interview
What’s it like working as a tour guide in one of the world’s most iconic cities? Laura French asks Rome aficionado Antonella Merletto
Q. How long have you been a guide and how did you get into it? A. It’s been 18 years – so long I can barely remember! I passed my exams in 2001 and started working for Riviera Travel a couple of years later. I’m half-Italian and grew up in Italy speaking both languages. I studied architecture in Italy, then did a PhD in Greece and another one in the UK. I was contacted by travel companies to lead archaeological and architectural tours – and that’s how it all started.
Q. What’s been your most memorable moment? A. I gave the president of Malta a private tour of a noble residence once – he promised to return the favour with a tour of his palace! I also guided the Infanta of Spain (the great-aunt of the current king – she was 90) on a tour. On seeing a sarcophagus, she said she had the same one in her palace garden and asked if I had one. There have also been some memorable questions (“Where in Rome is Jesus buried?”).
Q. What’s special about Rome? A. Every corner you turn shows you something different and beautiful. The food is excellent, and you can dine alfresco most evenings. There’s far more to do than most people expect, and I love the look on people’s faces when they see something they’d only seen in books or on TV.
Q. Where is your favourite spot? A. As an architectural historian, I love the Pantheon. I never tire of it. For visitors wanting to get off the beaten track, I’d recommend the Church of Saint Ignatius; it has a beautiful domed ceiling that’s like an optical illusion. But every church is different, so it’s worth exploring several of them; the art is always amazing. Another tip is to pre-book tickets for the main monuments if you’re not on an organised tour.
Q. What’s the most challenging part about being a tour guide? A. Trying to keep everybody interested with relevant information, anecdotes and humour. Everyone is different, so you have to judge it right – I adapt my information according to their expressions.
Q. And the most enjoyable part? A. Working in beautiful surroundings, meeting nice people and being told “your knowledge and humour made my holiday”. I love exchanging thoughts – I’ve learnt so much over the years from visitors.
Q. Where’s your favourite place and what’s on your bucket list? A. I have so many favourite places, from Isfahan (in Iran) to Istanbul and New York. I still haven’t made it to Israel, so that’s next on my list.
20 September 2019
Antonella Merletto Riviera Travel guide in Rome
PICTURE: SHUTTERSTOCK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
