Itinerary for Made in Italy shopping in Rome
If you like Made in Italy fashion Rome is your paradise: the city offers plentiful opportunities to unleash your shopping spree. The capital is not only an incredibly beautiful city where art, history and culture gather, but also one of the most popular shopping destinations in the world.
The Made in Italy merchandising mark refers to a form of art-craftsmanship which has made Italy famous all over the world and, after becoming a must destination during the Grand Tour for its artistic heritage, today Rome represents an essential destination for those seeking true italian style.
For upscale fashion shopping, between haut de gamme style and latest trends, you absolutely can't miss the so called "Tridente" area, from which the streets of the most exclusive italian and international brands branch off. In this area you find via del Corso, via del Babuino e via Ripetta, historical streets of the centre leading to piazza del Popolo which, together with the side street via Condotti, offer an extraordinary open air shopping zone.
The true pulsating artery of roman shopping is via del Corso, a street lined with more economic shops, although upon reaching the intersection with via Condotti, at Largo Goldoni, there is Palazzo Fendi, undisputedly one of the most famous Italian fashion brands. On the ground floor of the majestic 17th Century building is one of the brand's largest boutiques in the world, designed by Gwenael Nicolas. A few steps from Largo Goldoni, in Piazza Mignanelli, the historical headquarters of Valentino's showroom is located. Those wishing to moderate expenses should head towards the middle of via del Corso, more precisely to Piazza Colonna where you will find the historical Galleria Alberto Sordi. Also known as Galleria Colonna, it hosts various kinds of shops, among which a Feltrinelli megastore for book and music lovers.
Those who are looking for pricey exclusive products can head to the famous via Condotti, along which there are some of the most exclusive Made in Italy brands. It is almost impossible to miss the windows of the Salvatore Ferragamo boutique, where you can find garments, bags, belts, ties but most of all the famous shoes which made this brand a symbol of style in the world. At a short distance, some of the top luxury boutiques of the capital open their doors to you: Prada, Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Alberta Ferretti and Ermenegildo Zegna. In via Condotti you can also find a Bulgari boutique, one of Rome's most famous jewelry and goldsmith brands. Just as important for luxury shopping is the near Piazza di Spagna, where you will find the Valentino, Versace and Missoni boutiques, just to name a few.
A few steps from Piazza di Spagna, Via del Tritone offers its own share of classy shopping opportunities such as La Rinascente, a huge flagship store dedicated to the great fashion, design, jewelry and cosmetics brands. Besides shopping, you can enjoy the wonderful view from the terrace located on the top floor whereas on floor -1 you can admire the remains of the aqueduct Acquedotto Vergine, inaugurated in 19 B.C and still functioning today. Those who love vintage and young stylists' creations should go to rione Monti, more precisely to via del Boschetto, along which they will find small and gracious shops where you can always find something very original.
Also in the historical centre, check out via di Campo Marzio, Rome's other elegant street where, besides fashion shops, you will find several art and small artisan workshops offering a variety of products, for all tastes. Lastly, if you are passionate about antique objects you can't miss via dei Coronari, which gathers about 80 shops showcasing four centuries of antiques trade. Considered one of the most beautiful and charming streets of Rome, it is visited by connoisseurs from all over the world, looking for unique and precious pieces.
So, are you ready to shop wildly along the streets of Rome?