When to go, how to get free tickets and what to expect at a Papal Audience or Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square
Planning to see Pope Leo XIV during your trip to Rome? You have two main options: the Wednesday General Audience, which requires a free ticket, and the Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, which doesn’t. Here’s when they take place, how to get tickets and what to expect on the day.
When are the Papal Audience and the Angelus?
The General Audience takes place on Wednesday mornings at 10am. Depending on the season and the weather, it’s held outdoors in St. Peter’s Square, indoors in the Paul VI Audience Hall or, occasionally, in St. Peter’s Basilica. The Pope usually opens with a ride through the crowd in the Popemobile, then gives a short catechesis, greets pilgrims in several languages and closes with the Apostolic Blessing.
There are no audiences in July or when the Pope is travelling, and the schedule can change at short notice. Check the official calendar of the Papal Household a few days before you go.
On Sundays, the Pope leads the Angelus at noon from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square, with a short prayer, a reflection and a blessing. The whole thing lasts about 15 minutes. During the Easter season, the Angelus is replaced by the Regina Caeli, with the same format.
During the peak summer weeks, the ceremony shifts to the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, where people gather in Piazza della Libertà following a scenic train ride up from Rome.
You don’t need a ticket for the Angelus. Just head to St. Peter’s Square, go through security and find a spot in the crowd.
The Wednesday General Audience does require a ticket, but tickets are always free. Request them through the online form of the Prefecture of the Papal Household, indicating the date and the number of people. Apply as early as you can, especially in spring and autumn.
Visitors from the United States can also request tickets through the Pontifical North American College. Once your request is confirmed by email, you collect the tickets at their office in Via dell’Umiltà 30 from 3pm on the Tuesday before the audience. Use one channel only: don’t request tickets from both.
Tickets booked through the Prefecture are collected at the Bronze Door, under the right-hand colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday or from 7am on Wednesday morning.
Didn’t book in time? The Swiss Guards at the Bronze Door sometimes hand out leftover tickets in the days before the audience, but there’s no guarantee.
If you’d rather not deal with requests and pickups, you can book a guided Papal Audience experience. The tickets themselves stay free: what you pay for is the service. A local guide handles the reservation and pickup, meets you on Via della Conciliazione and takes your small group to a good vantage point in the square, explaining the ceremony while you wait. The tour ends when the audience begins.
On the day, arrive two to three hours early if you want a seat near the barriers and a close view of the Popemobile. Security lines can be long, particularly in high season.
What to wear to the Vatican
Shoulders and knees should be covered for the General Audience and are required to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, so dress accordingly if you plan to visit afterwards. Large suitcases and oversized backpacks are not allowed past security. In summer, bring water and a hat: seating in the square has no shade.
From the streets of New York to the historic rooms of Palazzo Braschi, Keith Haring’s art has found a new home in Rome. From October 6, 2026, to April 11, 2027, the Museo di Roma at Palazzo Braschi opens its doors to Keith Haring: Art Without Borders, an exhibition dedicated to one of the most recognizable artists of New York’s turbulent 1980s.
Curated by Kaoru Yanase, Ilaria Miarelli Mariani and Claudio Zambianchi, the exhibition brings together more than 140 pieces drawn from the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, the largest collection in the world dedicated to the artist.
Haring’s work was never meant to stay inside a museum. His art was born in the streets, the subway and the hectic landscape of New York. His simple lines, his Barking dog, his Radiant Baby, and his Dancing figures, became iconic figures that could be recognized almost instantly. At the heart of the exhibition is Haring’s deep belief that art is for everyone.
Inside Haring’s world
From the first room, visitors are immersed into Haring’s unmistakable universe. The exhibition also highlights his connection with Italy, where the artist left his mark during the 1980s.
Before his work entered any museum, Haring was drawing in the New York City subway. His famous Subway Drawings transformed empty advertising panels into temporary canvases, turning everyday journeys into unexpected encounters with art. From there, the exhibition moves through his iconic imagery, including the figures that would become instantly associated with his name.
But behind the playful characters and colorful images lies a much more serious side of Haring. Moving through the rooms, his work becomes intrinsically connected to the political and social issues of the time. LGBTQ+ rights, racism, violence, AIDS and apartheid all become subjects of his visual language. Apparently simple, his art holds messages that are not as easy to comprehend.
“Life is so fragile. It is a very fine line between life and death. I realize I am walking this line”
wrote Haring in 1986.
The words take on particular weight in the exhibition’s final section. Apocalypse and Altarpiece: The Life of Christ, created during the last years of his life, reveal a darker and more introspective dimension of the artist. Altarpiece is displayed inside the chapel at Palazzo Braschi, creating an unexpected dialogue between Haring’s contemporary visual language and the historic space surrounding it.
The exhibition ultimately returns to the idea that defined Haring’s career: art is for everyone. His drawings began on subway walls and moved into galleries, schools, hospitals and public spaces. In Rome, they now occupy the rooms of the Museum while still preserving their message.
Haring’s art was born in the streets of 1980s New York, but that does not mean that his language is not still relevant today. More than thirty years after his death, his figures still live for those who are willing to see them.
A day of shopping and family activities at Rome’s designer outlet
The Fashion Festival is back for autumn. On Sunday 11 October, Castel Romano Designer Outlet hosts a full day of discounts and special offers, at the same time as every other McArthurGlen centre in Italy. Opening hours are extended for the occasion, from 9am to 8pm, and the cafés open early at 8am.
For one day only, participating brands are offering up to 70% off the outlet price on autumn-winter clothing and accessories, with each brand discounting at least three items. Brands taking part include Nike, Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, Woolrich, Adidas, Dsquared2, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Sunglass Hut, alongside a range of other promotions. It’s a good chance to stock up on winter essentials before the cold sets in.
The Fashion Festival is also designed as a day out for the whole family. There’s a playground and balloons for children, a dog area for four-legged visitors, and the chance to explore nature at the WWF-affiliated Castel Romano Oasis. When you need a break, the centre’s restaurants offer everything from quick snacks to sit-down meals, with plenty of outdoor seating.
Getting there
The outlet is at Via del Ponte di Piscina Cupa 64, off the SS Pontina at the Castel Romano exit. If you’re not driving, a paid shuttle bus runs from Termini Station (Via Giolitti), with extra departures from 8:30am. A second shuttle leaves from Eur Fermi metro station (Viale America) from 9am, free for McArthurGlen Loyalty Club members.
To plan your visit, you can browse the full list of discounted items in advance on the centre’s official website.
Your golden ticket to the ultimate Roman happy hour. Introducing the one and only Spritz-themed bar in the heart of the ultra-urban Monti district
A spritz after a long day at work is always a good idea; we can all agree on that. But it becomes a really good idea when you can enjoy that drink on a terrace that also gives you a glimpse of the Colosseum.
Spritzeria Monti gives a lot away in its name alone. The rooftop is part of Condominio Monti and overlooks Via dei Serpenti, one of the main and best-known streets in the Monti district, the one that leads straight to the most iconic monument in Rome, and in all of Italy.
The bar has a modern look, with a colourful, carefully designed urban style, and naturally offers a wide choice of spritz: alongside the classic Aperol or Campari mix, there are versions made with other traditional Italian liqueurs such as Cynar, limoncello, Cedrata Tassoni and Venturo. The menu also features signature drinks with playful names like Roma Amor, Il Croccante and Blushing Bride, and the bar is well stocked to make any kind of drink, from mocktails to beer and wine.
Aperitivo
Spritzeria Monti is a good choice for a date in a central location or for drinks with friends and colleagues. Its private, intimate setting also makes it well suited to private events. For birthdays, parties and corporate aperitivi, the bar offers dedicated packages and menus designed for both small and larger groups.
So you don’t drink on an empty stomach, you can pair your spritz with a cured meat and cheese platter as part of the aperitivo deal (5pm to 7:30pm) for €18-20, or order tapas to share, chosen from classic Italian dishes. After sunset, the Sunset menu kicks in, with three courses and a drink included.
Relax like a Roman: the best hot springs, thermal pools and spas for a day trip from Rome
Romans have been soaking in thermal water for more than two thousand years. Ancient complexes such as the Baths of Caracalla were not simply places to wash: they were social spaces where Romans exercised, relaxed and met one another. The monumental ruins survive, but the tradition of soaking in mineral-rich water is very much alive around the capital.
Within roughly 30 to 90 minutes of Rome you can choose between polished thermal spas, historic establishments and simple outdoor pools fed by naturally hot springs. Some are ideal for a full wellness day; others are inexpensive or free places where the experience is closer to the landscape and local bathing culture.
This guide combines the best-known thermal baths near Rome with several worthwhile alternatives in Tuscia and on the coast. Prices and opening times can change seasonally, so always check the official website before setting out.
Thermal baths near Rome at a glance
Place
From Rome
Style
Price guide
Best for
QC Terme Roma
30 min
Luxury spa
From €54
Airport stopover, spa day
Terme di Roma
30-45 min
Thermal spa
€16-22
The closest classic terme
Terme Sabine di Cretone
45 min
Seasonal pools
€10 weekday, €13 weekend
A summer day out
Terme di Stigliano
75-90 min
Historic spa
€25-30
Quiet wellness
Ficoncella
60-75 min
Public thermal pools
€6-10
Value and sea views
Terme dei Papi
90 min
Historic thermal pool
€18 day entry
The iconic Viterbo bath
Piscine Carletti
90 min
Wild, free pools
Free
A rustic experience
Bullicame
90 min
Natural spring area
Free
History and landscape
Bagnaccio
90 min
Natural thermal park
€8 weekday
Outdoor comfort
QC Terme
Luxury spa close to Fiumicino Airport
Address: Via Portuense 2178, Fiumicino Entry fee: from €54
If you want a polished wellness experience without travelling far from Rome, QC Terme Roma is the easiest choice. Set in the countryside near Fiumicino airport, the resort combines pools, hydrotherapy areas, relaxation rooms and steam experiences in an elegant setting inspired by the Roman tradition of otium – time deliberately set aside for rest.
It works particularly well on an arrival or departure day, or when you want the comfort of a fullservice spa rather than a rustic natural spring. Allow several hours rather than treating it as a quick swim. Entry prices vary by package, day and time, so check the current booking calendar before going.
Traditional sulphurous thermal complex east of Rome
Address: Via Tiburtina Valeria, Tivoli Terme Entry fee: indoor thermal spa €45 (Mon-Fri), €50 (weekends and holidays); summer outdoor pools from around €16
The Acque Albule at Tivoli Terme are among the most accessible traditional thermal baths from central Rome. The name refers to the pale appearance of the sulphurous water, long associated with this area east of the capital. Today the complex combines thermal treatments, wellness services and seasonal outdoor pools.
For travellers who want a structured spa close to Rome, this is a practical alternative to going all the way to Viterbo. The indoor thermal spa circuit, “Le Vie del Benessere”, costs €45 Monday to Friday and €50 at weekends, and is closed on Tuesdays. The outdoor pool park, open in summer only, is a much cheaper way to spend the day, with entry from around €16 on weekdays and about €21 at weekends. Opening times and pool availability change with the season, so check the official website before you go.
Terme Sabine di Cretone
Seasonal pools in the Sabina countryside
Address: Via dell’Acqua Solfurea, Palombara Sabina Entry fee: €10-13
Cretone offers a different atmosphere: a green, open-air thermal complex in the Sabina countryside, roughly 45 minutes from Rome by car. Its pools are fed by sulphurous mineral water and the setting makes it especially appealing when you want to combine bathing with a relaxed summer day outside the city.
The pools operate seasonally, so this is not the place to choose without checking ahead. In summer it can be one of the easiest family-friendly thermal escapes from Rome; outside the main season, verify opening dates directly before travelling.
Terme di Stigliano
Historic spa surrounded by the Tuscia countryside
Address: Località Bagni di Stigliano 2, Canale Monterano Entry fee: from €25
About 75 to 90 minutes northwest of Rome, Terme di Stigliano is a good option for travellers who prefer a quiet spa day in the countryside. The historic thermal resort combines a hotel, wellness facilities and a thermal park surrounded by the landscape of the Tolfa Mountains.
The resort now offers different ways to visit, including access to the thermal park and the Helius Day Spa, so it is better to choose the experience directly from the current offers rather than rely on a single admission price. For a shorter late-day visit, the Stigliano AperiSunset combines access to the thermal park with an aperitivo around sunset. Check the official offers page for current availability and conditions
Bagni della Ficoncella
Low-cost public thermal pools overlooking the coast
Address: Strada della Ficoncella, Civitavecchia Entry fee: €6-10
Ficoncella is one of the best-value hot-spring experiences within easy reach of Rome. On the hills above Civitavecchia, a series of small pools lets bathers move between different water temperatures in an informal setting with views towards the coast. The site has deep local roots: the surrounding area was already known for thermal waters in Etruscan and Roman times.
The baths reopened on 5 September 2026 after temporary works and updated safety measures. From 14 September 2026 the official winter timetable is daily from 8am to 8pm. For non-residents, the current price is €6 for a morning or afternoon session and €10 for the full day. A car is the simplest way to reach the site; from Rome, take the A12 towards Civitavecchia and exit at Civitavecchia Nord.
Terme dei Papi
Viterbo’s landmark monumental thermal pool
Address: Largo Socrate Sensi 1, Viterbo Entry fee: from €18
For a classic thermal day trip, Terme dei Papi remains one of the strongest choices around Rome. Its huge outdoor Monumental Pool covers more than 2,000 square metres and is supplied by the hyperthermal Bullicame spring. The scale of the pool makes the experience feel very different from a hotel spa, especially in cooler weather when steam rises above the water.
Current day entry to the outdoor pool is €18 for adults, with standard daytime access from 9am to 7pm. The complex also offers the natural cave and additional thermal and wellness treatments; a basic ‘Terme Romane’ package combining the pool and natural cave is currently €25. Viterbo is around 90 minutes from Rome by car, making this best suited to a full-day excursion.
Piscine Carletti
Free, rustic outdoor hot pools
Address: Strada Terme, around 2.5 km from central Viterbo Free access
If your idea of a hot spring is simple, outdoor and unpolished, Piscine Carletti is the most straightforward option in the Viterbo area. The pools are fed by hot thermal water and can be used year-round; bathing on a cold day, with steam rising from the water, is part of the appeal.
Access is free and there is parking nearby, but this is not a managed spa: expect very limited facilities and bring everything you need, including a towel, water and footwear suitable for wet ground. Conditions can change after maintenance or local restrictions, so check local notices before making the journey.
Bullicame is less about spa luxury and more about the history and geology of Viterbo. The famous spring emerges at roughly 58°C and has been associated with the city for centuries; Dante even referred to the Bullicame in the Divine Comedy. Channels carry the water away from the spring, and the surrounding landscape makes this one of the most distinctive thermal sites in Tuscia.
The spring area is worth seeing even if your main goal is cultural rather than a long soak. Treat it as a natural site rather than a serviced thermal establishment: facilities are minimal, water near the source is extremely hot, and local access rules should always be respected.
Il Bagnaccio
Natural thermal park on the Via Francigena
Address: Strada del Garinei, Viterbo Entry fee: from €8
Bagnaccio sits north of Viterbo along the Via Francigena and strikes a useful balance between wild hot springs and an organised spa. The thermal park has outdoor pools in a natural setting but also basic visitor services, making it more comfortable than completely unmanaged bathing areas.
As of autumn 2026 it is open daily, with reduced hours in winter (typically into the early evening, with a later opening on Tuesday and a later closing at weekends). Standard entry is €8 on weekdays and €10 at weekends and on public holidays. Check the current timetable and prices on the official website before travelling.
Beyond Lazio, Italy offers numerous natural baths to discover. From Sirmione on Lake Garda, ideal for a couple’s weekend, to the Bormio thermal baths, perfect for winter holidays, Salsomaggiore Terme in Tuscany, or the Recoaro Thermal Baths, not far from Venice.
Which thermal bath should you choose?
Closest classic thermal experience: Terme di Roma – Acque Albule.
Luxury spa day: QC Terme Roma.
Best historic thermal pool: Terme dei Papi.
Best free rustic soak: Piscine Carletti.
Best low-cost organised option: Ficoncella.
Best natural setting with basic services: Bagnaccio.
Best for history and landscape: Bullicame.
Best countryside wellness retreat: Terme di Stigliano.
Practical tips before you go
Check opening times on the official website on the day before travelling. Seasonal hours and maintenance closures are common.
Bring flip-flops or water shoes, a towel and drinking water, especially at free or semi-wild sites.
Do not expect changing rooms, lockers or showers at unmanaged natural pools.
Hot thermal water can be tiring. Take breaks, stay hydrated and follow on-site safety instructions.
A car gives you far more flexibility for Viterbo, Stigliano and Ficoncella. Tivoli Terme is easier to combine with public transport.
Winter can be one of the most atmospheric times to visit outdoor hot pools, but check weather and access conditions first.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free hot springs near Rome?
Yes. Piscine Carletti and the Bullicame area near Viterbo are the best-known free options in this guide. They are rustic natural sites rather than full-service spas.
What are the closest thermal baths to Rome?
Terme di Roma – Acque Albule in Tivoli Terme and QC Terme Roma near Fiumicino are among the easiest options for a half-day or day trip from the city.
Can you visit hot springs near Rome in winter?
Yes. The Viterbo area is the best option in the cold months. Terme dei Papi is open year-round, and the free pools nearby (Bullicame, Piscine Carletti, Bagnaccio) stay hot enough to enjoy even in winter.
Do I need a car?
Not always, but it helps. The more natural sites around Viterbo and Civitavecchia are substantially easier to reach by car, while some commercial thermal complexes can be approached by train plus local transport or taxi.
Are natural thermal baths safe for everyone?
Very hot water is not suitable for everyone. Follow posted rules and, if you have cardiovascular conditions, are pregnant or have another health concern, ask a healthcare professional before prolonged bathing.
The bustling rione of history, diversity, and grit
One of Rome’s famous ‘Seven Hills’, Esquilino is an ancient neighborhood with a vibrant and multicultural present. In Esquilino you will find a little bit of everything: plenty of history, as it began as the home to the semi-mythical Ancient Roman King, Servius Tullius, and is dotted with ancient walls and ruins; religious significance, from the magnificent Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; 19th century Italian architecture, in the famous colonnade of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele; and a food scene where Roman trattorias sit next to some of the city’s best international kitchens.
Esquilino is home to many of Rome’s immigrant communities, and you feel it everywhere, from the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino, where Roman cheeses share the stalls with Indian spices and Asian vegetables, to the Chinese and Indian restaurants around Piazza Vittorio.
The neighborhood also comes alive after dark: natural wine bars and late-night cocktail spots along Via Machiavelli, jazz evenings at the Gatsby Café, DJ sets and open-air cinema in the gardens of Piazza Vittorio. Just outside the tourist center and a short walk from Termini, Esquilino feels grounded and real, which is exactly why Time Out named it one of the ten coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2026.
It’s also a practical base for a stay in Rome: Termini, with both metro lines and the train to Fiumicino Airport, is on the doorstep, Monti is a few minutes’ walk away and the Colosseum about 20 minutes on foot. As around any major train station, the streets closest to Terminicall for a little extra attention late at night, while the rest of the neighborhood is lively and residential.
It’s also where Pope Francis chose to be buried. Since April 2025, his simple tomb in Santa Maria Maggiore, a slab of Ligurian marble inscribed only with “Franciscus”, has made the basilica a fixed stop on almost every Rome itinerary.
Read on for the best things to see in Esquilino, then head to our guides on where to eat and where to drink in the neighborhood.
Love having Esquilino mapped out? Get the full Rome Google Maps Guide: every neighbourhood, sight and local gem in one map on your phone
Built in the aftermath of Italy’s reunification, this piazza is surrounded by Italian palaces and 19th-century style porticoes. Walking under these grand rows of columns, which outline one of the largest piazzas in Rome, you will encircle the garden in its center. The garden itself is dotted with ruins; the remains of an Ancient Roman fountain, the Trophies of Marius. On a sunny day, the park comes alive, a showcase of a vibrant and still-local neighborhood surrounded by history. The piazza is also home to a legend: the Magic Gate. Once the door to the grand Villa Palombara, it is said that an alchemist found a secret herb, capable of creating gold, right before disappearing through the door forever. He left behind a series of indecipherable symbols, carved onto the gate; other than that, all that remained were a few flecks of gold and mystery.
Mercato Esquilino
Via Principe Amedeo, 184 Open 5am – 3pm every day except Sunday
Housed in a sprawling indoor warehouse near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the Mercato Esquilino is a market that bustles with energy as locals and vendors shout, haggle, and weave through tightly packed stalls. The market is a colorful amalgamation of fresh produce, exotic spices, international ingredients, and imported goods from across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, reflecting the diverse communities that call the area home. It’s a chaotic but fascinating glimpse into the daily life and global flavor of Esquilino. Bring a good appetite, and cash.
St. Mary Major
Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42
One of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas, this magnificent church is the burial place for eight Popes, including the late Pope Francis. It is rich with decoration: lined with columns, adorned with gold and embellished with a mixture of Paleochristian and Medieval mosaics. The Basilica houses many important relics, including the Salus Populi Romani, a painting of Mary said to have been made by Saint Luke, so sacred and important that upon its arrival in Rome it was paraded through the streets for three days. For those who care more for art than religion, in the church you will find the grave of Bernini, one of Rome’s greatest sculptors, and Arnolfo di Cambio’s nativity scene – the first nativity scene ever in art history. The extravagant basilica, more than 1600 years old, is undeniably impressive.
San Vito Church
Via Carlo Alberto, 47
This small church curiously features two distinct facades: one made of marble and the other of ancient brick. The brick facade is part of the original Servian Walls, Rome’s ancient defensive fortifications, and is connected to the Arch of Gallieno, a remnant of the Porta Esquilina, the historic Esquiline Gate. The marble facade dates back to the late 15th century, when Pope Sixtus IV established the church. Offering a fascinating window into Rome’s layered history, this church also has a darker side; its “Stone of Iniquity” was used as a torture device against Christian martyrs.
Palazzo Merulana
Via Merulana, 121 Open Wed- Fri 12pm-8pm | Sat-Sun 10am-8pm
A grand building in Umbertine style, Palazzo Merulana is a cultural hub, art gallery, bookstore and cafè. Housing mostly Roman and Italian artworks, the chic space explores 20th century art. The sculpture-filled lobby and its café is perfect for people-watching or studying, and after wandering through its dedicated exhibition floors, head up to the terrace to enjoy skyline views of the Eternal City.
Teatro Brancaccio
Via Merulana, 244
Teatro Brancaccio stands as one of Rome’s principal and most recognizable theatres, a cornerstone of the city’s performing arts scene. In line with the vibrance of the neighborhood, it has played a central role in Roman cultural life since its opening in 1916. It hosts everything from musicals and comedy to dance and big-name concerts.
Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
Piazza di S. Croce in Gerusalemme
Santa Croce in Gerusalemme is an extraordinarily old church, originally built in 324 AD as a chapel to house sacred relics. Before that, the site had many lives: an Imperial villa, an amphitheatre, and the residence of Helen, mother of Constantine. The Chapel of Relics still holds a copy of the Holy Shroud, pieces of the crucifixion cross, and thorns from Christ’s crown. The church reflects the evolution of Roman art and architecture, from its Baroque design to an Ancient Roman statue on the altarpiece, reworked to depict Helen.
Santa Prassede
Via di Santa Prassede, 9A
A tiny church, tucked away around the corner of its imposing neighbour, Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Prassede is a hidden gem. Considered the masterpiece of Early Medieval Rome, its Byzantine mosaics are some of the oldest in the city, and were executed by artists all the way from Constantinople. It tells the story of the relationship between the two Roman Empires, and the diplomatic and religious ties which formed the early Church.
Where to Eat in Esquilino
Esquilino is a good neighborhood for eating well without spending much. Century-old trattorias like Trattoria Vecchia Roma and Trattoria Monti sit a few streets from Chinese hot pot, Indian kitchens, historic bakeries and Gelateria Fassi, open since 1880.
From natural wine bars on Via Machiavelli and historic enoteche to a garden café inside Piazza Vittorio and a rooftop overlooking Santa Maria Maggiore, Esquilino has a bar for every hour of the day.
On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, the multidisciplinary festival of contemporary arts returns to Rome
This year, the fifth edition of Romadiffusa has chosen the Esquilinoneighbourhood as its stage. After last year’s success, with more than 80,000 visitors, over 100 iconic locations and more than 200 artists, musicians and creatives taking part, the travelling festival is heading to the city’s most multicultural district for 2026.
Expect roving performances, concerts and live music in the square, exhibitions spread across the area, open studios by artists and artisans, private homes opening their doors, readings and stand-up comedy in bars and osterie, workshops, tours and much more.
The dates are 10 and 11 October, when the neighbourhood becomes a diffused cultural platform connecting artists, residents, communities, cultural institutions and local businesses, with a programme that winds through squares, markets, gardens, museums, historic buildings, bars and shops.
Piazza Vittorio will be the heart of the event, and from here a packed programme will spread out across the area: from the work of eight artists at the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino (among them Fiamma Montezemolo, Wu Ming 2 and Lorenzo Teodonio, Lulù Nuti and Andreco) to readings of Chinese diaspora literature at Hang Zhou (Sonia‘s well-known Chinese restaurant), all the way to jazz concerts under the porticoes of Gatsby and video art at Machiavelli. The Accademia Costume & Moda will host several events: a video screening by Rä di Martino, a live show of the podcast Dicono di te by Malcom Pagani (Chora Media) and, finally, a site-specific installation by Numero Cromatico on the building’s façade.
The concept behind the 2026 edition
The theme of the fifth edition is “ROMA CITTÀ ETERNA ODIERNA” (Rome, city of eternity today). The title reveals the aim of placing, alongside the Rome known worldwide for its historical and artistic heritage, a contemporary Rome that is alive and changing. A city that is not just an “open-air museum”, but a dynamic, participatory place that produces culture today.
“All too often, the way the city is portrayed, even when it’s done well, relies on the ‘open-air museum’ idea and on a narrative that ignores its contemporary, vibrant side. At the same time, Rome struggles to work as a system: the public sector rarely talks to the private sector, artists and creatives find it hard to secure funding for larger-scale projects, and there are countless organisations working on similar projects without knowing about each other, with no container where they can come together and emerge. Romadiffusa wants to be that container.”
Sara D’Agati, Artistic Director of the festival
The all-female team behind Romadiffusa, a project founded in 2021 by Sara D’Agati and Maddalena Salerno, is mapping the entire city, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, in search of its most authentic and interesting places: artisan workshops, bookshops, artists’ studios, libraries, museums and historic buildings, but also hidden courtyards, traditional bars and osterie, grocery shops, bakeries, creative spaces and small galleries. Original places that, sadly, are often at risk of disappearing.
At the same time, for each edition, artists, musicians, performers and designers are brought in through a research process and a “call for content” to create site-specific work.
The Romadiffusa Esquilino programme
Piazza Vittorio becomes one of the festival’s main hubs, with a programme that blends music, talks, sport and performance.
Art takes over the streets with a series of exhibitions and installations across the neighbourhood: works by Cecilia Sammarco appear at Torrefazione Ciamei and Bar allo Statuto; Caterina Silva curates an exhibition of emerging women artists from different cultures, spread between a bakery, a minimarket and local shops; and Andrew Iacobucci creates a site-specific installation at Bar D’Amore.
Many artists are opening their private studios to the public, including Fiamma Montezemolo and Tarek Elhaik, Mohamed Keita, Serafino Maiorano and Elena Bellantoni, while the neighbourhood’s galleries host special events at Ultravioletto and La Nube di Oort, with the finissage of Mexican artist Hiram Constantino.
The area’s cultural institutions are also taking part with special openings and events: Palazzo Merulana hosts a performance by Chinese artist Yuan Gong, curated by Liliana Liao; Acquario Romano and the Giardino di Confucio join the programme with performances, dedicated activities and talks (including one featuring the Eterobasiche and the Bambole di pezza, organised by Fanpage in collaboration with Romadiffusa). Fondazione Treccani Cultura brings a lecture performance by Thony and Sofia Assante to the square, at Horti Magici.
Tours
Rounding off the programme are tours and workshops to explore Esquilino from unexpected angles: from architecture tours with Panteon Magazine and Casa dell’Architettura to places of worship with Superdiversa, a neighbourhood tour with Unexpected Itineraries, an esoteric tour, and workshops in mosaic, woodcarving and tailoring.
All events are free, except for some workshops, tours and talks with limited places, which can be booked here.
When visiting Rome, you’ll probably want to bring home something other than the miniature Colosseums sold on every corner. These shops sell souvenirs worth the suitcase space, from Murano glass and original photographs to Italian coffee, herbal cosmetics and handmade Christmas ornaments.
Located between Termini and Repubblica metro stops, this cozy little boutique offers a wide variety of accessories and home decor made out of the authentic Venetian Murano Glass. The Guetta family brought the iconic Murano trademark and opened their store here in Rome over two decades ago. Here, you can find a unique jewelry piece or a decorative artwork of your liking to bring back as a memorable gift. Bold and vibrant colors of Murano glass are one of the signature Italian cultural attributes.
Via Buonarroti, 20 (Vittorio Emanuele); Via Merulana, 10 (Santa Maria Maggiore) astrologoargenterie.it
Equal parts classic jeweler and gift shop, Astrologo offers a little bit of everything under one roof. Inside, fine gold chains and personalized silver pieces sit alongside religious items, hand-painted ceramics, and gifts for life’s milestones. Whether you’re designing a custom charm bracelet or choosing a keepsake box, it’s the kind of place where you drop in to browse and leave with a piece of Rome that feels truly personal.
Just around the corner from the Pantheon, this small family-run studio is where photographer and designer Carlo De Gori sells his own pictures of Rome. His style is easy to spot: classic statues and monuments brought to life with bursts of color, paint splashes and graphic overlays. Every photo is an original, some in numbered editions, and comes in all sizes and formats, from small prints to large pieces on canvas, plexiglass or metal, which can be customized on request. Too big for your suitcase? Trevimage also ships internationally.
Castroni
Via Cola di Rienzo, 196/198 (Prati); Via Frattina, 79 (Centro Storico); Via Flaminia, 28/30/32 (Flaminio); and more castroni.it
When visiting Italy, the food is definitely something you’re going to remember. At Castroni you’ll find some of the best Italian products to take home with you. Their lovely selection of quality and well-packaged products include coffee, tea, sweets, jams, sauces, olive oils, wines and much more. This is the perfect place for foodies to find treats to keep Italy alive after the holiday ends.
In Rome’s lively Trastevere neighborhood, Elvis Lives is a quirky concept store that blends rock ‘n’ roll with Roman-inspired design. Far from a typical tourist shop, it stocks original graphic tees, bold socks, pins, tote bags and pop-culture novelties. A good stop for music fans and design lovers looking for a Roman souvenir that isn’t the usual one.
Rooted in Italian heritage, Antica Erboristeria Romana combines traditional herbalism with pharmaceutical expertise. Inspired by Italian nature and wellness, they create natural beauty and personal care products using specialized botanical ingredients. It’s a perfect stop for travelers looking to take home Italian herbal cosmetics, natural skincare, and botanical wellness gifts.
Located a few steps from the Pantheon, Spazio Decore is a boutique that doubles as a creative showcase for local artists and emerging talents. The collection highlights original fine art prints, crafts, clothing, and design objects that draw inspiration from Rome’s neighborhood culture and street art scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to take home a genuine piece of the Eternal City.
If you decorate a Christmas tree every year, this is the souvenir shop for you. A few minutes’ walk from Piazza Navona, on Via della Scrofa, “Sempre Natale” (meaning “Always Christmas”) is the only shop in Italy entirely dedicated to glass Christmas ornaments, and it’s open all year round. Here you’ll find over a thousand vintage-style decorations, mouth-blown and hand-painted by master artisans in Italy, Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic. The shop also makes its own Rome-inspired pieces.
Less than 200 meters from the Pantheon, this café is known for serving some of the best coffee in Rome, so it’s worth stopping in for one of its signatures, like the Gran Caffè. Afterward, browse the coffee-themed souvenirs, from bags of Sant’Eustachio beans to moka pots, cups, tote bags and sweets. If you run out of time or want to keep the ritual going at home, they also ship worldwide through their online shop.
Booktique
Via della Stelletta, 17 (Navona/Pantheon) booktique.info
Tucked away close to the Pantheon, Booktique is a multi-brand concept store that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy a thoughtful dose of retail therapy. It features an inspired interior showcasing a curated selection of books alongside fashion, art, and design objects. Beyond reading material, Booktique is a destination for original souvenirs and creative gifts to take home, from handcrafted ceramics and artistic posters to custom postcards and magnets.
Just steps from Largo Argentina, you’ll find Emporio Centrale, a charming shop with classic Italian designs. The store offers a collection of everyday objects ranging from kitchenware and cosmetics to timeless stationery sourced exclusively from historic Italian manufacturers. Whether you are looking for houseware or elegant city-inspired keepsakes, it is the perfect spot to pick up a meaningful souvenir with authentic Italian craftsmanship to bring home with you.
Porta Portese Flea Market
Piazza di Porta Portese (Trastevere/Marconi)
If you like flea markets, this is where you can find something unique and well-priced. This Sunday flea market is huge, the biggest in Rome. Here you’ll find anything from leather jackets and Italian silk ties, to books and antiques. Visit in the early morning and spend a few hours here experiencing another side of Roman life while searching for something unique to take home with you.
Where to Drink in Esquilino, from Piazza Vittorio to Via Machiavelli
Esquilino’s bar scene has grown a lot in recent years. Around Piazza Vittorio and along Via Machiavelli you’ll find natural wine bars with a local crowd, historic enoteche, cocktail bars in unexpected spaces and a rooftop with views over the city.
Most of them are a short walk from Termini, and prices are generally friendlier than in the historic center. These are the places worth knowing, whether you’re after a morning coffee, an aperitivo or a late-night Negroni.
Callimaco
Via Machiavelli, 21 Open Mon-Thu 8.30am-midnight; Fri 8.30am-2am; Sat 6pm-2am; Sun 6pm-midnight instagram.com/callimaco_
Callimaco, on Via Niccolò Machiavelli in Esquilino, is a laid-back neighborhood wine bar with a very local crowd, perfect for an unfussy glass of wine. The selection leans toward small, artisanal labels (often natural), paired with simple bites, making it ideal for an easy aperitivo or a night that stretches on. A straightforward, well-curated spot to keep on your list when you want to drink well in the area.
A fourth-generation wine bar, Angelini offers the classic, timeless enoteca experience in Italy. Wine is stacked to the ceiling. Tables sized only to fit a couple of glasses and some taralli. A relaxed atmosphere, made for the 5pm aperitivo. Inexorably nostalgic and affordable, it’s easy to see why it’s an obligatory stop on the way to the opera house nearby. The staff are incredibly friendly, and will doubtless help you find the perfect glass.
Horti Magici
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, inside the Giardini Nicola Calipari Open daily 9.30am-midnight instagram.com/hortimagici/
Tucked inside the gardens of Piazza Vittorio, Horti Magici is a café and bistro set in a small Liberty-style casina that was once the gardener’s shed. It’s run by the team behind The Gatsby Café across the street and stays open from breakfast to after dinner: coffee and pastries in the morning, proper dishes at lunch, then aperitivo with natural wines and cocktails at tables among the trees. In the evening, the program of DJ sets and events keeps the park lively.
Machiavelli 64
Via Machiavelli, 64 Open Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm, 6pm-midnight; closed Sundays machiavelli64.com/
Machiavelli 64 is a bit of everything. A bubbly, open space, the wine bar is seriously dedicated to its craft, and even offers full-on private tastings and underground “meetings in the cellar” for those who want an introduction to wine, culture, and Italy. No bar is complete without its snacks, and Machiavelli 64 changes its menu every month, to capture the beauty of seasonal ingredients and ever-expanding creativity. Everything here is a conversation; the gathering of friends, the relationship between wine and food, and even the kitchen is open, so everyone can feel at home.
Masa Rooftop
Via di S. Maria Maggiore, 143 Open daily 12pm-11pm masarooftop.it/
Perched on the rooftop of Hotel Major, Masa Rooftop reinvents the classic Italian aperitivo with a refined Middle Eastern twist. Guided by the spirit of conviviality, Masa invites guests on a culinary journey through an elegant selection of small plates crafted by the chef. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening with panoramic views of Rome or looking to enjoy a night of sophisticated Oriental-inspired finger food and cocktails, Masa is the perfect destination for a truly memorable experience.
Materia Café
Via Andrea Provana, 7 Open Tue-Fri 8am-midnight; Sat-Sun 9am-midnight; Mon 8am-4pm materiacafe.com/
Materia Café, located near Basilica di Santa Croce, has a laid-back bohemian atmosphere. This café has a menu of healthy food options, such as avocado toast, a rice-based protein bowl, and many types of filling salads. Materia Café also offers a selection of teas and fresh-squeezed juices.
Quartino Enoteca
P.za Vittorio Emanuele II, 103 Open Mon-Sat 10am-1am; closed Sundays quartino.eu
Just across from Piazza Vittorio, Quartino Enoteca is an elegant and welcoming wine bar. Shelves stacked high with bottles give the impression of a curated archive, walls lined with around 2,000 Italian and French wine labels. Alongside its impressive wine selection, Quartino offers a thoughtfully crafted menu of Italian classics, with a few international flavors and fusion dishes. With so many bottles and dishes to choose from, you should definitely ask their knowledgeable staff, who are always ready to help you find the perfect pairing.
A bohemian bar in an industrial loft, Salotto Caronte is all dim lights and urban feel. Dripping in style, it’s the perfect choice for a glamorous steak night or a late-night snack with your cocktails. The menu feels modern, the beverages like they come with a little drama. Prepare to take your time, drinking in the artsy atmosphere and a flawlessly crafted Negroni.
The Gatsby Café
P.za Vittorio Emanuele II, 106 Open Sun-Wed 8am-midnight; Thu 8am-1am; Fri-Sat 8am-2am gatsbycafe.it/
The Gatsby Café is an intimate cafe and bar themed after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s titular novel, with decadent and playful 1920s style wallpaper and decor. This is a beautiful place to stop for a coffee or cocktail, especially in the evening when it turns into a jazz bar. The Gatsby Café is located across the street from Piazza Vittorio.
From Roman Trattorias to Chinese Hot Pot: The Best Places to Eat in Esquilino
Esquilino is one of the most multicultural neighborhoods in Rome, and its food scene shows it. Around Piazza Vittorio, century-old trattorias and historic pastry shops sit a few doors away from Chinese hot pot, Indian kitchens and new-wave bakeries and pizzerias. Prices are generally lower than in the historic center, and it’s all a short walk from Termini. These are the places worth knowing, from Roman classics to the neighborhood’s newer openings.
Ardecore
Via Buonarroti, 32 Open Tue-Sun 6pm-11pm; closed Mondays ardecore.it
Ardecore brings Irpinia, the inland area of Campania around Avellino, to Esquilino. Pizza chef Alessandro Zirpolo makes contemporary Neapolitan-style pizza, and the menu leans into Campanian classics: montanarine and other fried starters, pasta e patate, genovese. The wine list focuses on Irpinian producers. It’s much bigger inside than it looks from the street, but book ahead anyway. Ardecore was named among the Pizzerie Eccellenti in 50 Top Pizza Italia 2025.
Bottega Trattoria De Santis
Via di S. Croce in Gerusalemme, 15/A Open Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm, 7.30pm-11pm; Sun 12.30pm-3pm bottegatrattoriadesantis.it
A super local restaurant that combines thoughtful food with affordable prices. De Santis has a small menu, and you get the sense it’s been carefully selected to include the Roman classics, but save room for special ingredients and ideas to surprise seasoned locals. They’re not afraid to use the most rustic local ingredients, like Roman tripe and veal tongue, but neither do they shy away from the refined, in their tuna tartare, black truffles, and cornbread-coated anchovies.
Casadante is a spacious, open-concept restaurant. It has a trendy, intellectual vibe, and delicious food to match. The cuisine is primarily classic Roman, but the menu also features a selection of DOP hamburgers, plus an alluring wine list. Casadante is located off Piazza Dante.
At De Zhuang Restaurant, an exciting variety of menus awaits, each dedicated to the unique experience of Chinese Fondue or hot pot style dining. Imagine each table adorned with a central, steaming metal cauldron, inviting guests to partake in the interactive joy of cooking their own meals, picking and mixing different tastes.
Forno Conti is a bakery (and more) in the heart of Esquilino. With its minimalist, Nordic-inspired vibe, it offers a mix of international, Italian, Scandinavian, and French recipes. From Venetian buns and cardamom rolls to croissants, pain au chocolat, and a wide variety of breads, there’s something for everyone. Lunchtime features tasty savory pastries, quiches, and pizza, all paired with specialty coffee from Aliena, the renowned roastery born in Montesacro.
Not to be confused with the Roscioli bakery near Campo de’ Fiori, this forno a few steps from Piazza Vittorio was opened by Pietro Roscioli in 1986 and is now run by the third generation of the family. Come for the bread, the pizza bianca and the small pizzette rosse the neighborhood is fond of, or for pizza alla pala and the hot dishes at lunch. It still keeps up the old tradition of a second daily bake, so there’s fresh bread well into the afternoon.
Gelateria Fassi
Via Principe Eugenio, 65 Open Mon-Thu 12pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-midnight; Sun 10am-10pm gelateriafassi.com
What is a neighborhood without a go-to gelato place? This gelateria, open since 1880, has been a staple for many either visiting or living in Rome. The gelato is well worth the trip to Esquilino. Unlike many gelaterias, Palazzo del Freddo has plenty of seating for everyone.
There is no better place for this unique Chinese dining restaurant than in Esquilino itself, as the neighborhood is often nicknamed the “Chinatown” of Rome with its abundance of diversity. Look no further than Hang Zhou da Sonia to get your Asian food fix, as their extensive menu is enough to satisfy any palate. Sample their dumplings to start, followed by their raved-about Sichuan-style spicy chicken.
With Esquilino being one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Rome, it comes as no surprise that one of the best Indian restaurants in the city, Krishna13, is situated right next to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. This is the perfect spot if you are craving a break from pasta, pizza, and other carbs: indulge in their wide selection of Northern and Southern Indian meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes in a warm and inviting environment.
La Pecora Pazza
Via Statilia, 35 Open Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm; Sat-Sun 6.30pm-11.30pm
A family-run trattoria, La Pecora Pazza (The Crazy Sheep) feels like eating at your parents’ house. If your parents were Calabrian, of course. While there’s barely a menu in Rome that doesn’t have Carbonara and Amatriciana, the more southern region’s influence comes through in the n’duja (spicy Calabrian sausage), spicy gnocchi, and provola cheese. Fair prices, and everything’s homemade, which explains why the eggplant meatballs taste so incredible.
Marco G’s Osteria
Via Statilia, 12 Open Thu-Sun 12pm-11pm; Mon and Wed 5.30pm-11pm; closed Tuesdays marcog.it
Marco G’s is the restaurant you think doesn’t exist in Rome anymore. Small and welcoming, packed with locals until the late hours of the evening, dishing out Roman pasta and pinse (a thick, almost focaccia-like, Roman-style pizza) with warmth and authenticity. It’s the kind of place where you hesitate, just a little, before telling others about it; but then you think, it would be selfish not to share.
Mercato Centrale
Roma Termini, Via Giovanni Giolitti, 36 Open Sun-Thu 7.30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 7.30am-midnight mercatocentrale.it
Present in Florence, Rome, Turin, and Milan, Mercato Centrale is an expansive collection of gourmet restaurants and cafés, a foodie’s paradise. They call themselves a workshop, and those making the food the artisans. Whatever you’re after (Italian truffles, Argentinian empanadas, Chinese dumplings, Neapolitan sfogliatelle pastries, trapizzino, a smashburger, or simply a gelato and a glass of wine), you’ll find it at Mercato Centrale.
Pasticceria Regoli
Via dello Statuto, 60 Open Wed-Mon 7am-7pm
Even if you do not have a sweet tooth, stopping by Regoli for a pastry is an absolute must. This pasticceria is famous for its maritozzi, a Roman pastry filled to the brim with whipped cream. Other delights include a custard-filled shortbread dotted with fresh strawberries, or the fagottine, “little bundles” of ricotta.
Trattoria da Danilo
Via Petrarca, 13 Open Tue-Sat 1pm-3pm, 8pm-11pm; Mon 8pm-11pm; closed Sundays
A few streets from Piazza Vittorio, this small family trattoria is run by Danilo Valente, with his mother Lina behind the stove. The menu sticks to the Roman classics, and two dishes bring most people here: the carbonara, often named among the best in the city, and the cacio e pepe, tossed at the table inside a wheel of pecorino. Book ahead, especially for dinner, and be on time: service starts right on the hour.
Trattoria Monti
Via di San Vito, 13 Open Tue-Sat 12.45pm-2.30pm, 8pm-10.30pm; Sun 12.45pm-2.30pm; closed Mondays
Come indulge in this sophisticated Italian restaurant owned by two Italian brothers. Highly recommended by locals, the eatery’s best-loved recipes are its egg-yolk tortello and truffle dishes. The traditional and authentic feel and taste of the restaurant will have you come back repeatedly. Make sure to book a table in advance as seating is limited.
A great place to get a taste of many rustic Roman specialties, such as trippa, coratella, and pajata to name a few. Perfect for family style dining to try multiple different dishes. The seafood pasta is quite a popular choice on the menu. And despite their offal offerings mentioned above, there are surprisingly great options for veggie eaters as well.
This isn’t just a restaurant: it’s an establishment. Started in 1916, Trattoria Vecchia Roma serves locals with very classic Roman dishes. The familiar carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana are all features, but so are those less familiar to tourists: coda alla vaccinara (oxtail), rigatoni con la pajata (pasta with small intestines). Their porchetta (slow-roasted pork) should not be missed.
Authentic silver, custom engravings, and gifts in the Esquilino neighborhood
Established in 1997, Argenteria Astrologo is a family-run boutique offering fine gold and sterling silver jewelry, silver icons, and customized Italian gifts. Located in Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood, the business operates two locations: its original historic shop on Via Buonarroti 20 and a second shop near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on Via Merulana 10. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design, it serves as a go-to destination for authentic Roman keepsakes.
Near the entrance, you’ll find modern jewelry for men and women. Further inside, display cases and stacks of wooden drawers hold gold and silver rings, charms, necklaces and earrings. Everything is sourced directly from Italian manufacturing centers and reflects the country’s tradition of metalwork.
A major highlight for shoppers is Astrologo’s express on-the-spot engraving service, which allows custom dates, initials, or messages to be etched onto rings, watch backs, and pendants in just a few minutes. For non-EU tourists, the boutique also offers tax-free shopping on purchases over €70, allowing visitors to easily claim their VAT refund at the airport.
Art, Roman Monuments and Silver Gifts Fit for Embassies
Besides wearable accessories, Argenteria Astrologo carries a huge inventory of fine silver and gold artwork. Its religious collection includes detailed plaques and wearable pendants depicting the Virgin Mary, the Pope, traditional crosses, and more available in gold, sterling silver, or mixed metals to suit everyone’s preference.
The store also carries framed silver reliefs of Rome’s iconic monuments, such as the Colosseum and Piazza San Pietro. These pieces are purchased by institutions such as the Italian Ministry of the Interior and several foreign embassies.
For those who love unique home decor and small treasures, the store’s shelves are filled with hand-painted ceramics, decorative tableware, photo frames, and trinkets galore. The shop also specializes in milestone gifts and custom favors for graduations, First Communions and weddings.
Argenteria Astrologo is located at Via Buonarroti and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (closed Sundays). Whether you’re looking for a custom-engraved charm or an authentic piece of Italian silver, it offers a quality alternative to standard souvenir shops.
All about the 21st edition of Festa del Cinema di Roma
The 21st edition of the Rome Film Festival, produced by the Fondazione Cinema Per Roma, will take place between October 13 and 25 at Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone, with one of the world’s largest red carpets.
Beyond the Auditorium, the Rome Film Fest will occur in multiple locations across the city of Rome, including the Casa del Cinema in Villa Borghese, the MAXXI, Teatro Olimpico ACEA, Cinema Giulio Cesare, Teatro Palladium, Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo, Teatro Ateneo, and even the Fiumicino Airport Terminal 1, where passengers will get the chance to participate in an immersive experience of Italian cinema.
The official image
Every year, the Festa del Cinema di Roma chooses one historic image to pay homage to cinematic icons. In 2026, the official image depicts late Italian actress Monica Vitti as photographed by Sergio Strizzi on the set of Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Eclisse (1962). Vitti, who would have turned 95 this year, is depicted with a stern look amid stiff geometric shapes, typical of the EUR district.
The Festival will dedicate a photo exhibit to Strizzi as well as the premiere of Terrific Sergio, a documentary on the photographer’s life produced by his daughters, Vanessa and Melissa Strizzi.
55 countries are participating in the 21st edition of the Festa del Cinema di Roma. The official selection of the Rome Film Festival 2026 consists of the following sections:
Progressive Cinema Competition – Visions for Tomorrow’s World An international competition featuring fiction films, documentaries, and animated films.
Freestyle A non-competitive section showcasing works of free format and style, including series, music videos, films, and video art.
Grand Public A non-competitive section dedicated to mainstream cinema.
Special Screenings A non-competitive section.
Best of 2026 A non-competitive section featuring films from other international festivals, considered among the best of the season.
History of Cinema A non-competitive section focusing on classic films in restored versions, tributes, and a deeper exploration of the history of Italian and international cinema.
Alongside the film program, there will be exhibits, masterclasses, events, and a section dedicated to public discussions.
The Awards of Rome Film Festival 2026
This year, 18 films will contend in the Progressive Cinema Competition. A jury of cinematographers and professionals of the arts will assign the following awards:
Best Film
Grand Jury Prize
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actress
Best Actor
Special Jury Prize, selected by the President of the Jury in various categories
Poste Italiane, main partner of Rome Film Fest, will assign the Poste Italiane Debut Award to one of 14 eligible films from the categories of Freestyle Film and Progressive Cinema.
For the third year, RFF will also assign a Best Documentary Award to one of 14 documentaries from the categories of Special Screenings and Progressive Cinema.
Lastly, the general public gets to select the winner of the Terna Audience Award, named after the festival’s official sponsor, by voting for their favorite film through a QR code.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year, the Rome Film Festival is honoring Javier Bardem with a Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed by Academy Award winning director Paolo Sorrentino.
Bardem won an Academy Award for No Country For Old Men (2007) and starred in dozens of films and tv series, with over 80 acting credits under his belt. His newest, El Ser Querido, directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen and critically acclaimed at Cannes Film Festival, will be screened in the category of Best of 2026.
Opening Film
The opening film of Rome Film Festival 2026 will be Il Rumore delle Cose Nuove (The Noise of New Things) directed by Paolo Genovesi, starring Emanuela Fanelli, Edoardo Pesce, Claudia Pandolfi, Lino Musella, Stefano Accorsi, Vittoria Puccini, Claudio Santamaria, Edoardo Vitalone, and Rolando Ravello. The story follows three couples who are brought together by an unexpected event, which will break their inertia and light the spark of something new.
Official Selection
Here are the 18 films competing in the Progressive Cinema Competition:
Brianza directed by Simone Catania
Ceniza en la boca (Ashes) directed by Diego Luna
Closure directed by Michał Marczak
Congo Boy directed by Rafiki Fariala
Dua directed by Blerta Basholli
Eurotrash directed by Frauke Finsterwalder
Gæsten (The Guest) di Mads Mengel
Giorni felici directed by Susanna Nicchiarelli
I Love Boosters directed by Boots Riley
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning directed by Clio Barnard
The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd directed by Tim Blake Nelson
Mustang directed by Kasia Smutniak
Sants directed by Mikel Gurrea
Skejtanjeto ne e za devojčinja (Skateboarding Is Not for Girls) directed by Dina Duma
Thit-Thee Khu (Fruit Gathering) directed by Aung Phyoe
Uļa (Ulya) directed by Viesturs Kairišs
Voilà, c’est fini directed by Gustave Kervern
Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep directed by Rakan Mayasi.
Dozens of other films and will be screened in the various categories, many of which star world-renowned artists who will be in attendance. Read the full list of screenings here on the Rome Film Festival official website here.
Cinema would be nothing without its greatest stakeholder: the audience. The general public is invited to participate in the festival, and tickets sell fast. Pre-sale starts on October 7 at 11am at https://romacinemafest.boxol.it or you can purchase tickets directly at the box office of Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone. Ticket prices vary between €6 and €30.
21st Rome Film Festival
From October 13 – October 25
Main Venue
Auditorium Parco della Musica
Viale Pietro de Coubertin, 30
Other Venues
MAXXI Via Guido Reni 4/A
Casa Del Cinema Largo Marcello Mastroianni 1
Cinema Giulio Cesare Viale Giulio Cesare 229
Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo Lungotevere Castello 50
Teatro Olimpico Acea Piazza Gentile da Fabriano 17
Legendary cars and motorcycles on track among the vineyards of Tenuta di Fiorano
Update, September 29, 2026
GranMotori has been postponed. Due to additional requirements at the historic venue, the festival will now take place from March 19 to 21, 2027, at Tenuta di Fiorano.
GranMotori, a new festival for motoring fans and anyone curious about Italian design, makes its debut in Rome this October. From October 15 to 18, Tenuta di Fiorano, a private estate that has never been open to visitors before, will welcome collectors, designers, engineers, drivers and enthusiasts for a program built around cinema, design, heritage and motorsport. The festival opens to the public on October 16.
It starts on October 15 with an invitation-only preview at the estate, which belongs to the Boncompagni Ludovisi family, one of Italy’s oldest noble houses. Tenuta di Fiorano lies inside the Appia Antica Regional Park, among vineyards, centuries-old trees and archaeological remains.
The idea behind GranMotori is to show cars alongside the country that created them and turned them into culture, the Italian way: through people, food, art and places. Here, a rare Cisitalia might share the stage with a plate of cacio e pepe, and a Lancia Stratos with a Fellini film.
“GranMotori grew out of a simple question: how is it possible that a country that helped write the history of the car and the motorcycle still doesn’t have its own international festival dedicated to motoring? We wanted to create a place where people, stories and passion come even before the cars, combining an international vision with a deeply Italian character and building a community that will live on well beyond the three days of the festival.”
Silvia and Mauro Dorigo, Co-Founders of GranMotori
And since this is a motoring festival, speed gets its space too. The cars and motorcycles taking part will run on a dedicated track of about 1.4 km, built inside the estate among the hills and vineyards.
The festival is organized into four sections: Reels & Wheels, dedicated to cinema and visual culture; Next, dedicated to design and innovation; Icons, dedicated to heritage and craftsmanship; and Limitless, dedicated to motorsport and passion. This first edition also celebrates three key anniversaries in Italian motoring history: 60 years of the Alfa Romeo Duetto, 100 years of Carrozzeria Touring and 120 years of the Targa Florio.
Some of the cars on show are attractions in their own right. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Prototype, one of very few ever built and valued at more than €10 million, will be one of the most important pieces in the collection, together with the Alfa Romeo C52 Disco Volante, the famous concept car with its “flying saucer” shape, built in very small numbers and still one of the most photographed cars in Alfa Romeo’s history. There will also be a Cisitalia 202 SMM, twin of the car Tazio Nuvolari drove to second place overall in the 1947 Mille Miglia.
The Group B era will be represented by three Lancia legends: the Stratos, 037 Safari and Delta S4. A Ferrari F40 and a Vespa made famous by Roman Holiday complete a selection that spans more than a century, from the 1902 FIAT 12/16 HP to the current Ferrari Purosangue.
For the first time, judges from two of the world’s most prestigious motoring events will come together for a new festival: Richard Adatto, a judge at Pebble Beach, and Lorenzo Ramaciotti, President of the Jury at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.
The festival will also host a special contest for fans of scale modeling, cinema and cars, with five participants building ten dioramas inspired by some of the most famous car scenes in film history.
In all, more than 200 cars and motorcycles will cover the full arc of Italian motoring culture: classic cars, youngtimers, supercars and collector cars, running on the track in timed races, parades and dynamic displays. Professional drivers including Federica Levi, Dario Costa and Roberto Di Giuseppe will be behind the wheel.
Off the track, the paddock hosts ACI regularity races, and a freestyle motocross show runs four times a day. If you want to try driving yourself, there’s a simulator, included in the ticket. The Wheel Theatre hosts talks and live conversations on the future of mobility, and street food comes from the team behind Taste of Roma. The festival is designed for different kinds of visitors: enthusiasts who come for the paddock and the stories of those who built and drove these cars, newcomers discovering motoring through design and cinema, and families.
Ready to buckle up?
Tickets and practical info
A day ticket costs €85, or €49 for young people aged 6 to 17. It includes on-site parking, access to the main areas and festival content, the parades and the Freestyle Show. If you’re short on time, there’s a half-day ticket for €49, and if you want to see everything at an easy pace, you can get a ticket valid for two consecutive days.
For a better view of the dynamic displays, there’s a grandstand ticket for €99 (€59 for young people), or you can add a €30 grandstand upgrade to a full-price ticket you’ve already bought. There are also two premium options:
Dreamers’ Experience (€205): lounge, grandstand, dedicated parking, buffet lunch and meet-and-greets with drivers and collectors.
Drivers’ Club (€470): private lounge in the historic villa, buffet by Michelin-starred chefs, aperitivo and meet-and-greets with the festival’s key figures.
Grandstand seats and premium options are limited.
The festival is open from 10am to 7pm, with last entry at 5pm. The public entrance is at Via di Fioranello 31.
Quartiere Vino Pigneto, the festival that turns Pigneto into one big natural wine tasting, is back on Saturday October 10, and for the first time it takes place in autumn. From 4pm to 9pm, more than 40 winemakers from Italy, France and Slovenia will be pouring in the neighborhood’s wine shops, bars and restaurants. A €20 pass gets you a glass and unlimited tastings.
The first three editions were held in spring, when winemakers are at their busiest in the vineyard. Moving to October makes it easier for them to come to Rome, and it also catches them at a different point in the year: the harvest has just ended and the new wine is only starting to take shape in the cellar. The organizers, SO2 Enoteca and Solovino, have called this edition the Ottobrata Romana, after the old Roman habit of spending sunny October days eating and drinking outside the city walls.
The route covers the whole of Pigneto, from the pedestrian stretch of Via del Pigneto to Largo dei Condottieri. Alongside the bars and restaurants that have been part of the festival since the start, some of the neighborhood’s historic shops will host winemakers for the first time. One of the new entries is Bar di Antonio, an old Pigneto bar that has found a second life with its cremolati made only with fruit. Necci dal 1924, a neighborhood institution, is the main partner.
Piazza Nuccitelli and Enoteca SO2 are the two points where you pick up your pass and glass. Piazza Nuccitelli also hosts talks with winemakers and experts from midday, focused on climate change and how farming and the way we consume are adapting to it.
Among the names already confirmed are Paraschos, a reference point for Collio wine, the Slovenian estate Stekar and Natalino Del Prete, one of the first to make natural wine in Puglia. Several producers are taking part for the first time, some of them from France. On the day you can buy bottles at a dedicated price, either from the winemakers themselves or from the participating wine shops.
Not just wine
The other new feature is a partnership with Campagna Amica, the Coldiretti farmers’ network, which brings a small market of Lazio producers to Piazza Nuccitelli. The idea is to put natural winemakers side by side with other small farms that work outside industrial production, with the same care for the land and for quality.
The festival has grown quickly. Last time, more than 2,000 people bought a tasting pass and over 10,000 walked through Pigneto, drawn also by the off events organized by local venues. When the tastings end at 9pm, the evening usually carries on in the neighborhood’s bars. If you want to make a day of it, start with our guide to Pigneto.
Discover all the markets planned for this month in Rome!
October marks the real restart of Rome’s market season. After the summer break the city’s independent markets are back, several of them with new venues, new formats and news worth flagging. Here are the ones to keep on your radar this month.
Unique Mkt
Two to start with. Unique Mkt returns for its autumn edition on October 10-11 at Industrie Fluviali, in the heart of the Ostiense district. Dedicated to contemporary craftsmanship and well-made, original products, it brings together selected exhibitors from across Italy over several floors, in one of the most striking spaces on Rome’s market scene.
Unconventional Market Rome
Later in the month comes Unconventional Market, on October 24-25 at Mediterraneo al MAXXI. Rome’s independent fashion and design market features emerging brands, craft and creativity, with music and DJ sets throughout the weekend. It’s one of the best places in the city to discover new labels and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Vinyl lovers can start on October 3 with Vinyl Village at Monk, which returns on Sunday October 18 with La Domenica Vintage, a free market of vintage, vinyl, illustration and handmade stalls. On October 10-11, Unique Mkt brings its autumn edition to Industrie Fluviali in Ostiense…
The VGMT Market (Vintage Market) goes itinerant for the first time, opening at Forte Trionfale Hub (Ex Officina) on October 10-11 with 120 exhibitors of vintage furniture, design, posters, memorabilia and collectibles.
Ficus al Massimo is back at Garum Museo della Cucina, facing the Circus Maximus, on October 10-11 and again on October 24-25, with vintage items, handmade creations, floral design, fashion, ceramics, illustrations and vinyl.
Modern Mrkt returns with a special “uncommon & rare” edition on October 17-18, with a preview on October 16, also at Forte Trionfale Hub (Ex Officina). The focus this time is on unusual, hard-to-find and collectible pieces, with an outdoor food and drink area and a vintage DJ set.
Japan lovers can look forward to Japan Days at Ippodromo Capannelle on October 24-25, with artisanal goods and cultural workshops.
The Green Market is back with a new home at Hacienda on October 25: sustainable craft, small local producers, holistic treatments and a plant-based food corner. Open from 10:30am to 7pm, with free entry and an optional donation.
Every weekend, there’s also Merkat*, the market at Alcazar Live in Trastevere, with vintage, artisanal and handmade stalls and DJ sets throughout the day.
Be sure to explore these markets and discover the treasures they have to offer.
Discovering the best things to do in Rome in October
As Rome welcomes the cooler temps of October, it also welcomes new opportunities, events and adventures for visitors. Whether you’re a film enthusiast excited for the screenings and encounters at the Festa del Cinema, an art aficionado ready to immerse yourself in numerous exhibitions , or simply someone eager to party along to live music, Rome has something in store for everyone this October. In this article we have gathered some of the best events in October 2026 in Rome. Take your pick and enjoy.
Exhibitions this October in Rome
October is one of the richest months of the year for art in Rome, with the autumn blockbusters now open and a wave of new shows joining them.
The season’s biggest draw remains Vassily Kandinsky at Palazzo Bonaparte, the first monographic show devoted to the Russian master of abstraction in Rome in 25 years. Advance booking is recommended.
At the Museo Storico della Fanteria, from 17 October, Renato Guttuso: Mediterranean Soul pays tribute to one of the great figures of 20th-century Italian painting.
Two major openings follow: Keith Haring at the Museo di Roma – Palazzo Braschi, with over 140 works from the Nakamura Collection tracing his path from New York subway drawings to his final paintings, and Pontormo at the Scuderie del Quirinale, the first monographic exhibition ever dedicated to the Florentine master of Mannerism, built around loans from the Uffizi.
Two more not to miss: AQVA at the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, opening the five-year cycle Catastrophe and Wonder with JR, Bill Moran and chef Fulvio Pierangelini, and, from October 17, FOOD. The Taste in Art at the Chiostro del Bramante.
October in Rome promises to be a month filled with electrifying live music performances that will captivate music enthusiasts of all genres. From rock legends to indie sensations and everything in between, the city’s concert scene is set to deliver an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re into classic hits, contemporary tunes, or experimental sounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant music culture of Rome!
October is when Romaeuropa Festival really hits its stride. The 41st edition is one of the richest ever, with 100 shows, 240 performances and around 1000 artists from all over the world, and the autumn months bring the densest part of the programme: music, theatre, dance, digital arts and work created for younger audiences, staged at venues across the city.
The festival dedicated to the contemporary Italian trattoria returns to Rome for its second edition, this time stretched over eight days with around 60 chefs and 20 dinners across the city. Hypertrattoria celebrates the format that has done more than any other to shape how Italy eats: informal, regional, family-run, and now being reinvented by a generation of young cooks. Rather than a single venue, the festival unfolds as a series of collaborative dinners in trattorias and restaurants around Rome, each bringing together kitchens from different parts of the country for one night only.
Romics is the semiannual comic book, animation, and gaming convention in Rome. Taking place over four days, the convention will include special exhibitions, previews for upcoming works and meet-and-greets with authors and publishers.
Tevere Day returns from 2 to 11 October for ten days dedicated to the river that made Rome. More than 130 events unfold along the Tiber, from boat trips, guided walks and the Vogalonga regatta to open-air sport, clean-ups, talks and family workshops, in a part of the city most Romans cross every day but rarely set foot on. The highlight is Saturday 10 October, when thousands of flowers are handed out on six bridges to be cast into the current. It’s also one of the rare chances to see Rome from the water rather than from the street.
For one weekend Rome becomes a single open-air concert hall. Piano City arrives in the capital for the first time on 3 and 4 October with more than 200 free concerts, over 100 pianos and around 130 musicians across 90 locations in every district, from the historic centre to Ostia.
Born in Berlin in 2010 and already established in Milan and Palermo, the format turns squares, parks, museums, metro stations and even boats on the Tiber into stages, with 48 hours of continuous music from dawn concerts to late-night sets. It also includes House Concerts, intimate performances hosted by Romans who open their homes and their pianos to the public. The festival closes in Piazza del Campidoglio with Leonora Armellini, Gilda Buttà and Rita Marcotulli.
Now in its sixth edition, Roma Jewelry Week returns from 8 to 11 October, four days dedicated to contemporary, artist-made and goldsmith jewellery across the city. This year’s theme is The Crown of Ingenuity: jewelry as a story, a journey through the last 80 years of Italian art and culture, where design, craft and memory come together in a single contemporary object. Expect exhibitions, open workshops and encounters with designers and goldsmiths in galleries and studios around Rome.
The Ottobrata Monticiana returns to liven up the Monti neighborhood: three days filled with events, exhibitions, shows, and concerts to rekindle the cheerful and carefree spirit of the Romans who once participated in the famous Roman “Ottobrate”. These were traditional Sunday trips outside the city that took place in the month of October, coinciding with the beautiful sunny days and the grape harvest.
EurHop, Rome’s craft beer festival, returns from 9 to 11 October for its twelfth edition at the Salone delle Fontane in the heart of the EUR district. Over 800 beers flow from 400 taps, poured by 88 breweries hand-picked by Manuele Colonna, one of the leading figures on the European craft beer scene: 74 from across Italy and 14 from countries including Belgium, Germany, Denmark and England. Many of the brewers are there in person to present their best beers of the year and preview the season ahead.
October 9 – 11 | Longines Global Champions Tour Roma 2026
The “Formula 1 of show jumping” returns to Rome for the 14th leg of the 2026 circuit, which also marks the Tour’s 20th-anniversary season. For this special edition the event moves to the Ippodromo Militare di Tor di Quinto, home of the 8th Lancieri di Montebello Regiment and the cradle of modern show jumping, where Federigo Caprilli revolutionised the art of riding. Over three days, the world’s top rider–horse pairs will compete before the Tour heads to Cairo (Oct 22–24), the Rabat Finals (Oct 30 – Nov 1) and the season-deciding GC Playoffs in Riyadh (Nov 18–21).
October 10 | Quartiere Vino Pigneto – Ottobrata Romana
Quartiere Vino Pigneto, the neighborhood festival dedicated to natural wine, moves to autumn for the first time with a special Ottobrata Romana edition. On Saturday 10 October, from 4pm to 9pm, more than 40 winemakers from Italy, France and Slovenia pour their wines in the enoteche, bars and restaurants of Pigneto, and for the first time in some of the neighborhood’s historic shops, from the pedestrian zone all the way to Largo dei Condottieri. The €20 pass includes a glass and unlimited tastings at every producer’s table, and bottles can be bought on the day at dedicated prices.
For its fifth edition, Romadiffusa moves to Esquilino, turning one of Rome’s most multicultural neighborhoods into a stage for contemporary art and music. Under the claim “ROMA CITTÀ ETERNA ODIERNA,” the festival brings music, talks and performances to Piazza Vittorio, artworks and readings to grocery stores, bookshops, bars and restaurants, and site-specific interventions by artists including H. H. Lim, Lulù Nuti and Fiamma Montezemolo to the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino. Artists’ studios and private homes open to the public, alongside tours and workshops. Most events are free; some require booking. Last edition: over 80,000 attendees and more than 200 artists.
The Festa del Cinema di Roma returns for its 21st edition, running a day longer than planned: the festival now opens on 13 October and closes on 25. It begins with Il rumore delle cose nuove by Paolo Genovese, presented in the Grand Public section, with an opening ceremony hosted by Ema Stokholma. Among the names announced is Javier Bardem, who receives this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The Auditorium Parco della Musica, designed by Renzo Piano, hosts the main screening theatres, while the avenue leading to the Cavea becomes one of the world’s grandest red carpets. Beyond the Auditorium, screenings, talks and encounters spread across cinemas and venues throughout the city.
The Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon by Brooks is an unmissable event for sport enthusiasts this October. Now in its third edition, it takes place on Sunday 18 October 2026, starting at 8am from a new location under the Roman walls at Porta Ardeatina and finishing, as always, at the Colosseum. The 21.1 km route winds through the historic streets of Rome, passing iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, Piazza Navona and more. Alongside the main race there is the Longevity Run, a non-competitive 5 km focused on prevention and wellbeing, and a Charity Program that lets participants raise funds for non-profit organisations.
Now in its eleventh edition, Rome Art Week is a citywide annual event entirely dedicated to contemporary art. It offers the public a broad view of Rome’s contemporary scene through hundreds of free initiatives: exhibitions in galleries and institutions, artists’ open studios, and cultural projects. During RAW week, artists open their studios to enthusiasts, collectors, and professionals, while curators showcase their research through exhibitions and cultural events hosted across the city.
more than 200 locations in Rome discover moreRome Art Week
October 23 – 25 | Maker Faire Rome
Maker Faire Rome returns to the Gazometro Ostiense from 23 to 25 October 2026 for its 14th edition, with something for everyone from curious kids to creative, tech-loving adults. Innovators come from across Europe to present new ideas on hot topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, aerospace, digital manufacturing, healthcare and the circular economy. Attendees can also experience these ideas hands-on through the fair’s workshops and educational activities for all ages.
Explore Rome’s markets in all their variety: vintage finds and collectibles, artisan craft, independent fashion and design, plus food and wellness-focused markets with something for every taste.
Vinyl Village – Monk Rome – 3 October
Ficus al Massimo – Garum Museo della Cucina – 10-11 October
VGMT Market – Forte Trionfale Hub, Ex Officina – 10-11 October
Live music, food, drinks, and nightlife in Trastevere
A few streets back from the busiest corners of Trastevere, there’s a former cinema that never stopped filling up with people. Alcazar Live has been running it as a music venue since 2019, and in that time more than 1,700 artists have played here. It’s small on purpose: no barrier, no pit, and the stage just a few metres from the front row. The result is one of the most intimate places in Rome to see a concert and, after midnight, one of the few dance floors in the center playing music you won’t hear on the radio.
The Stage
The line-up crosses scenes rather than sticking to one. Masego and PJ Morton have played here for international soul and R&B; Ben l’Oncle Soul, Braxton Cook, MonoNeon, Jaz Karis, Wayne Snow, Kiefer and Dominic Miller for jazz, funk and alternative; Alan Sorrenti, Pino d’Angiò, Venerus, Francesca Michielin, Carl Brave and Marco Castello for the Italian songbook, old and new.
On the touring circuit the venue has built a reputation as a place where the live show never disappoints: artists tend to treat it like a club date rather than a stop on a tour, and audiences notice.
After Midnight
When the concert ends, the room changes shape and the night carries on until 3am. Here too the artistic direction stays off the commercial circuit: house, funk, disco and Italo disco, soul and boogie, with records chosen for each night.
Cassius, Moodymann, Mousse T., Folamour, Mind Enterprises, Bruno Belissimo, Kapote (Toy Tonics) and Habibi Funk have all played the decks. The resident nights carry the rest of the week: Comemammam’hafatto, the Thursday house jam, plus Boogie Frizzante, Soul Train, BELLA and Beat the 90’s.
Stand-up comedy
Some evenings open with stand-up comedy over dinner, featuring Italian and international comedians, with occasional shows in English as well as Italian, before the DJ set takes over the room.
Eat and drink
Upstairs, Balcony looks straight down onto the stage: Roman cooking with a contemporary touch, served while the band plays below. At the bar, the drinks list leans towards mixology rather than volume. The house motto is that a good night here takes good music, a good drink and your smile, in that order.
Merkat, the weekend market
On Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am to 7pm, the venue becomes Merkat, a market of vintage, Made in Italy, artisanal and handmade stalls, with DJ sets playing throughout the day. Entry is free, and it’s the only time dogs are allowed inside.
Private and corporate events
The space is also available for private hire and has hosted events for Bulgari, Versace, Gucci, Sky, Mediaset and Netflix. Enquiries to events@alcazarlive.it.
Good to know
Over-18s only.
Wheelchair accessible.
Dress code: original, casual chic, funky fashion. No sportswear.
Pets are welcome during the Merkat market only, because of the high volume at other times.
Refunds are only given if an event is cancelled by the artist or the promoter.
Alcazar Live isn’t just another venue for your entertainment. If you’re searching for a place where art, music, food and drinks come together to create a unique experience, Live Alcazar is it.
Click here for further information on Alcazar live music programs
Rome’s biggest event celebrating and protecting the Tiber returns from 2 to 11 October
The eighth edition of Tevere Day, Rome’s leading event dedicated to reviving and protecting the Tiber, runs from 2 to 11 October 2026. For ten days the river takes centre stage with over 130 events along more than 80 kilometres of its course, from Nazzano and Farfa down to Ostia and Fiumicino, spanning sport, the environment, culture, archaeology, boating, performances and community initiatives. Behind them is a network of over 200 associations, organisations, sports federations and companies.
The biggest new addition this year is the Giornata del Tevere, a day dedicated to the river that the Tevere Day Association hopes will become a fixed date in the city calendar on the second Saturday of October. The first one takes place on Saturday 10 October: from 11am to 1pm, thousands of flowers will be handed out on six pedestrian bridges (Ponte Milvio, Ponte della Musica, Ponte Sant’Angelo, Ponte Sisto, Ponte Fabricio and Ponte della Scienza) to be cast into the current as a collective tribute to the river. The opening ceremony is at 12.30pm on Ponte Milvio, while Ponte della Musica hosts Le 7 Arti, a performance by artist Francesca Chialà.
Also making its debut is Parchi di Sport, Urban Games: from 2 to 4 October, between Ponte Milvio and the Foro Italico, the new riverside parks will host demonstrations and open sessions of takeball, fencing, darts and footvolley, along with activities for families and older people. It runs from 11am to 5pm on 2 October, then from 10am to 5pm on 3 and 4 October.
Events not to miss
Vogalonga Tiberina, 10 October at 10am. The historic regatta sets off from the new Parco Fluviale Tiberis at Ponte Marconi and finishes at the Idroscalo di Ostia, with around 100 boats including canoes, rowing boats, dragon boats and kayaks. This year’s patron is two-time Olympic sailing champion Caterina Banti. The Roma-Ostia bike ride, organised with Sentiero Pasolini, leaves at the same time. Information and registration at vogalongatiberina.it.
Teverevivo, 2 to 11 October. Marevivo’s Floating Hub at Scalo de Pinedo becomes Tevere Day’s environmental village, with talks on art, science and conservation, the RiscARTI festival, the March for the Sea, guided tours and a science space run by ISPRA, Italy’s environmental research institute, dedicated to the river’s ecosystem.
Parliamo di Tevere, 5 to 11 October. Around 30 talks in bookshops, libraries and museums. The series opens on 5 October at 6pm at Temple University, Via di San Sebastianello 3, and closes on Sunday 11 October, from 3pm to 5pm, in Piazza San Bartolomeo all’Isola on Tiber Island, with a public conversation hosted by journalist Giuseppe Di Piazza.
The “Noi Siamo Tevere” campaign
In 2026 “Noi Siamo Tevere” (“We Are the Tiber”) continues. Promoted by the Tevere Day Association, the campaign involves volunteers, associations and neighbourhoods in caring for the river all year round. This year several companies have also joined, taking part directly in hands-on initiatives.
The message remains the same: looking after the Tiber is everyone’s responsibility, all the more so now that its central stretch is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A river that brings people together
Created to give the Tiber back a central role in city life, Tevere Day has grown over the years into a genuine grassroots movement. Working with sports federations, associations, institutions and local groups, it has helped restore numerous green spaces along the river and give them back to the public, who now use them again.
This eighth edition continues along the same path, bringing together associations, schools, neighbourhood committees, sports clubs, artists and residents to make the Tiber ever more accessible and lived-in, and recognised as a public space, a place for culture and a driver of urban regeneration.
Three days of events in the Monti neighborhood to relive the charm of the roman “Ottobrate”
Ottobrata Monticiana returns to enliven Rione Monti, Rome’s first and oldest district. From October 9th to 11th, 2026, enjoy three days of initiatives: wellness and sports activities, exhibitions, shows, and concerts that revive the cheerful, carefree spirit of Romans who once celebrated the famous Ottobrate Romane. These were traditional Sunday trips outside the city that took place in the month of October, coinciding with the beautiful sunny days and the grape harvest.
The Ottobrata Monticiana retraces these memories, encapsulating them within the Monti District. This initiative was born after AS Roma’s 1983 Scudetto victory, thanks to the efforts of Prof. Adolfo Cecilia, the founder of the Associazione culturale ricreativa e sportiva Rione Monti, whichaimed at preserving and passing on the traditions and identity of Monti. The goal was to bring together Monticians who had moved to other neighborhoods over the years or were about to do so.
Since that first edition, the Ottobrata Monticiana has become a tradition and a regular event for both old and new Monticians, as well as for tourists and visitors who come to experience the neighborhood’s genuine and authentic atmosphere.
The three-day programme, running from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 October, is packed. The 2026 edition brings the district to life starting from the main stage in Piazza Madonna dei Monti, alongside the events on the Scalinata degli Ibernesi and the moonlight concerts in Largo Visconti Venosta, with many more initiatives spread across the whole district. Beyond concerts and performances, there are exhibitions and roving events, plus workshops open to all ages.
Friday 9 October
Piazza Madonna dei Monti
16:30–17:00 — Carabinieri Band
17:30–18:00 — Address by the Municipio administration
18:00–18:30 — Awards for the district’s historic businesses (presented by Councillor Cristina Michitelli)
18:30–19:30 — Francesca Bessi, “Tutte le notti in sogno”, Roman songs (accompanied by Corrado Amici)
20:30–21:30 — Stefy Camboni (piano and vocals) and Massimo Mattia
22:00–22:30 — Ottobrata Monticiana lottery draw
22:30–23:30 — Massimo Mattia & Greta Mattia
Scalinata degli Ibernesi
20:00–21:30 — Monti canta Napoli, with Romolo Bianco (vocals and guitar)
Largo Visconti Venosta
20:00–22:00 — Canzoni in prestito, Mirai band & Aula 7
Over the three days the district will also come alive with roving performances (Rugantino & Rosetta, the Lodi Circus, and the Società di Danza in period costume), widespread exhibitions, guided tours, and workshops for all ages.
One of the highlights of 2026 is City Adventure, which turns Rione Monti into a large open-air urban game across all three days of the festival. You download the app (iOS and Android), follow a route through the alleys and squares, and play by the “play, shoot, discover, win” formula: historical riddles to solve, questions to answer and hidden details to photograph, with a final leaderboard and prizes up for grabs. There is no set start time: you begin whenever you like, on your own or as a team. All the info and rules are at cityadventure.it.
Here is a day-by-day rundown of the exhibitions, cultural initiatives and roving events of Ottobrata Monticiana 2026.
Exhibitions (all three days)
Giuseppe di Legge, “I Luoghi dell’Uomo” and Federico Ruxo, “L’Immaginario Marino” – Bar La Licata, Via dei Serpenti 165 – 9, 10 and 11 October, 07:45–21:30
Micro Art Shop – Via Tor de’ Conti 21 – the “Just One Day” flash-exhibition format with a rotating line-up of illustrators, plus the SLURP graphic project on show at Bar La Licata – 11:00–19:30
“Stagioni d’Oriente” by Francesca Maffucci – Galleria Moca, Via degli Zingari 1 – Friday 10:00–13:30 and 15:00–18:30, Saturday and Sunday 15:00–18:30
Mostra delle Macchine parlanti e degli Organetti, by Mario Valentini – Via dei Serpenti 35, c/o FITEL – Friday 16:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–13:00 and 18:00–22:00
Yarn Bombing, textile art installation (AssemblAbili GlobAli OdV) – Cavour metro exit, Piazza della Suburra – installation on view across the three days, with an open workshop 10:30–12:30
Roving events (all three days)
Rugantino & Rosetta – roving, starting from Via del Pozzuolo – 18:00–20:00
Lodi Circus, a circus show with stilt-walkers, acrobats and jugglers – roving – Friday and Saturday, 20:00–22:00
La Tavolata Monticiana – Via del Grifone – 17:00–20:00 – three open discussions with experts and institutions: Friday Environment and quality of life, Saturday Maintenance, upkeep and safety, Sunday Over-tourism and its impact on the district
Friday 9 October
Convento di San Bonaventura (14:30–15:30) – free guided visit, booking required, limited places
Gran Ballo dell’Ottocento (20:00–21:30) – a roving period-costume performance by the Società di Danza Circolo Nomentano, starting from Largo Corrado Ricci
Agriculturando – extra-virgin olive oil and Rome’s farming past (from 19:00) – Via della Madonna dei Monti 86 – a talk with an Oculus virtual-reality experience, 45-minute slots, max 15 people, booking required
Saturday 10 October
Istituto Centrale di Patologia degli Archivi e del Libro (11:30–12:30 and 14:30–15:30) – guided visit, max 25 people, booking required
Mathias Menanteau’s violin-making workshop (12:00–13:00 and 16:30–17:30) – visit, max 15 people, booking required
Convento di San Bonaventura (14:30–15:30) – free guided visit, booking required
All’ombra delle Torri (16:30) – roving guided tour with Dr Alessandra Rossi, meeting point in Piazza del Grillo
Rione writers in the bookshop (17:00–18:00) – Libreria 220, Via Panisperna 220
Schola Cantorum di Roma, sacred music (18:30–20:00) – Santa Maria ai Monti parish church
Marco Agamennone on the Capofarfa farm (19:00–20:00) – Via Madonna dei Monti 86
Sunday 11 October
Fitness & More with Rome by Run and WIP Fitness (from 09:00) – Piazza Madonna dei Monti and Largo Gaetana Agnesi – a running tour of about 7 km at 9:00, HYROX functional training for adults at 10:00 and 11:00, WIP Kids (ages 8–16) at 12:00 – free, limited places
Games for children (11:00–13:00) – Via Baccina at the corner of Via del Grifone – free ice cream from Il Gelatone for the children taking part
Gli uomini illustri di Monti (11:00) – roving guided tour with Dr Alessandra Rossi, meeting point in Piazza Madonna dei Monti
Il cinema a Monti (16:00) – roving guided tour with Dr Alessandra Rossi, meeting point in Piazza Madonna dei Monti
Workshops
Hands-on, informative sessions blending tradition, craft and creativity, open to the public and in many cases by booking.
Mani che creano – LabCreativo (Arte e Moda in Corso, FITEL) – Via dei Serpenti 35 – free workshops in crochet and amigurumi, sewing and dressmaking, watercolour and creative arts, with demonstrations of embroidery and tatting. Saturday: crochet 15:00–16:30 (max 20) and watercolour 16:30–18:30 (max 15). Info: 388 1626760
Lost-wax craftwork and life drawing – Sottobosco, Via Baccina 40 – Friday and Saturday, 10:30–23:00
Candle Store, workshop with Koche Dama – Via dei Serpenti 127 – Friday and Saturday, 17:00–18:30 – max 4 people, by booking
Gold leaf on fabric + demonstration – Via degli Zingari 37 – Saturday, 11:00–13:00
Build your own themed book, workshop for children (ages 4–8) – Libreria 220, Via Panisperna 220 – Saturday, 15:00–21:30
Yarn Bombing, textile art workshop – Cavour metro exit, Piazza della Suburra – across the three days, 10:30–12:30 – open to all, learn to make woollen flowers with the volunteers
Agriculturando, extra-virgin olive oil between health and history – Via della Madonna dei Monti 86 – across the three days from 19:00, 45-minute slots, max 15 people, booking required, with an Oculus virtual-reality experience on the world of the olive tree
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