Page 62 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Rome

60  INTRODUCING ROME

ROME THROUGH THE YEAR

The best times to visit Rome are spring and obviously very special in Rome, but there are
fall when the weather is usually warm, and other religious festivals worth seeing at other
sometimes even hot enough to sunbathe and times in the year, in addition to some
swim at the beaches and lakes outside the enjoyable secular events like the Festa de’
city. In the winter months, the weather tends Noantri in Trastevere and the Flower Festival
to be grey and wet, while in high summer, in Genzano. In villages outside Rome, local
most people (including Romans, who leave celebrations are held to welcome new crops
the city in their droves) find the heat such as strawberries and beans in the spring,
unbearable. Easter and Christmas are and grapes and truffles in the fall.

Spring
Easter, falling in March or April,
marks the official beginning of
the tourist season in Rome.
Catholics from all over the world
flock into the city to make their
pilgrimages to the main
basilicas and to hear the Pope’s
Easter Sunday address outside
St. Peter’s, while the less devout
come simply to take advantage
of the mild weather. Meanwhile, Participants of the Rome Marathon make their way through the streets
Romans pile into their cars and
head for the coast and country­ city’s rose garden overlooking the Events
side, so you can expect the Circus Maximus, it is opened to Festa di Santa Francesca
roads, beaches, and restaurants the public. Romana (9 March), Santa
of the Castelli Romani and Lake For two weeks from mid­May Francesca Romana. Blessing
Bracciano to be busy. Via dei Coronari is lit by candles, of the city’s vehicles (see p89).
Temperatures tend to be lined with plants and hung with Festa di San Giuseppe
around 66° F (18° C), but can hit banners for the street’s antiques (19 March), in the Trionfale
82° F (28° C), so by mid­May it is fair, while Via Margutta hosts area. St. Joseph’s (and Father’s)
usually possible to lunch and an outdoor art show. In the first Day celebrated in the streets.
dine outside. However, there can week of May the International Rome Marathon (late March),
still be sudden downpours and Horse Show is held in the Villa through the city (see p359).
temperature swings, so bring Borghese. Also usually in May, Festa della Primavera (March/
warm clothes and an umbrella. many world­class tennis players April), Spanish Steps and
In April tubs full of colorful azaleas flock to Rome to compete in Trinità dei Monti. Azaleas
are ranged on the Spanish Steps the International Tennis in the street and concerts.
and along Via Veneto, and once Champion ships held annually Good Friday (March/April),
the roses start to flower in the at the Foro Italico. Colosseum. Procession of
the Cross at 9pm led by
the Pope.
Easter Sunday (March/April),
St. Peter’s Square. Address
made by the Pope (see p229).
Rome’s Birthday (21 April),
Piazza del Campidoglio
and elsewhere.
Beni Culturali Week (April).
Free entry to most galleries.
Art exhibition (April/May),
Via Margutta (see p345).
International Horse Show
(early May), Villa Borghese
(see p358).
International Tennis
Championships (usually May),
International Horse Show in Villa Borghese in May Foro Italico (see p358).

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