Monumental Spring Programme
Monumental Running is a tailor-made experience created by the Hotel de Russie’s own personal trainer who can customise both the route and duration of your run for a unique fitness session: perhaps you will breath in the lush green surroundings of the Villa Borghese, pick up the pace on the ancient Appian Way, or marvel at the magnificent Roman Forum as you sprint through the site. When your running experience is over, head straight for the De Russie Spa to indulge in some first-class pampering with our Irene Forte Skincare Facial or the Sicilian Earth and Sea Toning Treatment for the whole body.
To conclude your Monumental Spring Programme experience, enjoy a regenerating break at the Stravinskij Bar, located in the intimate piazza dedicated to Valadier, the architect of the Hotel de Russie’s monumental 2,800 square metre garden. Savour the delicious, wholesome proposals on our “Leggero” Menu created by Maestro Fulvio Pierangelini, made from only the highest quality seasonal products.
A Private Caravaggio
In partnership with one of the most important Italian Art and Restoration studios, will swing open the doors to one of Rome’s most important, private and magnificent palaces, home to the only privately owned Caravaggio in the world – The Conversion of Saulo. You will be able to observe the canvas up close, accompanied by an explanation of the restoration process that the latter underwent. The visit of the Caravaggio will be followed by a visit of the Art and Restoration studio where you will have the chance to meet and talk to an engineer specialized in scientific analyses on paintings, who will perform a IR Riflectography whilst explaining the importance of such in-depth studies on works of art.
The Oratory
The oratory was built between 1544 and 1547. The 16thcentury rectangular interior is decorated with frescoes depicting the 'Stories of the Passion of Christ', painted between 1569 and 1576 by artists such as Federico Zuccari, Cesare Nebbia and Livio Agresti. The cycle, which entirely decorates the walls of the Oratory, is divided into twelve episodes, from the entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection, painted according to the ideals of composure, nobility and deep feeling formulated by the Council of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. Due to the exquisite nature of these frescoes, the Oratory is also called the 'Sistine Chapel of Roman Mannerism. You will visit The Oratory privately in the company of our guide and art historian. Upon request, it is possible to organize a private concert inside the oratory at the end of the visit.
An Engraver, a Library, a Litography
This walk winds through the historic center of Rome and visits master artisans who keep alive and thriving ancient trades.You will visit the world’s oldest lithographic workshop still in activity. It was founded in 1818 in Paris, at number 18 Rue Saint Jaques, thanks to the foresight of Francesco, later naturalised Francois. The workshop then found its definitive home in 1840 in Rome, soon becoming an important point of reference for the city's artistic community. You will also stop by an ancient bookshop which sells prints, works of art, antiques and rare books whose furnishings are virtually unchanged since the beginning of the 19th century. Among the special features of the place are the display cases, equipped with an original mechanism that allows them to slide back on special rails, and a door leading to secret rooms. Lastly you will visit a French family of chisellers and goldsmiths that trained in Florence towards the end of the 19th century and later moved to Rome. The workshop, located in an ancient palace, ranges from sculpture to goldsmithing, from embossed and chiselled work to the creation of art bronzes, many of which were created for Popes and Kings.