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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Travelore Tips: 7 Free Things To Do In Rome

Rome is probably not the first destination you think of when it comes to budget travel, but the great thing is that there are so many free things to do in Rome that once you have found cheap apartments in Rome– the rest of your budget planning is easy.

The city is practically an open-air museum, and there are so many historical sites that won’t cost you a dime - to give you an idea, here are 7 free things to do in Rome …

Take A Stroll In Foro Romano

Stroll among the ruins of what once was the commercial, governmental and religious center of ancient rome and its powerful empire.

Used as a venue for public speeches, criminal trials, gladiatorial games, it was the heart of ancient Rome and one of the most important meeting places in history – an ancient beauty not to be passed up!

Toss A Coin In Trevi Fountain

Rome is home to many incredible piazzas and almost as many fountains.

One of the most famous is the Trevi Fountain, where the Swedish beauty Anita Ekberg splashed in La Dolce Vita – a scene that would become one of the most iconic in film history.

The flamboyant baroque fountain was completed in 1762 by Niccolo Salvi, and legend says that if you throw a coin in the fountain over your shoulder you will return to Rome again some day.

Visit The Pantheon

The Pantheon is the oldest standing domed structure in Rome, built in 27 B.C. as a temple honoring the Roman gods (in 609 it was converted into a Christian church).

The structure is the burial place of several famous artists, and the reason for the huge 30 ft hole in the ceiling is still a mystery.

One of the most popular explanations is that the opening was built as a sundial to illuminate the emperor as he entered on important occasions.

It’s the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, and a must see when in Rome.

Try Your Luck At La Bocca della Verita

Literally translated to “the mouth of truth”, this quirky sculpture is thought to once have been a piece of an ancient Roman fountain.

A legend from the middle ages has it that if you put your hand in the gaping mouth of this grotesque sculpture and tell a lie, you will pull out nothing but a stump!

Relax In Nature

For panoramic views of Rome, Park Gianicolo on Janiculum Hill is perfect!

Another great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the huge city are the fardens at Villa Borghese, some of the largest and most beautiful gardens in Rome and a great place for a picnic.

Check Out The Free Events

Summer is the high-season for free events in Rome, with music, film and theater festivals accompany wine-tastings and food events.

The International Urban Theater Festival has plenty of spontaneous and free dance, music and acting performances throughout the city in September.

The main summer festival, Estate Romana, is dedicated to outdoor performances and practically the whole of Rome becomes a stage.

During the festival hundreds of concerts, film showings, art displays and dances are held, many of them free of charge in all sorts of places, from the ancient ruins at Ostia Antica to open squares.

Visit These Two Churches

There are many absolutely stunning churches in Rome, but you can only see so many churches until you get so sick of them that if you see another church you swear you will go mad.

But before that happens, there are two amazing churches in Rome you should take the time to visit – the first one is St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Roman Catholic building in the world and an amazing work of art.

Make sure you rub the foot of the bronze statue of St. Peter before leaving, as it’s supposed to bring good luck!

The second church is San Clemente, which actually holds three churches in one. Made up of three levels, the lowest one is an ancient worship site, the second level is the first version of the church as a Christian worship site and the third a sanctuary from the 12th century with beautiful mosaics!

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Contributed by Sofia in Destinations, Europe, Italy