In most cities, paintings dating back to the seventeenth century are typically looked at from a safe distance in museums and galleries, but in a place like Rome, it's not unusual to live among historic artefacts. Take this studio apartment in the middle of Colonna, the famous shopping district. The building dates back to the seventeenth century and the remains of a fresco from that time have been preserved by the architect on one of the walls. Aside from that, the interior design is heavily influenced by mid-century trends, from the Art Deco crockery in the kitchen and the boldly patterned chairs to the Art Nouveau-inspired mirrors in the bathroom. If your four-century-old home has got you in the mood to see more of the city's illustrious heritage, you're in luck as the central location is excellent. You can walk to Trevi Fountain in seven minutes, while the Pantheon can be seen in just under ten.

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