The Pentecost (which in 2010 falls on May 23rd) is a celebration in remembrance of the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Virgin Mary and the Apostles of Jesus and this tends to be one of the most spectacular and culturally fascinating times to be in Rome. And the most lovely of all Pentecostal rituals takes place at one of the eternal city’s most awe-inspiring buildings: the Pantheon. After a celebration of the Mass on Pentecost Sunday, a shower of rose petals falls through the oculus, or the opening at the top of the dome of the Pantheon. This beautiful spectacle is made possible by a group of firemen who scale the exterior wall of the Pantheon armed with sacks of rose petals—a sight almost as wonderful as what is to take place inside. The petals are meant to represent the Holy Spirit’s descent to earth, and watching them flutter through the haze-like light that filters through the oculus is an incredibly uplifting experience. Visitors are welcome to this event but would be wise to turn up early and seating is generally only available to those attending the mass first (even then many of these are pre-booked). At the end of mass, ...

Rome is famous for the delicious ice cream available in the Gelaterie as they are known locally. The area around the Pantheon in particular is typically full of gelaterie or ice cream shops that offer tourists and locals the chance to sample the rich and creamy delights of Italian Gelato. Giolitti (Via degli Uffici del Vicario) – is one of the most famous places for buying ice cream in Rome and this has been a favourite haunt of locals and tourists alike for years. Giolitti is located close to the Piazza Montecitorio on the Via Uffici del Vicario and the place can be quite crowded, such is the popularity of the ice cream here. There is a fantastic range of ice cream flavours and this place comes highly recommended. Cremeria Monteforte (via della Rotonda 22) - is another popular place for ice cream and located in the Pantheon area. The ice cream at the Cremeria Monteforte is made on the spot by the owner of this ice cream shop, with Roberto’s yoghurt gelato particularly delicious and believed by many to be the best in the city. Note that the Cremeria Monteforte is closed between the middle of December and the middle of ...