Festival of the Epiphany

By Go City Expert

If you want to spend the Christmas period in Rome and do it the Italian way, forget about Santa Claus and a roast turkey with trimmings on the 25th December. Hold out until the 6th January when the Italians celebrate their traditions on The Festival of the Epiphany. The Epiphany, translated from Ancient Greek to mean ‘manifestation of the divinity’, celebrates the three wise men who brought gifts for Baby Jesus. Nowadays, it’s more a reason for children to put on their best behaviour in the hope that ‘La Befana’ rewards them with presents and treats on the evening of the 5th January. La Befana is a fairytale character, believed to be an old woman with a broomstick who visits children’s homes on the eve of the Epiphany. She is said to reward them with treats if they’ve been good, or a lump of coal if they have behaved badly. Much like the tradition of Santa Claus in many ways, Italian families will also leave this festive character a small glass of wine and a plate of food to help her on her journey. The Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated throughout Italy and in Rome with a bank holiday, where organised festivities and parades march down the street in celebration of the season and where some people even dress up as La Befana herself. If you’ve got a Santa outfit hidden away, bring yours along as well and join in; Father Christmas is still very much part of the celebrations! We suggest you head to the Vatican City to watch the medieval parade down the avenue up to St Peter’s Basilica, where you can admire the over-the-top antique costumes and symbolic gifts. If you’re after something a little more edifying, however, just arrive a bit earlier for the morning mass delivered by The Pope himself. If you’re planning on visiting Rome during this period, you will be immersed in the rich culture and vibrant celebrations of this longstanding tradition. We can promise you’ll leave feeling a little more festive and perhaps with even happier children!

Go City Expert

Rome Travel Expert

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Explore the Ancient Ruins of Rome

Rome is not shy of a few ancient ruins; in fact there are a number of buildings and areas that still stand and remain to be explored. As Rome dates back to 27 BC, when it was founded by the two brothers Romulus and Remus, there’s certainly plenty of history behind the city. Surprising at first, as a tourist when you stop to marvel the rubble and ruins every corner, it’s not long before you become accustomed to the juxtapositions of the ancient and the new wherever you look. However, because there are so many ruins and so much to see we thought we’d whittle it down for you, and pick our Top 10 must-see ancient Roman ruins in and around Rome. After all, you can’t leave Rome without a bit of culture. Coliseum One of the most iconic buildings in Rome, the Coliseum dates back to 72 AD and was commissioned by the Emperor Flavius. Did you know the name of the building was originally called Amphitheatrum Flavium after its patron? You can still see the name engraved in its wall today. Used largely for entertainment and events, the Coliseum is famous for its gladiator fights and wild animal battles. Pantheon Re-built in 126 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from Ancient Rome. It stood as a temple for all the Roman gods, yet has been used as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. Its impressive structure makes it one of the most iconic temples in the world with a huge oculus and dome, granite portico and rotunda. Pyramid of Cestius The Pyramid of Cestius is an ancient Roman tomb (and reminiscent in design of the ancient Egyptian pyramids of Nubia), built for Gaius Cestius around 18 - 12 BC. Its white marble façade measures nearly 30m2 at the base and is 37m high. At the fork of two ancient roads, Via Ostiensis and the ancient Via della Marmorata, it’s also one of the best preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Although visitors are not permitted entrance into the tomb, the burial chamber is decorated with orate frescoes by Bartoli, too. Arch of Constantine Standing tall between the Coliseum and the Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine is an epic monument to Rome’s past. Built in 315 AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius. Spanning over the ancient Via Triumphalis – the street emperors took to enter the city in triumph – it measures 21m high and 26m wide and marks a departure from the stylistic trends of the previous century. Terme di Caracalla These Roman baths of Caraccalla are the second largest public baths in Rome, built between 212 and 216 AD. Built as a form of political propaganda, they were used to unite Romans from every social class – blurring lines of caste and class. The baths were still in use until the 6th century and nowadays their impressive ruins act as a backdrop to host famous opera and ballet performances in the summer months. Roman Forum For centuries, the Roman Forum was the centre of Ancient Roman life. As a bustling market place, traders would exchange commerce, it would host gladiator fights at the neighbouring Coliseum, even political trials and public speeches. In the valley of the two hills; the Palatine and the Constantine, the Forum includes many famous landmarks such as the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Shrine of Vulcan and the Temple of Romulus. Castel Sant’angelo Having passed through the centuries, built over 2,000 years ago by the Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’angelo (or Mausoleum of Hadrian) is a testament to ancient Roman construction. Housing the tomb of Emperor Hadrian, it is now a museum but was once a fortress, prison and refuge for the Popes. Did you know there’s a secret underground tunnel that runs to the Vatican? Ostia Antica Forum Just outside of the city centre, Ostia Antica forum is one of Rome’s most famous archaeological sites and namely so as Ostia was the old harbour city of Ancient Rome. You can walk around this sprawling rural forum dating from 7- 3 BC and admire the ruins of the military camp, the Castrum, and the temple of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva in the Capitolium – to name a few. Palatine Hill Just higher than the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient parts of Rome and backs onto the Circus Maximus, beside the Coliseum, too. According to Roman mythology, the Palatine Hill was where the she-wolf found the two founders of Rome, as babies hidden in a cave. There is evidence to trace the Palatine Hill back 1000 years BC, and you can see the ruins of the Flavian Palace and the Statium of Domitian. 10. Aurelian Walls Built to enclose the Seven Hills of Rome and the Trastevere district as a military defence, the walls ran 19kms in total and were 3.5m thick. Built between 271 and 275 AD they have undergone some extension over the years, however, they remain surprisingly well preserved considering their part played in the protection of the city up to the 19th century. Head to Muro Torto in Villa Borghese for one of the most intact areas.

Discover the Roman Summer with 'Estate Romana'

Estate Romana, which literally translates as Roman Summer, is the summer event in Rome that’s worth keeping your eye on... It’s so much than just one event; it’s actually a series of events that run from the beginning to the end of the summer, starting early June to the end of September. Explore the four corners of culture; from dance and music, to theatre productions and art exhibitions - and much more! Piazzas are turned into performance venues, while open air cinemas pop up in every available space. It’s a haven for those in need of some edifying or even those after a unique experience of Rome. We’ve highlighted some of the best events you can catch this summer, from paint throwing to night-time walks, classic opera and off-the-wall perfomances. Holi Festival of Colours The Holi Festival of Colours has taken over the world as a summer rite. From its origins as an Indian celebration to celebrate the happiness and wellbeing of one’s families, it's turned into a modern phenomenon as people are handed paintballs while dancing to DJ sets. On the 14th June, Rome will host its first ever Holi Festival of Colours at the Capannelle Hippodrome. It will fall, symbolically, on the following day of the full moon that month – and will be celebrated in a (playful) fight in which powder paint balls are launched through the air in celebration. Something for those who aren’t afraid to get a bit messy, it’s a fun filled experience! Tour the Roman Forum at Night See the sights by night and explore a different side of ancient Rome. The Roman Forum comes to life in this night-time tour held every Wednesday and every Saturday evenings from May to November. Take in the impressive illuminated ruins after dusk has fallen and admire Rome’s ancient history. Starting at 9pm at the Teatro Marcello in Piazza Campidoglio, you’ll follow a trail outside of the Roman Forum itself for the best views of the ruins from above. You’ll be taken past the Mamertime Prison, Caesar’s Forum and scale some medieval steps to complete your nocturnal experience. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel After Dark To continue the theme of night-time excursions, the Vatican Museums are holding after dark tours every Friday from the 2nd May to the 25th July, as well as from the 5th September to the 31st October. You’ll be able to visit the world famous Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel from 7pm to 11pm. With over 9 miles of art to be admired, including mosaics, tapestries and sculpture, you can walk around the museum like a VIP – when everyone else has gone home! If you’re not a fan of crowds this is a great opportunity to get an undisturbed view of the great masterpieces and of course Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement. C!rca Beyond International Festival For something a little more contemporary and mind-bending, the C!rca Beyond International Festival is taking over Villa Adriana, Hadrian’s archaeological ruins, in Tivoli, just outside Rome. This stunning setting is a picture-perfect scenario for the wild festival-come-circus that promises crazy performances by animals and humans; it will confuse madness with sanity and blur the lines between dreaming and reality. ‘Intense, surreal and unexpectedly touching’ – this re-constructed circus dynamic will shock, amaze and inspire. Not to be missed – book online for tickets on the 6th July, starting at 9pm. Ballet at the Terme di Caracalla For something a little more cultured and conventional, the ancient Terme di Caracalla – the ruins of the public baths of ancient Rome – play host to classical performances, including ballet and opera. Kicking off on the 24th June until the 9th August, Carmen opens the season, followed by the Tokyo Ballet on the 27th - 28th June and Swan Lake from the 3rd to the 15th July. The Prodigal Son and La Bohème are also in the programme, so it’s not short of a few classics. Enjoy the novelty of sitting under the stars watching awe-inspiring performances of some of the crème de la crème of classical music and dance.

Our historical and cultural guide to Churches in Rome

Discover the history and cultural beauty of some of the most iconic churches in Rome with our guide! Whether you’re visiting the Eternal City as a tourist or as a pilgrim, exploring the beautiful churches in Rome is a must-do. And with over 900 dotted around the city, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Discovering a small baroque masterpiece on a leisurely amble through the streets is a particular delight, but here is a bit more about the churches we think you wouldn’t want to miss. Brought to you by the team at the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano Known in English as the Basilica of St. John Lateran, this is the official seat of the Bishop of Rome (ie. the Pope). Built during the reign of Constantine I, the first Christian emperor of Rome, it’s also amongst the oldest churches in the world. It has however been through several reconstructions and renovations. The impressive baroque façade was completed in 1735 and includes a portico from which the Pope gives his benediction on Maundy Thursday. Take a good look at the central bronze doors, which are Roman originals, recovered from the Imperial Forum. And once inside, look out for the cosmatesque pavement in the nave (a type of inlaid stonework from the 14th century), and statues of apostles from the 18th century. The basilica also houses several important relics. Don’t forget to visit the adjacent cloisters, which are all that remain of a 13th century Benedictine monastery. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Located on the top of Esquiline Hill, the Basilica of St Mary Major is one of the best examples of early Christian churches in Rome. Check out the magnificent 5th-century mosaics and triumphal arch, as well as the crypt of the nativity, home to another prized relic, the crib (or manger) of Jesus Christ. The site for the church was chosen after a legendary summer snowfall in AD 359 - clearly a miracle in the blistering heat of a Roman summer. The event is commemorated every year on 5 August, when a shower of white rose petals is released from the dome. Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura St Paul Outside-the-Walls is the newest of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, relatively speaking. Although it was originally completed in the 5th century, repeated earthquakes and a catastrophic fire meant it had to be completely rebuilt in 1823. It’s still magnificent and marks the burial place of St Paul, who was executed by decapitation in the 4th century. Particular highlights include the Romanesque Easter candle statues and the Gothic baldacchin (a marble canopy at the high altar). The inside of the church is large and imposing, and is joined to a cloister, which was untouched by the fire and dates back to the 13th century. The Pantheon The Pantheon is of course best known as an ancient temple to honour all gods (this is the original Greek meaning of the name), but was turned into a church in 609 AD. This has contributed to its longevity and it remains the best preserved ancient monument in the Italian capital. Made from material quite similar to modern-day concrete, the dome is still the largest unsupported dome in the world. Check out the oculus in the centre, 7.8m in diameter, which is the only source of light in the building. There are of course many more notable churches, including Santa Maria sopra Minerva, build on the site of a pagan temple, and Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, which contains works by Renaissance artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Please don’t forget: when visiting churches, bear in mind that these are places of worship. Shorts and skirts should be longer than the knees and shoulders must be covered – some sites may otherwise refuse entry. You may have been surprised not to find St Peter’s Basilica on this list of churches in Rome, but it’s been covered so extensively elsewhere that we thought you would be unlikely to miss it. And technically speaking, it’s actually in the Vatican. What will make your list of favourites?

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