Rome Attractions: What To See And Do In Autumn

Cultural highlights in Rome this season, from festivals to exhibitions, including expert recommendations on where to stay.

There’s no real off season in the Eternal City. Rome is a city that combines the intimacy and human scale of a village with the cultural draws of a European metropolis.In Rome, classical ruins and early Christian places of worship stand next to – or lie beneath – Renaissance palazzos and Baroque fountains. But there are also great nneighborhood trattorias, quirky shops and a buzzing aperitivo scene. The city’s mild Mediterranean climate is another persuasive draw for visitors from the cool north.

With romani flooding back from their August exodus, the city now returns to its usual, chaotic, working rhythm. Any visitor seeking a quieter stay will have to wait until late November, or come well after the Christmas and New Year rush is over.

Here are some of the events to look out for this autumn.

Estate Romana 
Until September 30

The “Roman Summer” actually carries through slightly beyond the summer months. This is the umbrella term for the citywide programme of open-air concerts, dance and theatre performances, cinema screenings and other events that animate Rome through the hotter months. Highlights include the Isola del Cinema film festival on the Tiber Island (estateromana.comune.roma.it)

• Hotel pick: Campo de' Fiori is a romantic refuge at the heart of the centro storico which has a secret roof terrace and is great value formoney.

Buenos Aires Tango 
12-21 September

Buenos Aires Tango Festival is celebrated by professional dancers and musicians as well as amateurs who take part in classes and dance evenings at a specially created "milonga" with a true Argentinean atmosphere (auditorium.com)

Festival Internazionale del Film di Roma 
October 16-25

The 9th Rome Film will take place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. For the ten days of the festival the building complex will be the centre of attraction for professionals, journalists, and film buffs, exhibitions, events and debates (romacinemafest.it)

• Hotel pick: The nearest hotel to the Auditorium-Parco della Musica is theLord Bryon, a five-star hotel offering elegant interiors and an elegant restaurant with an award-winning wine list.

La Notte dei Musei
Mid-October

Held in mid-October, this event sees over 90 Roman museums and cultural spaces opening their doors, free, from 8pm to 2am.en.(museiincomuneroma.it)

• Hotel pick: Residenza Torre Colonna is a Rome hotel offering contemporary interiors, spacious rooms and spectacular views of Trajan market from its roof terrace, close to the Capitoline hill and Doria Pamphilj galleries

RomaEuropa Festival 
September-October

A top-class programme of avant-garde dance, music and drama events bringing troupes, orchestras and acts from all over the world (romaeuropa.net)

• Hotel pick: Suites Trastevere is a cheap Rome hotel offering charming rooms, good breakfasts and a funky communal kitchen.

Ognissanti/Giornata dei Defunti
Nov 1-2

Also known as All Saints' Day is followed by La commemorazioni dei defunti, which is when the pope celebrates mass at Verano Cemetery and Romans travel en masse to visit family graves.

• Hotel pick: Villa Spalletti Trivelli is a luxury Rome hotel offering exceptional service and impressive breakfasts within walking distance of the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.

Contributed by Lee Marshall, 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

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