Ciao, I'm
Ambra N.
I was born and raised in Rome, and I am immensely curious and in love with my city. As an archaeologist, this is definitely the best place in the world to be born. I’m a storyteller, I love finding “the hidden stories that make history” and telling them in such a way they become a memory of the heart and can't be forgotten.
- Rome, Italy
- Guide since 2014
About Me
Q. What inspired you to become a guide?
In the years spent at university I have always thought that the true meaning of the job of an archaeologist should be “rebuilding past” – to communicate it to the largest number of people possible and in the most engaging way possible. In this way everyone can get in touch with the ancient times that sometimes can seem distant and difficult to understand. The biggest reward ever for me? When people's eyes light up because of the stories I tell them – when I bring back to life artworks, ruins, stones and streets with my words, creating an emotional connection with people lived centuries ago.
Q. What do you love most about Rome?
Rome is the Eternal City, so I love its continuous transformation and that she remains true to herself at the same time. At first sight everything is stunning and overwhelming, and it is! One life is not enough to know its secrets, but if you take the time to breathe it, savor it and lose yourself, you will find its truest soul still there in the alleys, between the columns and in the cracks in the walls… Everything in Rome has a story to tell if you take the time to listen.
Q. What's your favorite story to tell on tour?
I’m a storyteller. Life is made of stories and I have not just one favorite but many of them that I love to tell on various tours. I choose them carefully first and foremost because they move me, and only in this way I can convey a strong emotion to the ones who listen to me.
Fun Facts
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I spent many months in Turkey on an archaeological excavation and I met my husband there. He is an archaeologist and a tour guide (for Walks of course)!
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I love and practice Irish dancing.
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I have been a speaker for a radio program.
My Insider Tips for Rome & the Vatican
Q. Best time of year to enjoy Rome?
Rome is wonderful in spring (April) and in autumn (October and November). There is a scent that cannot be described in the wind, the days are beautiful, and it's not too hot and not too cold. In October there are some beautiful days when the sky is a deep, brilliant blue and the sunsets are truly moving.
Q. What about Roman culture should people not miss?
Locals love to spend time together, good food and good company are a must. If you are in Rome, I advise you not to rush too much. Take more than 3 days in the city, give yourself time to sit down, relax, have an aperitivo in Trastevere or Monti with friends and simply enjoy the dolce vita.
Q. What do you tell your visiting friends to see in Rome?
If you come for the very first time, you can’t miss a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and of course the Sistine Chapel and the Historical Center (Trevi Fountain, Navona Square, Spanish Steps). Don’t forget to enter the most amazing temple of Rome: the Pantheon.
In your second trip to Rome, don’t miss the excavations of Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman city perfectly preserved where you can spend the whole day in a real journey back in time. And of course, visit the Borghese Gallery with the amazing statues by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio.
Q. What are some must-try foods in Rome?
I suggest you should try Roman street food like supplì (a rice ball with meat sauce, melted mozzarella, covered in fried breadcrumbs), and I love very much the Roman pizza, so thin and crispy. (Don’t tell my friends from Naples 😉 and try both and decide which is your favorite.) Of course you can’t miss the typical Roman pasta (amatriciana, cacio e pepe and carbonara). I love also artichokes a lot. The carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) you can find in the Jewish quarter are very famous, but we use them for a plenty of other traditional dishes like my favourite coratella alla romana (if you like lungs, heart and liver of lamb and artichokes don’t miss it!) You can find it in many traditional trattorie.
You might see me on these tours
