Watch Rome Unpacked

Rome Unpacked is a fascinating documentary series by BBC2, presented by art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon and chef Giorgio Locatelli. The series comprises of four episodes, each of which offers viewers an intimate look into the history, culture, and, of course, cuisine of the Eternal City.

The first episode, "Food and the City," is a celebration of the diverse, delicious, and often surprising culinary traditions of Rome. Giorgio takes us on a tour of some of the city's most iconic eateries, from hole-in-the-wall pizzerias to high-end restaurants, and offers us a glimpse into the artistry of Roman cooking. Meanwhile, Andrew explores the history of food in Rome, tracing the city's rich culinary heritage back to ancient Roman times and examining the ways in which this legacy has shaped the city's food culture over the centuries.

The second episode, "The Italian Enlightenment," explores Rome's role in the transformation of Europe during the eighteenth century. Andrew and Giorgio visit the Palazzo Braschi, a stunning museum of eighteenth-century Roman art and culture, and examine the ways in which the city became a hub of artistic and intellectual activity during this period. They also explore the role of the Catholic Church in this era of cultural transformation, and the ways in which popes like Clement XIII and Pius VI helped to shape the city's intellectual and artistic landscape.

In the third episode, "Rome's Lost City," Andrew and Giorgio venture off the beaten path to explore some of Rome's less-traveled neighborhoods and sites. They visit the underrated neighborhood of Garbatella, which was built in the 1920s as a utopian experiment in urban planning, and the ancient Appian Way, a road that was once the gateway to the Roman Empire but is now largely forgotten. Along the way, they offer insights into the hidden history and vibrant culture of Rome's lesser-known corners.

Finally, in the fourth episode, "The Baroque City," Andrew and Giorgio delve into the opulent world of Baroque art and architecture in Rome. They visit iconic sites like the Palazzo Barberini and the Galleria Borghese, and explore the ways in which Baroque art and architecture were used to express power, wealth, and religious devotion in the city. They also examine the role of the Catholic Church in shaping the Baroque aesthetic, and the ways in which this style has become synonymous with the city of Rome itself.

Overall, Rome Unpacked is a captivating journey through one of the world's most extraordinary cities. With Andrew Graham-Dixon's expertise in art history and Giorgio Locatelli's culinary prowess, viewers are treated to an immersive and engaging exploration of the culture, history, and cuisine of Rome.