A Roman Apartment

When I was living and studying architecture in Rome, I was struck by the methods of design and construction by which Italians adapted and reused ancient buildings for modern purposes without necessarily sacrificing the old-world charm. I ran across this little apartment in my old Trastevere neighborhood of Rome at accomodationsrome.com, and wanted to share a few of the interior photos that illustrate accommodating a lovely little new apartment into a very old space. The chestnut ceiling joists have been painted white but left visible and the graceful stone structural arch not only holds things up but allows open flow and a beauty in itself. I have to add a photo of the neighborhood church, Santa Maria in Trastevere---I loved walking past it every day to and from school. It is said to be one of the oldest churches in Rome, perhaps the first in which mass was openly celebrated. It's a beautiful basilica church with an inviting piazza and fountain across from which are a couple of really good restaurants and shops. There are a lot worse daily commutes than walking past this!!!

Above: The basilica church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, utilized ancient Roman columns from pre-Christian buildings, has Byzantine mosaics, and so much more!!!

And the apartment below...

Ciao amici!