It’s 9:42 am, and I am sitting at Caffe Di Rienzo , a caffè latte in hand, with a perfect view of Emanuele’s newsstand , known in Rome as an Edicola . The surrounding neighborhood buildings cast a shadow over the forest-green walls of the small octagonal structure. The morning is quiet, interrupted only by the low hum of cars and scooters, the whispers of passersby, and the occasional honk of an impatient driver.

As I watch people come and go, I notice Emanuele’s stand being used as a backdrop for photos and temporary shelter from the sun, as if it’s just another prop amidst the cobblestone streets and towering buildings. Have these stands become mere “landmarks” for tourists? Have we forgotten their history, or are we simply culturally unaware? My thoughts are interrupted as I hear the shutters of the stand roll up, bringing me back to my surroundings. A croissant to-go in hand, I approach Emanuele, who has graciously agreed to meet with me on his day off.

He turns, smiling, and says, “Are you the one waiting to meet with me?” I respond, “Yes! And here’s a pastry as a thank you!” Emanuele in front of his Edicola Originally his grandfather’s, the stand used to be in the center of the Pantheon square but was moved in 2008 just west of the landmark on Salita de Cresenzi. The stand had been closed for the past four years, frozen in time with newspapers headlining a possible lockdown dated 2020. After a few touch-ups and inventory changes, the stand offi.