Seasonal Events

It’s the most magical season of the year… Unlike any other season in Rome, winter brings a serene beauty to the city. The city becomes less crowded and the crisp air fuses with the soft lights to create a unique festive atmosphere. Warm meals, quiet alleys and holiday decorations will create the perfect stage for you this winter in Rome.   Winter Delights – What to Eat?   Winter is all about comfort. Rome’s unique location in Italy and its rich history make it a unique location to experience Winter meals in Europe. Here are some must-tries:   Coda alla Vaccinara: A slow-cooked oxtail stew enriched with tomato, celery, and herbs. It’s a classic Roman dish that pairs beautifully with a glass of Italian red wine.   Puntarelle: A crisp winter vegetable served with anchovy dressing. This Roman specialty can only be enjoyed a few weeks every year. The perfect way to enjoy the puntarelle season is in the comfort of our new restaurant Da Mariolino, a couple of steps from the Spanish Steps.   Panetonne Artigianale: During the holiday season, Rome’s bakeries come alive with artisan panettone—a light, sweet bread studded with candied fruits, raisins, chocolate or even pistachio for those with a sweet tooth.   Medaglione di Agnello: A lamb shank with bell pepper cream, demi-glace and red chard. A must you can experience in our restaurant, Emme. Ask the reception for a table in our intimate restaurant with a hidden garden.   Unique Experiences – What to Do   Even if the temperatures are dropping, winter remains a magical period to experience Rome during and after the holiday season. Here are our recommendations:   Christmas Markets: From Piazza Navona to Parco della Musica, Rome sets the festive tone with a curation of Christmas markets throughout December. Explore them to find handmade gifts, sip mulled wine, and embrace the holiday spirit under the magical lights of the city.   Visit the Vatican for Midnight Mass: The grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica reaches a peak at Christmas. An unforgettable experience. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for Christmas Eve, join the Romans for Midnight Mass, or simply enjoy the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square. This year’s Giubileo will also bring its own calendar of special events.   Ice Skating at Castel Sant’Angelo: Glide across the ice with the stunning backdrop of our beloved Roman fortress. It’s a fun activity for all ages, with festive music and hot chocolate stalls to keep you warm.   Epiphany Celebrations (6 January): Epiphany is officially marking the end of the holiday season in Rome. The Celebrations bring one last time an array of parades, concerts, and a truly magical atmosphere to the city. Don’t miss the Piazza Navona Befana Market, where the old witch brings sweets to children according to the Roman legend. Cozy Up in a Roman Cafe: Winter is the ideal season to linger over a cappuccino or a gourmet hot chocolate. Head to Caffè Greco on Via Condotti or Ciampini in Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina for a coffee experience surrounded with locals. Try the newly opened Marzapane after Piazza del Popolo for a more modern offer.   No matter how you choose to spend your winter days in Rome, the city offers endless opportunities to explore, taste, and experience its magic.

SPRING EVENTS: Good Friday and Easter Sunday parades (dates variable) plus the Pope’s address on Easter Sunday from a balcony above St Peter’s Square. March 15: Beware the Ides of March: every year on this date Rome reenacts the assassination of Julius Caesar, at the Largo di Torre Argentina, site of his murder. April: Festa di Primavera in marks the arrival of spring with pots of hot-pink azaleas ablaze on the Spanish Steps. April 21: Rome celebrates its birthday with parades of photogenic gladiators and toga-clad Romans. It starts at Circo Massimo, and makes a circuit around Ancient Rome via the Colosseum. April 25: Festa della Liberazione celebrates the liberation of Italy post WWII, with parades and music on. May 1: The traditional free May Day concert takes place on, at either San Giovanni or Circus Maximus.   SPRING SPORTS: Six Nations Rugby games take place in March in Stadio Olimpico, a short hop from Rome Luxury Suites. Rome Marathon: The world’s most scenic marathon route takes place in Rome in March, winding through the historic centre of Rome. Let us advise you on the best viewing spots. Italian Open: Tennis’s biggest stars come to Rome in May, at Foro Italico, an easy trip from Rome Luxury Suites.   SPRING FOOD: Seasonal produce to taste include Lazio’s splendid artichokes, fave (broad beans) and zucchini flowers, strawberries and cherries. Campagna Amica farmers’ market takes place 10.30am to 7pm Saturday and Sunday by Circus Maximus.

SUMMER HAPPENINGS: June – August: Rome’s lovely summer riverside festival, Lungo il Tevere, is clustered around Tiberina Island in summer, with stalls, music, food and events. June 2: Republic Day celebrating the birth of the Italian Republic in 1946. There’s a wreath laid at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a military parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali. June to early August: Rome Summer Fest (Estate Romana) takes place with performances in spectacular venues. June: Rock in Roma headlines with superstar acts at venues including Circus Maximus and the Campanelle Racecourse, both in easy reach of Rome Luxury Suites. July: Feast of Noantri (of ‘the others’) takes place in July in Trastevere, with religious parades and marching bands. August 15: The national holiday of Ferragosto takes place on the feast of the Assumption. The Vatican Museums are closed but other sites remain open. August: Longines Global Champions Show Jumping takes place in Circus Maximus   SUMMER FOOD: Stone fruits such as peaches, nectarines, apricots are at their finest in summer. Other fruits include melon, watermelon and figs. Summer vegetables include aubergine (eggplant), peppers, and tomatoes. Porchetta (roasted deboned pork stuffed with herbs) and lamb are seasonal meats on local menus.

Autumn has arrived in Rome. It is one of the best times to visit the eternal city. The bigger crowds have almost disappeared and after a long summer Rome truly comes alive with unique events and treats. From festivals to mouth-watering Roman plates, here’s what you can look forward to this fall in Rome.   Fall Harvest – What to Eat?   Fall is all about flavors. Try and experience some of the most interesting dishes in Roman cuisine featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. Here are some must-tries: Tortelli di Zucca: These pasta filled with pumpkin are a classic fall dish in the eternal city. They are often served with just a light butter and sage sauce. Castagnaccio: A more rustic, dense chestnut cake often made with rosemary, raisins, and pine nuts—perfect when accompanied by an espresso. Guancia di Manzo and Broccoletti: A stewed beef cheek with traditional and seasonal Roman broccoli. A must you can experience in our restaurant Emme. Ask the reception for a table in our intimate restaurant with a hidden garden. Carciofi alla Giudia: Artichokes are a Roman specialty you can't miss. Especially in the Jewish Quarter, where this ancient recipe is still made to perfection following authentic recipes. Tagliolino al Tartufo: A timeless pasta dish served with butter and truffle. The perfect way to enjoy the truffle season in the comfort of our new restaurant Da Mariolino, a couple of steps from the Spanish Steps. Last but not least, for a very local taste of Roman fall, head to the Campagna Amica Market near Circus Maximus. It is only open on weekends from 10:30am to 7pm, but there you will be able to enjoy a selection of fresh bites, cheeses, and meats straight from local farms.   Unique Experiences – What to Do?   Fall in Rome isn’t just about food. Here is our selection of what to see and what to do in town: Rome Jazz Festival (1-23 November 2024): Jazz amateurs will love the return of this iconic festival. Performances take place at both the Auditorium Parco della Musica and Casa del Jazz, showcasing a curated selection of world-renowned artists to up-and-coming talent. Autumn Walks on the Appian Way: October and November are perfect months to visit the ancient Appian Way. With the fall colors on full display and fewer tourists, you can immerse yourself in the history of Rome on a road once traveled by Roman soldiers. Our concierge can arrange a tour for you. Rome’s Rose Garden (6-20 October 2024): Hidden on the Aventine Hill where Romans like to breathe, Rome’s rose garden is in full bloom for just a few weeks in October. Take a peaceful morning walk through the garden’s 1,100 varieties of roses, and enjoy stunning views of the city from this tranquil spot. No matter how you choose to spend your fall days in Rome, the city offers endless opportunities to explore, taste, and experience its magic.