As far back as we know, to the days of the ancient empire, it seems that the Romans have been very good at enjoying their free time. Nothing has changed. It’s called the “Estate Romana”, literally “The Roman Summer”, an ensemble of cultural events organized by the municipality of Rome and private cultural associations that takes place every summer starting in June and ending in late September.
Over the years “L’Estate Romana” had became more and more popular and well organized, and nowadays if someone wanted to stay in Rome all Summer they would not get bored, with more than one plan to choose from nightly.
For movie-lovers, there are 12 outdoor “arene” all over Rome where one can enjoy a good film, usually surrounded by beautiful scenery such as the gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo (right next to the Vatican), L’isola Tiberina (the little island in the heart of Rome), the gardens on Piazza Vittorio, or Villa Carpegna, to mention only a few.
Each of the 12 arenas scattered around the city, has from one to three screens and their programs include all the movies that came out during the past year. To get tourists involved as well, all the foreign movies are screened in the original language. Details may be found at www.arenediroma.it
Then there’s the “Lungo il Tevere” (“Along the Tiber”), an event organized by the Vela D’Oro Cultural Association that this year celebrates its 12th anniversary. The program is rich and engaging and covers everything from culture to entertainment, from music to literature, from painting to charity. It’s a sort of open-air gallery along the Tevere river, running from Ponte Subicio (Subicio bridge) to Ponte Sisto (Sisto bridge) on the beautiful Tiberina Island. Thousand of people participate in book presentations, expositions, contemporary art installations, theatrical and literary contests, meetings, readings, and cultural events. Entrance is free, and the event continues until August 31st.
For those who prefer historical monuments, the Estate Romana features night tours of some of the most fascinating monuments of the Eternal City. The Cultural Association Genti e Paesi (People and Countries) offers guided visits of many sites. Among these are the underground area of the Domiziano Stadium, right underneath the famous piazza Navona, and the Passetto di Borgo at Castel Sant’Angelo. This is an 800-meter secret passage ordered by the 15thC anti-pope Giovanni XIII, designed to allow the Pope to escape the Vatican in case of danger and make his way to Castel Sant’Angelo. The visit includes the prisons, a breathtaking view of Rome by night, and a historical reconstruction of the many Popes who used this secret passage to save themselves.
Then there is Palazzo Farnese, which is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Rome. Among the artists that were part of its construction is the legendary Michelangelo. Today Palazzo Farnese is the location of the French Embassy in Rome, which is usually closed to the public and makes this visit an especially wonderful opportunity. It is also now possible to take a night time tour of the Colosseo (Coliseum), together with the underground areas, particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
Another interesting tour is called “La Roma delle Cortigiane” (The Rome of the Courtesans) a fascinating evening walk around buildings and places of libertine Rome told through the stories of many famous Roman women and courtesans.
Alternatively, a guide will lead you on a two hour tour to places where the “ghosts” of famous personalities appear and tell you their stories from the past, extending from Castel Sant’Angelo to Piazza Farnese, Piazza Pasquino and Campo De’ Fiori.
It’s also possible to “meet” famous personalities such as Giulio Cesare (Julius Cesar) and other Roman people from the past in an evocative walk around the Fori Imperiali by night where the visitors will learn about the history of the Fori from the real protagonists.
For more information about these tours, contact the Associazione Culturale Genti e Paesi – Tel. 06.85301755 – Fax 06.85301757 – Email: info@gentiepaesi.it
Lastly, only during the Summer it will be possible to visit the Vatican Museums by night, which avoids the long lines that tourist and Romans normally have to endure to admire the incredible beauty of the Sistine Chapel or Raffaello’s Rooms. To reserve a spot on the night tour, contact Cooperativa soc IL SOGNO srl, Viale Regina Margherita, 192 – 00198 ROMA Tel. 06/85.30.17.58 Fax 06/85.30.17.56 Email: service@romeguide.it.
Have fun in Rome and enjoy the Roman Summer!
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