ROME ALONE is free to download 24, 25 & 26 December – leave the tinsel and turkey behind and set off for the Eternal City.

Adult content. 5-star Amazon review – “funny, poignant, steamy”.

Buon Natale e buon viaggio!

Featured image: The featured image of a shooting star was taken inside the Chiesa Santi martiri Quirico e Giulitta – the star was above the entrance. The church is dedicated to the 4th century Christian martyrs Giulitta and her three-year-old son Quirico (Julietta and Quriaqos in Greek). Although the church is a place of prayer, you do not have to be Christian or even religious to appreciate its calm and intimate atmosphere. The interior of the church offers a cool and peaceful haven away from Rome’s tourist trail. The painting behind the altar depicts the martyrdom of Giulitta and her small son, who was thrown down a staircase before his mother was martyred.  The saint’s day for Giulitta and Quirico is 16 June. 

The church itself dates back to the 6th century and is tucked away behind Trajan’s Market opposite the Forum – a little way up via Tor de’ Conti, just behind Trajan’s Column. The church was rebuilt in the 14th century –  and again in 1733 after the church was destroyed by fire.