Things to do in Rome

October 28th – November 3rd in Rome

It may be hallows-week, but there is still plenty of other things to see and do in Rome! Here are 5 interesting events to add to your calendar this week:

1. Van Gogh Alive: The Experience 

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(cc: @claire_larsson)

This multimedia exhibition brings the works of Vincent Van Gogh to life! Using Sensory4 Technology, the exhibit uses 50 high definition projectors to display more than 3,000 graphics and pairs them with a powerful soundtrack – immersing visitors in Van Gogh’s most famous pieces from 1880-1890.  Experience a new depth to Van Gogh’s masterpieces and his unique style at this exhibit.

When: October 25th to December 31st / Monday to Thursday 10:00-20:00, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00-23:00, Sundays 10:00 to 21:00

Where: Palazzo degli Esami – Via Girolamo Induno, 4

Tickets: 12€-15€

2. Via Margutta Art Exhibit 

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(cc: @simoncaruso)

This event is not your average art exhibit.  From October 28th to November 1st visitors and locals have the chance to explore the open-air art exhibit on Via Margutta.  More than 100 painters will be showcased and visitors have the opportunity to purchase the works they see. You may have heard of Via Margutta before; not only is it one of Rome’s most charming streets, but it is also one of the locations where Roman Holiday was filmed.  In the movie, Gregory Peck’s character lives in an apartment on Via Margutta, 51.  Experience a bit of Hollywood while also supporting local artisans!

When: October 28th to November 1st / 10:00 -21:00 daily 

Where: Via Margutta (Close to the Spanish Steps) 

Tickets: Free entry

3. All Saints Day 

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(cc: lifeinitaly.com)

All Saints Day (Festa di Oggnisanti) is both a religious and national holiday in Italy celebrating the Saints of the Catholic Church. Its origins date back to Ancient times and it has been a public holiday since 1949. Important Information: Since Oggnisanti is a public holiday, schools and many businesses will be closed. These closures may be partial or the entire day depending on the business. The Vatican Musems will be closed and St. Peter’s Basilica will be operating on a Sunday schedule: 7:00-18:30 with masses every hours between 7 and 12, as well as an evening mass at 17:00. The Colosseum will be operating normally.

When: November 1st

4. Edward Hopper Exhibit 

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(cc: @ludicapo)

This exhibit features one of the most well-known American artists of the 20th century. Edward Hopper was a prominent realist painter whose paintings have provided interesting insights into American culture for the past century. Hopper was best known for his oil paintings, however he was also very talented with watercolours and print-making.  This exhibit features 60 of Hopper’s works – highlighting Hopper’s focus on the common features of American life as well as seascapes and rural landscapes. Featured works include Le Bistro or The Wine Shop (1909), New York Interior (19211), and South Carolina Morning (1955).

When: Through February 12th / Monday to Thursday 9:30-19:30, Fridays and Saturdays 9:30 to 22:00, and Sundays 9:30 to 20:30

Where: Complesso del Vittoriano, Via di San Pietro in Carcere

Tickets: 12€-14€

5. The Cure in Concert 

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(cc: correttainformazione.it)

British rock/punk group the Cure will be playing a live concert at the Palalottomatica Sports Arena on October 30th.  At this point it appears that most tickets are sold out, but you never know!

When: October 30th

Where: Palalottomatica Sports Arena – Piazzale Pier Luigi Nervi, 1

Tickets: Prices vary

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Fun Facts: The Pantheon

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By |October 26th, 2016|Things to do in Rome|0 Comments

Mercato Mondays: Mercato Centrale, Termini

In 2014, Mercato Centrale opened in the heart of Florence and it was a huge success. Thanks to the same team, Rome now has a Mercato Cemercatomondaysntrale of its own inside Termini Station.  Although this market does not exactly convey the traditional Italian market experience, it does bring together some of the region’s best food producers.  That is why we chose to explore the new Mercato Central Roma for Enjoy Rome’s first Mercato Monday.

Where: Termini Station – accessible from Via Golitti, 36

When: 7:oo – 00:00 daily


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(cc: anamericaninrome.com)

Termini station is Rome’s main hub for public transportation as well as trains outside of the city.  The building itself was inaugurated in 1950 and takes its name from the nearby Baths of Diocletian (thermae in latin).  The newest addtion to Termini (Mercato Centrale Roma) officially opened on October 5th – transforming the station into a new cultural and culinary centre.

The first floor of the market houses 15 vendors offering some of Italy’s culinary classics as well as some modern twists.  Don’t let the food court-style seating fool you, each vendor prides themselves on the quality and authenticity of their food. There is an abundance of choices to satisfy any craving, but here are some of our highlights:

Baker Gabriele Bonci has brought his famous pizza al taglio (Roman pizza by the slice), foccacia, and cakes to the market.

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For an authentic selection of meats and charchuterie, Mercato Centrale has recruited renowed butcher Roberto Liberati. 

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Beppe e i Suoi Formaggi – one of Rome’s best wine and cheese bars – can also be found in the market and offers an impressive selection of cheeses from Piemonte and Sardinia.

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It is hard not to notice the enourmous marble chimney at the centre of the market. Composed of Portuguese marble, this chimney was designed by Angiolo Mazzoni in the 1930s and acts as a focal point for the market.

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On the second floor you will find additional dining space, a pantry-like grocer, as well as a small coffeeshop.  However, the gem of the second floor is Michelin star chef Oliver Glowig‘s restaurant.

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(cc: anamericaninrome.com)

The third floor houses space for cultural events and seminars – both private and public.

There is no denying the chaos and somewhat daunting nature of Termini Station, but the new Mercato Centrale is changing that by providing a welcoming environment for both tourists and locals alike.

 

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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 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