Fun, Festivals and History In The City Of Rome
The summer months in Rome are a show case for a huge range of musical and theatrical events, held all over the city. It’s a great time to visit and all the best outdoor venues provide beautiful backdrops to a summer of culture and fun! Allow a week to see the sights of the city, but if you have more time, you can really get into the Roman vibe! There are two airports that service Rome. You’ll be in the centre of the City within an hour if you take the airport shuttle bus, or about 30 minutes by cab.
Rome isn’t huge, so once you have settled in from your flight, get busy with the city maps. You can see the majority of the archaeological city sights on foot – and what better way to start with a stroll down The Appian Way. This walk begins outside the south city walls at Porta San Sebastiano. This is the route that Roman soldiers took when marching into Southern Italy! The route is peppered with cattacombs, which are elaborately decorated. If you can, visit on a Sunday when there is no traffic – very atmospheric! You can also see the Imperial Forum, St. Peters Basillica, Palatine Hill and the Colesseum, site of the ancient Roman games.
Culture
Take a trip to the Vatican Museum. If you don’t mind crowds, try and gain access to the Cistine Chapel – it’s always busy, so be prepared to queue but it worth it for the incredible artwork. There is always something to look at in Rome, from the tiny streets of the Old Jewish Quarter to the beautiful Trevi Fountain – if you can get there early in the morning before the crowds descend. Rome has plenty of green spaces to enjoy a moment of calm and if you need a rest, try out one of the local ice cream parlours. A well known ice cream shop is Il Dolce Sorriso, renowned for their cheesecake, walnut and fig ice-cream! It can be found Via Arenula 25 – near the Ghetto, Campo de’ Fiori.
Summer Public Events
Roma Incontra il Mondo – north Suburbs (via di Ponte Salario)
Musicians from around the world play on a lakeside stage under the trees of the Villa Ada Park. This is such a great place to enjoy an evening out, and one of the best summer festivals. There are lots of bars and stalls selling local and ethnic food.
Festa de Noantri – Trastevere
In mid July, the residents of Trastevere celebrate with the Festa de’ Noantri. Festivities kick off with a procession followed by two weeks of arts events and street performances. The whole event closes with a massive firework display.
From June to September across the city, the Estate Romana (Roman Summer) festival takes place. Palazzi, parks and courtyards come alive with music from local bands, outdoor films are shown on giant screens, late night poetry readings and gastronomic events. Many of these events are free – just check in with the local Tourist office for details.
From mid June to September, you can enjoy an international festival of theatre, dance and music – and it’s held in the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica. It’s got a really great reputation and major names such as Morrissey and Jackson Browne show up! The surroundings are magnificent, so no matter who is holding the mike, it’s a great night out.
It’s easy to spend a week or two in the city, but it’s quite an addictive city with so much going on! Flybe are just one of a number of flight operators who can get you to Rome in time for a late deal summer holiday.