Those traditions aside, you’ll still see many familiar Christmas and Seasonal displays in Italy. Christmas trees are becoming far more popular in Italy. In stores, there seem to be endless supplies of ornaments and decorations. Just like in the States, decorations seem to start earlier and earlier each year. The main decorations – the focus – is still the presepe, the Nativity scene or creche. Almost every church has a presepe.We often go from church to church to see the presepe. You can often find them outdoors in a piazza or public area. The largest presepe is undoubtedly in St. Peter’s Square.

Special thanks to Joy Davidow and the folks at InRomeNow. The following information about happenings in Rome is almost ALL pasted directly from their Holiday newsletter. For the most current information on what is going on in Rome, then definitely head to their website. They have new editions every Friday and I suggest you visit them prior the week prior to your time in Rome.

 CLASSICAL MUSIC

  At the Parco della Musica

Via Coubertin (Flaminio)
tel 06 199 109 783
www.listicket.it tel 892 982

Belcea Quartet with Valentin Erben, cello
The quartet has twice received the Royal Philharmonic SocietyAward for Chamber Music Ensemble. They are the Associate Ensemble at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London and are Quartet in Residence at the Atheneum Concert Hall in Bucharest. They record for the EMI label.
Music by Haydn, Shostakovich, Schubert
Sala Sinopoli, Friday, December 4, 8:30 pm

Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Antonio Pappano, conducting, with Mitsuko Uchida piano
One of the world’s most esteemed pianists, Uchida won Grammy awards for her recordings of the complete Mozart piano sonatas, the Debussy Etudes,  and the Schoenberg Piano Concerto. In April 2008, BBC Music Magazine presented her its Instrumentalist of the Year and Disc of the Year award. Beethoven: Piano Concerto n. 5 “Emperor”
Strauss: Ein Heldenleben
Sala Santa Cecilia, Saturday, December 5, 6 pm; Monday, December 7, 9 pm; Tuesday, December-8, 7:30 pm

Orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Kent Nagano, conducting with Benedetto Lupo piano
Lupo won the bronze medal in the 1989  Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. He has performed with leading orchestras including the  London Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony.
Mozart: Piano Concerto 23 K. 488
Stravinski: The Firebird
Sala Santa Cecilia, Saturday, December 12, 6 pm;
Monday, December 14, 9 pm; Tuesday, December 15, 7:30 pm

London Symphony Orchestra, Valerij Gergiev conducting
Concert benefiting FAI, the foundation that works to protect Italy’s architectural heritage. One of the leading conductors of his generation Gergiev heads the Marinsky Theater  Saint Petersburg and is principal guest conductor of the Metropolitan Opera New York.
Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet overture
Ravel:- Pavane pour une infante défunte
Debussy: Jeux
Stravinsky: Jeu des cartes
Ravel: Boléro
Sala Santa Cecilia, Wednesday, December 16, 9 pm

King’s Singers
The Grammy award-winning a cappella choir formed at King’s College Cambridge in 1968 presents their traditional Christmas concert, with music by  Orlando di Lasso, Heinrich Schütz, Ivan Moody, Juan de Padilla, Max Reger, Arvo Pärt, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Christmas carols.
Sala Sinopoli, Friday, December 18, 8:30 pm

Orchestra and Chorus of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Antonio Pappano conducting with soloists Olga Guryakova soprano, Dmytro Popov tenor, Albert Dohmen bass. Guryakova has performed leading roles at La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera and other leading houses.
Rachmaninoff: The Bells
Rachmaninoff: Symphony n. 2
Sala Santa Cecilia, Saturday, December 19, 6 pm; Monday, December 21, 9 pm; Tuesday, December 22, 7:30 pm

Chorus of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Renato Balsadonna conducting
Christmas concert with music by Bach, Resphighi, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Händel and traditional Christmas songs.
Sala Santa Cecilia, Tuesday, December 23, 8:30 pm

 At the Auditorium della Conciliazione

Via della Conciliazione (near the Vatican)
tel 899 5000 55

Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma

Luiz Fernando Malheiro conducting
Borodin: Prince Igor Overture
Borodin: In the Steppes of Central Asia
Brahms: Symphony n. 3 in F major op. 90
Sunday, December 6, 5:30 pm and Monday, December 7, 8:30 pm

Francesco La Vecchia conducting
Beethoven: Symphony n. 6 in F major op. 68 “Pastorale”
Beethoven: Symphony n. 7 in A major op. 92
Sunday, December 13, 5:30 pm and Monday, December 14, 8:30 pm

Francesco La Vecchia conducting, Anita Selvaggio soprano
Beethoven: Coriolanus Overture, op. 62
Beethoven: “Ah perfido!” Concert aria for soprano and orchestra op. 65
Beethoven: Symphony n. 8 in F major op. 93
Sunday, Deccember 20, 5:30 pm and Monday, Decemer 21, 8:30 pm

Lior Shambadal conducting
Dvorak: Symphony n. 9 in E minor “From the New World”
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol
Stravinsky: Suite from the Firebird ballet
Sunday,  January 3, 5:30 pm and Monday, January 4, 8:30 pm

Orchestra Filarmonica di Bogato
Emin Guven Yaslicam conducting, Maria Kliegel cello
Mozart: Adagio and Fugue for Strings K546
Elgar: Concerto in E minor, op. 85 for cello and orchestra
Borodin: Symphony n. 4 in A minor “Unfinshed”
Sunday, January 10, 5:30 pm and Monday, January 11, 8:30 pm

 At the Aula Magna

Piazzzale Aldo Moro (San Lorenzo)
tel 06 49 91 - www.greenticket.it

Till Fellner piano
The third in a series in which Fellner performs the complete piano sonatas of Beethoven. Fellner has performed with leading orchestras worldwide. He records for the ECM label.
Saturday, December 12, 5:30 pm 

National Symphonic Orchestra of Ukraine, Kiev
Vladimir Sirenko conducting, Giuseppe Albanese piano
Rachmaninov: Concerto n. 2 in C minor op. 18
Schumann: Symphony n. 3 in E flat major op. 97
January 12, 8:30 pm  

 Rome Baroque Festival

A series of concerts in historic spaces.
www.romafestivalbarocco.it

Chiesa di S. Luigi de’ Francesi
Piazza San Luigi dei Francesi, 20 (near Piazza Navona)
Mondo Novo Holland perform arias and sacred cantatas from 17th century Rome. Thursday, December 3, 9 pm 

Istituto Pontificio di Musica Sacra
Bob van Asperen, harpsichord
Friday, December 4, 9 pm

Basilica di San Eustachio
Piazza di San Eustachio (near the Pantheon)
Bob van Asperen, organ
Sunday, December 6,  8:30 pm

Musei Capitolini, Sala del Marco Aurelio
London Baroque with soprano Emma Kirkby. “Händel in Rome”
Sunday, December 7, 9 pm

Musei Capitolini, Sala del Marco Aurelio
Ensemble Lacrime Amorose “Le Cantate solistiche a Roma nel seicento”
Wednesday, December 9, 9 pm

Basilica di S. Apollinare
Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, 49 (near Piazza Navona)
Mass in Latin, with Giovannelli’s Mass for three choruses of 12 voices, performed by the Ensemble Festina Lente
Saturday, December 12, 6:30 pm and Sunday, December 13, 7 pm

Istituto Pontificio di Musica Sacra
Piazza di San Agostino, 20a (near Piazza Navona)
Evangelina Mascardi, baroque guitar and Lincoln Almad, Jesuit harp
Tuesday, December 15, 8:30 pm

Chiesa di S. Luigi de’ Francesi
Piazza San Luigi dei Francesi, 20 (near Piazza Navona)
L’Arte dell’Arco:” Friends and rivals in the court of Queen Cristina of Sweden”
Wednesday, December 16, 9 pm

Chiesa di S. Maria dell’Anima
Via Santa Maria dell’Anima (Piazza Navona)
Musica Antiqua Latina, Händel in Rome
Thursday, December 17, 9:30  pm

Palazzo della Cancelleria
Piazza della Cancelleria (near Campo de’ Fiori)
Ensemble Ricercare Antico” Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger, a German in Rome.
Saturday, December 19, 9 pm

POPULAR MUSIC

  
Editors
The English pop group released their third album, ‘In This Light And On This Evening’ last October.
Teatro Tenastrice, Via Giorgio Perlasca 69 (Prenestino)
Wednesday, December 3, 9 pm  -  www.ticketone.it

 Bobo Stenson
One of the most prominent jazz pianists on the European scene, Stenson began his career in his native Stockholm in the ’60s and has since performed with such greats as Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz and Gary Burton.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Teatro Studio
Friday, December 4, 9 pm  – tel  892 982www.listicket.it

Fausto Mesolella guitar and Mimmo Epifani mandoline
Ethnic Italian music.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Teatro Studio
Saturday, December 5, 9 pm  – tel  892 982 www.listicket.it

Glenn Miller Orchestra
The current incarnation of the historic big band is led by Larry O’Brien.
Auditorium della Concilaizione (Vatican)
Saturday, December 5, 6 pm – www.greenticket.it

Ludovico Einaudi: Nightbook
The pianist and composer, internationally  known for his minimal, atmospheric music, has composed an audio-visual event, performed here with Einaudi, backed by violin, viola, cello, guitar, percussion and live electronics, with live visuals by Matteo Ferroni.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Santa Cecilia
Sunday, December 6, 9 pm  – tel 892 982 www.listicket.it

Peter Hammill, piano
One of the founding members of Van der Graaf Generator, the progressive rock group, Hammill began his solo career in 1971 with the album “Fool’s Mate.”
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Sinopoli
Monday, December 7, 9 pm - tel  892 982 www.listicket.it

Gianmaria Testa
The guitarist and singer has released six albums and performed more than 1500 concerts throughout Europe and the USA. With “Da questa parte del mare,” (2007) a concept album dedicated to the theme of modern migration, he won the coveted Tenco Award for best album of the year.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Teatro Studio
Tuesday, December 8, 9 pm – tel  892 982 www.listicket.it

Deep Purple
The English rock group formed in 1968 were pioneers in the heavy metal and hard rock genres.
Palalottomatica, Palazzo dello Sport (Eur)
Saturday, December 12, 9 pm – www.ticketone.it

Joe Bonamassa guitar with Carmine Rojas bass,
Rick Melick keyboards, and Boogie Bowles drums
The  young American composer and guitarist began his career playing with B.B. King at the age of 12. He has gone on to become a major blues musician in his own right.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Sinopoli
Sunday, December 13, 9 pm – tel  892 982 www.listicket.it

Cristiano De André
Ten years after the death of his father, legendary singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André, Cristiano begins a personal voyage through songs that have left their mark on the history of Italian music and literature. Having taken his place on stage beside his father nearly 30 years ago at the age of 18, he has gone on to keep his father’s music alive and to create music of his own, playing guitar, bouzouki, violin, piano and keyboards.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Santa Cecilia
Sunday, December 13, 9 pm – tel  892 982 www.listicket.it

Diamanda Galas: Your Kisses are like Fire
Galas is one of the most unique vocalists on the planet, performing a wild show with her freaky voice. Her followers are ardent.
Aula Magna, Piazzale Aldo Moro (San Lorenzo)
Tuesday, December 15, 8:30 pm – www.greenticket.it

ROME GOSPEL FESTIVAL

Again this year, some of the most outstanding gospel groups make their way to Rome from all over the United States for this annual holiday celebration, at the Parco della Musica, Sala Sinopoli.
tel 892 982 www.listicket.it

Harlem Gospel Choir
Founded in 1988, the group has performed with the Commodores, Michael Jackson and Prince. Their latest album is “I’m So Glad.”
Sunday, December 20, 9 pm

Lemmie Battles and the Virginia Mass Choir
The Grammy-nominated ensemble of 12 singers is currently on tour in Europe.
Monday, December 21, 9 pm

Craig Adams and the Voices of New Orleans
The son of legend Fats Domino, Gospel pianist Adams formed his group in 2002, winning the Big Easy Entertainment Awards in 2004.
Tuesday, December 22, 9 pm

The Anointed Pace Sisters
Nine women who began singing together in high school. Their debut album with Savoy Records entitled “U-Know” made the top ten in the Billboard Charts and stayed on the charts for over a year.
Wednesday, December 23, 9 pm

Voices of Deliverance
From Charleston, South Carolina, a traditional gospel vocal group.
Friday, December 25, 6 pm

J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise
From Brooklyn, Hairston and his group were awarded the Soul Train Award for Gospel Artist of the Year, the GMWA, Excellence Award Choir of the Year in 2003.
Saturday, December 26, 9 pm

Cedric Ford and Heart of Worship
From Chicago, Ford’s album “Created2Worship” was released last May. He sings a modern, popular form of Gospel, influenced by artists like Stevie Wonder.
Sunday, December 27, 9 pm

Nicole Slack Jones and the Soul Sisters
From New Orleans, Nicole Slack Jones performed at Harrah’s Casino in Las Vegas singing soul, jazz and funk with  “The Big Easy Groovers”.
Monday, December 28, 9 pm

Oscar Williams and Perfected Praise
From Detroit, Williams performed at the annual Vatican Christmas concert in 2002 and 2003.
Tuesday, December 29, 9 pm

Robin Brown and Triumphant Delegation
From Georgia, Brown has performed at Gospel festivals throughout the USA.
Wednesday, December 30, 9 pm

Reverend Jessy Dixon and the Chicago Gospel Singers
Called the “King of Gospel” by the International Herald Tribune, Dixon has recorded more than three dozen albums, winning seven Grammy awards.
Thursday, December 31, 10 pm with a toast to the New Year at midnight

OTHER MUSIC  

Orchestra of the 41st Parallel
An ensemble of 18 women, playing winds, strings, piano and percussion, perform music inspired by countries of the 41st parallel, from Southern Italy to Turkey, Uzbekistan, Greece and Albania. Among their themes are texts selected by Amnesty International, written by women who have been subjected to violence.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Teatro Studio, Sunday, December 20, 9 pm  – tel 892 982 www.listicket.it

Devendra Bahart
With Noah Georgenseon guitar, Greg Rogove drums, Luckey Remington bass, and Rodrigo Amarante guitar. From the USA, Bahart’s music has been described as a indie rock and psychedelic folk. He presents his latest album, “What will we be.”
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Petrassi, Sunday, December 20, 9 pm  – tel 892 982 www.listicket.it

Renato Zero: Zeronove Tour
The Italian pop star, on the scene since the 1970s, is back in town for the second time in two months, playing to those who couldn’t get tickets to his shows in November.
Palolottomattica, Palazzo dello Sport (Eur)
Sunday-Monday, December 21-22, 9 pm  – www.greenticket.it

PMJO Jazz Orchestra: Christmas in Jazz
Annual holiday concert
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Sinopoli
Saturday, December 26, 11 am  – tel 892 982 www.listicket.it
   
Claudio Baglioni “Q.P.G.A.”
One of Italy’s biggest pop stars, Baglioni began his career in the 1970s, and has gone on evolve musically into more sophisticated sounds. He wrote the official Anthem for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Santa Cecilia
Sunday-Wednesday, December 27-30, 9 pm – tel 892 982 www.listicket.it
    
Paolo Fresu
The jazz trumpet player, one of Italy’s most respected musicians, explores the music of Corsica, with a backup group including Daniela di Bonaventura on bandeon and the seven-voice chorus A Filetta.
Audidtorium Parco della Musica, Sala Sinopoli
Thursday, January 7, 9 pm – tel 892 982 www.listicket.it

Joe Barbieri
Winner of the 2009 Lunezia PopOn Prize, the singer-songwriter presents his latest work, “Maison Maravilha.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Saturday, January 9, 9 pm – tel  892 982 www.listicket.it

Vernon Reid, guitar
With Jamaladeen Tacuma bass and Calvin Weston drums.
Born in London and raised in New York, Reid is remembered as the founder and composer of the Living Color band. He has released three solo albums and collaborated with musicians such as Tracy Chapman and Carlos Santana.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Sinopoli, Sunday, January 10, 9 pm – tel 892 982 www.listicket.it

Christmas Concert: Orchestra Popolare Italiana
Ambrogio Sparagna, conductor with vocalist Maria Pia De Vito
Christmas music of the Italian folk tradition
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Sinopoli
Tuesday, January 5, 9 pm and Wednesday, January 6, 6 pm  – tel  892 982 www.listicket.it

OPERA, DANCE & THEATER

 Dunas
One of the most exciting contemporary dancer-choreographers, S. Larbi Cherkaoui, teams up with the flamenco virtusoso Maria Pagés in a unique dance dialogue. Presented by the RomaEuropa Festival.
Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Gentile da Fabriano (Flaminio)
Wednesday, December 2, 9 pm
tel 06 326 5991 romaeuropa.net

Philip Glass: The Witches of Venice
With libretto and images by Beni Montressor. A ballet-opera for children and adults, in which a little prince searches for a little girl like himself, encountering would-be captors, dark passageways and other obstacles along the way.
Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Petrassi
Saturday, December 5, 9 pm; Sunday, December 6, 6 pm; Monday, December 7, 9 pm. tel 892 982

The Russian Army Chorus and Dancers
A popular attraction, in Rome every year during the holidays.
Auditorium Conciliazione, Via della Conciliazione (Vatican)
Saturday, December 5
www.greenticket.it

Certi Notti
Performed by the respected Aterballeto company of Reggio Emilio, the principal producing and touring dance company in Italy, with music by the Italian star Luciano Ligabue, based on a song from his 1995 album “Happy Birthday, Elvis”.
Teatro Argentina, Largo Argentina
Thursday, December 17 – Sunday, December 20, 9 pm – www.teatrodiroma.net

La Traviata
The most recent Zefirelli production, a lavish affair, is revived for the holidays. The draw this time is the star power of tenor Fabio Armiliato and soprano Daniela Dessi.
Teatro dell Opera di Roma
Piazza Beniamino Gigli (Esquilino)
Friday, December 18 – Thursday, Deccember 31. – tel 06 48 16 02 55

Lo Schiaccianoci (The Nutcracker)
It’s that time again. The traditional version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet is performed by the Orchestra and Corp de Ballet of the Teatro dell Opera di Roma.
Teatro Nazionale, Via del Viminale (Esquilino)
Tuesday, December 13- Thursday, December 31 – tel 06 48 16 02 55

Lo Schiaccianoci (The Nutcracker)
Performed by the Balletto di Roma, in a modern version with choreography by Mario Piazza to Tchaikovsky’s music
Teatro Olimpico, Piazza Gentile da Fabriano
Thursday, January 7

Lo Schiaccianoci (The Nutcracker)
This one performed by the Croatian National Ballet, with the original Petipa choreography. 
Teatro Sistina, Via Sistina 129
Monday-Tuesday, January 11-12 - www.ilsistina.com

FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES 

Natale al Parco della Musica
The park around the Auditorium turns into a Christmas wonderland December 5-January 6. The grounds are merrily decorated with lights, the area pedonale will be transformed into a skating rink, and a Christmas village with goodies for sale, as well as all sorts of surprises, appears on the grounds.
Skating rink: Open through February 8 . Entrance €8
Junior Orchestra and Children’s Chorus: Two fine ensembles, the JuniOrchestra and the Voci Bianche perform a series of holiday concerts.
Christmas music at Sala Petrassi, Wednesday, December 9, 7:30  pm
Sala Santa Cecilia, Saturday, December 19, 9 pm  -  tel 892 982 www.listicket.it

Christmas Market in Piazza Navona
Each year, the Piazza Navona is filled with stands selling Christmas decorations, the ubiquitous old lady known as “La Befana” who delivers gifts on the day of the Epiphany, goodies to eat, gifts of all kinds, and little rides for little kids. December 1- January 6.

Christmas Market at Piazza Mastai

Presepi: The Italian Christmas Crêche
The presepe is almost more iconic than the Christmas tree, here in Italy, and there are displays all over Rome. One Hundred Nativity Scenes is a Christmas crib exhibition displaying around 200 pieces by Italian and foreign artists at Rome’s Sala del Bramante. Designs range from classical 17th-century Neapolitan and Sicilian cribs to more contemporary styles. At Sala del Bramante  in Piazza del Popolo 1, the annual display of 100 Presepi is already open  daily through January 6, 9:30 am – 8 pm.

Il Canto di Natale: Burattini di San Carlino
A masterful marionette show, in Italian, based on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” performed in the puppet theater on the grounds of the Borghese Gardens. Viale dei Bambini, Tuesday, December 8, 11:30 am and 4:30 pm; Saturday, December 12, 4:30 pm; Sunday, December 13, 11:30 am and 4:30 pm; Sunday, December 20, 11:30 am.  On December 20, there will be a special Christmas party, complete with a visit from Babo Natale, 4:30 pm. The Nutcracker will be performed puppet-style, December 26, 4:30 pm  and December 27, 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. €6,50 www.sancarlino.it Palalottomatica, Piazzale dello Sport (Eur)
Wednesday-Thursday, December 2-3, 7:30 pm; Friday, December 4, 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm; Saturday-Sunday, December 5-6, 11:30 am; 3:30 and 7:30 pm.
www.greenticket.it

Disney Live!

Golden Circus
Liana Orfei is back in Rome with her popular circus, a traditional affair with lions, tigers and tight rope walkers.
Tendastrice, Via Giorgio Perlasca 69
December 23 -January 10 (with a New Year’s Eve gala)

GETAWAYS – Outside Rome

What better way to spend a holiday weekend than by taking a drive out of town to discover the Christmas installations in small towns surrounding Rome? The traditional presepe, or crêche, can be as elaborate as a minature village complete with running waterfalls and a lighting system that changes from dawn to dusk. It can be life-size or larger, and sometimes it can include live animals. The most charming are the imaginative scenes from a magical land. Here are few options:

Lago di Bracciano
Just 36 kilometers northwest of the city in the back hills of a bucolic Roman countryside, Lago di Bracciano has been a favorite weekend retreat since the time of the Romans and ruins discovered in the lake basin suggest an earlier history dating back to the Etruscans and further to the first neolithic European villages built 5,500 years ago. The lake is surrounded by three charming towns: Bracciano, Anguilara Sabazia and Trevignano. In the town of Bracciano, the Renaissance Orsini-Odescalchi Castle (1470) dominates the lakefront from its promontorial position. Trevignano was built above the lake and is still protectd by the ruins of the medieval Orsini fortress. The entrance to the town of Anguilara is a tree-lined avenue ending in a towering 16th century gate

Anguillara Sabazia- The first original water crêches (presepe) in the northern Lazio region, a large sculptural installation featuring the sacred family sheltered beneath a hut, with a well-lit interior for late evening or night viewing from the jetty, facing the historic Piazza del Molo.
Dec 14 trough Jan 6th

Trevignano Romano- Crowds coming to visit the various displays in Trevignano are directed to the town’s prize creation, a  presepe perched on a hillside slope, constructed from cartapesta and set in a palafitta, a primitive habitation. Throughout the town, there are numerous examples of presepe.

Bracciano- The presepe vivente is the most important Christmas event of the three lake towns, with  living characters and animals. Again, this year, a crew of 80 participants in costume, along with 20 technicians will show off the  elaborate crafted scenes of biblical  proportion.
Visits begin on Christmas day.

Getting there: To get to the town of Bracciano, the Roma-Viterbo train line departs from the Roma-Ostiense and St Peter’s stations. (www.trenitalia.com).
Buses leave hourly from the Lepanto bus depot, near Prati’s Cola di Rienzo shopping area and the Lepanto A line Metro stop. To get to the town of Anguillara, the Roma-Viterbo train line’s Aguillara stop is about four kilometers from the town center, with shuttle bus service from the station. The Lepanto-Bracciano bus service stops directly in the town center. To get to Trevignano Romano take the bus to Bracciano then transfer to a local bus arriving at Trevignano.

By car, from Corso Francia  take the SS Flaminia to the G.R.A. (The freeway that  forms a ring around Rome), exit onto the SS. Cassia-Veientana-Viterbo highway towards Viterbo. Continue for 35 km exiting at Settevene (signs indicate Trevignano, Bracciano, Anguillara, etc.) and turn left crossing the viaduct. Follow the curving country road of Settevene Palo until you arrive at a crossroads with further indication (Bracciano, Anguillara, Trevignano).

Coming through the city, the Via Cassia brings you to all three towns. From Corso Francia take the Cassia. (Bear to your left at the fork where the Cassia and Flaminia intersect off Corso Francia).. Follow the Cassia past an area called La Storta. Continue several kilometres and take a left at the Braccianense. From there, continue to Bracciano, Anguillara or Trevignano.

San Gregorio da Sassola
Prior to Italy’s unification, Sassola was known as San Gregorio, in memory of Papa Greogorio Magno (Gregory the Great 540-604), patriarch of the territories to which Sassola belongs. Sassola dates back to the colony of Albalongo and 3rd century B.C. Etruscan kings who ruled Rome.  This years marks the eighth edition of the exhibition celebrating the art of miniature presepe, which will debuts at the Chiesa di San Biagio (Madonna delle Grazie), Sunday December 6, 12:30 pm, and is repeated December 26 and January 1, 4:30 pm  The Museo del Presepio, opened in 2005,  houses a beautiful collection of crêches created over various periods from diverse regions.  Via Vittorio Emanuele 14, 10 am-12:30 pm and 3 -7:30 pm – www.sgregoriopresepi.altervista.org

Other presepe to visit in San Gregorio da Sassola
· Chiesa Parrocchiale
· Chiesa “San Sebastiano”

Getting there: By car, take the  Autostrda A24 (1) Roma-L’Aquila exit Tivoli – follow the signs for for via Prenestina or follow signs from Rome for Tivoli – enter Tivoli Centro and follow indications for San Gregorio da Sassola

Risvondoli, Abruzzo
Rivisondoli, like the majority of the  region was destroyed during the disastrous earthquake of 1706 but rebuilt immediately thereafter. Tourism got underway with the arrival of the Italian royal family in 1915, and continues to this day, as the town is one of the most important ski resorts in Central-Southern Italy.
For the town of Rivisondoli, the presepe vivente  is a religious, folkloric and cultural manifestation. Since its  inception in 1951, the ritual has taken place yearly on January 5th. The newborn chosen for the occasion is determined by the last born child of the preceding year, while the woman who represents  the Madonna is selected in a special event on December 8th, the celebration of the Immaculate Conception. The event attracts crowds in the hundreds.

Getting there: By car take Autostrada A/25, (toll station Pratola Peligna – Sulmona) Piano delle Cinque Miglia, Rivisondoli. It’s about 161 km from the city.

OTHER SEASONAL EVENTS

• Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City holds the popular midnight mass.
• Murano in Venice, displays a seven meter tall tree of glass built by glass master Simone Cenedese. They hold a yearly program of decorations called Natale di Vetro, Christmas in glass.
• Torino - One of the best places for Christmas lights. Over 20 kilometers of streets and squares are illuminated by some of the best illumination artists in Europe from late November through early January.
• Near the top of Monte Ingino, above Gubbio, Umbria, a huge Christmas tree, 800 meters tall, is made up of 450 lights. In 1991 the Guinness Book of Records named it “The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree.” The tree is topped by a star that can be seen for nearly 50 kilometers. The tree is lit up every year on 7 December, the evening before the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
• Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Alps celebrates with a skiers torchlight parade – At midnight on Christmas Eve hundreds of people ski down an Alpine peak carrying torches.
• In Abbadia di San Salvatore, near Montalcino, the Fiaccole di Natale or Festival of Christmas Torches (Christmas Eve) is celebrated. Carols and torchlight processions in memory of the shepherds from the first Christmas Eve.
• Città di Castello, in Umbria, celebrates Christmas Eve in on the Tiber River. Towards evening, a group of canoeists, each dressed as Father Christmas, with their canoes illuminated by lights, make their way along the river to the bridge at Porta San Florido where a crib is suspended over the water. When they get out of their canoes, they give small presents to the children gathered there.
• Lago Trasimeno, also in Umbria, celebrates with Soul Christmas, Umbria Gospel Festival, December 8 – January 6.
• Pezze di Greco: Living Nativity Scene, December 25-January 3
• Celico: Living Nativity Scene, December 25
• Tarcento: Pignarul Giant Bonfire Festival, January 6
• Cividale: Historical Pageant and Costume Parade, January 6
• Gemona: Messa del Tallero Medieval Pageant, January 6
• Alesso: Twenty Year Festival, December 31
• Resia, Cicigolis (Pulfero): La Koleda, December 31
• Sauris, Cicigolis, Cave del Predi: Star Festival
• Paularo: La Femenate Bonfire, January 6
• Latium – Greccio: Re-enactment of St. Francis Building the First Nativity Scene, Christmas Eve
• Calizzano: Living Nativity Scene, December
• Roccavignale: Living Nativity Scene, December
• Diano Arentino: Living Nativity Scene, December
• Riomaggiore: Nativity Scene, December
• Milan: Epiphany Parade of the Three Kings proceeds from the Duomo to the church of Sant’Eustorgio, January 6
• Asti: Silver and Gold in the Night: New Year’s festivities organized by neighborhood committies, December 31
• Alagna: Ice Nativity Scene, Christmas Eve
• Cessole: Living Nativity Scene with Re-Enactment of Ancient Professions, followed by hot chocolate, vin brûlé, roasted chestnuts and grappa, Christmas Eve
• Maranzana: Living Nativity Scene with Costumed Parade and Re-Enactment of Ancient Professions, followed by vin brûlé and roasted chestnuts, Christmas Eve
• Moncalvo: Santa Claus gives gifts to the children, December 22
• Roatto: Bonfire Celebration and Exchange of Gifts, followed by panettone, spumante and bruschetta, Christmas Eve
• Schierano (Passerano Marmorito): Torchlit Re-Enactment of Christmas Eve in Costume, Christmas Eve
• Piana degli Albanesi: Greek Orthodox Ritual and Procession, January 6, incorporating traditional Albanian costumes and rituals.
• Acireale: Living Nativity Scene, December
• Cavalese: Trial of the Witches, first week of January
• Tesero: The Nativity Representation, December
• Bibione: Living Nativity Scene, Church of S.M. Assunta, December 24-25
• Siracusa – Santa Lucia Day, December 13, is celebrated in many Italian towns. One of the biggest celebrations is in Sicily where the city of Siracusa holds a huge parade carrying the saint on a golden coffin to the Church of Santa Lucia. On December 20 there is another parade to return her to the crypt
• Barga, in northwestern Tuscany. At 7:30pm on December 23, about 200 costumed participants congregate behind Joseph and Mary at the city gates. They then wander through the streets requesting shelter of the artisans, who also wear colorful costumes. Everybody winds up in the piazza just in time to see a comet star lead the Wise Men to the Baby Jesus’ manger.
• Capri – Local folklore groups perform in the Piazzetta on January 1 and 6; also in Piazza Diaz in Anacapri.
• Erice – The Rassegna Mediterranea degli Strumenti Popolari (Mediterranean Folk Music Festival) is held in this lovely art town late in December. Musicians come from all over the world with their bagpipes, tambourines, flutes, Jew’s-harps, lutes and other instruments, filling the beautiful old streets with their melodies.

 Also, special thanks to Martha Bakerjian from About.com Guide  &  http://www.initaly.com/ for the calendar information.

If you’re looking for a book to read or that “just right” guidebook you will find plenty of bookstores in Rome that only sell English language books. Many of the Italian bookstores also have a smaller English section. Do know that English books ARE expensive here in Rome. At these stores, you can also buy local publications in English or English language newspapers and magazines. Listed below are a few of the many bookstores in Rome that may have English language materials.

Almost Corner Bookshop
This bookstore is located in Trastevere. It has a variety of literature and guidebooks. Formerly known as The Corner Bookstore, this shop moved to a larger and better lit location. The owner Dermot O’Connell has created an intimate, cozy location. The store has best sellers and also great classics. There are also biographies, history books, novels – all in English.
Open daily from 10:00-13:30 and 15:30-20:00.
Via del Moro, 45
Tel: 06 583 6942 (Trastevere)

Anglo American Bookshop
This bookstore is located near the Spanish steps. It has a great many novels, books on art and architecture, and also academic books detailing the history and culture of Rome. It is an established bookstore with more than 45,000 books and has been in business in Rome for more than 25 years. A separate address down the street specializes in books on science and technology
Via delle Vite,102
Tel. 06 679 522 Fax: 06 6783890 (Spanish Steps)
Scientific/Technical Section at Via delle Vite, 27
Tel: 06. 678 9657 Closed Monday morning and Sunday
http://www.aab.it/

Arion Bookstore
This bookstore is a location where you can sit and enjoy wonderful books, while sipping a drink or cappuccino in an incredible environment. Hotel Majestic houses the Arion bookstore, one of Rome’s largest. There are readings by prominent Italian authors in the ballroom, and the bookstore holds autograph sessions and other promotions in the hotel.
Open Mon-Thu from 10am to midnight, Fri-Sat from 10am to 1am, Sun from 11am to 9pm.
Via Veneto, 42
Tel: 06 679 5222

Bibli
Bilbi is a spacious Italian bookstore where concerts, lectures, readings and panel discussions are often held. There is also Internet access, a tearoom, a courtyard dining area, and a baked goods counter. Most of the books are in Italian, but there are some English titles.
Via dei Fienaroli, 28 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06 5814534 / 06 588 4097
http://www.bibli.it/

Bookàbar Bookshop
A large bookshop located at the corner of Via Nazionale and Via Milano in the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, the largest exhibition area in central Rome. The Palazzo also includes a cinema, an auditorium, and a Forum. The bookshop has a café, books, CD’s, and DVD’s. English titles are available.
Mon – Closed
Tue-Wed 10.00-20.00
Fri-Sat 10.00-22.30
Sun 10.00-20.00
Via Milano 15/17
Tel: 06 48913361
http://english.palazzoesposizioni.it/canale.asp?id=14

Borri Bookstore
The Borri is a huge bookstore located inside the Termini Train Station. On the third floor (top floor) there is a very large selection of titles in English. Open from 07:30-23:00 all week.
Termini Station
Tel: 06 482 8422
http://www.grandistazioni.it/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=5f7eb63813afb110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD

Daseia
This music and bookstore has a variety of sheet music and books from international publishers. The shop features small music concerts and book presentation. There is free internet access and wine, coffee and snacks are also available.
Via di San Francesco a Ripa 60, Trastevere
Tel: 06 454 22111
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rome-Italy/Daseia-Music-Bookshop-Cafe/31794135047

la Feltrinelli
The Feltrinelli’s are the Italian version of Barnes and Noble. Their stores are everywhere in Rome. Most of the stores have an extensive selection of books, CD’s, DVD’s, video games, video gaming units, etc Many have a café (such as Largo Argentina). There is often a small selection of English and Spanish titles, including a comprehensive collection of Rome guide books and maps in most of la Feltrinelli bookstores.
http://www.lafeltrinelli.it/fcom/it/home.html

• la Feltrinelli at Fiumicino
  - Arrivals Terminal
  - Satellite Terminal
  - Departures Terminal
  - Terminal A
• la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
  Viale Guglielmo Marconi 190 – 00146 Roma RM
• la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
  Viale Libia 186 – 00199 Roma RM
• la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
  A selection of English language books available in store along with a wide choice of music, DVDs and stationary. Open Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-21:00 and Sun 10:00-13:30 and 16:00-20:00.
  Viale Giulio Cesare 88,
  Tel: 06 377 2411 Fax: 06 375 14023
• la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
  Piazza Colonna, 31/35 – 00187 Roma RM
• la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
  Via Appia Nuova 427 – 00181 Roma RM
• la Feltrinelli Librerie
  A selection of English-language books available. Open Monday from 14:00-19.30 and Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-19:30.
  Via del Babuino 39/40
  Tel: 06 360 01842 Fax: 06 360 01929
• la Feltrinelli International
  Feltrinelli opened a large international section in its flagship Piazza Exedra shop in 1996, offering a wide selection of English-language books on a variety of topics: literature, art, health, self help, gardening, religion. Books in English, Spanish, French and German. They also carry dictionaries and reference books for many languages.
  Via V.E. Orlando, 84/86 (Piazza Exedra near Piazza della Republica)
  Tel: 06 482 7878 Fax: 06 4827878
• la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
  Largo Torre Argentina, 11 – 00186 Roma RM
• la Feltrinelli Librerie
  via V.E. Orlando, 78/81 – 00185 Roma RM

Herder Buchhandlung
Herder Buchhandlung is a historic German bookshop specializing in theological and philosophical works. You will also find a small selection of books in English and some children’s books.
Piazza di Montecitorio, 117
Tel: 06 679 46 28
http://www.herder.it/

Il Mare – International bookshop
This bookstore specializes in nautical maps and accessories. It has books and also CD/DVDs, video games, and software. Open Monday to Saturday from 09:30-19.30, closed Sunday.
Via di Ripetta, 239
Tel: 06 3612155 / 06 3612091
http://www.ilmare.com/

Libreria del Cinema
This bookstore features items dedicated to film. It sells books and DVDs, mostly in Italian. There are a few English titles. Here you can issues of Variety and other English-language film-industry publications..
Via dei Fienaroli, 31/d (Trastsevere)
Tel. 06.581 7724
http://www.libreriadelcinema.roma.it/

Libreria del Viaggiatore
This small, packed, bookstore is filled with maps and travel books, many of them available in English. If you’re looking for guidebooks on Rome, or the latest books on travel, this is a great placed to start. There are also rare volumes, coffee tables books, and vintage editions.
Open Monday from 16:00-20:00 and Tueday to Saturday from 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00.
Via del Pellegrino, 78
Tel. 06.68801048 (near Campo de’ Fiori)

Libreria Godel
This shop features rare editions and out of print books. It also had calendars, postcards, posters, dictionaries, tourist guides and souvenirs. Open daily from 09:00-20:00.
Via Poli, 46
06 6798716 Fax: 06 6790331
http://www.libreriagodel.it/ita/home-eng.asp

Libreria Internazionale Gremese
The Liberia Gremese is an international publisher of high quality reference books, illustrated manuals and travel guides. They offer a wide variety of books on cinema, fashion, sports, art, and photography.
Via Cola di Rienzo, 136
Tel: 06 3235367 Fax: 06 3235374

Libreria Internazionale San Paolo
This bookstore, located near St. Peter’s, specializes in theology. Here you will find a huge selection of books in English, French and Spanish. Open daily from 09:00-13:00 and from 15:15-19:15, closed on Saturday afternoon.
Via Conciliazione, 16-20
Tel: 06 6864872 Fax: 06 68807651

Libreria Mondadori
This large store has a section containing English-language books. There is also an audio-video department. The store also sells greeting cards, gadgets, and toys. Open Monday to Saturday from 09:30-20:00.
Piazza Cola di Rienzo, 81
Tel: 06 3220188
http://www.negozimondadori.it/

The Lion Bookshop & Cafe
The Lion is the oldest English bookstore in Rome, dating back to 1947. There are more than 30,000 English titles in stock. There are sections on literature, art, cuisine and photography, and books on Rome and Italy. There is a small café with tea, coffee, and pastries. An excellent children’s section is available. The bookstore is conveniently located halfway between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo.
Via dei Greci, 33/36 (near Piazza del Popolo)
Tel. 06.32654007 – 06.32650437
Fax. 06.32651382
http://www.thelionbookshop.com/script/index.php?l=uk&AffNo=0

Mel Bookstore
Here you will find English books, CDs and DVDs. There is a small coffee shop on the upper level. Open Monday to Saturday from 09:00-19:30 and Sunday from 10:00- 13:30 and 16:00-20:00.
Via Nazionale, 254-255
Tel: 06 4885405 Fax: 06 4885433
http://www.melbookstore.it/

Mel Giannino Stoppani – Children’s Bookstore
Probably the best children’s book store in Rome. There is a small collection of books in English.
Piazza Apostoli, 59/65, Rome

Messaggerie Musicali
This store has one of the biggest selections of CDs, DVDs, video games and books in Rome. If you’re looking for a foreign language magazines and newspapers, this is the place to start.
Via Del Corso, 472
Tel: 06 684 401

Open Door Bookshop
This book shop has been operating in Rome for more than twenty years. Most of the books are art related books in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. They buy and sell books here.
Via della Lungaretta, 25
Tel: 06 5896478 Fax: 06 5896478
http://www.books-in-italy.com/;

Ricordi Mediastores
A huge selection of CDs, DVDs, video games and books right on the Corso. Open Monday-Saturday 09:30-20:00 and Sunday from 10:00-13:00/15:00-20:00.
Via del Corso, 506
Tel: 06 361 2370 Fax: 06 321 6860

Santa Susanna Library
This library is run by volunteers from Rome’s English-language Catholic Church. The library has more than 20,000 English titles. There is a good selection of current novels, books about Rome and Italy, and a children’s section. You can purchase a “Single membership” for €35 per year. You also pay a €25 returnable deposit. You are allowed to borrow up to five books for a period of two weeks, which can be renewed for an additional two weeks by telephone.
Open Tues and Thurs 10 am – 1 pm, Wed 3 – 6 pm Fri. 1-4 pm, Sun 10 am – 12:30 pm.
Via Venti Settembre, 15
Tel: 06. 482 7510 (near Piazza della Repubblica)

Touring Club Italiano
Store creates driving maps and guides. A great place to stop at before you take a trip through Italy/Europe.
Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-6:30 pm.
Via del Babuino, 20
Tel: 06-3600-5281
http://www.touringclub.it

Tickets are selling quickly for the evening affairs. We had the opportunity to see the Synchronized Swimming Finals and also some preliminary swimming heats. With the “upcoming” revisions to the swim suits being proposed by FINA, the world records being set here may last for a LONG time….

If you go, bring water! We carried our own “ice chest” in with water, ice, drinks, and an Italian picnic lunch. My wife complained  I was planning on moving in – No, I just wanted to be prepared. DO be prepared for the HOT sun. These are open-air stadiums so it is hot. Fortunately, we had seats under the umbrella pine trees that surround the facility.

You can ride the Metro Line A to the Ottaviano stop and then connect on the 32 and 271 buses to the Stadium stop (this is probably the easiest way for most folks)… Look for the pools on your LEFT – pictures below will detail that – and then jump off the bus. Or you can ride the #2 Tram from in front of the Metro Line A Flaminio to Piazza Mancini (major bus stop) and then walk across the bridge or perhaps catch the 280 bus…

In the Google Map above, the Red Circle denotes the location of the FINA World Championships. The Blue Box is Piazza Mancini…and the black dots in front of the pool competition area are the bus stops for the 280, 271, and 32. Here are a couple views from the street if you’re coming in on the buses.

Pictured below are the arrival gates… they did a very good job of dressing up the area. For those of you who come to the Italian Open Tennis tournament it’s in the same spot!

You can walk into the “park” area without a ticket. You only need a ticket to go into the competition venues. This open-air “market” has many sponsors selling and giving away items. The most popular booth? The one selling the official FINA T-shirts and memorabilia.

There’s also a kids area. Here you’ll see Nickelodeon with huge displays. Also, there are Play Station 2 areas. There is even an Internet Point inside the market area. Okay – I’ll probably get divorced for putting this picture on my blog… but our kids loved Sponge Bob when they were younger (now in their twenties) and so for them, here’s my wife doing her impression in the kids’ area!

Okay – when she reads this post, my short writing career will be over!

Our first event was the Ladies Team Synchronized Swimming. It was the first time we had seen this event “live” and it was incredible. How do they hold their breath so long? And all stay so “together?” Amazing!

Warming up for the FINALS…

The Italia Team – a crowd favorite. They had a “well-supported” routine with lots of cheering and shouting. These are the introductions at the beginning of the event when ALL the teams come out one-by-one. Biggest cheer was for these ladies – hands down!

Russia won the event, followed by an incredible performance by the Spanish Ladies (I thought they should have won!). China finished third. Italy was sixth and the USA finished in 7th place at the event we attended.

We came back a few days later for the swimming heats… mainly because all the evening tickets were $85-120… too rich for our blood. So we scheduled our dip into the swimming events so we could see Phelps and Pellegrini. We were not disappointed as both did quite well in their heats.

It was quite hot and mostly attended by friends and family. Everyone was coming back for the FINALS scheduled in other events that evening. Fan support in Europe is quite unique and we saw many celebrations. The folks from Montenegro had not won an event yet but there were by far having the best time when we were there!!!

When Michael Phelps came out (stepping onto Lane 4 starting blocks above) he was all business. We knew it was him before he got close to the pool as a TV camera was three feet from him his entire walk out… Then when he got out of the pool (after winning his heat) they were two feet away… The price of fame.

Above, the big screen shows the results and Phelps entering the pool.

After the events, the swimmers would walk under a canopy and by these folks – the press. Some stopped – most did not.

Only a few days left in the championships… If you’re in town, head over and enjoy the atmosphere. As you can see, the dress code here at this event is pretty liberal. Come and enjoy the sun, the European experience, and the competition!

The nature and landscaping is beautiful and the area has its share of archaeological treasures. There are three towns built on the lake’s shores: Bracciano, Trevignano Romano and Anguillara Sabazia. Lake Bracciano is now one of the primary sources of drinking water for the city of Rome. In the 1600′s the Acquedotto Paulo was built to take water from here to the Vatican.

The city of Bracciano sits on the northwest corner of the lake and has been inhabited since Etruscan times. The first thing you will see as you approach the city, by rail, car, or boat is the magnificent Castle. It’s considered one of the most important castles in Italy. Building on the castle started in 1470 and was completed in 1485. The king of France once visited the castle yet in recent times it’s most famous for visits by John Kennedy and Tina Turner. And of course, this is the castle that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were married at in November 2006.

There are many other important sites in Bracciano and the surrounding towns including baroque churches, agricultural settlements, ancient spas and Roman Villas, hot springs, the necropolis of Sabatia, the church of Santa Maria Assunta, Palazzo Baronale, convent of S. Stefano, archaeological sites, ruins, fountains, the Historical Italian Air Force Museum, Botanical gardens, and numerous restaurants around the lake. For more info, go to Lake Bracciano.

All along the lakefront there are “beaches” with chairs and umbrellas for rent. You also can see the small pedal boats and wind surfing boards available.

Parking is available but get there early. This is a one-way street near one of the beaches. On the right side of this picture is the beach… and on the left are many restaurants and cafes!

Here’s the view from the street parking. As you can see, you will be VERY close to your parked car!

There are many “native” guests also. Here a swan convinces some locals to “donate” some of their pana.

You can also play volleyball and water tennis with nets set up by the communities. Here, a group of Italian teenagers play an intense game. Note the friend cruising in the water just behind them!

At the lake you can also enjoy these activities!

Bicycle Tours and Renting Bikes

Sailing clubs and schools, windsurf & boat rentals

Guided Tours to historical monuments, museums, medieval town centers, parks, archeological excavations, botanical gardens; weekly program

To get there

Lake Bracciano is Northwest of Rome.

By Car From Rome 

Get on SS2 Cassia headed towards Florence and then follow the signs to Bracciano. It’s about 35-40 minutes from downtown Rome to Bracciano. You can also take the GRA around town to the SS2 Cassia exit. In the picture above, the red square is where the GRA (ring road) intersects SS2 Cassia.

After traveling north on SS2 Cassia, you’ll come to this split in the road… Stay straight under the tunnel onto SP493 to Bracciano. You’ll see SS2 Cassia splitting off the right. SP493, which is Variante Via Braccianese at this point, will take you to the lake.

By Train from Rome

You get get to Bracciano from multiple stations in Rome. The best choices are either Roma Ostiense, Roma Trastevere, or Roma San Pietro.

For Roma Ostiense: From anywhere in Rome, take the Metro Line B to the Piramide stop. There, walk under to the train station and take the FM3 train from Ostiense to Bracciano. Tickets are 2,70 € one-way and the journey will take about an hour and thirteen minutes.

For Roma Trastevere: Take the #8 tram from Largo Argentina (or other options) to the Roma Trastevere station and again, take the FM3 train from Roma Trastevere to Bracciano. Tickets are 2,70 € one-way and the journey will take about an hour and ten minutes.

For Roma Trastevere: Take the #64 bus from many spots in town (including Termini) to the Roma San Pietro station and again, take the FM3 train from Roma San Pietro to Bracciano. Tickets are 2,30 € one-way and the journey will take about 56 minutes.

The trains start from Ostiense about 4:37 AM and the last train returns from Bracciano about 10:45 PM. They run, on average, about every thirty minutes. The train station in Bracciano is located in the middle of town.

Stazione di Bracciano – Bracciano, Italy
Via dei Giardini, Bracciano 00062
telephone:+39 06 9980 1177

You’ll certainly enjoy your time at Lake Bracciano – We Do!!!

The summer festival in Rome, now in its 32nd year, is called Estate Romana, or Roman Summer. It is not a singular festival but rather a “grouping” of multiple festivals with some running well into September. These festival events bring Romans, and tourists, into the parks, the streets, the piazzas, the ancient ruins, and even on the banks of the Tiber. Living here, it’s sometimes hard to decide WHERE you will go on a given night and WHAT you want to see! The choices – and the variety – are endless.

The River Banks

Often, we like to head down to L’Isola Tiberina, the island located in the middle of the Tiber River, right between the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere. Here you’ll find exotic cafes representing cultures from ALL over the world. From a booth selling Tibet trinkets to a café featuring Turkish coffee, you have many, many choices. There are also cafes from all regions of Italy. You can even watch a movie! There are two screenings each night of a variety of movies… some American, some Italian, some classics, many new, and some just “unique!” (For more info, go here: isoladelcinema.com). The “booths” here run from late June to the end of August. The cafes feature all kinds of music and some even have DJ’s. It’s always interesting to head for the island….and sometimes we DO NOT even get there… because along the river banks between the Garibaldi and Cestio bridge there even more booth, cafes, food stalls, shops, and bars.

Teatro di Marcello

This theatre was built by Augustus in honor of his nephew. It was also a castle/fortress in later years and now has apartment built into it. Talk about urban renewal! It also is a unique setting for a concert series. Currently the Proms Series is running at Teatro Marcello through the end of September. The performances usually start around 2030 (8:30 PM). If you get there early, you can often get a short guided tour of the ruins. For more information, dial +39 348 780 4314 or go to www.tempietto.it

Castel Sant’Angelo

If you saw the movie Roman Holiday, who can forget the dance scene on the floating stage just below Castel Sant’Angelo. Well, once again the stage is back and you can sway to the music. Below the castle, on the river banks, a stage has again been rebuilt and there are many cafes and bars. Up the stairs, surrounding Castel Sant’Angelo you’ll find multiple booths with shopping, cafes, entertainment, and even ping pong and foosball tables for the kids! We love this festival because it’s so close to our house. With multiple stages featuring all different kinds of music, you’ll find something you will enjoy. There are currently nighttime events being held at the Castel Sant’Angelo Museum so this is a happening spot. One of our favorites!

The Baths of Caracalla

Beautiful to visit in the day time… probably the MOST incredible outside stage in Rome! Operas are presented here each night starting on July 1. The begin around 9 PM. This year they are featuring three new productions A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tosca and Carmen. We saw Tosca in the Verona Arena…. But what a thrill it would be to see it played out here, as it takes place in Roma! This limited event ends on August 9 so get your tickets now! For more info, contact +39 06 481 60255 or www.operaroma.it

Ippodromo delle Capannelle

The Ippodromo delle Capannelle, better known as the racetrack, hosts Rome’s International Festival of Latin-American Music and Culture. This is on the south side of town, and takes a little work to get there, but well worth the trip. You’ll find clubs, cafes, restaurants, and lots of shopping. There are many major acts scheduled here including Oscar d’Leon, the Puerto Rican salsa singer Gilberto Santarosa, Issac Delgado with salsa queen La India, UB40, Marlene Kuntz, the Killers, Franz Ferdinand and White Lies, Nine Inch Nails, TV on the Radio and Animal Collective. Quite a varied playlist! To get there, you’ll have to take Metro A to Colli Albani Station, then jump on the 664 bus. For more info go to www.fiesta.it or www.RockinRoma.

A Night in the Park!

Rome is blessed to have many parks, and in the summer, festival events are featured in many. First, consider Villa Ada. This is a HUGE park, just north of Villa Borghese. This festival entry is called “Rome Meets the World.” It features artists from everywhere – You’ll see the posters throughout town and be amazed at the number and diversity of artists performing at Villa Ada. There are more than 50 concerts this summer. The concerts don’t begin until 10 PM, but go early, The gates will open about 8 PM so go in and have a picnic, open a 2nd bottle of wine, and wait for the show to begin. A wonderful way to spend an evening! For more info, go to www.villaada.org.

At the Villa Doria Pamphili there is a series of music and dance events from June 29 to July 27. These events are often more avant-garde than much of what you will see in Rome. The park of Villa Doria Pamphili is often ignored but well worth the visit! +39 06 581 6987, www.iconcertinelparco.it;

Rome’s jazz festival is a series of concerts on the grounds of Villa Celimontana. This park is located near the Baths of Caracalla and a very short walk from the Colosseum. Most of the performers are Italians with a few international names. The nightly concert series runs through the middle of September. These concerts start late, often at 10pm, but there are later shows at 11.30pm. www.villacelimontanajazz.com;

Parco della Musica

The Parco della Musica is better known as the auditorium. It is located in the northern part of Rome, outside the Aurelian walls in the Flaminio district. Uniquely shaped buildings surround the central outdoor amphitheatre. Outside of the Olympic Stadium concerts, this is where the “big names” will be playing during the summer. This summer we will have Brazilian singer Vanessa da Mata, Lauryn Hill, the Buena Vista Social Club, James Taylor, David Byrne, and Burt Bacharach. Ticket prices vary as per event. Contact: +39 06 892982, www.auditorium.com

The Courtyard of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza

The International Chamber Ensemble holds its concerts in this famous courtyard, designed by Borromini. It is not too far from Piazza Navona and the courtyard itself is quite impressive. This year the Chamber Ensemble features music by Albinoni, Vivaldi, Barber, Mozart, Gershwin, Porter, and Kern.

Villa Adriana

For a truly unique and out-of-Rome experience, head to Villa Adriana, or Hadrian’s Villa, near Tivoli. Rather than drive or worry about transportation issues, reserve a place on a free shuttle bus (+39 06 802 41281). The shuttle bus leaves nightly from the Parco della Musica about two hours before the event – getting you there early enough for a quick tour – and then will return you back to the Parco della Musica at midnight. The Festival Villa Adriana offers quite an eclectic combo if dance, circus, and music events. From Duke Ellington to Flamenco dancing this is certainly a unique experience among incredible ruins. Performances start at 2100 (9 PM). For more information, +39 06 892982, www.auditorium.com/villaadriana;

There are many other events going on all through Rome… this week we have Roma-Fiction and throughout the summer Rome is hubbub of nightly activities. So don’t wear yourself out walking Rome in the day…. Save some energy for the nightlife!  For more information: www.en.estateromana.comune.roma.it. From this website, here is a list of events, sorted by date, of events happening this summer.

Art
Alessandro Mendini – Dall’infinitesimo all’infinito
from Thursday 9 April to Sunday 6 September, 9.00-19.00; chiuso lunedì
Museo dell’Ara Pacis – I municipio

Art
Musei d’Estate – Divus Vespasianus. Il Campidoglio e l’Egitto all’epoca dei Flavi
from Wednesday 22 April to Friday 4 September, 9.00-20.00 – chiuso lunedì; la biglietteria chiude alle 19.00
Musei Capitolini – I municipio

Art
Umberto Prencipe. 1879 – 1962. Realtà e Visione
from Wednesday 27 May to Sunday 13 September, Dal martedì alla domenica dalle 9.00 – 19.00. Chiuso lunedì (la biglietteria chiude alle 18.00)
Museo di Roma – I municipio

Art – free
Il fiore del meraviglioso
from Wednesday 27 May to Sunday 6 September, ore 10.00-19.00, chiuso lunedì e dal 10 al 31 agosto
Casa dei Teatri – XVI municipio

Art
Fotografia – Festival Internazionale di Roma (VIII edizione)
from Friday 29 May to Sunday 2 August, Martedì, mercoledì e giovedì ore 10.00 – 20.00. Venerdì e sabato ore 10.00 – 22.30. Domenica ore 10.00 – 20.00. Chiuso lunedì
Palazzo delle Esposizioni – I municipio

Events
Spettacoli del Planetario – Rassegna Musei d’Estate
from Monday 1 June to Wednesday 30 September, tutti i giorni dalle 9.30. Chiuso il lunedì
Planetario – Museo Astronomico – XII municipio

Music
Festival musicale delle nazioni. Notti Romane al Teatro di Marcello. Concerti del Tempietto
from Friday 5 June to Sunday 27 September, ore 20.30
Area del Teatro di Marcello – I municipio

Art – free
Doppia visione/Double Vision – Frammenti di memorie/Visual Memories
from Friday 5 June to Tuesday 28 July, da lunedì a sabato ore 9.00-19.00. Chiuso domenica
Casa della Memoria e della Storia – I municipio

Cinema – free
Cinema… In famiglia 2009
from Thursday 11 June to Thursday 17 September, il giovedì alle 21.00 dall’11 giugno al 30 luglio e alle 20.30 dal 3 al 17 settembre. Chiuso ad agosto
Giardini antistanti il Centro Famiglie Villa Lais – IX municipio

Summer evenings
Passeggiate Serali a Villa Torlonia e a Villa Chigi
from Friday 12 June to Saturday 12 September
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Summer evenings – free
Lungo il Tevere…Roma
from Friday 12 June to Sunday 30 August, dalle 19.00
Lungotevere degli Anguillara – I municipio

Summer evenings
Ti racconto la Storia di Roma
from Friday 12 June to Saturday 26 September, alle ore 21.00 e alle 22.00. Nei rioni Monti e Trastevere sarà realizzata anche una visita in lingua inglese con partenza alle 21.15.
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Summer evenings
Sotto il Celio: Archeologia e Teatro alle Domus Romane
from Saturday 13 June to Saturday 26 September, Da giugno a settembre ogni giovedì, venerdì e sabato ore 19.45 appuntamento alla biglietteria, ore 20.00 inizio visita
Case romane del Celio – I municipio

Summer evenings – free
Roma Vintage
from Saturday 13 June to Saturday 15 August, dalle 10.30 alle 03.00
Parco di San Sebastiano – I municipio

Summer evenings – free
Roman’s
from Saturday 13 June to Saturday 12 September, Da Domenica a Giovedì dalle ore 17.00 alle 02.00. Venerdì e Sabato dalle ore 17.00 alle 04.00
Ponte Sant’Angelo – XVII municipio

Children
RicercatoRi in Città – Campi estivi al Museo Civico di Zoologia
from Monday 15 June to Friday 11 September, ingresso 8.30 – uscita 17.00
Museo Civico di Zoologia – II municipio

Art
Bulgari. Tra eredità e storia. 125 anni di gioielli italiani
from Monday 15 June to Sunday 13 September, Martedì, mercoledì e giovedì ore 10.00 – 20.00. Venerdì e sabato ore 10.00 – 22.30. Domenica ore 10.00 – 20.00. Chiuso lunedì
Palazzo delle Esposizioni – I municipio

Music
Roma incontra il mondo
from Tuesday 16 June to Saturday 8 August, L’area é aperta al pubblico dalle ore 20.00, i concerti iniziano alle ore 22.00.
Villa Ada Savoia – II municipio

Summer evenings
Teatro Villa Pamphilj – Estate 2009
from Tuesday 16 June to Friday 7 August, ore 21.15
Villa Doria Pamphilj – XVI municipio

Summer evenings – free
Noche de Roma
from Wednesday 17 June to Sunday 16 August, dalle 19.00
Stadio delle Tre Fontane – XII municipio

Summer evenings – free
Letture d’estate lungo il fiume e tra gli alberi
from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 23 August, dalle ore 10.00 a tarda notte
Giardini di Castel Sant’Angelo – XVII municipio

Cinema
L’Isola del Cinema
from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 30 August, alle 21.30 e 23.30
Isola Tiberina – I municipio

Books – free
Le Biblioteche fuori di sé
from Thursday 18 June to Monday 14 September
Varie Biblioteche di Roma – I municipio

Music
Telecomusica – Cinema al sinfonico
from Thursday 18 June to Wednesday 8 July, ore 21.00
Auditorium Parco della Musica – II municipio

Music
Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival – XVI edizione
from Thursday 18 June to Sunday 20 September, Apertura cancelli: ore 21.00 – Inizio concerti principali: ore 22.15 – Concerto Dopo Festival ore 24.00
Villa Celimontana – I municipio

Theatre
Serate d’attore
from Thursday 18 June to Friday 31 July, 18 e 19 giugno, 4, 25 e 31 luglio 2009 ore 21.15
Villa Doria Pamphilj – XVI municipio

Cinema
Le Arene di Roma – L’Arena di Garbatella
from Friday 19 June to Sunday 6 September, Inizio spettacoli ore 21.15
Arena di Garbatella – Pista di pattinaggio – XI municipio

Summer evenings
Fiesta Club 09! XV Festival Internazionale di Musica e Cultura Latino Americana a Roma
from Friday 19 June to Sunday 16 August, Orari di apertura: dom-giov dalle 20.00 alle 02.00, ven-sab dalle 20.00 alle 03.00. Inizio concerti ore 22.00
Ippodromo delle Capannelle – X municipio

Theatre – free
La vita di Michelangelo (The Life of Michelangelo) – The Miracle Players
from Friday 19 June to Friday 7 August, Tutti i Venerdì alle ore 19.30
Carcere Mamertino – I municipio

Cinema
Le Arene di Roma – Arena Villa Mercede
from Saturday 20 June to Sunday 30 August, Inizio spettacoli ore 21.15
Villa Mercede – III municipio

Cinema
Le Arene di Roma – L’Arena di Primavalle
from Saturday 20 June to Sunday 6 September, Inizio spettacoli ore 21.15
Parco Dominique Green – XIX municipio

Theatre
Passaggi Segreti 2009
from Saturday 20 June to Sunday 12 July, 21,25,26,27,28 giugno e 1,2,3,4,5,8,9,10,11,12 luglio – ore 21.15
Foro di Cesare – I municipio

Cinema
Notti di cinema a Piazza Vittorio – XIII edizione
from Monday 22 June to Sunday 6 September, Inaugurazione il 22 giugno. Inizio proiezioni il 25 giugno.
Giardini di Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II – I municipio

Art
Deredia. La Ruta de la Paz
from Tuesday 23 June to Sunday 13 September, Martedì, mercoledì, giovedì: 10.00 – 20.00 Venerdì, sabato: 10.00 – 22.30 Domenica: 10.00 – 20.00 Lunedì: chiuso
Palazzo delle Esposizioni – I municipio

Cinema
Le Arene di Roma – L’Arena di Monteverde
from Wednesday 24 June to Sunday 30 August, Inizio spettacoli ore 21.15
Arena di Monteverde – Liceo Morgagni – XVI municipio

Art
Pasquarosa (1896-1973). Un fenomeno dell’arte nella Roma del Novecento
from Wednesday 24 June to Sunday 25 October, da martedì a domenica ore 9.00-19.00. Chiuso lunedì (la biglietteria chiude 45 minuti prima)
Musei di Villa Torlonia – Casino dei Principi – III municipio

Music
Luglio suona bene – VII edizione
from Thursday 25 June to Wednesday 29 July, ore 21.00
Auditorium Parco della Musica – II municipio

Music
Canta Roma canta
from Thursday 25 June to Sunday 23 August, ore 21.00
Giardino degli Aranci – Colle Aventino – I municipio

Summer evenings
All’ombra del Colosseo
from Friday 26 June to Saturday 12 September, dalle ore 9.00 alle 24.00
Parco del Celio – I municipio

Art – free
Giappone – Tradizione e innovazione
from Friday 26 June to Thursday 10 September, da lunedì a venerdì ore 9.30 – 18.30. Chiuso sabato e domenica
Casa delle Letterature – I municipio

Art
Gina Lollobrigida fotografa
from Friday 26 June to Sunday 13 September, Martedì, mercoledì e giovedì ore 10.00 – 20.00. Venerdì e sabato ore 10.00 – 22.30. Domenica ore 10.00 – 20.00. Chiuso lunedì
Palazzo delle Esposizioni – I municipio

Art
Speculazioni d’artista
from Friday 26 June to Sunday 11 October, da martedì a domenica ore 9.00 – 19.00 (la biglietteria chiude alle ore 18.30)
Museo Carlo Bilotti Aranciera di Villa Borghese – II municipio

Cinema
Le Arene di Roma – Cinemunix
from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 30 August, Inizio spettacoli ore 21.15
Cinemunix – Scuola Vincenzo Bellini – X municipio

Cinema
Cinema al Belvedere – XIII rassegna sul giallo d’autore “Le signore del noir”
from Saturday 27 June to Sunday 9 August, 1° spettacolo ore 21.30 – 2° spettacolo ore 23.30. Apertura ore 19.00, chiusura ore 01.00
Belvedere Antonio Cederna – I municipio

Music
Rock in Roma
from Saturday 27 June to Saturday 25 July, ore 21.00
Ippodromo delle Capannelle – X municipio

Theatre
XLIII stagione all’Anfiteatro della Quercia del Tasso – Tra le pieghe dell’arte
from Sunday 28 June to Monday 31 August, ore 21.15
Anfiteatro della Quercia del Tasso – I municipio

Music
Al Ninfeo di Villa Giulia la Musica in Scena – I concerti dell’Accademia degli Sfaccendati
from Sunday 28 June to Friday 31 July, 28, 29 giugno e 30, 31 luglio alle 21.00
Ninfeo di Villa Giulia – II municipio

Music
I concerti nel Parco – Estate 2009
from Monday 29 June to Monday 27 July, 29 giugno 2009 ore 20.30 – 3, 6, 8, 11, 17, 18, 19, 24, 27 luglio 2009 ore 21.30
Villa Doria Pamphilj – XVI municipio

Events
La luna ha 40 anni – Urania
from Tuesday 30 June to Saturday 18 July, dalle ore 18.00 tutti i giorni da martedì a sabato. Chiuso domenica e lunedì
Teatro India – XI municipio

Theatre – free
Festival Teatrale Pigneto – II edizione
from Tuesday 30 June to Monday 6 July, tutti i giorni dalle ore 19.00 (ore 19.00 laboratorio teatrale per adulti e bambini; ore 21.15 spettacoli teatrali; ore 22.30 show di Peter Wejel)
Villa Gordiani – VI municipio

Dance
Invito alla danza – Rassegna internazionale di danza e balletto. XIX edizione
from Wednesday 1 July to Thursday 30 July
Villa Doria Pamphilj – XVI municipio

Children
La Città in Tasca – XV edizione
from Wednesday 1 July to Sunday 19 July, dalle 17.00 alle 23.00
Parco degli Scipioni – I municipio

Music
Stagione estiva del Teatro dell’Opera 2009 alle Terme di Caracalla
from Wednesday 1 July to Sunday 9 August, ore 21.00
Terme di Caracalla – I municipio

Music
Summertime 2009
from Wednesday 1 July to Friday 31 July, ore 21.00
Parco della Casa del Jazz – X municipio

Theatre
Theatrum al Teatro VI edizione – La congiura di Catilina
from Wednesday 1 July to Sunday 19 July, visita guidata ore 20.00; concerto ore 20.30; spettacolo ore 21.45. Chiuso il 4 luglio.
Area del Teatro di Marcello – I municipio

Summer evenings
Passeggiate Romane
from Wednesday 1 July to Thursday 30 July
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Summer evenings
Roma in scena
from Wednesday 1 July to Sunday 20 September
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Summer evenings
Di notte per i vicoli di Roma antica
from Thursday 2 July to Saturday 12 September, Ciascun evento sarà replicato due volte in una serata, per sei serate. La prima passeggiata-spettacolo della serata sarà realizzata alle 21.00; La seconda passeggiata-spettacolo sarà realizzata dalle 22.30.
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Theatre – free
La vita in scena: due secoli di teatro
from Thursday 2 July to Sunday 12 July, ore 21.15 spettacoli serali – ore 18.00 dal lunedì al venerdì laboratori per bambini – sabato e domenica ore 18.00 spettacoli per bambini
Parco delle Accademie (Tor Marancia) – XI municipio

Theatre
Artestate 2009 – Teatro e Cabaret
from Thursday 2 July to Sunday 27 September, Da giovedì a domenica ore 21.00. Cena alle ore 20.45
Teatro Instabile dello Humour – Moulin Rouge – II municipio

Summer evenings
Gay Village 09 – VIII edizione
from Thursday 2 July to Saturday 5 September, da giovedì a sabato
Parco del Turismo – XII municipio

Summer evenings – free
Il Giardino tra le Righe
from Thursday 2 July to Thursday 16 July, Ingresso dalle ore 19.00. Inizio letture ore 19.30. Proiezione film ore 20.45
Giardino della Scala Santa – I municipio

Theatre
Shakespeare in Globe!
from Friday 3 July to Sunday 20 September, ore 21.00
Silvano Toti Globe Theatre – II municipio

Cinema – free
L’Arena Massimina
from Friday 3 July to Thursday 23 July, Inizio spettacoli ore 21.15
Via della Massimilla – XVI municipio

Summer evenings
Cosmophonies 2009 – Festival Internazionale di Musica, Teatro e Danza XIII edizione
from Friday 3 July to Thursday 30 July, Varia a seconda degli spettacoli
Via dei Romagnoli – XIII municipio

Summer evenings
Fontanonestate
from Friday 3 July to Sunday 6 September
Fontanone dell’Acqua Paola – XVI municipio

Art
Scatti di guerra. Lee Miller e Tony Vaccaro dallo sbarco in Normandia a Berlino
from Friday 3 July to Sunday 30 August, tutti i giorni dalle ore 17.00 alle 24.00
Scuderie del Quirinale – I municipio

Dance
Itali@rte 2009
from Friday 3 July to Sunday 12 July, dalle 21.15
Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta – I municipio

Cinema
Arena Colli Aniene
from Friday 3 July to Friday 31 July, alle 21.15
Piazza Camillo Loriedo – V municipio

Cinema
Asian Film Festival
from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 11 July
Cinema Farnese – I municipio

Music
Serate di grande musica al cortile di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza
from Saturday 4 July to Tuesday 11 August, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14 luglio ore 21.30 – 22, 23, 25 e 26 luglio ore 21.00 – 30 e 31 luglio ore 21.30 – 4, 7, 8 e 11 agosto ore 21.30
Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza – I municipio

Summer evenings – free
III Festival delle Arti
from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 11 July, ore 22.00
Università La Sapienza – III municipio

Summer evenings – free
Pizza in Tour III edizione
from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 26 July, dalle ore 17.00 alle 24.00
Parco Giuseppe Pallotta – XIII municipio

Summer evenings – free
Villaggio Notetempo. Libera Espressione per artisti emergenti
from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 26 September, dalle ore 18.00 alle 02.00
Giardini del Verano – III municipio

Summer evenings – free
La Villa incantata – II^ edizione
from Sunday 5 July to Saturday 11 July
Cavea della Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale – I municipio

Cinema – free
La commedia a pezzi – Il cinema a episodi degli anni ’50, ’60 e ’70
from Monday 6 July to Thursday 23 July, dalle ore 18.00. Chiuso il 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 e 19 luglio.
Casa del Cinema – I municipio

Theatre
Pirandelliana 2009
from Tuesday 7 July to Saturday 8 August, inizio spettacolo ore 21.15 (botteghino aperto dalle ore 20.00)
Giardino della Basilica dei Santi Bonifacio e Alessio all’Aventino – I municipio

Summer evenings – free
Dal Cilindro…la magia dello spettacolo
from Tuesday 7 July to Monday 20 July, ore 21.15
Piazza Mosca – XV municipio

Theatre
Roma che ride – So tutto sulle donne…20 anni dopo
from Tuesday 7 July to Sunday 23 August, spettacoli dal martedì alla domenica ore 21.15 – lunedì riposo
Villa Sciarra – XVI municipio

Music
Sotto il cielo stellato di Villa Torlonia
from Tuesday 7 July to Sunday 9 August, ore 20.30
Villa Torlonia – giardino della Casina delle Civette – II municipio

Art – free
Chöd: il sacrificio di sé. Il pellegrinaggio sacro nella tradizione spirituale prebuddhista tibetana
from Wednesday 8 July to Friday 31 July, dal lunedì al venerdì dalle ore 10.00 alle 18.00
Sala Santa Rita – I municipio

Theatre
I solisti del Teatro
from Thursday 9 July to Friday 31 July, da definire
Giardini della Filarmonica – II municipio

Summer evenings – free
Il cielo di Roma a 360 gradi
from Thursday 9 July to Friday 31 July, ore 21.30
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Cinema
Cineporto
from Friday 10 July to Monday 24 August
Viale Antonino di San Giuliano – XX municipio

Theatre – free
Tutti in famiglia. Vacanze romane al Villaggio Teatrale
from Friday 10 July to Wednesday 15 July
Villa Lais – IX municipio

Summer evenings – free
Arterrazzestate
from Friday 10 July to Saturday 8 August, Apertura area ore 19.00. Spettacoli per bambini ore 19.30. Spettacoli serali ore 21.30
Centro Commerciale Le Terrazze di Casal Palocco – XIII municipio

Music
Festival Euromediterraneo
from Saturday 11 July to Saturday 8 August, Varia a seconda dello spettacolo
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Summer evenings
Notti Bestiali
from Monday 13 July to Friday 24 July, dal 13 al 17 e dal 20 al 24 luglio
Museo Civico di Zoologia – II municipio

Summer evenings
Convergenze urbane, solitudine e marginalità nelle grandi periferie
from Monday 13 July to Saturday 25 July
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Summer evenings
Raccontailmondo
from Tuesday 14 July to Thursday 16 July
Villa Massimo – III municipio

Summer evenings – free
Da 1 a 90
from Tuesday 14 July to Friday 17 July, dalle 17.00 alle 23.00
Parco Giovanni Paolo I – Villa Veschi – XVIII municipio

Theatre
Mestizia / Arte Urbana
from Tuesday 14 July to Sunday 19 July
Parco Schuster – XV municipio

Music
Stacca la spina
from Wednesday 15 July to Saturday 18 July, da definire
Parco delle Valli – IV municipio

Music – free
Sete Sóis Sete Luas
from Wednesday 15 July to Thursday 23 July, 15 luglio ore 21.00 – 20, 21, 22, 23 luglio ore 22.00
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Summer evenings
Malborghetto Roma Festival 2009 – Invito a teatro fra le braccia della storia
from Thursday 16 July to Saturday 25 July
Parco archeologico di Malborghetto – XX municipio

Theatre
Secondo festival Pigneto di teatro popolare Villa Gordiani
from Thursday 16 July to Sunday 19 July, da definire
Villa dei Gordiani – VI municipio

Summer evenings
Urbis Eterna
from Thursday 16 July to Sunday 19 July, ore 21.00 inizio spettacoli
Mercati di Traiano – Museo dei Fori Imperiali – I municipio

Events
La luna ha 40 anni – Luna bambina
Thursday 16 July, alle 23.00
Casina di Raffaello di Villa Borghese – II municipio

Events
La luna ha 40 anni – Stelle e pianeti nel cielo di Roma
from Friday 17 July to Tuesday 21 July, da definire
Terrazza del Pincio – I municipio

Summer evenings
Luna mediterranea
from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 26 July
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Summer evenings – free
Festa de’ Noantri 2009
from Monday 20 July to Sunday 26 July, ore 21.00
Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere – I municipio

Music – free
Musicàltera Estate 2009
from Monday 20 July to Wednesday 22 July, ore 21.30
Anfiteatro del Parco di Tor Tre Teste – VIII municipio

Dance
Pantheos – L’Universo e la Natura
from Monday 20 July to Friday 31 July
Parco Y. Rabyn – II municipio

Theatre
Spazi e memoria, il teatro e la cultura tra le due guerre
from Monday 20 July to Wednesday 5 August, da definire
Villa Doria Pamphilj – XVI municipio

Events
La luna ha 40 anni – L’astro della notte sbarca al Planetario
from Monday 20 July to Wednesday 29 July, da definire
Planetario – Museo Astronomico – XII municipio

Events – free
La luna ha 40 anni – Quarantesimo anniversario dello sbarco sulla luna
Monday 20 July, dalle 21.00
Piazza del Popolo – I municipio

Summer evenings
Montesacro in Festival
from Tuesday 21 July to Saturday 25 July
Parco delle Valli – IV municipio

Summer evenings – free
Cultura all’angolo
from Tuesday 21 July to Sunday 26 July, ore 21.00
Piazza Alfonso Capecelatro – XIX municipio

Theatre – free
8ttoebbrezze – Scenari nell’hinterland Roma delle Torri
from Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August, ore 21.00
Parco Collina della Pace – VIII municipio

Cinema – free
Omaggio a Ennio Morricone
from Monday 27 July to Thursday 3 September, alle 21.00. Chiuso il 01, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 e 30 agosto.
Teatro all’aperto della Casa del Cinema – I municipio

Summer evenings – free
Taiwan Immagini & movimento
Friday 7 August, ore 21.00
Villa Doria Pamphilj – XVI municipio

Summer evenings
Romaestate al Foro Italico
from Thursday 27 August to Sunday 11 October
Foro Italico – XVII municipio

Summer evenings
Un palco al parco. I colori dell’arte in festa
from Friday 28 August to Sunday 13 September
Parco 25 novembre – XIII municipio

Books – free
Book Show
from Sunday 30 August to Saturday 5 September
Piazza Melozzo da Forlì – II municipio

Music
Roma Jazz’s Cool
from Sunday 30 August to Tuesday 8 September, da definire
Parco della Casa del Jazz – X municipio

Cinema
I Grandi Festival… Da Locarno a Roma – IX edizione
from Tuesday 1 September to Sunday 6 September
Giardini di Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II – I municipio

Music
RSMusicLife
from Tuesday 1 September to Wednesday 30 September, da definire
Ex Mattatoio di Testaccio – I municipio

Summer evenings
Incontro di civiltà a piazza Risorgimento: teatro, musica e danza
from Thursday 3 September to Sunday 6 September
Piazza Risorgimento – XVII municipio

Music
Musica senza confini
from Thursday 3 September to Sunday 6 September, da definire
Ponte Milvio – XX municipio

Cinema – free
La prima volta – I grandi esordi cinematografici dal 1940 al 1970
from Friday 4 September to Thursday 17 September
Teatro all’aperto della Casa del Cinema – I municipio

Dance
Risvegli d’Arte
from Tuesday 8 September to Sunday 13 September
Ninfeo di Villa Giulia – II municipio

Theatre
Improvvisi Urbani – XV Festival Internazionale del Teatro Urbano
from Wednesday 9 September to Sunday 13 September
Giardino degli Aranci – Colle Aventino – I municipio

Summer evenings
Tutto Corto – Festival delle Arti brevi
from Monday 14 September to Saturday 19 September
Via Ratto delle Sabine – V municipio

Cinema
I Grandi Festival… Da Venezia a Roma – XV edizione
from Monday 14 September to Tuesday 22 September
Vari luoghi – vari municipi

Cinema
Inchiostri di cinema
from Tuesday 15 September to Sunday 20 September
Spazio Roma – XX municipio

“Bond, James Bond.” That’s the image you get of the incredible Italian Casinos. You’re just waiting for 007 to walk through the doors. Although there are very few Casinos in Italy, no other country has done more for the development of gambling than Italy. In ancient times, the Italians adopted the fortunetelling cards of the invading Saracens and first used them for gambling. Bacacart was invented in Italy, probably in the late 15th century. The lottery first appeared in 1530 and from this bingo was born – in Italy! The first casinos were opened in Venice in 1726.

Until recently, gambling was not viewed positively by Italian citizens. Certainly the “involvement” of the mafia in illegal gambling clubs caused concern. Gambling was something that most Italians avoided. Although horse racing and casinos were legal, they have not been popular like in the States. Slowly this has changed. In 2007, Italy allowed legalized online gambling and betting stations. Now, the legalized gambling age in Italy is 18. And so gambling is starting to grow in Italy.

There are just a few casinos in Italy, but most are very beautiful – especially the first three in this list: Casino de la Vallee, Casino Municipale di Campione d’Italia, Casino Municipale di Sanremo, and Ca’ Vendramin… and so here they are:

 Casino de la Vallee

The largest casino in the country, Casino de la Vallee is located just off A5, Northwest of Milan and features 95 table games and 512 slot and video poker machines. Games include 5 Card Stud, American Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Chemin de Fer, Craps, English Roulette, French Roulette, Poker, Punto Banco and Trente Quarante.

Address
Via Italo Mus Valle d’Aosta, 1
Saint Vincent, Italy, 11027

Tel. +39 1665 221

Located just off A5, Northwest of Milan – Highway A5 Torino-Aosta, exit Saint-Vincent, Chatillon. At the end of the turn right towards the center of Saint-Vincent, and follow the signs to the Casino. Build your route on www.autostrade.it.

Opening times – Slots:
2.00pm – 2.00am Sun – Fri
2.000pm – 3.00am Sat

Opening times – Tables:
3.00pm – 2.00am Sun – Fri
3.00pm – 3.00 am Sat

Fast Facts
Location: 90 km from Turin in North West Italy
Nearest Airport: Turin, Caselle (TRN)
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Entrance Fee: Free Mon to Thu; 3 Euro Fri, Sat & Sun and festive days.
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Casual for the slot hall only, Smart for table games and for French games jacket is also required for men.
Gaming Currency: Euro
Games to play:
Two halls electronic games
“Slot Club” 300+ slots/video machines with progressive jackpots, 2 Royal Ascot horse racing, open daily from 14:00
“Slot Circus” 90+ slots/video machines, open daily weekdays from 15:00 weekends from 10:30 (free entrance, parking, cloakroom and breakfast)
Live table games:
Two halls
“French games” 17 French roulette (from 10 Euro), 18 Fair roulette (from 5 Euro), 9 Chemin de Fer (from 100 Euro), 3 Trente et Quarante (34/40, min. 50 Euro), 3 Poker Teresina (5-card stud poker, from 5 Euro), 3 Saint-Vincent poket (Caribbean style poker, from 10 Euro), Texas Hold’em
“American games” 28 American roulette (double zero, from 2.5 Euro), 11 Blackjack (from 10 Euro), 1 Craps (min. 10 Euro), 3 Punto Banco (from 25 Euro)

Casino Municipale di Campione d’Italia

This ulta-modern casino was opened in May 2007. This striking building has nine floors and three levels of underground parking. It was designed to provide “an exclusive experience, the perfect union between culture and fun, relaxation and sophistication, splendor and warm hospitality.”

The first casino here was opened in 1917, but closed only two years later in 1919. It did not reopen until 1933. Now the casino has become not only a powerful economic engine of the city, but also a place suitable for the culture and social events. It has hosted VIPs and intellectuals, international stars, fashion shows and concerts ranging from pop, to jazz, rock.

Campione d’Italia is an enclave located 60 km from Milan, on a strip of land situated on the shores of Lake Ceresio. Campione d’Italia has been described as a small air bubble in a glass slab, for its particular location: the small town – belonging to Lombardy- is actually set in the Swiss confederation. The casino features baccarat, blackjack, craps, Punto Banco, roulette, European roulette and Chemin de Fer. 225 gaming machines are also available. All major currencies are accepted, and the minimum age to enter is 18.

Address
Piazzale Milano 1
22060, Campione d’Italia, Italy

Tel. +41 916 40 1111

The casino is located in northern Italy, approximately 60 km from Milan, 28 km from Como, 33 km from Varese, 60 km from Lecco, and only 10 km from Lugano. By car, you would take the Motorway A9 Milan-Como-Lugano.

Opening times :
11.30am – 5.00am Mon – Thur
11.30am – 6.00am Mon – Fri
10.30am – 6.00am Sat
10.30am – 5.00am Sun

Fast Facts:
Nearest Airport: Lugano Airport 5km (3.7 miles), Malpensa Airport 45km (27.7 miles), Milano Linate Airport 55km (41.3 miles), Zurich International Airport 165km (101.6 miles).
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Registration: Required
Entrance Fee: Free
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Smart/Casual
Gaming Currency: Swiss franc (CHF), Euro currency exchange facility
Games to play:
600 Jackpot Slots/Video Machines with progressive games, Touch-bet Roulette, Horse Racing, Random Bingo; Live table games: French Roulette, Fair Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, Craps, Trente/Quarante (roulette min. from 5 CHF, card games min. from 10 CHF); Cardroom area: Texas Hold’em Poker, Tournaments
Remarks:
Campione d’Italia is an Italian island in Swiss territory. It is an Italian enclave 60 km from Milan. Casinò di Campione is one of the largest in Europe. It was founded in 1933. In the 75 years to 2008 the gaming activities of the Casino have increased to the point that a new, larger and more modern site was built close to the old one and renamed Nuovo Casinò di Campione.

Casino Municipale di Sanremo

The Casino of Sanremo opened January 14 1905. It’s certainly one of the most important monuments of the Belle Epoque in Sanremo. Over the years, its appeal has remained unchanged. The elegance of the interior furnishings and offers visitors a unique environment where you can spend unforgettable moments.

From Guide to Sanremo

Everything started on Jan.12Th 1905, when, for the first time ever, the halls of the Casino’ Municipale of Sanremo (which used to be called Kursaal ), opened to the public, during a luxurious Gala night exclusively reserved to special guests. From that moment on, the Sanremo Casino started to write its own, fascinating history, full of alternate luck (especially for the players ) and big cultural, artistic, theatrical attractions which complete the activities of the house of games, making it an important cultural magnet for the Citta’dei Fiori.

The project for the Liberty-style building was edited by the Parisian architect Eugène Ferret, who had previously made a project for other casinos ( Saigon and Cannes ) and soon the white building became one of the symbols of Sanremo throughout the world.

Many celebrities, kings, actors, singers, rich tycoons went through the playing halls of the Casino… For over 100 years, its salons have seen some of the most famous people in the world. The playing house of Matuziana has always been an important cultural magnet, also thanks to the presence of a theatre which offered prestigious plays ( the De Filippo used to play there quite often ). The tradition of the theatre still carries on today, with great success.

Many have been the important cultural events through the decades, from concerts, to music competitions, ballet dancing, operas…art exhibitions ( Aligi Sassu, Salvador Dalì, Giacomo Manzù, Antonio Rubino ……..). In 1951, two of the symbols of the Citta’ dei Fiori met in the party salon of the Sanremo Casino, the Festival della Canzone Italiana ( Festival of Italian Songwriting ), which started on Jan. 29Th 1951 right under the wing of the House of games.

The notorious “Festival” that’s still going and it is the reason why Sanremo turns into the capital of the world for a week…
Not to be forgotten are the “Martedi’ Letterari”, a “remake” of the “Lunedi’ Letterari” of the 30′s ( a time when the main characters of the conferences were as prestigious as Francesco Pastonchi e Luigi Pirandello ). Every year, these events offer a wide variety of the most important writers and literary men, known internationally ( Rita Levi Montalcini, Arrigo Petacco, Vittorio Sgarbi, Magdi Allam……).

This casino features two restaurants and live entertainment. There are a total of 433 gaming machines and 38 table games. These games consist of American roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and French roulette.

Address
Corso degli Inglesi 18
18038 Sanremo Italy

Tel. +39 0184 5951

From the A10 Savona – Ventimiglia, exit at either Sanremo East or West.

Opening hours
Slot machines room: 10.00 – 02.00 (04.00 during festive periods )
European gaming room: 14.30 – 02.00 (04.00 during festive periods )
American gaming room: 14.30 – 02.00 (04.00 during festive period)

Fast Facts
Nearest Airport: Villanova d’Albenga “C. Panero Airport” 37 km; Nice “Cote d’Azur Airport” 59 km; Genoa “Cristoforo Colombo Airport” 139 km
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Membership: Required
Entrance Fee: Free from Monday to Thursday. 7.50 from Friday to Sunday and during festive periods
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Smart/Casual; Jacket and tie are required in the Private Hall, the Roof Garden, the Liberty Hall, and the theatre.
Gaming Currency: Euro
Games to play:
- “Antique Hall for Parties” on the ground floor of the building, completely renovated becoming the actual Slot Machines Hall with about 470 of the latest slots/video machines with progressive games (including reel slots, video slots, video pokers, multi-games and virtual horse racing)
- “Liberty Hall” dedicated to the American games including Blackjack (min. bet 5 Euro), Hold’em Poker, Fair Roulette (min. bet 5 Euro) and 41 latest slot machines
- “Giò Ponti Hall” French Roulette, Chemin de Fer and Trente et Quarante
- “Comune Hall” completely dedicated to the French games
- “500 Hall” close to the Comune Hall, dedicated to the Roulette, Chemin de Fer and American Roulette
- “De Sanctis Hall” also known as Yellow Hall, American games: 10 Roulette tables and 8 Card tables including Blackjack, Mini Punto Banco and Texas Hold’em Poker
- “Golden Hall” or ‘Super Privé’ hall for French games only (Reserved only for high rollers who can bet 500 Euros or more per bet. To get into this elegant and refined hall a direction authorization is needed because its guests want to protect their privacy during the game. The Golden Hall can accommodate 250 people also for gala nights.)
- “Events Area” close to the Golden Hall, the Texas Hold’em Poker games and ‘Sit and Go’ tournaments take place in the Event Area during high attendance periods (New Year’s day, the Italian Song Festival, Easter and mid-August holidays)
Remarks:
The Casino of Sanremo was elegantly planned by the French architect Eugenio Ferret and on 14th January 1905 it opened for the first time to the public. The building, rich in Art Nouveau and Baroque style decorations. VIP players are offered high betting standards as well as confidential and refined playing areas.

Casino Municipale di Venezia

The very first casino was established in Venice. And the magical city built on water still preserves the oldest gaming house in the world. Opened in 1638, the Casinò di Venezia has always been a centre of international attraction. Classic games in a sumptuous environment and innovative entertainment entrusted to highly professional personnel. All in the privilege of a totally unique setting.

From the golden sand of the Lido, where at the end of the thirties the Casinò di Venezia was opened as an important part of the city’s hospitality, entertainment and culture, to the noble banks of the Grand Canal where the Casino’s city location was opened during the 1950s. “A sculpted cloud resting on water”: is how Gabriele D’Annunzio immortalized Ca’ Vendramin Calergi. A perfect example of aristocratic renaissance architecture, home to doges and the last resting-place of Richard Wagner. This is one of the most elegant palazzi overlooking Venice’s main waterway.

In 1999 the Ca’ Noghera was opened, the first American-style casino in Italy. Games, lights, sound and colour in a modern, informal dimension. Here are the two locations in Venice of the Casinò di Venezia. (Note – third location is presently closed)

Ca’ Vendramin

IN THE LAGOON
The heart of the Casinó di Venezia beats on the Grand Canal at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi, a sophisticated arena of classic casino games, including Chemin de Fer, French Roulette, Fair Roulette, Black Jack, Trente et Quarante, Caribbean Poker and electronic games with a total of 500 gaming places. A whole floor of new Slot Machines is scheduled to open in spring 2007. And then there are the gala dinners, concerts in the garden and numerous other events and shows. A historical setting for infinite emotions.

Address
Palazzo Vendramin Calergi
Cannaregio 2040 – 30121 (Venezia)
Just a few minutes’ walk from S.Lucia station
Tel. +39 041- 5297111

Opening times – Slots:
3.00pm – 2.30am Sun – Thurs
3.00pm – 3.00am Fri – Sat

Opening times – Tables:
3.30pm – 2.30am Sun – Thurs
3.30pm – 3.00 am Fri – Sat

Fast Facts
Location: Just a few minutes’ walk from S.Lucia station.
Nearest Airport: Venice, Marco Polo (VCE)
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Membership: Optional
Entrance Fee: 5 Euro (If you are staying at a hotel in Venice ask for the free entrance coupon)
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Smart, guests wear jackets (available for hire inside).
Gaming Currency: Euro
Games to play:
Jackpot Slots/Video Machines with progressive games;
Live table games: French roulette, Fair Roulette, Blackjack, Trente et Quarante, Chemin de Fer, Caribbean Poker, Tournaments
Facilities:
Restaurant, Bar, Promotions, Free shuttle from Piazzale Roma every 10 mins from 2.50 pm onwards
Remarks:
Casinò di Venezia offers you in its two locations, both with their own special character, Traditional card games in the historical palazzo Ca’ Vendramin Calergi and slot machines and American-style games in the brightly coloured setting of Ca’ Noghera. An exclusive gift awaits all clients who come and play at the Casino di Venezia on their birthday.

Ca’ Noghera 

ON LAND
In 1999, Ca’ Noghera, the first American style Casinó in Italy was opened near the Marco Polo airport. A thousand gaming places in an area of 5500 square metres of entertainment, including Fair Roulette, Black Jack, Caribbean Poker and a floor of over 400 slot machines. Ca’ Noghera also acts as a show room for other gaming houses on the lookout for the latest electronic games. Like “Pepo”, the Ferrari of Roulettes, with its unique, futuristic design and the “Wheel of Fortune”, a new, European exclusive, 9-station slot machine. And for visitors who wish to extend their evening, there is also the Theatre Arena hosting concerts, shows and catwalks.

Address
Via Paliaga 4/8 (Venezia)
Opposite Marco Polo Airport
Tel. +39 04 1269 5888

Opening times – Slots:
11.00am – 2.30am Sun – Thurs
11.00am – 3.00am Fri – Sat

Opening times – Tables:
3.30pm – 2.30am Sun – Thurs
3.30pm – 3.00 am Fri – Sat

Fast Facts
Location: Opposite Marco Polo Airport.
Nearest Airport: Venice, Marco Polo (VCE)
Minimum Gaming Age: 18
Membership: Optional
Entrance Fee: 5 Euro (If you are staying at a hotel in Venice ask for the free entrance coupon)
ID/Passport: Required
Dress Code: Casual
Gaming Currency: Euro
Games to play:
Jackpot Slots/Video Machines with progressive games;
Live table games: Fair Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Poker
Facilities:
Restaurant, Bar, Promotions, Free shuttle from Piazzale Roma every 10 mins from 2.50 pm onwards

Casinó del Lido 

AT SEA
During the summer of 1938, on the “Spiaggia dei veneziani” overlooked by the Oriental-style domes of the Hotel Excelsior and the elegant Hotel Des Bains bathing areas, the classic summer location of the Casinò di Venezia was opened. Closed in the year 2000, for gaming enthusiasts and lovers of the exclusive hospitality offered by the Lido, the dream of the Casino reopening may, perhaps, come true …

Casino del Garda

From their website: Located in Bussolengo, Verona, just besides the Verona Village center, an elegant and comfortable atmosphere warmly welcomes you, to let you live a truly unique experience. Casino del Garda is the new age of amusement: the thrill of the challenge, the pleasure of relaxing, the warranty of playing safely.

If you like to play, the casino offers several amusement opportunities – But there’s even more. Two giant screens allow you to follow all the live sport events, while you’ll have the chance to have a look at the most important horse races in a dedicated area. Moreover, a big, cozy bar area offers you the relaxing chance of a comfortable break

At Casino del Garda you can take your chance on luck – but also spend some time together without playing. A huge betting area, two electronic multiplayer roulettes, 90 last-generation Slots.

Address
Via del Lavoro, 131
Bussolengo, (VR) Italy

Telephone +39 04 5671 7778

Opening Hours
Mon. & Tue. 10.30 am – 00.30 am
Wed. – Sat. 10.30 am – 02.00 am
Sunday 10.30 am – 01.00 am

- Entrance allowed ONLY to 18- years olds or older.
- Entrance allowed after registration and subsequent release of an entrance card; The entrance card is strictly personal: it can’t be transferred or manipulated, under pain of revocation.

Queen Bingo Hall

Seventy table games are featured within the casino’s 1,250 square foot gaming area.

Address
Via San Vitale
Bologna, Italy

Most of the information and pictures on this posting were published at http://www.worldgamblingreview.com/gambling/italy/; http://www.ildado.com/land_casinos_italy.html; http://www.sanremoguide.it/en/dettaglio.cfm?cod_livello_01=13&cod_livello_02=109&cod_livello_03=459; and the individual Casino sites.

It’s importatnt to say it again - When you use your Roma Pass, the FIRST TWO museums or archaeological sites you go to are FREE. After you visit the first two sites, any other sites on the list are then “discounted” when you present the card. The card is only good for THREE DAYS so you’ll have to plan your itinerary in order to maximize your usage of the card. After three days, the card is NO longer valid for sites or transportation. The card is ALSO valid for discounts at exhibitions, events, dance performances, and even the theater.  It now also includes the benefit of the Medical Call Center of Travel Health MET.

From their website, the Roma Pass Kit contains:  

• Roma Pass:  - your public transport and site card;
• Roma MAP: a map of the city illustrating the location of Tourist Information Points, Underground stations, museums/sites of interests.
• Roma Pass Guide: the complete list of museums/sites of interest that have joined the initiative;
• Roma News: the program of events and tourist services that are eligible for discounts divided by area of interest: art, music, theatre, dance, entertainment and sightseeing tours.

How to Use Your Roma Pass at Museums or Sites?

When you purchase your Roma Pass, you must print your name and the date you will start using it on the overleaf form. Then when you go to your first site/museum, the card is “validated.” This starts the clock running – Now you have until midnight of the third day to use your card. So if your first stop is the Colosseo on Monday, then you “site” section of your Roma Pass card will expire on Wednesday at midnight… 

The first two sites you go to are FREE with your card. After that, any other site you go to is discounted and you must present your Roma Pass card at the ticket office to get the discount. The “barcode” information on your card will contain your initial validation date. It also tells the vendor whether or not you have been to “two” Free sites already. By rule, you must present ID when you use your Roma Pass at a site – Frankly, I’ve helped folks used this card over a hundred times and NO ONE has ever asked to see ID. But you probably should carry a “copy” of your passport photo page anyway. In Italy, you must always have a valid form of ID… that’s the law. The card is ONLY good for three days so if you plan to get multiple discounts, you will have to plan ahead.

How to Use Your Roma Pass for Transportation?

You can get free access for THREE DAYS on ATAC buses and trams, the Metro Lines A & B, and specific “local” Met.Ro train lines: Roma – Lido, Roma – Viterbo (in the Roma – Sacrofano section), and Roma – Pantano.  Using the bus and metro system you can get all over town. See our previous posting, Bus Riding In Rome for more help!

Most folks do not use the Pass for trains as it’s a little limited – but the “train line” you might use you r pass on is the Roma-Lido line. This line will take you to Ostia Antica, the ancient settlement, for free – using your Roma Pass transport ticket. If you stay on the LIDO train, as the name suggests, it will take you all the way to the beach and the Mediterranean! Just get off at the last stop (C. Colombo), walk across the street from the Metro Station, and you’re at the Med! Of course, it’s mostly private beaches in this area, but you can use your transportation pass to ride a bus in this area a few stops south to the public beach! If you’ve ever been on the LIDO train, you’ve seen everyone with their ice chest, umbrellas, and bikinis headed to the beach – It’s how we go!

Again, you’ve written your name and the first date you will use it on the overleaf of your Roma Pass.  If you’ve used it for a museum or site, it’s been validated.  If you’re using it for transport first, “validate” it on your first bus, tram or metro ride. If you ”validate” it on your first bus, tram, or metro ride it is now good for 3 days – or really until midnight of the third day, just like the example above of Monday through Wednesday.  THE PASS IS ONLY VALIDATED ONCE - either the first time you get on a bus or by the first museum/site you visit.  After you validate this, you can turn it over and you will see the expiration date and time (23:59) printed on your ticket… that’s how the inspectors will know if your Pass is valid!

With the changes to the Roma Pass system, the Transportation Pass and Museum/Site Card are THE SAME TICKET – THIS IS A CHANGE if you’ve used the ticket in years past! Because they are NOW the SAME card, when you first validate it, either in a musuem or on a bus – the clock is now ticking (concurrently).  Unfortunately, now the two sections of the pass operate DO NOT independently as they used to.

What is this Travel MET Health Benefit?

I’ve never had cause to use the Health Benefit section of a Roma Pass – thank goodness. This is a relatively new feature of the card. It does provide a multilingual CALL CENTER, open 24 hours a day. You can get information about public and private medical facilities in Rome. They will also give you location information (address, phone number, hours open) of facilities in your close proximity. And if you need direct medical assistance, they do provide a service in this area at discounted fees.

If you have an emergency in Italy, the Italian healthcare system is pretty responsive. They do their best work in emergencies – and often you may not even see a bill! It’s when you need to schedule an eye appointment, persistent back pain, etc. that you get in trouble here – so, in most cases, you’ll be taken care of. I think this “Roma Pass benefit” is a good support mechanism, and I would use them as such if I had this card. For an emergency, the Italian system would be my first contact. 

I’ve hear of the Roma&Più Pass, What’s the difference?

The Roma&Più Pass is exactly like the Roma Pass… but whereas the Roma Pass is for the city of Rome, the Roma&Più Pass is for the city of Rome and the province of Lazio. So it has a larger scope. Currently the Roma&Più Pass is listed as €25 – BUT NOT BEING SOLD!  According to the Roma Pass website, it’s coming back soon! So what do you get on the Roma&Più Pass?

On the transport section of the pass you get the same benefits as the Roma Pass AND you can ride the extra-urban COTRAL coaches (regional bus line), and the regional railways of Trenitalia (2^nd class). So in the province of Lazio, you can use your Roma&Più Pass to head to Tivoli on the COTRAL bus or regional train. You can ride trains – other than the Met.Ro trains in and around Rome – as long as you stay in the first three zones of the Trenitalia map! If you are looking to get out of the city to Lake Braciano, than this pass works for you. This always seems to stir up confusion, but according to the lastest updates on the Roma Pass website (April 27, 2009), NEITHER PASS WILL WORK on the Leonardo Express from FCO to Termini or on the FR1 train from the Airport into town – UGH! Sorry, those are big money makers for Trenitalia!

Using the Roma&Più Pass you will also have access to Museums and sites in the Province, not in Rome… so you get a few more opportunities to get discounts or free entry. This is primarily more of a benefit if you plan to travel and visit sites outside the city of Rome.

AGAIN,  NOTE – Currently the Roma&Più Pass is unavilable – it is projected to return soon???

Where are these good at?

Head to the Roma Pass website to get the best descriptions -  CLICK HERE - but this is a list of what they currently feature for the Roma Pass and Roma&Più Pass:

ARCHAELOGICAL MUSEUMS       

• Appia Antica – Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella e Castrum Caetani -Via Appia Antica, 161
• Appia Antica – Terme di Caracalla – Viale Terme di Caracalla, 52
• Appia Antica – Villa dei Quintili – Via Appia Nuova, 1092
• Colosseo, Palatine Hill, and Forum – These three all count as ONE STOP when using your Roma Pass!
• Trajan’s Market – Piazza della Madonna di Loreto
• Capitolini Museum – Piazza del Campidoglio, 1
• Centrale Montemartini – Via Ostiense, 106
• Museo Barracco – Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 166/A
• Museo dell’Ara Pacis – Lungotevere in Augusta
• Museo della Civiltà Romana – Piazza G. Agnelli, 10
• Museo delle Mura – Via di Porta S. Sebastiano, 18
• Museo Nazionale d’Arte Orientale – Via Merulana, 248
• Museo Nazionale dell’Alto Medioevo – Viale A. Lincoln, 3
• Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia – Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9
• Museo Nazionale Preistorico ed Etnografico “Luigi Pigorini” – Piazza G. Marconi, 14
• Museo Nazionale Romano – This has four different sites that all counts as ONE STOP on your Roma Pass: The Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo, and the aggregate of the Terme di Diocleziano.
• Museo Nazionale Romano – Crypta Balbi – Via delle Botteghe Oscure, 31
• Museo Nazionale Romano – Palazzo Altemps – Piazza di S. Apollinare, 48
• Museo Nazionale Romano – Palazzo Massimo – Largo di Villa Peretti, 1
• Museo Nazionale Romano – Terme di Diocleziano – Via E. De Nicola, 79
• Scavi di Ostia Antica – Viale dei Romagnoli, 717 (Ostia Antica)
• Villa di Massenzio – Via Appia Antica, 153-

MODERN MUSEUMS          

• Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna – Viale delle Belle Arti, 131
• Galleria Borghese – Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5
• Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica in Palazzo Barberini – Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13
• Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica in Palazzo Corsini – Via della Lungara, 10
• Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Venezia – Via del Plebiscito, 118
• Museo di Roma – Piazza San Pantaleo, 10
• Musei Capitolini – Piazza del Campidoglio, 1
• Galleria Spada – Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13
• Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo – Lungotevere Castello, 50
• Museo Napoleonico – Piazza di Ponte Umberto I, 1
• Museo Nazionale degli Strumenti Musicali – Piazza S. Croce in Gerusalemme, 9/A
• Museo Nazionale delle Arti e Tradizioni Popolari – Piazza G. Marconi, 8-10

CONTEMPORARY MUSEUMS  

• MACRO – Via Reggio Emilia, 54
• Museo di Roma in Trastevere – Piazza S. Egidio, 1/B
• Museo Carlo Bilotti Aranceria di Villa Borghese – Viale Fiorello La Guardia
• Musei di Villa Torlonia Casina delle Civette – Via Nomentana, 70
• Musei di Villa Torlonia Casino Nobile – Via Nomentana, 70
• Museo Pietro Canonica a Villa Borghese – Viale Pietro Canonica, 2 (Piazza di Siena)

SCIENTIFIC MUSEUMS      

• Planetario e Museo Astronomico – Piazza G. Agnelli, 10
• Museo Civico di Zoologia – via Ulisse Aldrovandi,18

MUSEUMS IN THE PROVINCE  - GOOD WITH THE Roma&Più Pass

• Museo Archeologico Nazionale Cerite – Lungotevere Castello, 50 (Cerveteri)
• Museo Archeologico Nazionale Prenestino e Santuario della Fortuna Primigenia – Piazza della Cortina, 1 (Palestrina)
• Museo del Giocattolo – Palazzo Rospignosi, Piazza Indipendenza (Zagarolo)
• Museo delle Navi Romane – Via Diana, 15 (Nemi)
• Necropoli della Banditaccia – Piazzale della Necropoli (Cerveteri)
• Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia – Piazza di Corte, 14 (Ariccia)
• Scuderie Aldobrandini per l’Arte – Piazza Marconi, 6 (Frascati)
• Villa Adriana – Largo Marguerite Yourcenar, 51 (Tivoli)
• Villa D’Este – Piazza Trento, 1 (Tivoli)
• Villa Gregoriana – Largo Sant’Angelo/ piazza del Tempio di Vesta (Tivoli)

The EVENTS that either the Roma Pass or the Roma&Più Pass are viable at are very date specific. So I recommend that you click on the links below if you are interested in “events.”

• Art
• Cinema
• Dance 
• Music 
• Theatre
• Sightseeing Tours
• Festivals
• Tourist Services
• The Lido (Beach)
• Health Service Assistance
• In the Province – Roma&Più Pass only 

Where can I get one of these passes?

You can purchase the Roma Pass and Roma&Più Pass online and at many locations throughout town. I suggest against purchasing online because you’re not sent the packet. Rather, you are given a “code” that you have to take to specific “pick-up points.” Now, if one of these is convenient to your hotel or B&B, then yes, this can be an effective method for you. But more often than not, these pick-points are not. And many do not open until 9 or 9:30 AM! So do know that if you purchase online you WILL NOT walk off your plane with a packet in hand.

You can also purchase these over the phone at their call center, +39 060608. Again, you will still get a code for a pick-up.

The good news is that all participating museums and sites listed above sell the Roma Pass. The bad news is… often they are sold out. So don’t wait until you get to a site expecting to buy the pass and then use it to go. Okay, that’s how it’s supposed to work…. But as we say here, T.I.I. – This is Italy!

You can also purchase your Roma Pass at all the Tourist Information Sites, called PIT, which stands for Punti Informativi Turistici. Again, these open about 9 AM – 9:30 depending on season and location. Some of these include, but are not limited to: 

• PIT Castel S. Angelo, Lungotevere Vaticano (Piazza Pia). 9.30 – 19.00
• PIT Ciampino, Aeroporto – International Arrivals Area in the Baggage collection. Open from 9.30 – 18.30
• PIT Cinque Lune, Piazza delle Cinque Lune (Piazza Navona). 9.30 – 19.00
• PIT Fiumicino, Aeroporto Leonardo Da Vinci - International Arrivals Area in outside Terminal C in the hallway just past the escalator to the train. Open from 9.00 till 18.30
• PIT Minghetti, Via Marco Minghetti (angolo Via del Corso). 9.30 – 19.00
• PIT Nazionale, Via Nazionale (Palazzo delle Esposizioni). 9.30 – 19.00
• PIT S. Maria Maggiore, Via dell’Olmata. 9.30 – 19.00.
• PIT Termini, Stazione Termini – Via Giovanni Giolitti, 34. 8.00 – 20.00
• PIT Trastevere, Piazza Sidney Sonnino. 9.30 – 19.00

You can also pick up the passes at a new information desk in Termini which is adjacent to where you go for car rentals. This is on the far right side of the station as you look at towards the incoming trains, to the right of Track #24. Also, outside Termini, in the main square in front, Piazza dei Cinquecento, you can purchase your Roma APss at the “Trambus Open.”

The zoo in Villa Borghese sells the passes, as does the Visitor Center on Via dei Fori Imperiali – the road leading to the Colosseo (It will be on your left, about 250 yards away, as you are  walking towards the Colosseo).

In addition, you can buy the Roma Pass at many, many newsstands. You’ll see their signs and logo posted everywhere. I’ve bought them in the metro station at the Colosseo, downstairs in Termini, and on street corners downtown. So again, you don’t have to buy this online to find it.

How much can you save with a pass? Click on this link for the prices, as of April 2009, for all the participating sites and museums: Cost of Tickets

Okay, great info, but should I buy either of these Passes?

The bottom line is that if you are going to be in Rome for three days, plan to visit two major sites included in the Roma Pass or Roma&Più Pass, and plan to use the public transportation system, then this is a good buy for you. Let’s do the math.

• The most popular site is the Colosseo. When you use the Roma Pass at the Colosseo, this ticket ALSO includes the Forum and Palatine Hill. These all count as ONE STOP on your Roma Pass… so you still have one site you can visit free. The Colosseo bundled ticket costs €9, but when it has an exhibit (ALMOST ALWAYS!), you will pay €12.
• Let’s select a second “free” site. Many folks use this pass at the Galleria Borghese or the Capitoline Museum. The current price for the Galleria Borghese is usually €8.50.
• A three day metro pass in Rome (BTI – Integrated Tourist Ticket, Biglietto Turistico Integrat) costs €11.

Colosseo, Forum, Palatine Hill           €12

Galleria Borghese                           €8.50     

BTI – Integrated Tourist Ticket         €11

That comes to €31.50 – or a savings of €6.50 if you use the transport system (If you go to the Capitoline Museum, this site, with exhibition fees, is often €10.50). So you basically get to see the Galleria Borghese (or your second site) for free. Now, if you are not going to use the transport system AT ALL, then this pass will not save you money - You must ride the buses/metro  5 times (€1 a ticket) to break even on the Roma Pass – or use it for discounts at yout third or fourth “site.” You still might come out ahead with the “discounts” you get, but you would have to do all this in just three days.

So, I’ll say it again, if you plan on using public transportation, either of these passes make good sense. If you are staying in a central location, like the Pantheon area. you might not as Rome is very walkable if you have no mobility issues). As a local, I live here, ride the buses and metro often, so I spend my day jumping on and off buses to re4duce walking…. but you have to do your homework on the bus or metro system. Obviously, if you’re headed out of the city, the Roma&Più Pass, for two more Euro offers a better deal. (Hopefully they will start selling it again soon!)

Two notes of caution. The Roma Pass or Roma&Più Pass do not work on the trains in from FCO (Leonardo Express or FR1), and also you do not see the Vatican mentioned anywhere. The Roma Pass DOES NOT work at the Vatican – that’s a separate country and is not covered by either pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Roma Pass to “skip the lines?”

At the Palatine Hill and Forum, you would not have to wait in line to purchase a ticket. With the Roma Pass you already have yours. So at Palatine and the Forum entrance, you can head past the crowds directly to the turnstiles, and using your Roma Pass go right in!

At the Colosseo, in the past everyone had to go through security – Now they have removed the “token” X-RAY machines, so hold your Pass in your hand, go directly towards the turnstiles. First you see three divided areas by ropes – GO TO THE CENTER PATH, pass in hand. You will go directly down the center all the way to the turnstiles. On your LEFT is a line for groups…. On Your RIGHT is the line to purchase tickets. You will blow past both of these lines and go directly to the turnstiles and in! According to the February 1, 2010 update, there is now a “designated” turnstile for Roma Pass holders. Head for it! Frankly, if you’ve had the pass and know the system, you always bypassed the lines!

Can I get discounts first, and then because of my schedule, use the pass at the free locations I want?

No, the FIRST two sites you go to and use the pass will be your “free” sights. They scan the pass and electronically “marks” your card as used. So you have to plan out your first two locations!

Can I buy the Roma Pass tickets at the Airport in Rome, but not use them till I come back the following week?

Yes, you can buy the pass anytime you want and hold it … indefinitely. I’ve had two or three in my possession for more than a month. As long as you DO NOT the pass  (be it for a site or a bus/metro) you can use it when you come back to town. Your three days do start until the card is VALIDATED. That’s either when you put it in a validation box on a bus or tram or enter a metro or it’s the first time you enter a site or museum … they validate it!

Can I use the Roma Pass is Florence for the Uffizi or in Pompeii?

 No, sorry. These passes are only good in Roma, or if you buy the Roma&Più Pass, in the parts of the province of Lazio.  

Is the hop-on/hop-off bus included in the Roma Pass?

No, Bus 110, the hop on/off bus, is not included in the Roma Pass but you can purchase it for a 15% discount using your pass! See Bus 110 

 Roma Pass and Roma&Più Pass – what does Più mean?

Più means “extra” and as you see from these comparisons, the Roma&Più Pass does give you more extras!

Do under 12′s need a Roma Pass?

Okay, this can be very confusing and very subjective. From a transport side, children under 10 do not need a ticket to ride the Metro. Okay, that’s the easy part. On the “site or museum” part of the pass, it is dependent on the specific “site” or “museum” you are going to. So you may have to go to their website for more details. Unfortunately, many sites DO NOT offer children fees to non-EU citizens, so you may be forced to pay full price.

How do I use the Roma Pass at the Galleria Borghese – they say you need a reservation

This question gets asked all the time… and it can be very confusing. First, yes you can use your Roma Pass or Roma&Più Pass for entry into the museum at no cost to you. Unfortunately you need a reservation to get into the Galleria Borghese. When you go online to get a reservation, it asks you for a credit card number, etc. and you have to PAY for the reservation online. This is NOT what you want.

To use the Rome Pass, you must get a reservation “code.” The good news is this costs NOTHING! The bad news is you cannot get this online (at least as of April 2009). To get a code, you must call the Borghese Galleria at +39 (06) 32810. The office is open during ROME HOURS as charted below. Frankly on Mondays I always get a recording they are closed????

• MON – FRI     9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• SAT                 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• SUN                Closed

To save you money and hassle, just email your hotel or B&B and have them call for you. You will need to provide:

• The DATE you want to go to the Galleria
• The NAME to put the reservation under
• The TIME you want to go (2 hour periods at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3PM, and 5 PM – pick your time)
• The NUMBER of tickets you will need

UPDATE - Click on this link: Galleria Borghese  …. to get the info on the NEW, FREE Call Back feature offered by the Museum! It will save you the hassle and cost of having to make an international call!

If you do this, the Galleria operator will provide you will a code. You need this code, and your Roma Pass, when you enter the Galleria 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time slot. Present both at the ticket desk on the right and you will be given passes – it’s that easy!

Often times though you can only book your slot 3-4 weeks in advance, although this time period varies quite erratically. Better to have someone local call, then to waste money and find out they are not accepting bookings for your time period yet! Once I did book about 6 weeks out for someone… no one seems to understand their booking system – including them.

The Galleria website, for more info, is http://www.ticketeria.it/ticketeria/borghese-eng.asp

Can I buy either pass in Rome with a credit card rather than Cash?

At the official Tourist Information points (many listed above), the Info desk INSIDE Termini, and at the Airports, yes – you can use your Visa, MC, or AMEX card. Out at the newsstands and local vendors, no – most do not accept credit cards.

Can I use the either pass at the Colosseo one day and the Forum the next, as they are counted as one site, or do I have to all of them on one day?

The Colosseo, Forum, and Palatine Hill are all counted as one site… but you get two days to enter them. So on Day 1 you could go to the Colosseo and then on Day 2 to the Forum and Palatine Hill. What you cannot do is GO BACK into one of these three. For example, if you went to Colosseo on Day1, then back to Colosseo on Day 2….you have now used 2 sites and your card is not good for anything FREE – except to visit the Palatine or Forum on that second day – so good at all three but only for one entry each!

When you buy a Roma pass can you use it on the trains and buses before you enter a museum or site, or do you have to enter a site before can use the transportation piece?

Now there is only “one card” in the packet. Thus the transportation card is NO LONGER separate from the “site or museum” card. Effective Febraury 1, 2010 they NO LONGER work independently. Now you must use the card as a tranportation and site card concurrently – a big change that will require you to be more organized from the first time you validate!

Taking a break from the travel information, here’s a post on some of the technology challenges of “Living in Rome.”

When my wife Jeff (yes, that’s her name – No, it’s not short for anything) first came to Italy she took our Nintendo Wii with her – a great sacrifice on my part! Unfortunately, we found out that our USA Nintendo Wii WOULD NOT WORK in Europe… or pretty much anywhere else outside the US. Moreover, none of the games would work either… And none of our DVD’s would work here. For a “techie” like me this was a tragedy. NO Wii, NO DVD’s, NO ESPN… I moved immediately to RESOLVE some of these issues.

So when I followed her over…the first thing we bought was a TV. Yes, our American TV’s would not work over here either. In the US we’re on the NTSC system and it appears that 95% of the world is on the PAL system (this is like a metric curse – only in electronics!). Even my CDMA cell phone (Verizon, of course) would not work in Europe – suffice to say, nothing we owned worked in Italy. As Jeff pointed out, “You don’t work yet in Italy either.” She had a point.

So we bought a TV and a €24 DVD player. We bought these at a shopping mall located about 15 miles from our apartment. We rolled our goodies – a 32” Samsung LCD TV, DVD player, and multiple forms of Euro wiring, plugs, and adapters – through the mall in our shopping cart. (This is a good idea!!! To get a cart, you have to kick in 50 centesimo but you get it back when you lock your cart to another cart – another good idea!).

Anyway, we “rolled” our goodies out of the mall and to the adjoining train station. Then we hauled the 3’ x 4’ TV box and multiple bags onto the train into town. At Trastevere, we switched trains (Jeff was muttering things at me… I went to my “Italian mode,” non capito, non capito!). After about six more stops in the 2nd train we got to our stop. We hauled the BOX (it was probably 4’ x 5’ by now…) down the stairs, under the tracks, up the stairs on the other side —- and out to the bus station. Then we waited for our bus and hoisted everything through the narrow bus doors. We rode the bus, filling rapidly, down the Via Cassia to our stop… then we “powered through the crowd,” further eroding American-Italian relations…

From there, we walked from the bus stop to … THE HILL!!! Hey, at least we were going DOWN the steep hill to our apartment. Small arguments and name calling ensued on the journey down the hill. I think Jeff got the upper hand in that (I did not know enough of “those words” in Italian yet…). We did finally get the TV home. But it was too big to fit in the elevator at our apartment so we had to carry it up six flights of stars – more name calling… I think some of our neighbors were joining in at this point. Finally I hooked it up – and all was forgotten – until we figured out the only channel we get with ANY English on it is MTV. But the DVD worked… but of course now we had to buy DVD’s here… and that was back UP THE HILL!

Anyway, back to the Wii. Since we have no TV, it seemed even more necessary to purchase a Wii. If Wii’s were scarce in the US, they were nonexistent in Italy at the time. I went to every mall and every Gaming store that I could find. I guess the general reaction was SHOCK that I would even ask about a Wii system. “Finito” is what I heard – which basically means, “No… no way… no how… it ain’t here… sold out… or you’re SOL.“

But whenever I’d ask, “When are you getting in more Nintendo Wii systems,” the answer was always the same – Domani! That means tomorrow. Okay, I was gullible enough to believe that in Italy, tomorrow WAS tomorrow… So when I showed up the NEXT DAY, the vendors thought I was nuts…. Okay so DOMANI does mean TOMORROW, in the far distant future of tomorrows! I’m convinced that everything happens in Italy DOMANI – I’m just not sure when that is…

But the reality is that to live in Italy you often hear “piano, piano.” This means slowly, slowly… To Americans it means PATIENCE. Things do move more slowly in Italy and more often than not… it’s not a bad thing! You just have to adjust… I finally found my Wii – and of course, now I see them everywhere! But I did learn “the” answer to many of my wife’s “suggestions. “Sure honey, I’ll get to that DOMANI!”

Now though we have the ultimate “expat” techno feature – a Slingbox. This XMAS we went back to the States for a brief visit. I purchased a Slingbox and hooked it up to my son’s DirecTV in Atlanta… and just like that, one year without US TV was OVER! I’m sure there was a parade somewhere! I came back to Rome a few days before my wife so I had some time to “break in the Slingbox.” My wife called me over the New Year’s Day Holiday and I was watching college football – then she called the next day… and I was watching more college football…….. and then she called…. Okay, I watched A LOT of football! Not to be outdone, when she came we watched together (okay, so it wasn’t football). But with the 6 hour time difference we soon suffered, Slingbox-somnia… Yes, you can really live on two hours of sleep a day. The novelty has worn off but we are still very popular in the neighborhood. We had a full house to watch the inauguration, I stayed up till 5 AM to watch the end of the Super Bowl, and we “digitally taped” the Oscars for friends. Our greatest joys are just to see the news – in English and of course, ESPN! So in a year we moved from not finding a Wii to establishing a US based tele-media empire! For a techie like me, I now feel at home – and it’s not even DOMANI yet!