Summer Nights

Many people may shy away from visiting Rome in the summer months but some of the best events can be experienced when the heat is on.

Lungo il Tevere

From mid June until September the banks of the Tiber are transformed into entertainment central with bars, restaurants and game stalls appearing along the riverside.
 
 
Well established restaurants often have 'pop ups' here. This year both Rec 23  from Testaccio and La Crostaceria from Monti made an appearance.
 
 
In previous years we have enjoyed eating at Salvatore Danaro's  Il Bacco al Tevere which had the most amazing location on the tip of Tiber Island.


It is worth enduring the midsummer heat for this event alone

Baths of Caracalla
Even if you are not opera fans (and we are not!) you can't pass up a chance to see a performance in this spectacular setting. The season usually runs from the end of June until the beginning of August. We opted for the cheapest seats but still had an amazing view of the proceedings. The libretto is projected on to large screens on either side of the stage so even novices like us could follow what was happening. The use of lighting on the ancient ruins was incredible.


Courtyard of Sant'Ivo
Between mid July - Mid August the beautiful 17th century courtyard of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza holds evening concerts. This year the programme ranged from Rossini, Mozart and Beethoven to Swing and Tango. We enjoyed Music from the Movies with a stunning backdrop of Baroque architecture.

Miracle Players
On a Friday night in July we picked up a cushion, staked our place on the steps of the church overlooking the Arch of Septimius Severus and prepared to be entertained.
'Rome in a Nutshell' was this years offering from the Miracle Players, a small theatre group - actually miniscule theatre group, three adults & various Barbarians. Oops, no, that should read children. Performances take place every Friday at 7.30 from the end of June until the end of July
Were we entertained? We most definitely were - 45 minutes of sheer joy. Our only regret was that we didn't go a week later, for the final performance, when the mayor made an appearance on the balcony & Eric, founder of the group, proposed to Denise, writer and partner - she accepted. If that isn't a Grand Slam Finish I don't know what is.

 
Finally, dinner on a rooftop terrace on a balmy evening is the perfect way to end a summers day in Rome. Our venue of choice this year was Guida Ballerino at Hotel Bernini Bristol where chef Andrea Fusco creates culinary magic in a wonderful setting. Details of what we ate here but for now feast your eyes on these views of an eternally beautiful city.