Christmas in Ancient Rome: Saturnalia, banquets and flavours
When we think of Christmas, we picture lights, nativity scenes, family dinners and presents under the tree. In Ancient Rome, however, the event that took place at the same time of year was not Christmas as we know it today, but rather Saturnalia: a popular and “reversing” festival that combined religion, conviviality and social licence. In this article, we will look at the similarities and differences between the two celebrations and discover the dishes and flavours that enlivened the tables during Saturnalia. Saturnalia: when, how and why Saturnalia were festivals in honour of the god Saturn, originally celebrated on 17th December in the Roman calendar and then gradually extended to 23rd December in the Imperial era, until it became a period of celebrations that could last a week. The festival included a public ceremony at the Temple of Saturn in the Forum, followed by private banquets, exchanges of gifts and a general festive atmosphere. A distinctive feature of Saturnalia was the suspension of social norms: a sort of symbolic “reversal” of roles was practiced (masters served slaves at table), gambling was allowed in public, and a carefree atmosphere prevailed, recalling the mythical ideal of the Golden Age. Over the centuries, this element of social inversion also influenced other European festivals and traditions. Saturnalia vs Christmas: similarities and differences Similarities Time of year and conviviality: both celebrations fall in the middle of winter (December) and are characterised by the centrality of banqueting, family gatherings and the exchange of gifts or presents. During Saturnalia, there was a practice of exchanging small gifts (such as the sigilla on Sigillaria day), a trait that clearly recalls the exchange of Christmas gifts. Decorations and symbols of light: although with different meanings, both pagan and Christian festivals used decorative elements to counteract the winter gloom (garlands, lights, evergreens). Differences Religious origin and meaning: Saturnalia was a pagan festival linked to agriculture and the worship of Saturn; Christmas is a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The religious intent, symbolism and liturgical practices are therefore very different. Social character: while Christmas (in its modern forms) promotes values such as charity and family, Saturnalia emphasised the temporary breakdown of social hierarchies, ritual chaos and the allegory of freedom. Whereas Christmas tends to be institutionalised (masses, rituals), Saturnalia was a more “popular” and uninhibited festival. What did people eat during Saturnalia? The most popular dishes and ingredients Saturnalia was a synonym of abundance: ancient sources and modern reconstructions tell us of rich banquets, with meat, charcuterie, desserts and flavoured wine. Here is an overview of the specialities that recur most frequently in historical accounts and recipes taken from ancient texts (such as Apicius) and modern research. Meat, charcuterie and rich dishes Among meats, roast pork, hams and salted shoulders were highly prized; banquets could also feature lucanica (sausages), young goat and poultry dishes. Some recipes by Apicius and modern reconstructions suggest elaborate preparations with sweet and spicy sauces. Legumes and food of the common people For the ‘plebeian’ part of the festival, legumes (broad beans, chickpeas, lentils) were a basic food, inexpensive but substantial, often prepared in soups or stews. Cheese and bread also played a central role in common meals. Sweets and delicacies (dulcia) The Romans loved sweets: Saturnalia tables were full of dulcia (sweets), dried fruit, honey and fried or caramelised products. Some reconstructed recipes include mustacei (“must sweets”), dried fruit and fried sweets that we might associate with our winter treats today. Drinks: mulsum and spiced wine Mulsum, wine sweetened with honey, was a typical drink at Roman banquets and probably widely consumed during Saturnalia. Wine was often flavoured or mixed with spices and honey for festive occasions. Edible gifts and local specialities Sources also report the exchange of food products such as cheese, sweets and dried fruit as gifts. In some cases, masters offered gifts to slaves: this aspect of ritual generosity accompanied the element of the suspension of hierarchies. Why learn about Saturnalia today? A heritage of conviviality Why learn about Saturnalia today? A heritage of conviviality Studying Saturnalia does not mean “replacing” Christmas, but understanding the cultural roots that have spread across Europe: many festive practices, from decorating with evergreens to exchanging gifts, have parallels in pagan end-of-year rituals. Understanding these ties enriches our cultural and gastronomic experience, enriching the way we talk about the holidays and the dishes that accompany them. If you want to taste the Rome of the holidays, with revisited ancient recipes and seasonal flavours, come and visit us at Ragno D’Oro, in the heart of the Prati district. Book your table for December now and experience the festive atmosphere with us!
Autumn in Rome: 5 experiences to enjoy, including food, walks and culture
When the leaves on the trees turn gold and copper and the air becomes cooler, Rome shows a new side of itself: more intimate, authentic, perfect for those who want to enjoy the city out of season. During this period, the Prati district (where our restaurant is located) becomes the ideal starting point for experiencing autumn in Rome. Here are five unmissable activities for those visiting Rome in autumn (many of which can be combined with a convivial stop at Ragno d’Oro). 1. Strolling through parks and Roman villas Autumn transforms the capital’s parks into galleries of colour. Places such as Villa Borghese or Villa Doria Pamphili offer ideal settings for a relaxing walk among trees and ponds, in an atmosphere that exudes Roman tranquillity. Furthermore, walking along the Via Appia Antica with its centuries-old pine trees and ruins immersed in the woods is an evocative experience that autumn enhances. But it is not only nature that amazes: urban routes also tell stories. An unmissable destination for those who love the most authentic Rome is the Passetto di Borgo, the evocative elevated passageway connecting Castel Sant’Angelo with Vatican City, recently reopened to the public. This ancient papal corridor, about 800 metres long, offers a unique perspective on the rooftops of the Borgo district and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, making it an ideal stop for an autumn stroll through art, spirituality and historical secrets. 2. Autumn flavours: truffles, new wines and seasonal dishes With the arrival of the cold season, Rome offers a rich gastronomic repertoire: truffles, mushrooms, pumpkin, new wine. In autumn, flavours become more pronounced. It is the ideal time to abandon fresh salads and discover the fall dishes of Roman cuisine, such as creamy first courses or stews, perfect with a good glass of wine. At Ragno d’Oro, the seasonal menus feature selected seasonal ingredients that capture all the flavour of autumn in Rome. 3. Culture, exhibitions and festivals: Rome awakens Autumn in Rome is not only a season of colours, but also of ideas and creativity. After the calm of summer, the city is once again filled with cultural events, art exhibitions, festivals and shows that enliven theatres, squares and museums. It is the perfect time to discover the capital through experiences that combine culture and emotion. Every year, between October and November, the spotlight turns to the Rome Film Festival, one of the most eagerly awaited events, which brings directors and actors from all over the world to the red carpet of the Auditorium Parco della Musica. But the autumn calendar does not stop there: the Capitoline Museums, the Borghese Gallery and the MAXXI host temporary exhibitions and retrospectives dedicated to the great masters of art, while the contemporary art galleries in Trastevere and the Flaminio district offer more experimental itineraries. For music lovers, autumn in Rome is the season of the Roma Jazz Festival, which every year brings international artists to the stage in an elegant and intimate setting, and the Festival delle Letterature, which celebrates the written word with meetings with authors and readings under the stars. 4. Shopping and chic breaks in the streets of Rome Autumn brings with it new collections, boutiques, shop windows and captivating urban atmospheres. In Rome, areas such as Via del Corso and Via dei Condotti-Via Borgognona combine shopping with charm; shopping and strolling continue in Via Cola di Rienzo in the Prati district, which is full of various craft shops and other stores offering moments of leisure and well-being. A good idea: treat yourself to lunch or an aperitif at Il Ragno d’Oro before returning to the shop windows. 5. Romantic atmosphere, sunsets and hidden views One of the most popular places to admire the sunset is the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) on the Aventine Hill, which offers a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Dome. Not far away, the famous ‘Keyhole’ reveals a unique perspective of the city, perfectly framing the Basilica in a play of light and shadow that becomes pure magic at sunset. The Pincio Terrace in Villa Borghese also offers spectacular views: from its balustrades, you can admire Piazza del Popolo as it lights up with orange shades while the city prepares for the evening. For photography enthusiasts, this is the ideal time to capture Rome in its most authentic guise: the reflections of the Tiber at sunset, the leaves falling along the tree-lined avenues and the monuments tinged with gold and copper. But autumn in Rome is not just about views: it is also the perfect time to lose yourself in the lesser-known alleys, such as those of the Jewish Ghetto, the Monti district or Trastevere, where you can experience a quieter Rome, made up of historic shops, lit lanterns and chatter echoing through the small squares. Walking around the city at this time of year means rediscovering the pleasure of slowing down, letting yourself be surprised by quiet corners and hidden glimpses that only autumn can make so evocative. If you have spent the day exploring Rome, walking in the park, visiting exhibitions or shopping, treat yourself to the relaxation you deserve. At Ragno d’Oro, we welcome you with authentic flavours, a Roman atmosphere and dishes designed for autumn: from hot pasta to hearty dishes and seasonal desserts. We are located in the Prati district: easy to reach, perfect before or after an evening in the city centre. Book your table: ending the day with a flavourful dinner is the best way to take away a memory of Rome that will remain… in your stomach and in your heart.
Interesting facts you didn’t know about the Prati district
Today, the Prati district is one of the busiest and most historic places in Rome, full of art and tradition. Yet, this place hides some unexpected curiosities. Today we are here to share them in this article! The origins of the name Until 1883, this area, now known as the Prati district, consisted of vast cultivated and natural fields, swamps that were only later cleared and a few isolated farmhouses, while in even older Roman times it was common to find canes and vineyards, property of Domizia. Once called ‘Prati di Castello’ in reference to its proximity to the famous Castel Sant’Angelo, from this it currently maintains its name ‘Prati’, a symbol of what it was in ancient times. With the taking of Rome in 1870 and the subsequent Plan of 1883, this large natural area was urbanised and built up to what we are familiar with today, with the official constitution of the district in August 1921. Prati: originally a laic neighbourhood Today, when we think of this iconic Roman neighbourhood, we tend to associate it with the large groups of tourists and religious people who colour the streets, moved by their faith and their desire to visit the Christian places of worship that flourished in this specific area. It may surprise you to know that, following the 1883 ordinance, the Rome City Council indicated a very specific predisposition for the new urbanisation of the area: it was essential that the vision of St. Peter’s dome was obstructed by any means. This is explained by the fact that that historical period was characterised by tensions between the State and the Church; we are in fact in post-unification Italy, and the broad anti-clergy stance was no secret. This is how this area came to host the administrative and military structures of the Kingdom of Italy; indeed, it is enough to note how the names of the streets still refer to the great commanders, literary and secular figures and heroes of the Renaissance from whom the historic square takes its name. The differences between yesterday and today From an area of endless greenery to an elegant area full of knowledge, from the ancient to the modern that we now breathe. Today and compared to the past, the Prati district is an increasingly commercial and touristic area, full of cultural and entertainment attractions in a larger sense, like the many markets, among which the Mercato Trionfale stands out, that contribute to animate the streets or buildings that house organs of national importance, such as the Court of Justice in Piazza Cavour. Clear is how its economy is no longer based on the mere agricultural aspect. On the building level, however, it can be seen that while there used to be more irregularity, with a predominant Art Nouveau style and buildings of different sizes, today the style that characterises it is Umbertine, with strong geometries and symmetries that confer it its iconic elegance. These modern differences give it a prestigious real estate value, definitely not to be underestimated. It is certainly very interesting to discover how sometimes what we are used to can hide almost opposite origins. We hope we have provided you with a few more cultural insights with this article, to be remembered the next time you decide to immerse yourself in the streets of one of the most densely populated districts of the beautiful city of Rome. And if you get a bit of an appetite while strolling, remember that the team of Ragno D’Oro awaits you with open arms every day at Via Silla 26. Contact us now to book your table!
Carnival in the Roman tradition
We are now in the most cheerful time of the year with costumes, festoons and confetti populating the squares and filling them with colour, while mouth-watering dishes fill the tables of Italians. In this article we will talk about Carnival in the Roman culinary tradition, so get ready for plenty of sweets with frappe, castagnole and ravioli! Frappe Fried or baked, frappes are crispy golden strips covered with powdered sugar. You can find them either plain or flavoured with vanilla or various liquors and covered in chocolate for the sweet-toothed. Today, they are considered the descendants of the ancient Roman frictilia, typical sweets fried in pork grease, which were distributed in the streets on the occasion of Saturnalia, when people celebrated gluttony and the abundance of the earth. Castagnole Also available in both a fried version and a lighter oven-baked variant, castagnole are the ultimate sweet when it comes to Roman Carnival. Their shape is reminiscent of chestnuts, from which they take their name, but they are balls of baked dough covered in granulated sugar. There are ones for all tastes, in fact you can enjoy them plain or filled with cream, ricotta or chocolate. Ravioli Last, but not least in terms of goodness, we find ravioli. Similar in shape to the famous pasta, but don’t be fooled: these are real desserts! Fried or baked, their strength is their filling, which in the most traditional versions includes chocolate, ricotta or even cinnamon, although today there are many variations, such as cream-flavoured or fruit jams. Now that we have told you about these delicacies, don’t waste any time and hurry up and taste them while they are available! For a dive into traditional Roman cuisine, we are waiting for you every day at Ragno D’Oro in Via Silla 26, 00192 Rome. Call us on 06 321 2362 to reserve a table or use the form on our website.
Jubilee 2025: Rome renews itself to welcome the world
As the Jubilee 2025 approaches, Rome has engaged in a transformation to accommodate the millions of expected peregrines and tourists. Urban renewal works have been completed in several strategic areas of the city, making the Capital more livable, accessible and sustainable. Among the most significant works are the pedestrianization of Ottaviano Street and Risorgimento Square, which now offer large spaces for walking, new green areas and modern street furnitures. In addition, Pia Square has been transformed into a vast walkable plaza connecting Sant’Angelo Castle to San Pietro, giving visitors an environment of extraordinary historical and architectural beauty. The city has also improved public transportation and accessibility for walkers with new sidewalks and infrastructure to break down architectural barriers, promoting sustainable mobility. These measures are part of a larger project that aims to enhance Rome’s historical and cultural heritage, integrating it with modern needs for livability and sustainability. Osteria Ragno d’Oro in the heart of the renovated Prati district In the heart of the Prati district, just a short walk from Ottaviano Street and San Pietro, Osteria Ragno d’Oro is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the traditional Roman tastes before or after a walk through the city’s artworks. Our inn offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families, groups of friends or tourists who desire to enjoy iconic dishes of local cuisine, such as amatriciana, saltimbocca roman-style and many other specialties. Thanks to its strategic position, the osteria is easily accessible to tourists and Romans who want to enjoy the vibrancy of a district that is now more beautiful than ever. Our staff is ready to make you feel at home, with caring service and dishes that celebrate Roman cuisine in all its authenticity. Stop by and visit us at Via Silla 26, or make a reservation at 06 321 2362. We are looking forward to an unforgettable gastronomic experience together, in the heart of Jubilee 2025 Rome!
Roman Christmas dishes: how to find them in tradition
Christmas is approaching and, like every year, it is a good tradition to spend these moments with the family, in front of a large table set to the right order, surrounded by bingo, laughter and relatives. In Rome, there is a long tradition of culinary delicacies that just can’t be missed, and although there are now many reinterpretations, these origins still hold strong roots in many homes. In this article we will tell you about the inimitable Christmas dishes of the Roman tradition, get ready to have your mouth watering! Christmas Eve dinner According to tradition, meat is abolished on 24 December, but fear not: Roman cuisine still provides excellent fish and vegetable dishes for the occasion. Starting with the appetisers, you cannot miss the fried food, usually broccoli and artichokes, elements that are present in every variation in Roman dishes, while for fish we find fried squid and sometimes also shrimps (often presented as a second course) and fried cod. A typical and must-have dish is then the broth of arzilla with pasta and broccoli: a fish that is not so frequently used but is nevertheless much appreciated in this hot, full-bodied and tasty meal, able to please young and old alike. This is followed as a first course by a nice plate of spaghetti with clams. As a side dish, puntarelle salad with a dressing of garlic, oil and anchovy fillets, which make this vegetable particularly popular and suitable as an accompaniment to the above-mentioned dishes, or for those who still have room for something less light, mashed broccoletti and chicory are always a good option. Christmas lunch There is only one serving that can open the dances for lunch on 25 December: stracciatella. Definitely not an ice-cream flavour, it is rather a meat broth (usually chicken) with scrambled egg, pepper, salt, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg and lemon zest that gives it a unique, spiced flavour. First courses include baked cannelloni stuffed with meat or ricotta and spinach according to preference, lasagne or home-made egg fettuccine with meat sauce. A second course that absolutely cannot be missed is fried lamb ribs, or alternatively, for those who want to reduce the amount of fried food, lamb ‘allo scottadito’ with a side dish of baked potatoes. Christmas desserts Did you think this was the end? Clearly not, and we certainly couldn’t leave out the desserts. Among the oldest are pangiallo, which finds its origins in Ancient Rome and more precisely during the Imperial Age. It is made from a mixture of dried fruit, honey and candied citron, orange and lemon peel, which is then baked and covered with a layer of batter. Then there is similarly the panpepato, also made from dried fruit, orange and the addition of cocoa, or for lovers of dry biscuits the Roman tozzetti, similar to cantucci, made from dried fruit and various spices such as cinnamon. Christmas without good food on the table is definitely not the same, having the chance to enjoy these delights surrounded by the warmth of affection is what contributes to making this holiday so magical. We hope we have inspired you with these Roman Christmas dishes!
Ragù: how to find it in Roman dishes
Italian meat ragù is certainly one of the most beloved dishes of the Italian culinary tradition, easily associated with the warmth of home and a Sunday lunch with the family. From the Bolognese one, to the Neapolitan one, to the Apulian one, there are many regional variants that still preserve the core, consisting of meat cooked for many hours in tomato sauce. Origins The etymology of the term comes from the French word ragoût, meaning a medieval dish of stewed meat, originally used as an accompaniment to other dishes. Brought to Italy around 1300 with the proclamation of the Pope from Avignon to the Vatican, the dish was later assimilated and revisited into the recipe known to us today, becoming principally a condiment for various types of pasta. The first variant was the Neapolitan one, made in 1773 by Vincenzo Corrado, which however was still influenced by the French, making it more similar to a stew or braised meat; therefore the real origin of what we are familiar with today is attributed to the Bolognese version of 1891, formalised by the first recipe written by Pellegrino Artusi, which included ingredients such as: veal, celery, onion, carrot, pork belly, the addition of broth during cooking and sometimes milk. It was only in the first decade of the 20th century, however, that we got to the current recipe with the introduction of tomato sauce as an essential ingredient, wine blending and the replacement of macaroni with tagliatelle. Ragù in Roman cuisine Today, almost every region of the peninsula boasts its own reinterpretations and different applications of the iconic ragù, and our beloved capital is certainly no different. In this article we will tell you about three Roman dishes that pay homage to meat sauce in a decidedly original way that is faithful to tradition. Rigatoni with oxtail in tomato sauce Originally a poor and popular dish, today oxtail is to all intents and purposes part of the most typical Roman cuisine and is something you absolutely must try if you really want to immerse yourself in the flavours of tradition. Similar to the classic ragù, in order to acquire tenderness, the tail meat is left to cook in a tomato sauce seasoned with ingredients such as celery and cloves, for about six hours. The accompaniment to rigatoni is perfect, as this typical type of Roman pasta is particularly suitable for thick, full-bodied sauces, and a sprinkling of pecorino cheese with an intense, pungent flavour is used to finish it off. Lasagna Roman style Another perfect recipe for a Sunday lunch with the family, we reveal however that there is not just one way to prepare lasagna, as in Rome there is an entirely typical recipe (and it is still delicious). Forget the béchamel sauce, in this recipe it is the mozzarella cheese that takes its place and the sauce is richer in tomato, while the meat ragù remains one of the key elements to make this dish a true delicacy, consisting of: minced meat, onion, celery, carrot, tomato sauce, oil and salt. Supplì Not to be mistaken for arancine, the Roman supplì is an iconic elongated, fried rice ball, a perfect street food or appetiser. Again, its name originates from surprise, a term often exclaimed by French soldiers during the Napoleonic occupation at the end of the 18th century, who, after the first bite, were captivated by the discovery of its stringy filling, hidden by the crispy external breadcrumbs: composed of rice, mozzarella cheese and, of course, our star ragù sauce. Immerse yourself in tradition If we have impressed you with these traditional delicacies then we invite you to try some of these dishes, and many more, at Ragno D’Oro in Via Silla, 26 (RM). Contact us now to book your table!