Best places in Rome

October 21st-28th in Rome

October is quickly coming to a close and November is just around the corner. Here are 5 must see events to add to your calendar this week:

1. International Photography Festival of Rome 

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(cc: http://www.fotografiafestival.it/)

This year marks the 15th edition of the International Photography Festival of Rome. Entitled “Roma, il Mondo”, the exhibit aims to highlight the juxtaposition of international culture in Rome through photography. The exhibit features works by both emerging and established Italian photographers, as well as international entries.

When: October 21st – January 8th, Tuesday to Sunday 10:30-19:30

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art – Via Nizza 138

Tickets: 9€ – 11€

2. Exhibit: Valeriano Ciai 1928-2013

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(@romeartweek)

This exhibit features 30 works by the famous Roman painter Valeriano Ciai – tracing the development of his life, artistic career and the city of Rome itself. Hosted by the Museum of Rome in Trastevere, this exhibit provides an interesting exploration of Italian realism and abstract art from 1928 to 2013.

When: Until November 6th – Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-20:00

Where: Museo di Roma

Tickets: 5€-6€

3. Giornata del Teatro 

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(cc: mrkbzl)

October 22nd was declared the national Day of Theatre in hopes of providing the public with the opportunity to re-explore theatric world.  As part of this declararion, all of Italy’s theatres will be open to the public on Saturday for tours as well as live performances.

When: Saturday October 22nd – times vary

Where: Please note that the specific location depends on which theatre you would like to visit.  Check out our blog post dedicated to Giornata del Teatro  5 theatres to see in Rome for more information!

Tickets: Free

4. Notte Bianca at Villa Medici

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(cc: @luna_m)

Villa Medici will be celebrating Notte Bianca – or the White Night – on October 27th.  The nocturnal celebration will feature art installations throughout the Villa as well as the gardens!

When: October 27th at 19:00 – October 28th at 4:00

Where: Villa Medici – Viale della Trinita dei Monti

Tickets: Free

5. Rome’s Film Festival Continues

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As we discussed in our previous post, Rome’s 11th annual film festival continues until October 23rd! The festival includes over 40 official film selections including Florence Foster Jenkins starring Meryl Streep, as well as Oliver Stone’s highly anticipated film Snowden. In addition to film screenings the festival will also include art/film exhibitions, debates and panel discussions. Events will be held at the Parco Della Musica Auditorium, Maxxi Museum, and more.

When: Until October 23rd

Where: Event locations may vary; please visit romacinemafest.it for more details

Tickets: Tickets vary depending on the event; please visit romacinemafest.it for more details

October 21st-28th in Rome

The theatre holds an important place in  Italy’s culture and history. This has led to the Italian Minister of Culture declaring October 22nd Giornata del Teatro (Day of Theatre) in Italy.  On this day, the public has the opportunity to re-discover the value of the theatre by way of free access, tours and performances at Italy’s major theatres/opera houses.  Here is a list of 5 historical theatres/opera houses in Rome to explore on Giornata del Teatro:

1. Teatro Argentina

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(cc: atravelintime.worpress.com)

Located at Largo di Torre Argentina,  this 18th century opera house is one of the oldest in the city.  The theatre was designed by Italian architect Girolamo Theodoli after being commissioned by the Sforza Cesarini family.  Teatro Argentina officially opened in 1732 and has since been regarded as an architectual jewel ever since. In addition to its beauty, the opera house has also cultivated a great deal of historic importance over the years.  For example, a variety of notable premieres have taken place here including Rossini’s Barber of Seville in 1816.  The location of the theatre itself is also incredibly interesting as it is the same square where the Curia of Pompey stood in ancient times – also known as the site where Julius Cesar was assasinated during the Ides of March in 44 BC.

Where: Largo di Torre Argentina, 52

2. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma

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(cc: @operaincasa)

Teatro dell’Opera di Roma was originally opened in 1880 with a seating capacity of over 2,200.  Famous for it’s lavish decor/design, the opera house was commissioned by Domenico Costanzi and designed by Milanese architect Achille Sfondrini. The theatre has held a prominent position in Rome’s cultural circles as it was the host of 46 premiere performances from 1880 to 1926. Although renovations have limited its orginal seating to about 1,600, the theatre is still regarded as a cornerstone of opera culture in Rome as performances continue today.

Where: Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 1

3. Teatro Quirino 

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(cc: teatroquirino.it)

Teatro Quirino was built in 1871 and is located in the heart of the historic centre. It was commissioned by Prince Maffeo Sciarra who was inspired to name it after Rome’s origins – Quirinale Hill (one of the seven hills of Rome) and the mythological god Quirinus. The theatre has been tranformed over the years by various renovations, however it remains a hub for theatric arts in Rome today.

Where: Via Delle Vergini,7

4. Teatro Sistina 

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(cc: ilsistina.it)

Teatro Sistina was officially inaugurated in 1949 as a cinema-theatre and was designed by Italian architect Marcello Piacentini. Although Sistina is much younger than the other theatres/opera houses on this list, it has become one of the most important theatres in Italy.  The theatre was made famous by the works of Italian playwrights Garinei and Giovannini.  It has also hosted many prominent artists, comedians and musicals over the years.

Where: Via Sistina, 129

5. Teatro Valle 

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(cc:italymagazine.com)

Teatro Valle was built by Italian architect Tommaso Morelli in 1726 after the Capranica family commissioned it for private use. Although the theatre has been renovated many times since its opening, it was originally designed as a classical Italian theatre – a wooden horseshoe shaped structure with 5 tiers of viewing boxes and a gallery.  Teatro Valle has been home to many notable premieres over the centuries such as works by Italian composer Gioachino Rossini.  The theatre has also become an important symbol of artistic independence in Rome since it was occupied by a group of protestors in 2011 who were arguing against the theatre’s possible privatization.

Where: Via del Teatro Valle, 21

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By |October 15th, 2016|Best places in Rome, Concerts in Rome, Events in Rome, Holiday|0 Comments

October 13th-20th in Rome

Fall is here and so are a variety of new things to see and do in the Eternal City! Here are 5 things to add to your calendar this week:

1. Outdoor Festival 2016 

(cc: @disarmonico)

This October marks the 7th annual Outdoor Festival in Rome. This unique, month-long event seeks to give new life to the city’s neglected urban spaces by transforming them and putting them to use. This year’s festival takes place at the former military barracks referred to as Ex-Caserma. Throughout the festival there are a variety of artistic and cultural events scheduled including dedicated Saturdays to each participating country and film screenings on Sundays.

Where: Ex-Caserma di Via Guido Reni, 7

When: Until October 31st; please see website for specific event times www.out-door.it

Tickets: 8€ entry fee

2. Rome Film Festival 

(cc: @romacinemafest)

Rome’s 11th annual film festival begins on October 13th! The festival includes over 40 official film selections including Florence Foster Jenkins starring Meryl Streep, as well as Oliver Stone’s highly anticipated film Snowden. In addition to film screenings the festival will also include art/film exhibitions, debates and panel discussions. Events will be held at the Parco Della Musica Auditorium, Maxxi Museum, and more.

When: October 13th-23rd

Where: Event locations may vary; please visit romacinemafest.it for more details

Tickets: Tickets vary depending on the event; please visit romacinemafest.it for more details

3. Exhibit: Love 

(cc: @evitzan)

This collection of contemporary art explores how artists of the past century have expressed love in their works. Using a variety of different mediums, these works explore different themes in the context of love – passion, jealousy, etc. Artists include (but are not limited to) Francesco Vezzoli, Andy Warhol and Tom Wesselman.

When: Until February 19th; Mon-Fri 10am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 10am to 9pm

Where: Chiostro Del Bramante – Via Arco Della Pace, 5

Tickets: 11€ – 13€

4. Exhibit: La Spina Del Borgo 

(cc: @museiincomuneroma)

This exhibit gives you the chance to explore Rome’s changing urban landscape. Hosted by the Capitoline Museums, this exhibit focuses on La Spina del Borgo – a renaissance era block that once stood near St. Peter’s. This block was demolished under Mussolini’s regime in the 1930s to make room for today’s famous Via Della Conciliazione.

When: Until November 20th; open daily 9:30am to 7:30pm

Where: Museii Capitolini – Piazza Del Campidoglio, 1

Tickets: 11€-15€

5. Exhibit: Roma Anni Trenta 

cc: @museiincomuneroma)

This ecclectic assortment of artistic works explores multiples themes/ viewpoints with the aim of showing the significance of art in Italian culture.  From the Roman School to the Fascist Era, this exhibit is made up of a vast selection of works including sculptures, paintings, mosaics, historical documents, and photography.

When: Until October 30th; Tue-Sun 10:00am to 6:30pm

Where: Galleria d’Arte Moderna – Via Francesco Crispi, 24

Tickets: 6,50€ – 7,50€

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September 26th to October 2nd in Rome

High tourist season may be coming to a close, but in a city such as Rome there is always something to see/do! Here are 5 things to add to your calendar this week:

1. The Spanish Steps have reopened! 

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(cc: @bulgariofficial)

The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most well known landmarks and they have been feautured in numerous films – most notably seen in the 1953 classic Roman Holiday. After being closed for cleaning/restoration, the steps were officially reopened to the public on September 23rd. Although you may have missed the spectacular opening ceremony on the 23rd, seeing the Steps in their everyday glory is an important part of any trip to Rome.

Where to find them: Piazza di Spagna, Rome

2. International Street Food Parade

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(cc: Business Agency Street Food and Beverages)

Italy may be known for its cuisine, but sometimes it can be refreshing to mix it up. From September 30th -October 2, Rome will be having its very own international street food festival. The event includes over 60 food trucks and food stands featuring Italian, international and fusion menus. Whether it’s lampredotto toscano, empanadas, or fish & chips this festival is sure to satisfy every culinary craving.

When: September 30th (18:00-00:00); October 1st/October 2nd (12:00-00:00)

Where to find it: Ex Mattatoio Testaccio – Via Largo Dino Frisullo

Tickets: Free Entry

3. Marino Wine Festival 

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(cc: @sofia_masi)

Commonly referred to as the Sagra dell’Uva Festival, this event is perfect for wine lovers and adventure seekers alike. The festival is one of the oldest and most famous in Italy including culture, food and (of course) wine – it even features a fountain flowing entirely from vino!

When: First weekend of October; note Sunday is the main day for festivities

Where to find it: Marino, Italy (1 hour from Rome by car; 30 minutes by train direct from Termini Station)

Tickets: Free Entry

4. Basim Magdy Art Exhibit 

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(cc: @basim.magdy)

Winner of Deutche Banks’s 2016 Artist of the Year Award, Egyptian artist Basim Magdy is a force to be reckoned with. From September 15th to October 30th, Rome’s Maxxi Museum will be home to over 30 works by the artist – including photography, video and drawing installations. The exhibit explores the fluidity between reality/fantasy and – in some cases – can simply be described as out of this world. This exhibit is sure to provoke a great deal of thought from those who visit it.

When: September 15th-October 30th; Tues-Fri 11:00-19:00 / Sun 11:00-22:00

Where to find it: MAXXI Museum, Via Guido Reni 4a

Tickets: 10€ for adults, 8€ for students, 4€ for children

5. Roma Pop City Exhibit 

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(cc: @lagencedelart)

Inspired by Italy’s urbanization/cultural evolution in the 1960s, this exhibit features over 100 works of Italian contemporary art. If you like thought provoking yet unconventional art, this exhibit is for you.

When: Until November 27th

Where to find it: Macro Museum, Via Nizzi, 138

Tickets: 9€ – 11€


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5 Must-Try Gelaterias in Rome

No trip to Italy is complete without a cup (or 3) of gelato, but the number of Roman gelaterias can make it difficult to know which to choose. Below are 5 gelato shops – recommended by our staff –  you don’t want to miss! Each shop is also easily accessible from one of our tours. There’s no better way to end an afternoon of touring the Vatican or the Colosseum than with a serving of this delicious Italian treat!

1. Gelateria Frigidarium 

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(cc: @annieyhan)

Don’t let the line steer you away, it is definitely worth the wait! Located just a short walk from Piazza Navona, Frigidarium offers seasonal flavours and aritisanal craftsmanship. For all the chocolate lovers out there, Frigidarium also gives you the option of dipping your cone in freshly melted chocolate – think Dairy Queen dipped cone but 1000 times better.

Where to find it: Via del Governo Vecchio, 112 (3 minutes walking from Piazza Navona)

Our recommendation: Lemon and Raspberry

2. Gelateria Della Palma 

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(cc: @nina_liang)

This centrally located shop offers more than 150 flavours to choose from! Need we say more?

Where to find it: Via Della Maddalena, 19-23 (5 minutes walking from Pantheon)

Our recommendation: stracchietella & pistacchio
3. Gelateria Fassi 

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(cc: @misssholeh)

Operating since 1880, Gelateria Fassi is the place to go for a traditional gelato experience. This family run establishment is known for its artisanal flavour choices that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Hint hint: they are also known for their tiramisu.

Where to find it: Via Principe Eugenio, 65 (not far from Termini Station)

Our recommendation: Fiore di Latte
4. Gelateria dei Gracchi

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(cc: @katieparla)

Just a short walk from the Vatican, this charming shop is your go-to for organic and gluten free ingredients.

Where to find it: Via dei Gracchi, 272

Our reccomendation: Banana and hazelnut
5. I Caruso 

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(cc: justafoodienyc)

Also located near Termini station, I Caruso is the place to go for simple, fresh and artisanal flavours. Their hand whipped panna will also leave you dreaming.

Where to find it: Via Collina, 13

Our recommendation: anything with panna on top, also be sure to try their coffee!

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Do you have any gelato favourites in the city? Leave a comment and let us know! 

 

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The Pincio terrace

To get to the first stop on this itinerary, take Metro Line A to Flaminio, then hike up the stairs on the eastern side of piazza del Popolo.
The pincio terrace and its beautiful view over the city await you at the top. From here, Piazza napoleone, you can see a little bit of everything in the historical center, from the Vittoriano on the left to the transmission towers of RAI television on the right.
The big dome in the center, across the river, is St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world and, at 150 meters, the tallest building in Rome. Looking just to the left of that dome, you will seen the massive brick wall circuit that defines the Vatican City. From this high perspective you really get a sense of the fortress-like aspect of the city of the popes.

By |March 22nd, 2016|Best places in Rome, Things to do in Rome|0 Comments