Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the premier sights of Rome. The fortress of the Popes, they had a special passage Il Passetto that connected it to the Vatican in case of siege. In the summer time, it becomes the center for activities that are targeted at families. 

The building of the Castello apartment is beautiful and well-maintained. The lower levels are offices. The fine architecture of the 1700 and 1800s typifies this area that is called Prati.

On the other side of the building there is a small park for residents only. 

The living room comfortably seats five for relaxing and watching TV. The sofa opens into a queen sized bed.

Several guide books are available for consultation. Television reception is by satellite for a few English language programs. DVD plays European DVDs.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the terrace is a green refuge. 

Italians treasure the weather that allows the to eat outside.

From the terrace into the eat-in kitchen. There is no dining room so larger parties may need to eat in shifts. You can see the reflection of the view in the glass of the picture above the table.

Modern, tasteful kitchen is well-equipped with cooking items, microwave, drip coffee pot. Large refrigerator with freezer is to the left of the terrace doors. 

The larger bedroom has a queen sized bed. French doors onto the balcony fill it with light.

Good for a crew, this bedroom features a single bed in addition to the queen sized bed.

Balcony view from the bedrooms. 

The second bedroom is very similar to the first. Formerly an office, closets were added for the recent renovation, you can see how they were fit into the corner.

The master bathroom is elegantly done in black glass tiles and modern fixtures.

View from outside the master bedroom. The second bedroom is on the left, beyond it a hall with a pantry that leads to the second bath. Then, straight ahead, the kitchen.

Second bathroom has a shower.

Location of the Castello apartment. 

Click to enlarge.

The graceful proportions of the buildings of the Prati neighborhood of Rome make this area so livable.

Handsome palazzi line portions of Via Cola di Rienzo around the corner from the Rome Tiberio apartment.

Only a few blocks from Tiberio apartment is the top of Via Cola di Rienzo where you'll find several sidewalk cafes where locals enjoy coffee, drinks or a bite to eat.

The not-to-be-missed Castroni fine foods emporium. This block of Via Cola di Rienzo with its excellent food shopping is one of the reasons we like this neighborhood so much. 

The windows of Castroni with dried porcini mushrooms, pasta sauces, wines.

An excellent selection of Italian wines and a helpful staff make shopping at Castroni a pleasure.

Bertozzini, on the same block as Castroni,  is an old-world pharmacy with a beautiful array of products for healthcare and pampering.

Next to Castroni is Franchi, our favorite shop for takeaway or a quick bite. It's always busy inside but don't be shy about asking questions. This is where to buy a sampling of prepared foods to take back to the apartment for a quick and easy dinner.

Between Castroni and Franchi, you have something like the Dean & DeLucca and Zabar's of New York in the same block.

Cheese, caviar and fresh truffles displayed like fine jewels at Franchi, just a few blocks from the Tiberio apartment.

The windows of Franchi display a mouth-watering selection of prosciutto, cheese and other specialties.

Keep walking two more blocks on Via Cola di Rienzo and you'll come to the wonderful covered food market that is a Rome institution. Our favorite fresh pasta stall is at the back on left. This is the Mercato Rionale, the neighborhood market.

There are fruit and vegetable stalls for fresh produce, soft drinks, beer and wine.

Vegetables at the Mercato Rionale glow in their careful arrangements. 

Fresh and cured meats at the Mercato Rionale. The hanging boxes above the counter contain "zampone" which are stuffed, cooked pigs feet.

Via Cola di Rienzo can be tiring, what with all the shopping available. In addition to food, the street is full of fashion shops with styles comparable to the big designer names, but much less pricey.

Here is a great neighborhood department store on Via Cola di Rienzo. Coin is a national chain with good value and quality. Comparable to JC Penney, in my opinion. And on the side streets you will find additional options with merchant stalls selling everyday clothing and accessories. 

Underneath Coin and open even on Sundays (mornings) is a Standa grocery store.