Piazza Madonna della Fontana in the Quartiere Monti

When I was writing the new novel, Facing East, I spent time researching a neighborhood in Rome that would be perfect for my purposes. Eventually, I settled on the Rione Monti. Today in the L’Italo Americano Newspaper I found a wonderful surprise. Two beautiful photographs, and a short article about Monti. (I follow the Newspaper on Facebook) If you have a trip planned to Italy this year, read Facing East before you go, and be sure to visit this Roman neighborhood.

Business Insider has ranked Europe’s hottest neighborhoods where cutting-edge art, hip restaurants, and eclectic bars come together giving visitors a special and unique atmosphere. Some of these neighborhoods were once areas of political turmoil that have been transformed into creative hubs. Others have stood as artistic gems for years. 
Among those, there is the Italian Quartiere Monti, located in Rome, home to the Colosseum, is a perfect combination of old and new. Monti is the name of one of the twenty-two Rioni of Rome, rione I. The name literally means mountains in Italian and comes from the fact that the Esquiline and the Viminal Hills, and parts of the Quirinal and the Caelian Hills belonged to this rione. Its logo consists of three green mountains with three tops on a silver background.
There are hip, modern shops like Urbana 47, an art-house movie theater, that are hidden amidst the ancient streets. Some of Rome’s best vintage shops are here too, like Mercato Monti, where you’ll find handmade goods and designer items.
More at http://www.businessinsider.sg/the-coolest-neighborhoods-in-europe-2015-6…

 I have been told by those that have read the book that the scenes that take place in Italy are some of their favorites. Mine too. Rione Monti has evolved beyond the time I write about, but I am deeply satisfied to have this quick Italian ‘fix,’