Roma Bella
About Ximena

An Architect's Love
Letter to Rome

Licensed tour guide, architect, and lifelong student of the Eternal City since 1984.

Ximena Amarales — Architect & Licensed Tour Guide of Rome
Architect, Master's Degree in Urbanism — Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
Licensed Tour Guide of Rome since 1999
Thesis: "The Squares of Rome Along History"
Tours in English, Spanish & Italian

Ximena Amarales

Architect & Licensed Tour Guide of Rome

With me you will comprehend the "Caput Mundi" of our civilization — not as a tourist, but through the eyes of someone who has studied, lived, and loved Rome for over 40 years.

Rome has been my home since 1984, when I arrived to work as an architect. After 15 years of professional practice, my deepening fascination with Roman art and history led me to become a Licensed Tour Guide in 1999. Two decades of studying ancient history, archaeology, Renaissance and Baroque art have given me what I can only describe as a new way of seeing the world.

I am sure that you will rejoice in Rome through my explanations and stories, because together we will bring to life centuries of events, art, architecture, and the human drama that shaped Western civilization. A visit with me is a chance to enjoy Rome as Romans do — sharing customs, traditions, and the simple pleasure of walking through the cradle of our culture.

Your time in Rome is precious — sometimes a lifelong dream. That is why customization is my hallmark. Every itinerary is carefully studied and planned to maximize your experience. I tailor each tour to your needs, your interests, and your pace, so you don't just see Rome — you understand it and feel the emotions that inspired each creation.

My tours are arranged with care, elegance, and simplicity. Whether we are following the footsteps of Julius Caesar along the Via Sacra, decoding Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, or discovering the masterful work of Bernini in St. Peter's Basilica — every moment is designed to transform your visit into something unforgettable.

Experiences

Every tour is a private, personalized journey through time

01

Ancient Rome & the Forum

Walk through eleven centuries of history — from the founding myths of Romulus to the grandeur of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

02

Vatican & Sistine Chapel

Skip the queues and enter the political and artistic heart of the pontifical era, guided by someone who reads the architecture like a book.

03

Rome on a Vespa

A truly Roman way to experience the city — riding through its neighborhoods on classic Italian scooters driven by expert local riders.

04

Full Day Tour

For those who want to see it all — a carefully planned journey from ancient ruins to Baroque masterpieces, maximizing every hour.

05

Shore Excursions

Arriving by cruise? A private, personalized tour of Rome in one day, perfectly timed for your port schedule at Civitavecchia.

06

Museums & Galleries

From Caravaggio to Raphael — discover Rome's world-class collections with an architect who understands the spaces as deeply as the art.

Ready to experience Rome differently?

Tell me about your trip — dates, interests, group size — and I will design a personalized itinerary just for you.

Get in Touch