Summer in Rome: what to see and do

Legend holds that Romulus and Remus founded  Rome in 753 B.C. — the mythical image of the two brothers suckled by the she-wolf, other than the Colosseum, has become the iconographic symbol for the Capital. Yet what has truly made Rome the legendary city that it is its history: the epicenter of the Roman Republic, the Roman Empires hub for political and cultural life. The areas making up theWorld Heritage Site contains 25,000 environmental and archaeological points of interest, among which the Imperiai Forum certainlу stands out.  Not far, close to Aventine Hill, we find two master works: the Terme di Caracalla and the Circus Maximus.

Discover the ancient Rome and its legends from the ebook LEGENDARY ROME edited by Lighthouse publisher, here are some gems from the ebook ...

Mythical Roman 'She-Wolf' CaveThe Eternal City's creation myth was sacred to ancient Romans, and the cave where a wolf was said to have nursed the twins was a place of worship.
Archaeologists have uncovered the legendary grotto in which Rome's founders were said to have been nursed by a "she-wolf." It's a cave, 52 feet below the Palatine Hill and decorated with seashells, mosaics, and pumice stones is likely that very memorial to the city's founders.

What ancient secrets are hidden in this place...?

Roman Forum: The Legend of Castor and Pollux

The Temple is dedicated to the mythic twin brothers, Castor and Pollux, also known as the Dioscuri, who demonstrate the favor the gods had toward the Roman Empire.According to legend while the Romans were fighting the Latins, two men more valiant than mortal men appeared in battle in front of the Roman commander, Postumuis. These gallant warriors lead the Roman cavalry into battle, and with their spears, drove the Latins into retreat. Back in Rome, at the same time, two men appeared at a fountain near the Temple of Vesta looking exhausted yet victorious with their sweating horses. The Roman crowd gathered around to hear news of the army, but the men did not speak a word and left the city never to be seen again. It was later decided the two men appearing at battle and in the forum were the Doiscuri twins Castor and Pollux. To honor the two immortal heroes a Temple was built near the fountain at which they stood in the Forum.

How many other legends in the forum...?

Il Colosseo (Colosseum)

Properly called the Amphitheatrum Flavium (Flavian amphitheatre), the building was later known as the Colosseum not because it was big, but because of a gold-plated colossal statue, now lost, that stood alongside. The arena was about 500 metres (a third of a mile) in circumference, could seat over 50,000 people - some scholars estimate capacity crowds numbered as many as 87,000 - and could be filled or emptied in ten minutes through a network of vomitoria (exits) that remains the basic model for stadium design today.

Read more curiosities about the Colosseum...

Circus Maximus

The oldest and largest of Rome's ancient arenas, the Circus Maximus hosted chariot races from at least the fourth century BC. It was rebuilt by Julius Caesar to hold as many as 300,000 people. Races involved up to 12 rigs of four horses each; the first charioteer to complete the seven treacherous, sabotage-ridden laps around the spina (ridge in the centre) won a hefty monetary prize and the adoration of the populace. 

Learn more about Circus Maxiumus...

The most stunning landmarks in Rome presented as you have never seen them before!

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Exhibitions and events

Rock in Roma - May 29 - July 29

The 2013 edition of this massive rock festival at Rome’s Capanelle race course brings international artists such as the Arctic Monkeys, Bruce Springsteen, Mark Knopfler, Blur, Deep Purple, The Killers, Neil Young and Green Day.

www.rockinroma.com

Helmut Newton/Art of New York - until July 21

The Palazzo delle Esposizioni gallery has two shows running simultanerously until July 21: Empire State, Art in New York Today shows works by 25 artists working in and interacting with the Big Apple; Helmut Newton – White Women/Sleepless Nights/Big News contains 200 of the German photographer’s classic images.

www.palazzoesposizioni.it

Estate Romana - June-October

The “Roman Summer” 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.

www.estateromana.comune.roma.it

Rome attractions and November Events.

These mid-seasons are a leap into the unknown as far as weather is concerned – you could find glorious sunshine or a days of driving rain – but at least you’ll find the crowds less daunting. Here’s what to Do and See with 3 Days in Rome.

  Day 1: The Glories of Ancient Rome, Trevi Fountain, and Dinner near the Pantheon

Palatine Hill and Colosseum The Roman Colosseum, Ancient Rome's huge amphitheater, was built in between 70 and 82 AD in the heart of Rome as a venue for gladiatorial and wild animal fights. Today it's one of the best and most popular monuments of Ancient Rome. See Buying Colosseum Tickets for ways to avoid the long ticket line and Rome Passes and Cards for discounts on admissions.

Nearby you can visit the excavations and museum on the Palatine Hill, home to Roman emperors and aristocrats.

Tip: On Sunday, the Via dei Fori Imperiali leading to the Colosseum is closed to traffic, making a nice place to walk.

 

The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum, a huge complex of ruined temples, basilicas, and arches, was the ceremonial, legal, social, and business center of ancient Rome. Give yourself at least two hours to wander around. 

  
 

Trevi Fountain and Gelato Break
Now you'll try what many consider the best gelato in Rome at San Crispino on Via Panetteria near the Trevi Fountain. Then see the magnificent Trevi fountain, completed in 1762. Toss a coin in the fountain to ensure your return to Rome.

Pantheon and Dinner The Pantheon, the best preserved building of ancient Rome, has a spectacular dome and free admission, closes 7PM. For dinner try Armando al Pantheon, in a street to the right of the Pantheon as you're facing it. (Salita de' Crescenzi, 31). After dinner, splurge on a drink outside in the Pantheon's lively Piazza di Rotonda.

Tip: Bars and cafes charge more to sit outside but it's worth it if you stay awhile and enjoy the ambiance.

 

Day 2: Capotiline Hill Museums, Rome Neighborhoods, Traditional Cuisine

Today you visit a few of Rome's neighborhoods and museums and sample traditional Roman cuisines.

Campo dei Fiori, Trastevere, and Jewish Ghetto
Campo dei Fiori is alive in the mornings with a market and flower vendors so it makes an interesting start to your day. From there wander along the Tiber River to Ponte Sisto, cross the Tiber to the Trastevere neighborhood and visit the church of Santa Maria in Trestevere,  Rome's first Christian church. Cross back to the other side and continue to the Jewish Ghetto. There are several places to sample Rome's interesting Jewish cuisine in the Ghetto.

Tip: If you're up early and want good photos of Piazza Navona, start the itinerary there, before the tourists arrive. Then continue to Campo dei Fiori.

Capitoline Hill Museums
From the busy Piazza Venezia, a transport hub and home to the Vittorio Emanuele Monument, go up to the Capotoline Hill, where you will have a fabulous view of the Roman Forum. The piazza was designed by Michelangelo and the museums are the oldest in the world. Palazzo Nuovo has Greek and Roman sculptures and Palazzo dei Conservatori has art galleries, sculptures, and frescoes. A ticket is good for both. 

Testaccio District
Tonight go to the Testaccio District by taxi, bus 75 or the metro. You'll want to make a reservation for dinner at Checchino dal 1887, a very nice restaurant serving old Roman cuisine. The Testaccio District has several good night clubs if you want to go out after dinner.

Tip: Be alert for pickpockets on the Metro and in crowds.

Day 3: Rome's Catacombs, the Ancient Appian Way, Piazza Navona and Tartufo

Today we visit the Ancient Appian Way, catacombs, and Piazza Navona with optional shopping.

Via Appia Antica and Catacombs The Via Appia Antica, the major road of the ancient Roman Empire, is now a regional park, Parco Regionale Dell'Appia Antica. Take bus 118 or 218 to visit the catacombs of San Callisto, the largest and most impressive of the catacombs. Then walk or rent a bike and ride along the ancient road, lined with tombs, monuments, and churches. A beautiful place for lunch is the Cecilia Metella Restaurant, especially when it is nice and you can sit on the patio.

Tip: You can bye bus tickets at a newsstand or tabacchi: Validate them in the little machine when you board the bus. If you say catacombs, someone will tell you when to get off. 

Spanish Steps and Shopping
If you have time in the afternoon, go to Piazza del Popolo and walk along Via del Corso, the main shopping street. Turn onto Via Condotti and follow it to the Spanish Steps. Window-shopping and people-watching is good in this area and won't hurt your budget. Read more about Shopping in Rome

It's fun to try a restaurant you've discovered on your own and after three days of walking around Rome, you've probably found something you'd like to try. 

Piazza Navona and Tartufo
In the evening, Piazza Navona is a great place to continue your people-watching as well as see the three lavish Baroque fountains. The much-touted ice-cream dessert, tartufo, is said to have originated here - you can try it outside at the Tre Scalini for a splurge.

EVENTS

Vermeer, the Golden Century of Dutch Art

September 27 - January 20

The Scuderie del Quirinale is the venue for Italy’s first ever major show – entitled The Golden Century of Dutch Art – of works by 17th-century genius Johannes Vermeer. The Scuderie will follow up from February with an exhibition of masterpieces by Titian. Given the popularity of this venue’s excellent exhibitions, it’s best to book tickets (€12, €9.50 reductions) and time slot on-line, otherwise you face a long queue to enter.

Romaeuropa Festival
September 26 - November 25

The autumn sees the return of the Romaeuropa Festival (romaeuropa.net/en/) with its exceptional, world-class programme of contemporary dance, music and theatre performed in venues around the city. This year’s festival includes a tribute to US composer Philip Glass for his 75th birthday. Ticket prices vary greatly depending on venue and event; they can all be booked on line. For dedicated festival-followers there’s a five-show pass at €80.

Along the Silk Road
October 27 - March 24

A fascinating collection of textiles, artefacts and art works goes on display at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni (palazzoesposizioni.it) in October, charting a journey along the ancient Silk Road, which for centuries carried merchants from the Mediterranean to China. Tickets (€12.50, €10 reductions, include all the shows on inside this huge exhibition space) can be booked on line or purchased at the door.

Paul Klee and Italy
October 9 - January 27

Swiss-German artist Paul Klee made many visits to Italy. This show at the Galleria Nazionale di Arte Moderna (gnam.beniculturali.it) displays works made during, and inspired by, his journeys. Tickets (€10, €7.50 reductions) can be purchased at the door.

Days of Rome. The Age of Balance
October 4 - April 28

The Capitoline museums (museicapitolini.org) play host to a stunning exhibition of artworks from the golden age when ancient Rome enjoyed prosperity and remarkable peace under the emperors Trajan and Hadrian (AD 98-138). Buy tickets (€12, €10 reductions) on the door, or book on-line through www.omniticket.it in order to go straight to the head of possible queues.

Rome Jazz Festival - most of November. Concerts are held in the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Rome Jazz Fest web site

Early to Mid November - International Rome Film Festival. A young festival as far as international film festivals go, the International Rome Film Festival takes place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Past guests of the festival have included big name Hollywood players, such as Wes Anderson, Jonathan Demme, and Martin Scorcese, as well as many other Italian and foreign directors and actors.

November 22 - Feast of Saint Cecilia (Santa Cecilia). The saint's feast day is celebrated at Santa Cecilia in Trastevere as well as at the Catacombs of San Callisto.