Ten Reasons Every Writer Should Visit Rome

Rome’s blend of history, culture, and beauty makes it a paradise for any writer seeking inspiration.

1.     Historical Inspiration: Rome’s 3,000-year history, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, offers endless material for writers of all genres. Enter this living museum and immerse yourself in the very foundations of Western civilization.

2.     Architectural Grandeur: Landmarks like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica provide stunning backdrops for stories, personal reflection, and inspiration. And don’t reserve your sense of wonder for the landmarks. Rome’s lively streets, bustling piazzas, centuries-old artisan shops, and charming cafes offer an ambiance that encourages creativity and reflection, making it an ideal place to write, brainstorm ideas, and discover fresh inspiration.

3.     Literary Heritage: Rome has been home to innumerable literary giants, including Virgil, Ovid, and Goethe. Its storied connection to the English Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley is sensitively and expertly treasured at the Keats-Shelley House adjacent to the Spanish Steps. Immerse yourself in Rome’s golden light and see what they saw. By the way, it is rumored that internationally acclaimed novelist Elena Ferrante (real name: Anita Raja) lives in Rome.

4.     Cultural Diversity: As a cosmopolitan hub, through the ages Rome has been influenced by diverse cultures. The Roman melting pot is alive and well today, providing writers with our own mosaic: a multicultural window to the world.

5.     Artistic Atmosphere: From Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to Bernini’s fountains, you will be surrounded by iconic art. Walk the ancient city streets and alleyways and dip into the city’s many churches: art will greet you at each pass. Linger, mingle, feed your mind with rich imagery both ancient and contemporary.

6.     Cafe Culture: Rome’s traditional cafes, like Antico Caffè Greco, have been a meeting place for writers and intellectuals for centuries. The lively cafe scene is perfect for people-watching and writing. Bring a writing pad, a sketch pad, listen to the sights, sounds, smells. Take in the Roman vibe. It will change you. Additionally, the food culture in Rome is vibrant and diverse, offering writers a rich sensory experience that encompasses culinary triumphs through the ages.

7.     Mythology and Legends: The city’s ancient myths, gods, and legends provide fertile ground for any writer’s imagination.

8.     The Roman Forum and Jewish Ghetto: Walking through the ruins of the Forum, writers immerse themselves in the political, social, and intellectual life of ancient Rome. Likewise, wander through Rome’s Jewish Ghetto and the horrible history of WWII suddenly feels alive, devastating; the old adage that we must not repeat the sins of the past manifests as a vital truth.

9.     Beautiful Landscapes: From the Tiber River to the city’s seven hills to the great Appian Way, Rome’s landscapes offer peaceful settings for reflection and writing.

10.  Timeless Stories: Rome is the setting for countless, timeless stories, from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar to Dan Brown’s pop hit Angels & Demons to Alberto Moravia’s The Women of Rome. Perhaps your time in the Eternal City will inspire you to write a Rome-based book. Check out this sweet list for inspiration.