Today I stole Frida’s flowers…

My friend, Franca, and I recently went to see the Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Scuderie del Quirinale.  I have a passion for huipiles and since Frida wore them all the time, the exhibit demanded my attention.   But this post is not about the exhibition itself. It’s about the Scuderie.  “Scuderie” means “stables” and this space, built in the 1700s, originally housed the Pope’s horses. But in the 1990s it was remodeled by the architect Gae Aulenti and transformed into an important exhibition center.

 Waiting in line to see the exhibition…

After  Frida, there was something else to see at the Scuderie–a panoramic view!

In the background, l’ Altare della Patria, a monument built in honour of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy.

L’ Altare della Patria has created much controversy for two reasons:  not many believe Victor Emmanuel deserved a monument and not many like its excessive presence (often  comparing it to a giant wedding cake).  But it has a rooftop bar with a great view!

Franca

entrance to the Quirinale

The Scuderie is next to the Quirinal Palace commonly known as the Quirinale. It’s thus named because it sits on  the Quirinal Hill, the highest of the seven hills of Rome. Since it’s where the President of the Italian Republic lives, it’s a kind of Italian White House although popes and kings have also lived here. In the middle of this piazza is an obelisk taken from the Mausoleum of Augustus. It’s flanked by the statues of Dioscuri with the horse tamers, Castor and Pollux.

And thanks to Franca for the photos of the Quirinal Piazza and of me with Frida!