Dear Tourist, Summer in Rome is underway and, as has been the tradition for a number of years, it offers a rich programme of e...

Dear Tourist, Summer is here many days earlier than expected however the city is able to offer you marvellous sites to escape the heat when needed. All of Rome’s parks, starting with Villa Borghese, have lawns and ancient deciduous trees offering shade and relaxation. The cloisters of many medieval churches also serve to defend our guests from the sun, and why not take a drink from one of the many fountains, which are testament to Rome’s rich water supply. What better time of year is there to enjoy a good Italian coffee on the Oppian Hill, visit the Colosseum or take snaps of monuments, fountains and piazzas from on board an open top bus?

Dear Tourist, It finally seems that Spring is making her presence felt, colouring the city with fresh light. With the arrival of sunny days, it is easy to reach one of Ostia’s beach structures to take in the sea air while enjoying a paddle along the seashore. Remember Rome is not only a city for art but also a seaside city with beaches, dunes and a brand new marina, all of which makes it unique with something for everyone. May is also the month of flowers so a visit to the Communal Rose Gardens is a must. It will only be open for a few days for rose lovers to admire over 1000 species from all over the world. In the evening events and exhibitions have been organised to give life to some very special nights in the city’s museums. Museum Nights allow everyone to get closer to art with free and out of normal hour entrance. To round off the month a date not to be missed is the Festival of Literature, an event that attracts thousands of spectators every year. Celebrated authors and unpublished works inaugurate the Estate Romana season. Rome awaits you! Mauro Cutrufo, Vice Mayor Rome

Dear Tourist, Visiting Rome in April means tasting the city at the height of its appeal. The arrival of Spring, the blossom...

Dear Tourist, In welcoming you to our city it is my pleasure to share our success at this year’s BIT (Milan International Tourism Fair) where we received an awarded in the “Italian City” category. Rome has yet again proved to be a favourite destination thanks not only to its historical and cultural charm but also due to its offer of exhibitions and events. Both Italian and foreign tourists alike are astounded by the extensive choice. In coming days the Rome marathon will be held with its runners snaking their way around the city centre. Similarly two important exhibitions come to life in March “Giotto” at the Vittoriano and “the Divine Vespasian” at the Colosseum. Moreover to animate Sundays in the capital are the performers Uto Ughi and Edoardo Vianello, who will entertain you as part of the long awaited programme of events – Romàntica. Rome awaits you, Mauro Cutrufo Vice Mayor Rome

Dear Tourist, If it is true that the cold of winter has you desiring a week on the slopes high up in the mountains; it is also true that Rome in February can take you by the hand in the discovery of great art. From 20 February come and enjoy Futurism at the Scuderie del Quirinale Gallery, the season’s exhibition. To celebrate the centenary of the birth of the movement and the works of Marinetti, in addition to the exhibition a fair has been organised lasting three months. Sited in exhibition halls, piazzas and auditoriums it includes “Avant-garde, Avant-garde” at Scuderie del Quirinale, “Manifesto 100x100” at Macro Future, Brian Eno’s instillation at Palazzo Ruspoli and Giancarlo Cauteruccio’s light waves. However what the capital has to offer does not end here as we are hosting great international music in the form of Oasis, who will be playing at Palalottomatica on 20 February. For sports fans February is the month of Italy’s first home game in the 6 nation’s rugby tournament. And to make our picture of Futurism, rugby and Brit pop more colourful still, all is set within the city’s traditional carnival. Costumes and culinary treats like frappe and castagnole (glazed chestnuts) will make your February in Rome that little bit sweeter. We are waiting for you!

Caro turista, certamente gennaio o febbraio non sono i mesi giusti per scoprire il fascino della nostra città, ma nonostante un po’ di freddo in più e un po’ di pioggia, non mancherà il modo di passeggiare tra chiese, monumenti, vicoli alla scoperta di una storia passata ma ancora così viva e presente. Ecco allora che vi propongo una meta famosa certamente, ma ricca anche di tante curiosità: la visita al Colosseo che proprio quest’anno festeggia 2000 anni di vita insieme a quel Vespasiano Flavio, che non solo fu un grande imperatore ma che, soprattutto, decise di costruire questo monumento che oggi è il più conosciuto al mondo, il più fotografato, il più amato dai grandi fotografi e registi cinematografici. Il Colosseo è un grande anfiteatro, un luogo all’interno del quale si svolgevano spettacoli di tutti i tipi: gare di caccia, lotte con animali feroci, combattimenti di gladiatori. E tutt’intorno, le gradinate per il pubblico e naturalmente il palco per l'imperatore. Una storia affascinante, che merita di essere conosciuta: in uno spazio apposito di approfondimento in questa stessa pagina sono state raccolte notizie e curiosità utili alla vostra visita. Ma Roma non finisce con il Colosseo, naturalmente. Scopritela giorno dopo giorno e se possibile, tornate più volte ad assaporare il suo fascino e a respirare la sua storia. Vi aspettiamo. Il Vicesindaco di Roma, Mauro Cutrufo

Dear Visitor, This year the Christmas holidays arrive at the height of a crisis that is forcing us to reconsider the values that our society is based upon. However, I am convinced that in this difficult moment is generating a series of answers filled with hope: 2008 will be the Christmas of intelligent consumption, sobriety, and a return to the traditions of old, to the roots that identify us. We will live the Nativity Celebration, New Year’s Eve and the Epiphany accompanied by quality events: international exhibitions, sacred music, rock, avant-garde art, Nativity scenes, traditional singing, the museums’ cultural events, surprises for children, the union between art and literature proposed by the Libraries and Culture Houses, New Year’s Eve in the theatres and with concerts in the squares, and the big events for the young. Rome confirms its position as a European and world capital at the vanguard of cultural tourism, a meeting place for big events for the masses, and with a priceless Historical and Sacred heritage. Best wishes for the Celebrations. Lets spend them together in Rome. Gianni Alemanno

Welcome! Rome is proud to host you in this so suggestive time of year, a time when art and spirituality combine in perfect harmony. On the 8 December the rich and colourful Christmas season officially opens. You’ll discover just how pleasurable it is to stroll along the decorated streets of our adored city; how heart-felt it is to take part in the papal audience on Christmas Day; and how filling it is to taste the scrumptious traditional fare on offer in the city’s characteristic osterie. Don’t miss out on all the Christmas initiatives we have prepared for you to make your stay in Rome truly unforgettable. Mauro Cutrufo Vice-Mayor with responsibility for tourism