Experience Winter in Rome

Since 2003, Rome's carnival has regained the popularity it was once prone to in the 19th century. It was created as a way to celebrate the end of winter with religious rites and colorful parades. For 10 days, the festivities are held from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. The programme includes unusual costumes and street parades, concerts, street theater, shows and fireworks. Every year, historical characters from the Commedia dell'Arte', such as Harlequin, Columbine and Polichinelle, are there, so the festival almost manages to upstage Venice's own famous Carnival. It takes place between the end of January and the end of February, which is usually about the same time as the one in Venice.

In the summertime, you want to enjoy the outdoors, but winter is an ideal time to visit the city's lesser known underground. Head to the catacombs, a network of galleries that house thousands of tombs. There are about 60 catacombs in Rome, and some are very well preserved, such as the catacomb of St. Callixtus. Excavated in the 2nd century, they extend over 20 kilometers and 4 floors, with 500,000 Christians and 16 popes who were buried there. The 2nd floor is the only space open to the public, and it is where the crypt of the popes is located. Moreover, you will also find frescoes depicting scenes of baptism and prayer. The most visited are the catacombs of San Sebastián, which also depicts scenes from daily life. Visits cost 8 euros per adult and 5 euros per child between 5 to 15.

Rome, thanks to the Vatican(/news/article/2999), is the seat of the Catholic world and the residence of the Pope. For this reason, religious traditions are very present in the city, particularly at Christmas. The great Roman nativity scenes are a must-see at this time of year, and they became a true art form in the 17th century. Among the most spectacular are the one in the Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano, with its numerous figures, and the one in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Next to the 28-meter Christmas tree, you will find a nativity scene with human-sized figures. And if you don't want to wander far from church to church, you can also visit the exhibition about the 100 nativity scenes in the Vatican.

Although Italy is well known for its summertime aperitivo drinks, there's nothing quite like a hot chocolate to comfort you on a cold day. In Rome, one of the best hot chocolates in the city can be enjoyed in the cafeteria of the Cloister of Bramante. This Renaissance building is now a museum with temporary exhibitions and an art gallery, which combines two goals. Don't miss their current exhibition about contemporary art.

Every year, Rome attracts thousands of people for the end-of-year festivities. From the Christmas markets to the Roman nativity scenes and New Year's celebrations, the city is very special during that time of the year, particularly around the Piazza del Popolo and its obelisk. It is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, and a fantastic fireworks display is set off there every year, which is a good reason to visit on its own.