The Eternal City, Photo Credit: The Leading Hotels of the World Ltd
From now through March, Rome is the perfect spot to relax. Crowds, much like the daily temperatures, are quite moderate these days, making it easier to enjoy what the city has to offer. From a walk through the Roman Forum to a battle on the football field, there’s plenty to do during a wintertime visit to the Eternal City.
Roman Forum
Why not lazily stroll through ancient times at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill? January and February’s brisk days mean bright blue skies, and with the lull in tourism, you have the ideal conditions for some historic selfie taking.
Entry lines are nonexistent through March 15 (the infamous Ides of March), so you’ll have all day to stroll through history. Get up close and personal with the virtually hidden Church of Santa Maria Antiqua for the engrossing “Santa Maria Antiqua between Rome and Bisanzio” exhibition until March 17.
Roman Forum, Photo Credit: Erica Firpo
Anish Kapoor’s Exhibition at Museo d’Arte Contemporanea di Roma
Every now and then, the weight of Rome’s lengthy art history needs a little bit of the contemporary to balance it out. Artist Anish Kapoor brings a refreshing, full-force dose of the present with 30 provocative pieces, from paintings to monumental sculptures (to April 17).
Termini Train Station
Waiting for the next train has reached gastronomic levels at Rome’s central station. Trainspotters now can get a full view of the tracks at the mezzanine level Terrazzo, a viewing terrace with a floor-to-ceiling glass window that serves designer cappuccino, a fresh panino and more.
You can also venture over to the 1930s halls of Mercato Centrale, a fabulous retreat lined with food stalls that primarily show off dishes from Italy’s slow food movement.
Artemisia Gentileschi Exhibit, Photo Credit: Erica Firpo
The Works of Artemisia Gentileschi at Palazzo Braschi
Artemisia Gentileschi was a 17th-century artist of the Caravaggio school who gained notoriety for her version of Judith Slaying Holofernes, a rendering of a classic biblical passage noted for its evocative violence — and the fact that the artist depicts herself decapitating her real-life Holofernes.
Due to ahead-of-her-time renderings of powerful women on canvas, Gentileschi has been causing quite a stir as modern-day art aficionados rediscover her work. Check Palazzo Braschi’s exhibition of 30 Gentileschi’s expressive paintings (through May 7) off your to-do list while it’s still somewhat under the radar.
AS Roma
When in Rome, you have to catch second-ranked AS Roma in Serie A football (soccer) action. Hometown hero and captain Francesco Totti may be finishing up his career this season, so upcoming home games at Stadio Olimpico — Sampdoria (January 19), Cagliari (January 22), Fiorentina (February 7), Torino (February 19), Villarreal (February 23, European league), Napoli (March 5) and Sassuolo (March 17) — are more important than ever.
Six Nations Rugby
Balance out the museums and ruins with even more spectating. Every year, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales battle it out on the pitch for the annual international rugby union competition, a.k.a. the Six Nations.
This year, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico hosts three matches as Azzurri, Italy’s national team, battles Wales (February 5), Ireland (February 11) and France (March 11).
