Good souvenirs
 

Could someone please recommend the, say, top five souvenirs to bring home from Rome and the Vatican. We are aware of the religious aspects, but also wanted to bring something home that represents Rome. You know, something that is unique to Rome or Italy. If you have a recommendation, could you also tell us where we can find that item? Appreciate the help!

In Rome, at grocery stores, NOT tourist shops or airport terminals, you will find olive oil in an abundance of interesting containers and from various regions (we like Appullian). Also Limoncello, a lemony strong liquere. Leather goods are well priced here, especially in the large department stores where "real" people shop (UPIM). And kitchen ware, Italian style is beautiful in its design as well as function. We brought home a crystal wine decanter, purchased at a restaurant-supply house, wide bottom, long neck "dripless": $100 (CDN-$65 US?) It reminds us of our trip every time we put in a bottle of the ultimate Italian souveneir, WINE!!

It's been a while since I've been to Rome, but I can tell you one thing that I regret not buying is a painting from one of the street artists of a scene of Rome. I remember that they were located somewhere near the Spanish Steps. I did buy a painting in both Venice and Florence. They are framed and hanging in my living room, and I just love looking at them everyday. <BR> <BR>Also, I know it's a little frivolous but I wanted something with a designer name on it. Well, talk about sticker shock, a Versace or Armani t-shirt was about $60 and I refused to spend that much. I ended up find a tote bag at the Versace store for about $30. Don't use it that much, but when I do, I always think of Rome.

In both Rome (Piazza Navona) and Paris (small park just outside Notre Dame) I bought small ink and watercolour paintings by local artists. My dad framed them for me as a birthday gift. They make splendid souvenirs and are also unique - I only ever saw one the same. The ones in Rome cost L25,000 each back in October 1998. The ones from Paris I think were cheaper, although that was back in 1994. <BR> <BR>In the Vatican shop I bought a glorious illuminated manuscript copy (from one in the Vatican's collection) that I also had framed. <BR> <BR>If you are into earrings, there are lots of gorgeous 18k gold ones available. My favourite ones are the ancient Roman/Etruscan copies. There was a little shop in a street between Piazza della Rotunda and Piazza Navona selling hand crafted earrings. I bought a pair made from gold and serpentine from an ancient quarry. They cost L150,000 (more expensive if you pay by credit card). <BR> <BR>I prefer useful souvenirs, so wouldn't recommend anything that isn't useful (or wearable). <BR> <BR>Agree with the above re olive oil and limoncello, although I tend to bring things back that are easily carried and not weighty.

I bought a watercolor from the artist at the top of the Spanish Steps. Piazza Navona is also another good place to pick up original art. My husband and I try to buy a print or piece of original artwork from each place we visit. We've framed them and love seeing them everyday...they bring back wonderful memories of our trips. Hope you have a great time on your trip to Rome. The food is wonderful and the sites are incredible.

Hmmm, I love Limoncello. You put it in the freezer and serve it cold. I know this is probably an atrocity, but on one hot day back home, we crushed ice, and made a drink similar to a frozen marquerita, and it was really wondeful. I also found some unique (not carbon copy type) oil and vinegar cruets.

Your best souveneir (to yourself) is to walk through the Holy Door (opened once every 25 years - and this is one of those years). Tell the person/s you're with - "hey we've got to come back next time" and then forget the promise for the next 25 years. 25 years on your memory (amazing thing isn't it) pops into your head, "hey time to get to Rome with the old gang" - you contact the only one you still keep in touch with (whom you haven't seen for 20 years), she passes the suggestion on and before you know it, there's the old crowd (coming from all points of the compass) booked into an apartment next to the Spanish Steps and all set to go through the Holy Door once more (and probably do a great deal of shopping, chatting, historical stuff etc). Now that's what I call a souveneir.

My favorite was a rosary blessed by the Pope. I'm not a bible waver but it is a special thing to me. <BR> <BR>Bon voyage