Alexandra Turney

Rome

Spotter since 2019

About me

About me
I grew up in London, studied English Literature at Oxford, and now live in Rome. I'm an English teacher and a freelance writer, writing everything from articles about Rome's history and culture to SEO content about academia and adhesives.

I'm also an author. My debut novel, "In Exile", was published by Unbound in 2019. Dionysus is reborn in modern Rome and creates a new cult formed of vulnerable teenage followers. The book was inspired by specific places in Rome - Villa dei Quintili on the Appian Way, the Aventine Hill, the Tiber Island - and it's deeply personal. A love letter to Rome...

Why Rome
I spent a few weeks in Rome when I was at university, doing work experience at Keats-Shelley House. It wasn't my first time in Rome, but it was my first time visiting on my own as an adult, and I fell completely in love. I knew I had to at least try living in Rome for a bit, to see if the reality lived up to my dream of sunshine, umbrella pines, amazing food and coffee, beauty and ruins everywhere...

I've lived in Rome since 2013. The dream has been replaced by reality, and I no longer see the city through rose-tinted glasses, but I love knowing the "real Rome". There are problems, yes, but Rome's staggering beauty and history makes it all worthwhile. I love the fact that it's not a normal, functional city. Every day is an adventure, and I feel like I'm always discovering something new (or old!)

Where else can you find me online?

My spots (24)

Tram Depot

Retro coffee stop

"Tram Depot" in Rome feels like a shady oasis. This tiny bar is designed to resemble an old-fashioned tram depot with a vintage theme throughout...

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Bars
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Coffee & tea

By

Alexandra

Turney

Feb 4, 2025

Pasticceria Boccione

Historic Jewish bakery

"Pasticceria Boccione" in Rome is not for you if you're after pretty, Instagrammable desserts! But every pastry is just delicious in this Jewish bakery...

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Snacks

By

Alexandra

Turney

Dec 18, 2024

La Fraschetta

Cheap wine and a friendly welcome

"La Fraschetta" is a neighborhood hangout in Rome for the locals -- Sandro doesn't get many customers who aren't Italian men in their fifties or older!

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Bars
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Snacks

By

Alexandra

Turney

Dec 18, 2024

Trajan's Market Walkway

A path through history

"Trajan's Market Walkway" in Rome is a useful shortcut that takes you to Monti, but I use it primarily as a place to stop & soak up the ancient atmosphere.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Dec 18, 2024

Via Piccolomini

An optical illusion

Ride a scooter on "Via Piccolomini" in Rome and, as you get closer to St Peter's Basilica, you'll actually see it shrinking instead of growing closer!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Dec 18, 2024

Via Casilina Vecchia

The aqueduct neighbourhood

"Via Casilina Vecchia" is, for me, one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in Rome. It feels invisible to the rest of the city & forgotten by modernity.

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

By

Alexandra

Turney

Dec 18, 2024

Bar Giolitti

A Testaccio institution

"Bar Giolitti" is one of my favorite places in Testaccio, Rome, for a gelato or a coffee at the bar. I also like sitting at one of the tables outside...

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Bars
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Coffee & tea

By

Alexandra

Turney

Dec 18, 2024

Chourmo

Cosy bar in Torpignattara

"Chourmo" is a cosy, tiny bar in Certosa, Roma. It's a place to mingle, meet your neighbours over a Campari or a glass of wine. Jazz nights on Saturdays...

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Bars

By

Alexandra

Turney

Dec 18, 2024
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