Discover Things to Do in Rome in 2017

The Italian capital has a busy events calendar, here are some of the best things to do in Rome in 2017!

From sporting events and annual cultural festivals to street performances and more, Rome is a fun-filled capital that never seems to stop buzzing! Check out some of the best things to do in Rome this year, with our comprehensive guide to the city's favourite events! If you happen to be in town during these events, be sure to mark your calendar because you won't want to miss them!

Rome Marathon

As one of the biggest sporting events of the year, the Rome Marathon attracts runners and spectators from all over the world. With a 42 kilometer run for serious runners and a 5km Roma Fun Run for casual joggers, there's also a number of fun activities happening at the Marathon Villages. Runners will race past iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and St Peter's Basilica and be able to squeeze in some sightseeing while achieving their personal best times. Dates: 2 April

Natalie di Roma

Happy birthday to Rome! This vibrant celebration honours the founding of Rome in 753 BC, which is said to have been the work of the twins Romulus and Remus for which the capital is named. All day, re-enactments of their story, fireworks and parades brighten up the streets (especially around Campidoglio) and fills the city with a festive atmosphere. Dates: 21 April

Festa de'Noantri

Held in the Trastevere neighbourhood, this holiday celebrates the discovery of a Madonna statue during a storm by fishermen. The cedarwood statue was then donated to the church St Agata and during the Festa de'Noantri, it is taken and carried to the larger St Tiber church in a beautiful religious procession. After eight days, it is returned to St Agata by boat. As with any great Roman festival, music, dancing and theatrical performances characterise the neighbourhood's joyful transformation. Dates: 18 July

Papa Audiences at St Peter's Basilica

See the Pope at some of the Vatican City's public masses and audiences, held famously at St Peter's Basilica where the papal throne is housed. The Pope regularly conducts the Angelus prayer from his window in the basilica and anybody can watch him speak from the square, however it is worth arriving early to save a good spot. For traditional masses, visitors will have to secure tickets to enter the basilica which are all free of charge. When you've finished, spend some time exploring the basilica and its historical tombs - it's one of the best things to do in the Vatican City. Dates: See the full 2017 papal calendar here.

Settimanta Santa and Pasqua at the Vatican City and Colosseum

Easter is a hallowed time for the Vatican, with numerous services and celebrations held all week long. One of the most important Catholic traditions is Good Friday's Via Crucis - the Stations of the Cross - which is a procession that re-enacts Jesus Christ's struggle to carry his crucifix to his place of death. The procession begins early in the morning at the Colosseum where a prayer is recited, then winds through Vatican city to thirteen additional stations such as St Peter's Basilica before finishing with a public mass at the Colosseum. Make sure to return to the Colosseum on a quieter day to wander its crumbling tiers and learn about its gladiatorial past through its fascinating exhibition. Dates: March/April

Festival della Letterature

The Roman Forum is a must-visit for any Rome traveller with stunning relics dating back to ancient times held within its halls. Aside from celebrating Rome's ancient culture, it also honours the best that Rome's modern literary scene has to offer at the Festival della Literature. This popular cultural festival is held annually at the atmospheric Basilica of Maxentius over a number of days, featuring readings by internationally renowned writers such as Zadie Smith, William Finnegan and more. It works a little differently than other literature events - a theme for the festival is announced and then writers create something that pertains to that theme, which are then read aloud. Dates: To be announced, usually May/June

Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums

While this isn't an event per se, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums' stunning artistic collection are the pinnacle of Roman culture and not to be missed. Open all year round, the Sistine Chapel is most notably famed for Michelangelo's The Last Judgment which arcs across its ceiling and the Vatican Museums for Botticelli's frescoes. Visitors are required to book tickets in advance. Dates: Open year round

Gay Village

A ten-week open-air bonanza that makes summer the pinkest season of the year: bars, restaurants, live acts, discos, cinema – a great place for boys and girls alike. Venue and contact details change from year to year, but the website reveals all as the date approaches. Where: venue changes from year to year Dates: late June-early Sept 7pm-3am daily

Festa de Noant ri

Though few traces of Trastevere's working-class roots remain today, the area's residents celebrate its humble origins with gusto during the Festa de' Noantri. Festivities kick off with a procession held in honour of the Madonna del Carmine, to whom the whole shebang is theoretically dedicated. Two weeks of arts events and street performances follow, and fireworks round off the closing night. Where: Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere/piazza Mastai Dates mid-end July
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The Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome

What else were you going to eat in Italy? Here's the best pasta restaurants in Rome Nothing compares to a steaming dish of home-cooked Italian pasta and luckily, there's a number of fantastic places to order some in Rome. The city's full of options (and recipes), for every creamy carbonara at a family trattoria, there's a sea urchin pasta across the way at a modern bistro. Check out some of the best pasta restaurants in Rome below. Uma legítima pasta a carbonara italiana, al dente e queijo pecorino. A post shared by Oslec (@borgescelso10) on Jan 31, 2017 at 2:14pm PST Da Danilo Nothing beats homemade food and the adage follows in Italy. Da Danilo, a trattoria owned by a mother-son duo, whip up some of the best pasta in the capital and as such are always in high demand. Specialising in carbonara, Rome's signature dish, as well as other simple comforts like cacio e pepe, Da Danilo's a perfect place for authentic classics. Via Petrarca, 13, 00185 Roma, Italy http://www.trattoriadadanilo.com When in Roma.... My home away from home @fabianaf1979 A post shared by Anthony D'Anna (@anthdanna) on Mar 31, 2017 at 2:07pm PDT Armando al Pantheon After roaming the iconic Pantheon, head over to the nearby Armando al Pantheon for a meal that will really hit the spot. Despite being surrounded by subpar tourist trap restaurants, the food is next level with favourites including the spicy and garlicky Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peproncino as well Spaghetti alla Gricia, a hearty dish comprising of Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale and black pepper. Salita dei Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma, Italy http://armandoalpantheon.it Do as the Italian's do, Pasta! . . . #traveldiaries #italy #wheninrome #pasta #carbsfordays #cheeseforlife #mixology #classiccocktails #cleaneating #personalchef #mixologist #todiefor #chefglass #restauranteur #wanderlust #nomad #bourbon #ginlover #scotch #wineconnoisseur #anytime #vinovinovino #travel #coffee #fuelforhours #cigaraficionado #lahéfa A post shared by 🔸Alka Chain🔸 (@eljefeatvintage) on May 6, 2017 at 6:35pm PDT Roscioli Whether you're tucking into peppery Cacio e Pepe or buttery Rigatoni Burro e Parmigiano, Roscioli is a pasta restaurant that always delights. These chefs know and prioritise quality ingredients, as in a previous life Roscioli was once a fine foods boutique, and elevate their dishes beyond the norm. They've also got a killer wine list if you're looking for something to wash it all down with. Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22, 00186 Roma, Italy http://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/restaurant Grandissimo spaghetto con le vongole del lago di Caprolace. #lagodicaprolace #solouva #arcariedanesi #roma #ilsanlorenzo A post shared by Giovanni Arcari (@giovanniarcari) on Mar 22, 2017 at 7:04am PDT Il Sanlorenzo There's a time and place for cheesy pasta and a meal at Il Sanlorenzo isn't it. Specialising in seafood pastas, Il Sanlorenzo is a welcome change from the carbonaras of the city. The menu tends to change depending on the season and what seafood is freshest, but you can expect to see razor clams, octopi, prawns and sea urchin topping their pastas. Via dei Chiavari, 4/5, 00186 Roma, Italy http://www.ilsanlorenzo.it Lasagne A post shared by Jason Lander (@jwlander) on Aug 1, 2016 at 1:43pm PDT La Tavernaccia da Bruno This family-run trattoria is located on the outskirts of the effortlessly hipster Trastevere neighbourhood and serves up quality Roman pasta classics, as well as a handful from Umbria where the owner hails from. The standout dish here is the lasagna, made with layers and layers of freshly made pasta and bechamel sauce baked in their wood-fired oven. Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, 63, 00153 Roma, Italy http://www.latavernacciaroma.com Tradizioni Romane🍴🍝 Cacio e Pepe way of life! #Italy🇮🇹 . . . . . . . . #lunch #eat #tasty #good #picoftheday #bestoftheday #igersoftheday #igaddict #like4like #followme #photo #photooftheday #beautiful #amazing #tagsforlike #food #foodporn #tradition #italy #rome #cook #togheter #happy #girl #love #life #pasta A post shared by Martina Evangelista (@martinavng) on May 8, 2017 at 5:56am PDT Osteria Bonelli While it's not the fanciest joint on the list, Osteria Bonelli's hearty pasta recipes give any restaurant a run for their money and they're also luckily a fraction of the price. With seasonal dishes as well as the classics, the osteria's recipes attract a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. If you're feeling up to it, they also have a few quinto quarto - or offal - dishes worth the culinary adventure. Viale dell'Acquedotto Alessandrino, 172/174, 00176 Roma, Italy https://www.facebook.com/Osteria-Bonelli-427233444051834
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St Peter's Basilica in the evening.
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10 Must-See Highlights of the Vatican Museum

The Vatican Museum is one of Rome’s most significant buildings – not only for its Papal connotations and rich history but for the extensive collections of art within its walls. Its total worth is estimated at around €15 billion, so you can imagine just how opulent it is. On average walking around the entire Vatican Museum will take a solid four hours if you are aiming to see everything. Did you know it boasts an incredible 9 miles of art? Broken into 24 sections, with museums showcasing ancient art to sculptures, bronze statues and mosaics, not to mention a manicured courtyard, there's so much to see. If it all sounds a bit daunting then we’ve made it easy for you. Follow our top ten highlights for a bite-sized but bountiful visit and be sure to leave knowing you’ve seen the best of The Vatican. 1. Spiral Staircase As soon as you enter the Vatican Museum you will come across the impressive spiral staircase designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1832. Now, as one of the most photographed staircases in the world, Momo’s staircase is famous not only for its home but for the sheer size of it. Otherwise known as the Snail Staircase, it’s made up of two iron engraved stairways forming a double helix – pre-empting the symbol for DNA that would follow years later. 2. The Raphael Rooms The four Raphael Rooms act as a grand entrance to the Vatican where you can’t help but be wowed as soon as you arrive. As the public part of the Papal apartments, they join the museum with the Papal Palace and are famous for their frescoes by Michelangelo and Raphael. Overlooking the Belvedere courtyard, the Raphael Rooms boast some of the best of the Renaissance. Explore the four amazing stanze: Sala di Costantino, Stanza di Eliodoro, Stanza della Segnatura and Stanza dell’Incendio del Borgo. There’s nothing ordinary about these rooms... 3. Gregorian Egyptian Museum Founded in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum now houses ancient artefacts originating from ancient Egypt and taken via Rome and Villa Adriana in Tivoli through the Imperial Age. Occupying nine rooms, this section displays sculptures and statues, clay figurines and bronze objects – among many others! If you are fascinated with ancient Egypt, this is a section not to miss. 4. Vatican Historical Museum and the Portraits of the Popes As one of the most modern museums within the Vatican Museum, founded in 1973, the Historical Museum features a collection of portraits of the Popes from the sixteenth century to today. You can also see the ‘papamobili’ or Pope-mobiles, from the first carts and carriages to the little motorized white ones we have today. With the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Pass, you can visit the Vatican Museum without paying a Roman cent! 💡Find out more 5. Sistine Chapel Consecrated in the late 1400s, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited churches in the world and is a stand-alone feature of the Vatican. Not only does Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Last Judgement, adorn the ceiling but you can admire Botticelli's long murals which often get overlooked. Marvel at the absolute intricacy of the fresco overhead and take a moment to appreciate this piece de resistance. 6. Papal Throne Admire the red marble papal throne that now stands in the Vatican. Taken from its original home, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop in Rome), the red marble is believed to represent royalty. Its other features include mosaics and frescoes, with two engraved lions as armrests and shining mosaic-casting rays of sunlight, lauding whoever sat on the throne. 7. Gallery of Maps The Gallery of Maps is located on the west side of the Belvedere courtyard and, as you’ve guessed, contains a series of painted topographical maps. Commissioned in 1580, it took Ignazio Danzi three years to complete the 40 panels. Doesn’t sound like much? Well, the gallery measures 120m in length, so it’s quite a feat! 8. Sala Rotonda If you like the Pantheon then the Sala Rotonda will not fail to impress. Shaped like the central Roman building, but on a smaller scale, its curved walls are lined with huge statues and the floor is laid with stunning mosaics. Look out for the gilded statue of Hercules and the large marble basin in the middle of the room to catch the rain. 9. Gallery of the Statues You’ve guessed it, the Gallery of the Statues is what it says on the tin. Within the Pio Clementino Museum, the gallery stretches down a long corridor lined with statues down into the Gallery of Busts. Originally, the walls were covered with frescoes of landscapes and cities with romantic cupids in the lunettes. Over time, this room has been used to showcase the marble art instead – equally impressive! 10. Pinacoteca Vaticana  The Pinacoteca Vaticana lived in the Borgia Apartment until 1932 when it moved to its current location. It now houses a range of stunning paintings, from Raphael’s ‘Oddi Altarpiece’ and ‘Transfiguration’ to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘St. Jerome in the Wilderness’. It’s a must-see for any Renaissance art lover and will end your trip to the Vatican with a bang.  Planning your Rome and Vatican trip? With Go City®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ☀️See all Vatican and Rome attractions ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Pass ✈️
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Things to do in Rome this Summer

Rome is a great place to spend time in the summer – the days are warm, the sun sets late and honestly there’s no better place to be outside when you’re surrounded by breath-taking historic landmarks and ruins. Despite the notion that all locals flee the city in the summer, it’s simply not true as there are so many events and celebrations going on that no one wants to miss! Traditionally, festivals have always played an important part of Roman life – ever since the ancient Roman times when religious festivals made up a significant part of the Roman calendar. Whether they were public, private or holy days – they were all to be celebrated. Now, it’s much the same and the institution of celebrating has been upheld. Whilst the celebrations and festivities might take a different form these days than 2000 years ago, the excitement and anticipation is just as high! If you’re visiting Rome in July or September, here are some summer highlights and events over the coming months: Roma Incontra il Mondo – Villa Ada Festival June – July 2015 @ Villa Ada, ​Via di Ponte Salario, 28, Roma - Italia Villa Ada is one of the most picturesque parks in Rome and welcomes hundreds of picnickers over the summer months to take in the landscape. As of mid-June, however, here’s another reason to climb the hill and walk through the sprawling green meadows and lakes. The Villa Ada Festival is back another year and this year it looks to be better than ever. With an impressive line up of musical talents like the international Cocorosie, Angus & Julia Stone and De La Soul, the local festival also champions Italian musicians and pop favourites. If you’re a fan of the whole festival vibe, you can also enjoy longer weekend events such as Roma Bruicia and Rome Folk Fest to keep you going from morning til night! Festa de Noantri Wednesday 15th July – Thursday 30th July @ Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere The Festa de Noantri is one of the most humble but religious celebrations in the summer and is really a local festival – so definitely one to see if you’re wanting that authentic Roman experience. Typically held in Trastevere, the festival is supported by the residents of the Trastevere neighbourhood who all get together in a procession and parade the Madonna Fiumarola through the cobbled streets. The tradition comes from the myth whereby a wooden statue of the Virgin was caught in a net by some fishermen, many many years ago. The statue was then considered an object of veneration and ever since has been paraded through the streets. Now, this is also celebrated with free flowing food and wine at street vendors for the duration of the festivities. Jazz&Image Festival June – August 2015 @ Villa Celimontana, Via Alessandro Poerio, 112, 00152 Roma, Italy This leafy park, Villa Celimonata, plays host to the Jazz&Image Festival throughtout the summer. Any jazz lover will adore the line up and will swoon at the variety of classical and modern names taking centre stage between June and August. When the sun sets, you’ll be wrapped up in a soft romantic setting, lit by candles and torches to accentuate the mood of the music. You can expect to see names like Incognito and Stefano Bollani, among many others. It truly is a magical experience if you’re into your musical moody blues! Estate Romana June – September @ various locations Many of Rome’s main summer events are under the umbrella event of Estate Romana. This summer-long event has a packed timetable of films, bands and food festivals spread across the city. If you want to explore the rich events Estate Romana is hosting, head down to the popular piazze, palazzi and parks to catch a glimpse of what’s going on. Most events are free which is handy for those who just want to stop by, just make sure you bring enough small change for the local delicacies and artisanal souvenirs sold at the stalls and stands along the way. Comophonies – Festival Internazionale di Ostia Antica June – mid-September @ Teatro Romano-Scavi Archeologici di Ostia Antica, viale dei Romagnoli 717 Slightly outside Rome city centre is Ostia Antica. The stunning archaeological site provides the breath-taking backdrop to Cosmophonies, an international festival of theatre, dance and music. It’s not one to be sniffed at, headlining the Festival in the past have been Sonic Youth, Morrissey and Caetano Veloso. There few other, if any, festivals where you can sit in an ancient amphitheatre under the shadow of pine trees being entertained by live performers on a warm Rome summer night... Terme di Caracalla 2015 23rs June – 8th August @ Terme di Caracalla, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Roma, Italy The world-acclaimed Terme di Caracalla Festival is back with an incredible programme to take you through the summer once again for 2015. Held in the stunning and historic ancient public baths, the Terme di Caracalla were built between 212 – 217 AD during the reign of Emperor Caracalla so you’ll can’t beat the location for a true historic Roman experience. It’s definitely one to tick off your bucket list! The iconic arts festival started in the 1930s and has grown in popularity welcoming the likes of Elton John and Bob Dylan this year, among other world-class acts. 2015 also features Madame Butterfly and Pink Floyd Ballet on the packed programme. As you can see there is plenty to take part in when you’re visiting Rome this summer. Romans love a celebration and festival, whether it be championing international and Italian music greats; feasting on great food and wine; or celebrating the lives of the holy saints they worship. Either way, each summer celebration and festival is a unique experience of true, Roman traditions!
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