Antica Locanda Spagnola - Complesso del San Michele

A curious and successful experiment that we owe to the idea of ​​architect Esposito (like the fireworks at Castel Sant'Angelo or the snow at Santa Maria Maggiore, editor's note) and the commitment of the Ministry of Culture, which made it possible to revive and revitalize a space immortalized in a historic painting by Catel from 1824 (Crown Prince Ludwig in the Spanish Tavern in Rome), which depicts a scene in one of the rooms of the San Michele Complex that were rented out as inns to raise funds. The painting depicts several nobles in this inn furnished in Spanish style with a view of the Aventine Hill opposite. Thanks to this famous painting—reproduced inside the restaurant with a giant poster—that place and atmosphere were recreated, like a film set. For the inauguration, flamenco dancers were even hired to create a tableau vivent that evoked that moment. The restaurant—which overlooks the Lungotevere but is only accessible from inside, at least for now—is part of the visit to the San Michele a Ripa Complex and follows the visit to the beautiful crypt beneath the Chiesa Grande. In the 19th century, this venue was a meeting place for international intellectuals and artists, making it a hub for Roman artistic life at the time, both as a gathering place and for the excellent foreign wines, Marsala, and seafood served. Very interesting and well-executed. Need some useful info? Then leave a like and check out the other reviews on Rome and beyond.