Rome is not all ancient and Baroque architecture. After all, it is a living, changing city. Here and there, you find modern buildings. Some are not so attractive, but others are truly special. We recently visited one such place.

We were on our way to Villa Torlonia, where Mussolini once lived, for a concert (more on that in a later post). On the way, we stopped at an old Shell station, but it wasn’t for gas.

Our first glimpse of the Shell was while walking through the adjoining park, which was full of kids playing and people walking their dogs.

Today, the Shell does not sell gas. Instead, it’s a neighborhood bookstore and bistro (Shell Libreria Bistrot). The interior space is as cozy you can make a former gas station. The walls are packed with books, including some English-language selections. One corner is a dedicated children’s section complete with a kid sized table. The center floor is for the bistro tables — a handful of two-tops, slightly more four-tops, and a couple 6-seaters — plus a few short book displays. People of all ages were hanging out, talking, reading, and relaxing. This neighborhood spot is clearly much loved and absolutely charming.

It was early evening, so we ordered some drinks, which were good and very reasonably priced. Then of course, Laura had to satisfy her bibliophilia and buy a book or two. You will find them at the apartment.

This is the kind of place we could hang out in every week if it was a bit closer to home. And we could have stayed longer. But that evening, we were heading off to a special event!