Romans and Italians in general are known for taking off the whole month of August to go on a holiday. Most places will be closed during Ferragosto (15th of August) but there will still be plenty of great things to do during the hot month of August.
”The Madonna of the Snow ” is one of the most important events in Rome! The legend says the Vigin Mary appeared in Pope Libero’s dreams and showed him the location where he should build a new church. When the pope checked the location, it was filled with snow even though it was the middle of summer. The Pope knew that this was a sign and build the church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Every year on the 5th of August there is a reenactment of the snow falling right in front of the church at exactly midnight.
Festival of the Terraces (1st -8th August)
” Festival delle Terrazze ” starts on the 1st until 8th of August and celebrates the opening to the public to some of Rome’s most inaccessible rooftop views.
As Rome doesn’t have skyscrapers, rooftop terraces are the best option for having a breathing view over the Eternal City of Rome.
Find the programme here and check if you need to book in advance before visiting any of the sites!
Isola del Cinema (16th August - 9th September)
At the end of the summer, the Tiberina Island transforms into an outdoor cinema displaying Italian and English movies for all the film lovers in Rome. The tickets start at 5 euro and you can book them here!
Casa del Jazz (until 6th of August)
This summer season, Casa del Jazz showcases over 40 concerts and performances full of jazz-rock legends, pianists and orchestras with a backdrop of the magnificent Colosseum.
Book a spot on the website here!
Lungo il Tevere (until 29th September)
Every summer, the Tiber River gets decorated with lights, shops, free shows, games, bars and restaurants. The entrance is completely free and it usually starts at 6pm and stays open until 2am. Go there with your lover, friends and family and make the most out of the hot summer months.
Open-Air Cinemas (all summer)
The open air-cinema will enliven the evenings of the couples in Rome throughout the summer with screenings of recently released successful films. Additionally, there will be encounters with cinema personalities, presentations, live performances, all complemented by a food area where you and your date can enjoy your night!
Here are the locations of the open-air cinema’s this year:
Notti di Cinema a Piazza Vittorio
- from 15th of June to 15th of September
- starts at 9:30pm
- 3,50 – 6 euro
- at Piazza Vittorio
Monteverde Il Cinema Sotto le Stelle
- from 5th of June to 5th of September
- starts at 9:30pm
- 3:30 – 5 euro
- at Largo Alessandrina Ravizza
Caracalla Festival (until 10th August)
Have you ever been to a concert within 2000 years old walls? Things like these can only happen in very few places in the world, and one of them is in Rome. The Caracalla festival takes place in none other than Caracalla baths!
Opera, ballet, cinema, theatre, jazz and pop music. All this took place last summer, starting from May, in this ancient Roman thermal bath ruins. 50 concerts in total.
EMOTION at Chiostro del Bramante
(until 25 September)
Until the 25th of September at Museum Chiostro del Bramante, you will be able to visit an extraordinary exhibition by Danillo Eccher. It showcases the emotions that artists feel throughout creating their masterpieces and it focuses on what emotions inspire the artists’ the most!
