Rome location research

Rome: Location Research for Travel Can Be Murder

Here in the Alderson household, we are still recovering from a week’s vacation to Rome. It sounds quite jetsettery, but it’s only a two-hour flight from Amsterdam!

It was to celebrate my husband’s birthday and conduct a little location research for Book 5 in the Travel Can Be Murder cozy mystery series – Death by Fountain: A Christmas Murder in Rome. Luckily, we left Rome two days before the corona virus reared its ugly head there, as well.

A trip to Rome is not complete without a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

It was busy (as always), but the church is so large you can always get close to the artwork – if you are patient! Here is one of my favorite’s – Michelangelo’s Pietà.

We weren’t certain what to expect weather-wise, but as you can see, Rome is beautiful any time of the year! I just love these peek-a-boo-glimpses you get of world-famous monuments while walking around the city center.

Rome location research

My son loved the public transportation but wasn’t so keen on the many stairs that needed to be climbed.

Rome location research

But what a view once you do get to the top! Here is the Forum.

On our ‘to visit’ list was the Doria Pamphilj Gallery – a wonderful mansion turned private museum in the city center.

Our top highlight was seeing Portrait of Pope Innocent X  by Diego Velázquez. Though really the entire art collection is incredible. It’s definitely worth the visit – check out that ceiling, as well!!

What an adventure! I am so glad we were able to visit and hope to soon return – once this worldwide pandemic is over, of course!

You can also “travel by book” to Italy via my latest release, Death by Fountain: A Christmas Murder in Rome. Now available as paperback, eBook, and in Kindle Unlimited. Buy it now on Amazon (eBook / paperback), Barnes and NobleBook Depository, and other fine retailers. 

Jennifer S. Alderson

Hello! I am the author of the Travel Can Be Murder Cozy Mystery series, the Zelda Richardson Art Mystery series, and Adventures in Backpacking novels. I love to write and blog about travel, art, museums, expat life, and great books. Thanks for stopping by!