Visit Rome for the Festival of the Immaculate Conception

There’s no escaping the spiritual presence in Rome. With close to 1,000 churches in the city, not to mention being home to the leader of the Catholic church, Rome channels an undeniable undercurrent of solid beliefs and charming traditions that are widely followed and applied to this day. The Festival of the Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione) is one of the most sacred celebrations in the month of December, falling on the 8th of the month every year. Originally it was a feast day, as declared by Vatican in 1708, but now it has taken on a slightly different form. As a celebration of the Virgin Mary who was granted a life without sin, it is celebrated with elaborate church masses led by the Pope at the Piazza Mignanelli, followed by street performances, fireworks, processions and cultural festivities. Although it equates to a public holiday, don’t worry if you’re a visitor to the city – by no means are these celebrations exclusive to the church or Roman people; everyone is encouraged to join in with the revellers through the ancient cobbled streets. Most shops stay open should you wish to buy a souvenir or duck into a café for refuge and refreshments but banks and post offices are closed for the day.

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Explore the City: Our Guide to the Best Piazzas in Rome

Take things easy with our guide to the top piazzas in Rome There's a sculpture, church and pasta place on every corner in Rome - and the same rings true for its many piazzas. Lined with restaurants and filled with fountains, there's a number scattered around the capital nearby some of the biggest tourist attractions or in quieter areas perfect for city break. Here's our guide to the top piazzas in Rome. This town 💜#balconyview #sunset #rome #travel A post shared by miia 💋 (@minttumanttu) on Jun 5, 2017 at 11:33am PDT Piazza Campo de'Fiori This atmospheric piazza thrives with energy and culture. This rectangular square is home to one of the best street markets in Rome, where you'll be able to grab everything from fresh produce to street food. In the evenings, it becomes a massive hang out area for people from all walks of life and there's a number of fantastic restaurants for ideal date nights. City of many fountains. #rome #vsco #latergram A post shared by Armi (@armi_h) on Jun 19, 2017 at 4:50pm PDT Piazza Navona An ancient Roman stadium once stood where this piazza does now. This large area retains the general shape of the arena and is filled with interesting statues and architectural marvels, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Obelisk of Domition. With restaurants and benches scattered around the piazza, it's a fantastic place to chill out with a cold glass of white wine. Пьяцца дель Пополо или «Народная площадь" В центре площади стоит обелиск Фламиния – 24-х метровая каменная колонна возрастом 3400 лет, которая была вывезена из Египта как военный трофей. Вначале колонну поставили в Большом цирке. Там он простоял долгие годы, разрушился и рухнул. Архитектор Доменико Фонтана по распоряжению Папы соединил обломки, и установил восстановленный обелиск посреди Пьяцца дель Пополо. Каждый шаг в Риме - это возможность увидеть своими глазами историю, прикоснуться к прекрасному. Единственное, что меня под конец стало раздражать - это торговцы цветами, подходят предлагают цветы и говорят, что это бесплатно. Начинаешь отказываться, пытаются всунуть их тебе в руки, в платье, вообщем лишь бы цветы оказались у тебя 😤 Настырные такие, слов не понимают, так и хотелось им уже 👊🏼 А так Рим прекрасен💓 Ставьте 💗, вам несложно, мне приятно😊 #travelnotes_Mfamily A post shared by Натали • Медякова (@iamname_) on Jun 16, 2017 at 1:53am PDT Piazza del Popolo As one of the larger squares in Rome, this piazza is named after the nearby church Santa Maria del Popolo. Located within throwing distance of the Borghese Gardens which houses the Borghese Gallery, it draws on neoclassical elements while incorporating fun sculptures such as an Egyptian obelisk and a tall arched gateway into the central area. A number of fountains add natural elements to the square and it's worth dipping into the three churches ringing the piazza. #wedding #boda 1 año y 7 meses después #instagood #instapic #roma #rome #roma🇮🇹 A post shared by Fʀᴀɴᴄᴇsᴄᴏ Cʜɪᴀʀɪ (@masterfrenc) on Jun 19, 2017 at 4:47am PDT Piazza del Campidoglio This breathtaking square was designed by the Italian master himself - Michelangelo. Trace the charcoal and cream oval pattern on the ground and pose alongside the intimidating bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, a former Roman Emperor. Once you've finished basking in the sun, head into the Capitoline Museums nearby to get your fill of ancient Roman art and architecture. Mijn buitenverblijfje. #vaticaan #vatican #vaticano #vaticancity #basilica #italy #rome #zweten A post shared by Esteban (@estetollen) on Jun 20, 2017 at 2:41am PDT Piazza San Pietro If you're keen on seeing the pope, this large Vatican City piazza is the place to be. On select dates, the pope appears in a window of St Peter's Basilica - the gigantic cathedral that dominates the square - and addresses those below with blessings. It functions as the spiritual heart of the deeply religious state and it's worth passing through on your way to the rest of the Vatican's attractions. Spanish Steps 👣 #Rome #italy #NasaEuropeSia #europalma #europetraveldiaries #beautifuldestinations A post shared by CZARLINE S. P. (@itsczzzarline) on Jun 16, 2017 at 8:00pm PDT Piazza di Spagna Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and head to the Spanish Steps on your Roman holiday. Piazza di Spagna, the large square at the base of the famous staircase, is a charming place to cool off and grab an espresso after running round the sights. Grab a picture of Bernini's ivory fountain before heading into the English poet John Keats' former home, where he and his fellow literary celebrity Percy Shelley are celebrated.
Megan Hills
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Christmas Markets in Rome

There’s no better time to visit the Eternal City than during the festive, winter months. As the city is lit up from the decorative street lights and shop windows, there’s an unbeatable sense of festive cheer throughout the city. Although not famous for its Christmas Markets as a tradition, you can still celebrate in the streets of Rome, find those last minute gifts and stuff yourself full of seasonal delicacies. The best places to go to get in the Christmas spirit when in Rome are; 1) Piazza Navona Piazza Navona is the only dedicated Christmas Market in Rome and pops up annually at the beginning of December and runs until the 6th January, the Epiphany. Attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike, the Navona market is family friendly with games and rides, including a carousel for children. You can walk through the stalls admiring handcrafted goods and savour roasted chestnuts and porchetta sandwiches for a true taste of an Italian Christmas. Other activities include fortune telling and the traditional La Befana, who arrives on the final day of the market to hand out gifts for the children. Piazza Navona, 00186 Rome 2) Campo dei Fiori This market isn’t entirely Christmas-themed, as it runs throughout the year, but it is Rome’s oldest serving market – founded in 1861. Open every morning except Sundays, Campo dei Fiori market is famed for its local produce, artisanal knick-knacks and funny shaped pasta. At Christmas you can find festive-inspired gifts and goods and it’s the perfect place to shop for foodies. Nestled in the heart of the historic centre, and only a short walk from the Coliseum, you can walk through the cobbled streets and get a true sense of Rome in all its festive celebrations. Piazza Campo Dei Fiori, 00186 Rome 3) Porta Portese If you’re after a real bargain-hunting Christmas market and bartered down Christmas gifts, head to Porta Portese in the Trastevere district to sort through the stalls of vintage clothing, handbags and novelty items. Best for the practiced shopper, this flea market is extensive and stretches through the old gate walls that date back to 1644. It’s the only market in Rome open on a Sunday and is a great place for any last minute gifts. With an undeniable Christmas feeling, you’ll be sure to snap up a discount and have fun in the process! While you’re near, why not stop off at the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum and queue jump to the front with free entry. Via di Porta Portese, 00153 Roma Make the most of your trip to Rome over Christmas with an OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card. Not only can you tick some of the most iconic historic monuments off your bucket list, but you can travel around Rome for free making all these things to do that bit easier!
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