owner, Lia, is a very warm person. She speaks good English and very much accommodating.