This short break guide about Rome, Italy will help you to make the most of your trip. Lists of what's on in Rome and recommended hotels will save you time when planning your city break.
About Rome, Italy
With its pleasant Mediterranean climate and surrounding beauty, it is no wonder that [according to legend] Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BC. Today Rome is the capitol and most populated city in Italy. It is also one of the best destinations in the globe to immerse one's self in culture and religion.
At one time, Rome was the most powerful city in the world and many structures date back to this time period, better known as antiquity or ancient Rome. Not to be out done by ancient Rome the medieval, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassic periods also put up some of the city's most beautiful structures that remain iconic symbols of Rome. This great mixture evokes a powerful sense of what is old and what is new within the city, allowing it to flourish as a culture and societal center of Europe. Rome's Vatican City is also home to the Pope, the head of the Roman Catholic church.
What is on in Rome in 2008
Our mini-guide to what's on in Rome lists the top events in 2008 in a handy Rome Calendar format. If you take your short break in Rome, Italy when these events are taking place, add them to your list of things to do in Rome.
January: AltaRoma Fashion Week - Like many of the other fashion capital's of the world, Rome becomes entwined in fashion week each January and July. Dubbed AltaRoma, this showcase features the innate sexy Italian fashion flare from such top notch designers as Versace and Valentino. There is also the "Who's on Next" competition, held in collaboration with Vogue Italia that features the brightest and up and coming designers. Catwalks are erected at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and MAXXI during Rome Fashion Week. Although many fashion shows are invitation only, many of the elaborate and entertaining fashion after-parties are open to the public.
February: St. Valentine's Day - St. Valentine's Day is deeply rooted in Rome, although no one knows for sure exactly who the mystery lover is. The myth that sticks is a tale of a romantic martyr named Valentine. He was jailed for his beliefs but while incarcerated fell deeply in love with the jailer's blind daughter. His love for her miraculously restored her site. Before he was killed, he wrote his lover a letter, signed "Yours, Valentine," hence the idea behind Valentine's Day cards. The Basilica, where Saint Valentine rests, is a stop for many on this most romantic of days.
March: Rome Wine Festival - When many think Italy, they think great wine and they are exactly right. The annual Roma Wine Festival, held at the beginning of each March, at the Spazio Etoile is three days of presentations, workshops and of course wine tasting! The Roma Wine Fest costs 20EUR to enter. Hours run from Friday 3:00pm - 10:00pm; Saturday 1:00pm - 10:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm - 9:00pm.
April: Good Friday Procession - Although not all are of the Catholic religion in Rome, it does not make the Good Friday Procession, led by the Pope, any less enchanting. Dressed in traditional hooded garb and carrying lit torches the somber procession winds its way from the Coliseum up the Monte Palatino while reenacting the 14 Stations of the Cross that follow the last day of Jesus Christ's life. Tens of thousands come to follow the procession that starts at 8:00pm on Palatine Hill each April.
May: Neighbours Festival - Each May, Roman's open up their home to the neighborhood in an effort to boost social integration amongst the citizens of the city. Many private homes as well as public places host parties and special events during this spirited festival.
June: Mediterranean Sounds, Images and Flavours - This fantastic event, held at the Nuovo Auditorium Parco Della Musica each June, features everything and anything Mediterranean. Musicians, actors, poets and onlookers travel from near and far to get a taste of the much loved Mediterranean lifestyle. The festival kicks off with the Craj show, which is an enormous street festival. It is followed by a series of cinema and concert events, in which all of the public is invited. Prices ranges from 12-20EUR.
July: Summer Stalls - Summer Stalls, better known in Rome as Platea d'Estate, is an annual event that features stall after stall of entertaining stands at the Spazio Aperto Tendastrisce. For two months, Summer Stalls hosts Latin dance courses, classical music and cabaret as well as the anticipated "Comedy Film Festival." At each stall and event guests are encouraged to try new things, laugh, eat or more simply put - have fun!
August: Roma Incontra il Mondo - Roma Incontra il Mondo translates to "Rome Meets the World," which sums up this world music festival quite nicely. On the beautiful rolling greens of Villa Ada, thousands gather to her sounds from all over the world including reggae, Latin and Jamaican beats among others. The cost for this entertaining festival is 8EUR. The gates open at 8:00pm and concerts begin at 10:00pm.
September: White Night - A relatively new event to Rome, the sensation of the first one caused the city to add in more events in the visual arts, music, dance and theatre genres at additional venues throughout the city which include the Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums, the Complex of Victor Emmaneul, Villa Medici and the Colosseum among others. Restaurants and stores stay open throughout the night as well to accommodate spectators and performers alike. This free event, Notte Bianca, focuses in on multiculturism and with hundreds of events all over the city, it is sure to continue its growth and success. White Night kicks off from 8:00am - 8:00pm each September.
October: Roma versus Lazio - Each October rough n' tumble soccer fans bumrush Stadio Olimpico to see the match up of Rome versus their arch enemy Lazio. The cost to see this insane football match ranges from 79-99EUR, a well worth it price for a memory you won't soon forget!
November: Romaeurope Festival - As with many of Rome's culture oriented events, the Romaeuropa Festival is no different. It seeks to span dozens of venues, including Parco della Musica, Conciliazione and Teatro Olimpico, in order to showcase music and dance talents from across Europe. Since its humble beginnings in the 1980's, the festival has expanded and encompassed many of the finest talents from around Europe for spectator's pleasures.
December: Christmas Eve Vigil - Millions of people around the world tune in their radios or flip on their televisions to see the Pope give his famous Christmas Eve Midnight Mass in St. Peter's Square [it is broadcast in over 40 languages!]. However, the lucky thousands who gather in the Square each year get to see midnight mass presented to them live. There is also an enormous Nativity Scene, towering Christmas Tree, where people leave odds and ends gifts for the baby Christ child. Mass starts at 12:00am and is free.
Recommended Rome Hotels
Hotel review website TripAdvisor allows travelers to thoroughly assess Rome hotels that they have visited. The unbiased evaluations really help to find the best hotels and avoid the worst. The top 10 Rome hotels recommended by review are:
1. Hotel Alimandi Vaticano
2. Residenza Cellini
3. Albergo del Senato
4. Hotel Santa Maria
5. Caesar House Residenze Romane
6. Hotel S Anselmo
7. Relais Pierret Piazza di Spagna
8. Hotel Diocleziano
9. Capo d'Africa Hotel
10. Fortyseven Hotel Rome
Rome Hotels
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