Fontanone estate

'The Giardino della Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, better known to Romans as Fontanone del Gianicolo, is transformed in summer into a natural backdrop to host The Fontanone Summer, a prose, dance and music review. The review is normally divided into three sections: the first dealing with a Sacred and Profane theme in both classic and modern theatrical texts; the second concentrating on readings and new adaptations of dramatic and literary texts, allowing these two expressive languages to merge; the third being entirely dedicated to dance.

Accademia di Santa Cecilia a Villa Giulia
Piazzale di Villa Giulia

The Academy of Santa Cecilia never seems to take a holiday, as every summer it organises its summer season in a renaissance courtyard. The programme of concerts always justifies the fame which this academy enjoys in the classical music world, concentrating on symphony and chamber music. Nonetheless, for the artists this has greater breadth, as not an evening passes without some experimentation with the fusion of classical and popular, modern music.

The Magic of the Appia Antica

This is a trip along the Appia Antica, most important of the Roman roadways, which was built in 312 AD to connect Rome with southern Italy. A visit is highly recommended for anyone fascinated by ancient history, archeology and the remains of the greatest empire in human history. The tour includes tombs, sepulchres and ancient ruins set among stately cypresses and pines. The Appia Antica begins at Porta Capena, near Circo Massimo and the Terme di Caracalla (Tel: 06-575 86 26, hours every day 9:00-18:00), one of the oldest of the Roman baths. The excursion begins just after the Porta di San Sebastiano and sets out on what would appear to be a simple country road, if not for the ancient flagstones remaining from Roman times. The first stop is at the catacombs of San Callisto (Via Appia Antica 110, Tel: 06-513 67 25) the most famous necropolis of paleochristian Rome. The tour continues to the tomb of Cecilia Metella, a looming patrician mausoleum of stone. From there, a slight detour leads the way to the Parco della Caffarella, truly one of the most fascinating sights in the Campagna Romana, with its famous grotta della Ninfa Egeria. Guided tour information is a vailable at 06-785 04 04 (Comitato per il Parco della Caffarella). Near the endof the tomb are the sepulchers of those heroes of ancient Rome, Oriazi and Curiazi. Fallen in battle, their remains were laid to rest in the fabulous villa. This marks the end of the walk, but it is recommended that the weary stop for a bite at the restaurant Cecilia Metella (Via Appia Antica 125, Tel: 06-513 67 43) on the way back.

Fresh Nights

Rome is a city that tends to live outdoors year- round. In summer, however, reunions multiply. Bars and restaurants with outdoor service are as numerous as the events planned to augment the summer season. An evening walk through the town is obligatory.
So is a drink at the famous Bar Della Pace (Vicolo della Pace, behind Piazza Navona), one of the oldest in Rome. It owes its popularity in part to the celebrities of the stage and the political arena who frequent it. The entire district is crowded with pubs, beer bars and piano bars: just follow the music wafting through the air to whichever you like best! Particularly characteristic of the Roman summer are two community events: the open-air cinema at Massenzio and the 60's festival held at the Terme di Caracalla. From May to September, just behind the Colosseum in the area named after the old Roman emperor Massenzio, there are nightly showings under the stars of some of the year's best films. Similarly, a 60's party is held each year near the Terme di Caracalla which features an ample dance floor, a beach (with real sand and beach huts) and a stage for each evening's entertainment surrounded bar bars and stands of every sort.

The gardens of Castel Sant'Angelo offer a different sort of entertainment: a book fair called "Invito alla Lettura". In addition to the books, visitors are invited to enjoy the games and concerts, which have been organized for each evening. For details , contact the Ufficio Comunicazioni del Comune di Roma at Tel: 06-678 64 86. Don't forget to make note of the street fair "De Noantri" along the Via Trastevere. It's a huge festival with countless stands, colored lights, games and an enormous amount of great food.

Curiosities

Visitors can get a peek at local life by visiting the open market at Porta Portese, open every Sunday morning. There’s a little bit of everything: from clothing and antiques to some really strange items offered by Russian emigrates.
Another less well-known market is open every morning on Via Sannio, near the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano features leather goods, both new and 70's-style used.

On quite another tack, the "Giardino degli Aranci" on the Aventino hillside near the medieval church of Santa Sabina is a most romantic spot, enjoying a marvelous panoramic view. Steps away, the portal to the Order of the Knights of Malta (Cavalieri di Malta) boasts a large keyhole made for peepers. Putting your eye to it renders a breathtaking view -a bit like peering into a Fabergé egg.

Also nearby is the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth). This somewhat menacing stone face was featured in the 60s film "Roman holiday" starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Legend has it that if a liar sticks his hand in the gaping mouth, it will be bitten off!
 

Greater Rome
Annual Events

January
New Year’s Day
Following the previous evening’s revelry, children’s activity unfolds on New Year’s Day in the Piazza del Popola, with clowns and other performers on stilts, papier-mache masks, fire-eaters, and more. Call +39 0636 004399 for more information.
Underground Market
Unfolding in a subterranean parking lot near the Via Sistina, this monthly antiques market caters to collectors. Call +39 0636 004399 for more information.
Roman Purim
This Roman Jewish holiday, the Mo’ed di Piombo, stems from 1793 AD (5553 in the Hebrew calendar). Rome’s Jewish Temple is illuminated at night as the rabbi explains the meaning underscoring the celebration. Call +39 0636 004399 for more information.
February
Rome Independent Film Festival
As Rome’s foremost cinema event, the Independent Film Festival showcases more than 40 artists from some 25 countries. Screenings are in theaters at Cinema Pasquino, Cinema Roma and the Ripa Hotel. Call 0039 0636 004399 for more information.
March
Eurochocolate
During Eurochocolate week everything revolves around the seductive sweet stuff with some 500 participating stands, a Chocobookshop, a Chocofarm and a chocolate-flavored film competition. For added flair, the famed Trinita dei Monti staircase gets plastered with 3,000 pure chocolate eggs. Call + 39 06 36 00 4399 for more information.
April
Rome’s Good Friday Procession
On Good Friday, a torchlit procession moves from the Via Crucis, from the Colosseum and up the Monte Palatino, re-enacting the 14 station of the cross from the death of Jesus to placement of his body in the tomb. Call +39 06 3600 4 399 for more information.
Monthly Bargain Market
La Soffitta Sotto I Portici is a monthly bargain market taking place on the third Sunday with collectibles, memorabilia and more up for grabs. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
May
May Day Musical
On May 1, Rome celebrates spring’s arrival with a world-class music festival in Piazza San Giovanni. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Spring Antiques Market
The Grande Mercato di Primavera (Great Spring Market) offers memorabilia for all tastes. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Tennis Masters Series
Great tennis arrives in Rome with the Masters Series where 120 players compete for the top prizes. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
This breast cancer awareness fund-raiser involves a mini-marathon at the Stadio delle Terme di Caracalla. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
June
Dolce Vita Jazz Festival
Sometimes starting in May, Dolce Vita Jazz Festival takes place in Rome’s Palma Club and the Auditorium Parco della Musica with some 60 jazz artists. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
FotoGraphia
Rome stages a massive festival of contemporary photography, FotoGraphia, with works displayed throughout the city. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Estate Romana Festival
Running from late June through early September, Estate Romana Festival offers jazz, rock, and classical music, plus film, sport, theater and children’s fun. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
July
Festival of Latin-American Music & Culture
From late June through early August, Latin sounds, heavy on Cuban accents, are featured at the Ippodromo delle Capannelle. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Festa de’Noantri
On the Saturday following the Festa del Carmelo every year, the Vergine del Carmine statue is removed from the church of Sant’Agata for parading through streets of the Trastevere quarter before arrival at San Crisogno for eight days of display. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Gay Village
From late June through August, the Testaccio’s becomes a hot spot for gay, straight, young and old Romans. Pop concerts, discos, comedy, theater, dining and more unfold at an area designed to re-create a small village where tolerance is the operative word. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
August
Festival of Latin-American Music & Culture
From late June through early August, Latin sounds (heavy on Cuban accents) are featured at the Ippodromo delle Capannelle. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Estate Romana Festival
Running from late June through early September, Estate Romana (Roman Summer) Festival offers jazz, rock, and classical music, plus film, sport, theater and children’s fun. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
September
International Urban Theatre Festival
The annual Festival Internazionale del Teatreo Urbano transforms Rome into an urban theatrical stage. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
White Night
Shops and restaurant stay open while the Roman Notte Bianca stages music, dance and theater events. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
RomaEuropa Festival
RomaEuropa Festival is an extravaganza of theater, music and dance vents throughout the city. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
October
Celebration of St. Francis
The patron of Rome is celebrated throughout the city on this feast day, Oct. 4. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Great Autumn Market
One of Italy’s largest antiques fairs takes place at the Autodromo di Vallelunga. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
Rome Jazz Festival
International artists gather at various venues for the eclectic Rome Jazz Festival. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
November
100 Painters in Via Margutta
In April (sometimes May) and November, locals and visitors head for this bi-annual art market of the Cento Pittori Via Margutta, staged in scenic Via Margutta. Among hundreds of applicants, 100 artists are selected to exhibit. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
December
Piaza Navona Christmas Market
A Christmas market with Santa Claus and nativity scenes takes place at Rome’s Piazza Navona. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.
New Year’s Eve
On the final day of the year, Romans indulge in champagne-style revelry all over town, and particularly at the Piazza del Poplo where the program includes fireworks, rock and classical music concerts. Call +39 06 3600 4399 for more information.