From Saturnalia to Rome’s Carnevale Today

Carnival is celebrated all around the world, but like “all roads,” it likely has roots in Rome. Now a Roman Catholic celebration, Carnival takes place in the days before Lent, the 40-day period in which Catholics abstain from a chosen vice (the word Carnevale comes from carnovale, which means “removal of meat”). However, Carnival probably started as the pagan Saturnalia festival of ancient Rome.

Origins of Roman Carnival

Saturnalia suspended work and business, temporarily “freed” slaves, and eased moral restrictions. Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture, and the festivities honoring him involved decorative masks, rituals and drunken parties.

The festival was adopted in the age of Catholicism with a few adaptations. As early as 1143 AD, the Pope held ceremonies in today’s Testaccio neighborhood of Rome. This included jousting, duels, and hunting. However, it wasn’t until Pope Paul II came to power and relocated his residence to Piazza Venezia that Carnevale truly took off. The Carnival festivities moved there with him, making Via Lata (now Via del Corso) a natural setting for the most anticipated events of the Carnival: the Inaugural Parade and the Race of the Barbary Horses.

Via del Corso: track of the Berber horse race

Via del Corso was the central racetrack of Carnival. The races started in Piazza del Popolo and stretched down Via del Corso, ending at Piazza Venezia. There were races for children, elderly people, donkeys and buffaloes. One pope, Alexander VI Borgia, even introduced a race of prostitutes in 1501. Of all the competitions, the Barbary horses created the most chaos. La Corsa dei Berberi, “The race of the Berbers,” focused on a specific breed, known as the Berber horse, or Barb horse, which was bred prolifically in ancient Rome for its strength, stamina and speed. Those qualities made the animals the ideal chariot horses for competitors in Circus Maximus. Their reputation carried on into the Roman Catholic Carnival.

Noble families contributed male Berber horses to participate in the race and braided colorful ribbons into their manes. Spectators gathered at Piazza del Popolo to watch the preparation of the horses and make wagers. Uninhibited by riders, the horses galloped about a mile, finishing in Piazza Venezia, where the owners of the winning horse were presented with a decorative saddle.

Modern celebrations of Carnival across Italy

The equine race was abolished in 1874 by King Vittorio Emanuele II after a lethal accident, and since then, Rome’s Carnival festivities have gone mostly dormant. The spirit of the carnival, however, has survived through special celebrations such as those organised by cultural associations like “Il Carnevale Romano Storico”. This association operates in the fields of cultural promotion and strives to preserve the tradition of the Roman Carnival.

The last celebration of Carnival organised by “Il Carnevale Romano Storico” was held before the pandemic, but the celebrations organized in the past have included theater performances, historical re-enactments, the famous equestrian parade, fireworks, street art performances, concerts, and masquerade balls.

The modern carnival has even included the famous Candles Feast or “Festa dei moccoletti”, a group game which used to conclude the Roman Catholic Carnival. The feast took place at sunset on the evening of Mardì Gras. Participants wore decorative masks and carried a lit candle or a lantern, trying to maintain their flame while simultaneously attempting to extinguish other participant’s lanterns. If your flame went out, you were forced to take off your mask.

Some Carnival celebrations have revived in the rest of Italy too. Since its reinstatement in 1979, Venice’s Carnival has brought revellers to canals for parades in which colorful floats dance on water and acrobats twirl and balance on tightropes. Decorative masks and costumes shroud the city in mystery. The regions of Piedmont and Sicily are also known for their celebrations, which include similar events involving shiny masks, and elaborate costumes.

Carnival 2026 in Rome

Today in Rome, you might see some costumed and masked characters around Piazza Navona and Via del Corso, but the holiday is mostly celebrated by children in school. Shrove Tuesday, or Martedì Grasso, falls on February 17 this year, so look out for Carnival festivities leading up to that date. Try popular Carnival foods like castagnole, the famous sugar-coated fried dough balls, or snack on frappe, which are crunchy strips of fried dough dusted with powdered sugar.

• Il Carnevale dei Burattini (puppet show) | 7–15 Feb 2026
  At Teatro San Carlino in Villa Borghese, this is one of the most reliable family picks: a Carnival-themed puppet show paired with a festive atmosphere designed for kids (with specific weekend showtimes and special matinées).
• Tiber Carnival (Carnevale Tiberino) | Sat 14 Feb 2026, from 10:00
  A playful, sport-meets-Carnival event along the river, starting at Scalo de Pinedo (Flaminio area). Expect masks, activities on the river (including canoes and similar gear), plus a costumed walk along the banks that heads toward Castel Sant’Angelo.
• Carnevale for kids at Casina di Raffaello | Tue 17 Feb 2026, from 10:00
  Casina di Raffaello (Villa Borghese) hosts a Carnival day for kids on Tuesday, February 17, 10:00 am–7:00 pm, with creative workshops and story readings to spark imagination and transform into funny animals and fantastic creatures. Price: €8 per child, per workshop.
• Carnival Skate at the Pincio (in costume) | Sun 15 Feb 2026, 14:00
  The Pattinatori del Pincio invite everyone to roll in costume. Meeting point is 14:00 at Ponte del Pincio (Piazzale dei Martiri). Families usually keep to Villa Borghese paths, while more confident skaters head farther out into the city for a noisy, confetti-filled ride.
• Marconi Carnival Parade (Sfilata di Carnevale a Marconi) | Sun 15 Feb 2026, from 14:30
  A classic neighbourhood parade with a very local feel: meet at 14:30 at the Parrocchia Santi Aquila e Priscilla (Via Blaserna), depart at 14:45, and follow the route through the Marconi area toward Parco Tevere Marconi, with music, masks and plenty of colour.
• La Tarantella del Carnevale | Sun 15 Feb 2026, 18:00
  A big folk-energy celebration at Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone: traditional masks, dancers and live music culminating in the main concert at 18:00 in Sala Sinopoli. Many editions also include a pre-show masked parade in the outdoor spaces.
• Carnevale A Mare | Fiumicino, Sun 8 Feb and Sun 15 Feb 2026
  For an easy day trip: on 8 Feb, the programme includes a market (morning through late afternoon) and street entertainment. On 15 Feb, the big highlight is the grand parade along the waterfront area (Via Torre Clementina zone), with groups in costume and floats.

If you’re ready to have a good time, many clubs in Rome throw carnival parties and themed events. Don’t forget, you might need to wear a mask!

The post Carnevale Romano: The Story of Rome’s Carnival appeared first on Romeing.

The Best Places to Celebrate Carnevale in Italy

We all have that image in our minds, fostered by popular culture, of a beautiful woman standing in the dark, skin lit up by candles, her eyes glimmering behind an ornate mask that gives her added mystery. She is laughing at something a man has said, holding a cocktail in one hand and leaning against a balustrade with the other. Then we get a larger view of where she is standing, the balustrade is part of a bridge, a bridge that curves over a canal. Everyone is wearing masks, dressed to the nines, celebrating an old Italian tradition: Carnevale.

How old, exactly, is this tradition? According to popular myth, it began in Venice a thousand years ago, in honor of a military victory. But like many carnival celebrations around the world (for example, Mardi Gras) it centers around Easter, and is a celebration of the more wild and debaucherous side of life just before the Catholic observance of Lent, when the ritual of fasting begins.

In this list, you’ll learn about the best cities to visit during Carnival. Rome, unfortunately, doesn’t have the best Carnevale scene, but there are plenty of other places that do. Read on, learn which tradition suits you best, and book a train and buy tickets for events to your party place of choice!

Venice

31 January – 17 February 2026

Venice is the first place we think of when we think of Carnevale. Situated in the northeast of Italy, this dreamlike city is made up of 117 islands that are connected by bridges that cross canals. The effect? Moonlight reflecting on the water. Fog rising in the night that gives the streetlights halos. Slip on your mask and into a gown, attend a grand ball, and walk through the ornate streets at night, carousing with strangers and friends.

 Read more: romeing.it/get-out-of-town-venice

 In detail: carnevale.venezia.it

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Viareggio

 1, 7, 12, 15, 17, 21 February 2026

Viareggio is a colourful seaside town, which means that the Carnival celebrations take place right on its shores. Most famous is the parade of papier-mâché floats; but this is just one of the many activities that take place over the course of a month, including night festivals, fireworks displays and cultural, artistic and gastronomic events.

 In detail: viareggio.ilcarnevale.com

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Ivrea

  15 February 2026

For a historical Carnival experience, head to Ivrea, a town near Turin in northern Italy. Don’t miss the Battle of the Oranges, a historically-themed spectacle depicting the liberation of the town’s people from a tyrant king a thousand years ago.  In addition to this spectacle, which any history buff would appreciate, there are historical costumed characters throughout the city and crowds wearing Phrygian caps, representing freedom. Other events are children’s parties and gala balls.

 In detail:  storicocarnevaleivrea.it

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Acireale

31 January – 17 February 2026

The city of Acireale hosts what has been voted the most beautiful carnival in Sicily, and there is a reason for this. Acireale boasts one of the oldest carnival traditions on the island, with papier-mâché floats using a combination of lights, flowers and hydraulic systems. If you want to be amazed by endless beauty, not only of the floats but also of the island itself, this is the place to be. Some events: musical performances, street performers (e.g. magicians and acrobats).

 In detail: carnevaleacireale.eu

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Putignano

1, 7, 15, 17 February 2026

In Putignano (Apulia) the celebrations seem never-ending! Four parades, with not only the typical papier-mâché floats but also masked dancers. The different historical social classes are represented in and protagonists of the festivities: clerics, priests, widowers, young savages, married women and married men… at the end of the celebrations, fake priests run around the city shouting ‘Carnival is dead!’. Some events: visits to wine cellars, readings of poetic satire, art exhibitions.

 In detail: carnevalediputignano.it/

There are endless opportunities for Carnevale in Italy, these being the most famous—but you can also check out celebrations in Milan, Verona, Alto Adige, Fano, and Sciacca. Italy is the place to be for Carnevale—so get out and party!

INSPIRATION
Carnevale Romano: The Story Of Rome’s Carnival

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Rome’s lesser-known, nonclassical quartiere

Located between Termini, Sapienza University and the Verano Monumental Cemetery, the San Lorenzo neighborhood has long been known as Rome’s alternative quartiere, rich in industrial history and heart. A working-class area heavily bombed during World War II, it carries a gritty, resilient spirit that continues to fuel raw creativity. By day, animated coffee shops and galleries draw in curious passers-by; by night, the area turns into a lively circuit of aperitifs, live gigs and late bites for every taste.

To help you navigate San Lorenzo, we’ve covered some of the best restaurants, bars, galleries and nightlife spots to experience the neighbourhood at its best.

Take a long walk through its streets to admire colourful murals and street art, stroll through Villa Mercede – the local green space with a small library – and pause under Porta Tiburtina, the historic gateway in the Aurelian Walls.

Most importantly, make some time to explore its many restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, from long-standing local favourites to newer arrivals like Soho House and The Social Hub.

Today, San Lorenzo stands out as one of Rome’s most creative hubs, with around 60 active artists, 10 galleries, and 50 street art pieces spread across the area. This dense combination of galleries, studios and bookshops is part of the San Lorenzo Art District initiative, which continues to shape the neighborhood’s artistic identity.

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RESTAURANTS in SAN LORENZO

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BARS in SAN LORENZO

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ENTERTAINMENT in SAN LORENZO

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STREET ART in SAN LORENZO

Recognised as one of Rome’s art districts, San Lorenzo is home to students and street art; from Via dei Volsci to Via degli Enotri and a collective wall through Via degli Ausoni, there is much to be seen. It houses the works of many famous international street artists, including a block-long mural by Alice Pasquini, titled “Welcome to San Lorenzo”.

This area is also home to the work of French artist Christian Guémy aka C215; the Italian artists SOLO, Unga, and The Broken Fingaz Crew; the Roman artist Lucamaleonte, and ABOVE, a Californian artist who, like Banksy, has chosen to hide his identity. New murals like “Tutti in bici” by Simone Ferrarini, in collaboration with Collettivo FX, and Eva Robin’s 2025 mural, representing colourful parrots, add to the artistic expression of this neighbourhood.

INSPIRATION
Street art in Rome

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ART & CULTURE

San Lorenzo also offers a rich mix of history, art, and green spaces to explore on foot. The Cimitero Monumentale del Verano, one of Rome’s oldest cemeteries with roots dating back over 2,000 years, is open to the public and well worth a visit for its monumental tombs, sculpted statues, and imposing entrance portico. Nearby, the Basilica di San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura, a majestic fusion of two churches, preserves the relics of Santo Stefano, while San Tommaso Moro, a 20th-century parish church on Via dei Marrucini, is dedicated to the English Reformation martyr St.Thomas More.

For a quieter pause, Villa Mercede is the neighbourhood’s green heart, home to a small public library and shaded benches ideal for reading and relaxing. San Lorenzo is also a key destination for contemporary art in Rome, anchored by Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, a former pasta factory turned into a museum and cultural centre since the 70s. Independent galleries and creative spaces (including Bar.lina, Collettivo noMade, Laboratorio Fotografico Corsetti, Monti8, and more) contribute to the area’s vibrant artistic landscape within the SA.L.A.D project. 

Finally, don’t miss out on four exhibitions hosted by San Lorenzo galleries Monitor, Gilda Lavia, Matèria, and Monti8. Highlights include the debut of Gwen Evans, works by Carla Grauner, the group exhibit “Confluenze” bringing together nine Italian and international artists, and the collective exhibition “Space in Britain” (check their official websites for openings).

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How to spend Valentine’s Day 2026 in Rome

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and lots of us are still trying to figure out how to impress our date! But if you live in the Eternal City, you’ve got a jump on most people. We live in the mecca of love. We’ve got temples, ruins, amazing views, yummy food and hidden gems all around. There are plenty of great ways to make this day special in Rome. Give one of these a go, and we know your date will be impressed!  

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Spectacular Day Trips from Rome

1) Taking in the views of Rome

Living in the Eternal City has its perks. For one, we have some of the best views in the world. And what’s more romantic than admiring the views with your loved one? Take your other half to the Orange Garden, perched on top of Aventine Hill, and don’t forget to peek into the keyhole of the Knights of Malta just footsteps away. Early morning is the best time to go.

Another must-stop is Terrazza Caffarelli, between the Capitoline Museums and the Campidoglio. It’s the ultimate place to admire a picture-perfect Roman sunset. Take a romantic walk along the paths of Villa Borghese and reach the Terrazza del Pincio, looking over Piazza del Popolo: from here you can enjoy one of the most stunning views on the city center. Also in Villa Borghese, what could be more romantic than renting a small boat in the park’s lake and rowing to the small Aesculapius Temple?

The view from the Gianicolo Hill is one of the most famous of the city too, and includes the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica. We suggest you go there at noon to catch a cannon that has been fired at this time since 1847, to mark mid-day in Rome. 

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2) A luxury staycation

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, why not book a romantic staycation at one of Rome’s luxury hotels? Many of the most beautiful and iconic hotels in the city propose special offers for the most romantic day of the year.  

Rome Cavalieri is the perfect place to celebrate love. Its restaurants and spa offer a wonderful blend of luxury and relaxation, creating an ideal setting for romantic moments. Couples staying at the hotel can immerse themselves in an atmosphere of pure elegance, enjoying refined rooms and suites that exude charm. Deluxe Room from €380

Castello della Castelluccia, a romantic castle just outside Rome, is opening the doors of its elegant rooms and suites for Valentine’s Day, each one different and decorated in its own original style. Surrounded by green meadows and rolling hills, it’s the perfect hideaway for a romantic escape just minutes from the city. Overnight stays start from €180, with breakfast included.

TH Roma Carpegna Palace (Via Aurelia) is a sweet Valentine’s staycation option, with a romantic candlelit dinner featuring local wines. The package includes an overnight stay in a double room plus breakfast for two, starting from €210.

For a chic Valentine’s staycation, D.O.M Hotel Roma (Via Giulia) pairs a one-night stay with a romantic dinner at VERVE Restaurant, plus a bottle of Prosecco in the room on arrival. The offer also includes artisan-style continental breakfast and late check-out until 4:00 pm, from €350 in a Deluxe Double (or €450 in a Junior Suite Double).

At 47 Boutique Hotel, celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with the “To Rome with Love” package, featuring a romantic stay, a welcome treat, and a four-course gourmet dinner at 47 Circus. Available February 10–18. Prices vary depending on room category and length of stay.

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3) A romantic dinner

If you’d rather not have a staycation, you could always treat yourselves to a fantastic dining experience for Valentine’s Day 2026. The Roman restaurant scene has prepared some special menus, either to be enjoyed at restaurants for lunch or at home for dinner.

At La Pergola, enjoy a Michelin three-star culinary journey crafted by Heinz Beck, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes like Amberjack with rosehip-scented marinated celery, pomegranate and oxidised chocolate, lobster on liquorice extract, turbot with pumpkin and ultrasound-enhanced beetroot, and a Valentine’s Dessert. The evening is complemented by prestigious wine pairings and live music for a complete sensory experience. €750 per person.

Hotel Eden Rome by Dorchester Collection presents for Valentine’s Day:
– At Il Giardino Ristorante, enjoy panoramic views of the city, an exquisite four-course menu, and the company of your loved one—the perfect recipe for a romantic evening. Cost: €170
– At La Terrazza, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Hotel Eden, enjoy a six-course tasting menu by Chef Salvatore Bianco for an unforgettable dining experience. Price: €340.

Castello della Castelluccia, the ultimate romantic destination, has planned a four-course seafood menu to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a truly special setting. Treat yourself and your loved one to a memorable experience immersed in the romantic ambiance of this stunning castle. €75 per person.

Follie, the fine dining restaurant at Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá, celebrates Valentine’s Day with an exclusive menu created by Chef Alfonso D’Auria that celebrates love through dishes that take guests on a journey. €120 per person.

Tiziano Terrace at Monti Palace Hotel offers a menu that includes a bottle of Franciacorta, house appetisers, a mixed platter of cured meats and cheeses, and a special Valentine’s dessert (€100 per couple). A second menu is also available for €70 per couple, including one cocktail, appetisers and the house dessert. All to be enjoyed with a view!

This Valentine’s Day, Aleph Boutique Hotel invites you to experience Vintage Romance at its Sky Restaurant on the 6th floor. Enjoy a menu inspired by tradition and reimagined with refined elegance, taking you on a sharing-style tasting journey, course after course. €109 per person.

For Valentine’s Day 2026, DonnaE Bistrot, the Elizabeth Unique Hotel’s dining concept in Via delle Colonnette, invites couples to celebrate with an elegant five-course tasting menu by Executive Chef Riccardo Pepe, blending contemporary creativity with standout flavours from Basilicata. Price: €65 per person (drinks excluded), with an optional wine pairing at €40 per person.

At Moma, Chef Andrea Pasqualucci has crafted a refined Valentine’s Day menu. Starting with grilled oyster with Margarita and dill, the tasting continues with rose, caviar and Moscato rosa sauce, followed by foie gras terrine with chocolate, rosehip and raisin bread, then “pici aglio e olio” with chilli pepper and breadcrumbs, spaghettino with beetroot, gobetti shrimps and basil, and beef with red fruits, candied turnip, Cognac and red onion. The meal concludes with sheep’s milk yogurt and raspberries. Price: €200.

At Les Étoiles, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day either on the terrace or inside the restaurant, with two dedicated tasting menus.

• Restaurant menu highlights: golden cacio e pepe squid, turbot with coconut and lemongrass, royal crab tortello, and crispy red mullet with black ink, tomato fondant, and buffalo sauce.
• Terrace menu highlights: sockeye salmon tartare, roasted scallops with wild mushroom parfait and truffle, and a crispy heart-shaped lasagna with scampi.

To view the full menus and reserve, visit terrazzalesetoiles.com/en/. Price €65 (terrace) – €165 (restaurant).

Il Marchese celebrates Valentine’s Day with a selection of off-menu, love-inspired cocktails created just for the occasion, perfect to toast the night in a stylish Roman setting.

For Valentine’s Day, Masa Rooftop offers a special menu crafted by the chef, perfect for sharing with your loved one. Enjoy the evening with live music, all while dining under the stars and taking in a breathtaking view of Rome. Read the menu here. Price: €120.

Anavà, the new restaurant bringing the most authentic cuisine to the heart of the Capital, is also offering two special set menus for Valentine’s Day, accompanied by live music. Read the menu here. Price: €95.

For Valentine’s Day, Avenida Calò (Francesco Calò’s wine-focused pizzeria in the Olimpico area) hosts a romantic candlelit blind tasting: six courses designed by the award-winning pizzaiolo, plus pre-dessert and dessert. €80 per person

In the heart of Prati, Antela is the restaurant and cocktail bar that turns the NH Collection Roma Centro’s garden into an urban-jungle oasis. Chef Natale Giunta serves a gourmet menu inspired by top Sicilian and Italian ingredients, alongside sushi and creative dishes, while mixologist Daniele Zandri crafts original cocktails inspired by Latin sayings. Naturally, there’s also a special Valentine’s Day offering to celebrate the night in style. Price: €95.

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4) Romantic experiences

Looking for a unique way to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one? How about enjoying a jazz concert and dinner at Rome’s oldest jazz club, Alexanderplatz? Nestled in the lively Prati district, this iconic venue hosts a variety of Italian and international artists daily. The intimate ambiance of the club provides a timeless escape for a romantic evening.

For a more thrilling experience, explore Rome on a fun panoramic ride on a vintage Vespa. Ride by the Colosseum, Vatican, the Temple of Venus and many more sights experiencing everything the Eternal City has to offer. Take amazing pictures from beautiful scenic viewpoints and taste a bit of Rome by stopping for gelato and Roman street food.

For wine enthusiasts, treat yourself to the ultimate wine tasting experience at a charming boutique wine bar just steps away from Campo de’ Fiori. Immerse yourself in the expertise of the sommelier as they guide you through a delightful journey across Italy’s diverse wine regions.

Uncover the timeless charm of the Aventine Hill, a perfect romantic escape in the heart of Rome. Wander through medieval Christian monasteries and historic basilicas, pause in the enchanting Orange Garden. Don’t miss the secret keyhole perspective, offering a magical, hidden glimpse of Rome. End your journey with a sweet treat while soaking in the views of the Circus Maximus. For couples who love history, culture, and a touch of romance, this is an experience not to be missed! 

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5) Sleeping in a cozy romantic treehouse

We all wanted our own treehouse as kids. A place where we could unwind, relax and feel disconnected. But who said treehouses are only for children? Imagine a secret hideout, tucked away in the woods with beautiful views. Your private wooden shack suspended 8 meters from the ground. Cozy wooden walls, a private balcony overlooking the trees, completely immersed in the sounds of nature. If that’s not romantic, I don’t know what is. The good news is you don’t have to build your own treehouse, this time. You just have to get yourself to Viterbo to La Piantata, where your treehouse awaits and they will arrange the rest.

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6) A surprise day trip to the lake

As Romans, we’re so lucky to be an hour away from lakes, beaches and mountains. If you’re able to take the day off, a day trip to the beautiful Lake Bolsena is the perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day. Just an hour and a half from Rome, you’ll come across the beautiful lakeside town of Capodimonte – the gem of Lake Bolsena. Take a romantic walk along its lakefront, filled with cafes and gelaterias. Have a gourmet lunch along the lake at Pepenero and unwind afterwards by strolling the streets of its charming centro storico. 

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7) A day full of relaxation and wellness at Roman spas

Enjoy some relaxation with your partner by enjoying a thermal treatment together.

Cavalieri Grand Spa Club celebrates love with a wellness, art, and Dolce Vita experience designed to share with friends and loved ones. Choose one treatment, either a facial or a massage, then unwind in the wet areas, relaxation room, and indoor pool. Finish with a blowout, complete with a complimentary glass of Champagne, and reunite at the Tiepolo Lounge for a signature cocktail in a refined setting. Price: €500.

From 1 to 15 February, The Eden Spa presents “Abbraccio d’amore”, a couples’ ritual designed to promote deep relaxation and emotional connection, featuring warm HöbePergh body wraps followed by the application of the Rich Nourishment Body Cream to nourish and brighten the skin. The experience ends with a private toast in an intimate, refined atmosphere. €250 per person or €480 per couple.

The Villa Agrippina Spa, a true wellness boutique, invites couples to unwind with its “Couple Rituals” experience, available throughout February. Two hours of total relaxation include access to the heated outdoor whirlpool pool, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, sensory showers, and relaxation area, followed by two fully customizable one-hour massages. The ritual ends with two flutes of Champagne served with strawberries. Couple Rituals for two: €320.

For couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with pure relaxation and connection, Six Senses Rome Spa offers the SPA Cuddle Day Experience, including access to the Roman Baths, a 60-minute candle massage for two, and a Valentine’s aperitivo at BIVIUM Bar for a refined, intimate finale. A perfect way to slow down, reconnect, and share a truly restorative moment. €420 per couple

INSPIRATION
The Best Spas in Rome

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Experience Nero’s Golden House as it looked back in the day

From the outside, Rome’s Oppian Hill is unassuming, home to a humble public park which is easily outshone by its neighbor, the Colosseum. But what lies beneath it is one of the Eternal City’s greatest treasures: the Domus Aurea.

History of the Domus Aurea

In 64 AD much of the centre of Rome was destroyed by an enormous fire. While there remains some discussion on whether Nero himself caused the fire, it is certain that it gave him the opportunity to build a huge new residence: the Domus Aurea, also known as ‘’The Golden House’’.

The entire complex occupied a space almost 25 times as big as the Colosseum—the opulent imperial residence sprawled from the Palatine Hill to the Colle Oppio and Caelius Mountain, spanning one square mile. 

At its peak, the Domus boasted gardens, woods, and even artificial lake on the spot where you can find the Colosseum today. Statues hailing from Greece and Asia Minor adorned its rooms; gold and marble quarried from Egypt and the Middle East covered walls and vaulted ceilings; and even a grandiose, octagonal chamber with a domed roof graced the grounds, built sixty years before the completion of the Pantheon. Some of the dining rooms had mechanisms in the ceilings through which petals or perfume descended onto the dinners.

The Golden House: a hidden beauty

Following Nero’s death in 68, his successors wanted to distance themselves from the former emperor and his palace, and tried to erase every trace of it. The palace was stripped of all its luxury and treasures, after which the rooms were filled with earth and levelled to serve as a building ground for the Baths of Titus and later also for the Baths of Trajan. On the site of the lake the Colosseum was built.

Nero’s sumptuous quarters themselves were forgotten for the next 1,400 year, until late in the 15th century, when a Roman boy fell through a hole on the Oppian Hill and he saw a glimpse of painted figures.

Soon after, a host of adventurers and legendary artists of the Renaissance, Raphael among them, made pilgrimages to the site, studying and later recreating the Domus’s motifs and designs (called ‘grotesques’) in their own work. The paintings were highly influential and ‘Grotesque painting’ is still an existing term for Roman wall decoration (as well as carpets and furniture motifs), much seen in the 16th century.

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Rome’s Attractions

Visiting the Domus Aurea

Fast forward to the present century: after extensive renovation, the palace finally opened its gates to visitors in 2014. Although there are still excavations and construction work going on, the place is open for visitors during the weekends when guided tours are organized. 

When in Rome, this fascinating tour is highly recommended. The guides take you along the large and incredibly high rooms where some frescoes can be seen, and they tell you all about the history and architecture of the Domus Aurea. On weekends, there is even a Virtual Reality experience included in the tour–with the aid of visual headsets, the 3D, multimedia experience provides a glimpse into how the Domus looked in its heyday. The Volta Dorata Hall and the exterior bordering the gardens are the focus of the guided walks, which must be booked in advance.

A tour through the Domus Aurea offers a unique experience in Rome. Inside the Domus, the temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius, so we recommend wearing appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Please note that admission is only granted with a guided tour, and reservations are essential.

INSPIRATION
Book your Colosseum Tour

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entrance from via della Domus Aurea

Metro Colosseo

Opening Hours

Friday to Sunday: 9.15am – 5.15pm

Ticket with educational tour and virtual reality
€ 26.00

Full fare
€ 18.00

colosseo.it/area/domus-aurea/

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A New Archaeological Metro Axis in the Heart of Rome

After years of construction, Rome has finally inaugurated two new stations on Line C: Colosseo–Fori Imperiali and Porta Metronia. They opened to the public on 16 December 2025 in a ceremony attended and officially inaugurated by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, marking a historic step for mobility in the city.

The new section connects San Giovanni to Via dei Fori Imperiali, about 3 km of underground line in the very heart of Rome, bringing the total number of Line C stations to 24. The Colosseo–Fori Imperiali stop becomes the line’s second major interchange, now crossing:

• Line A at San Giovanni
• Line B at Colosseo, via an internal tunnel connection between the two stations

For the first time, the eastern outskirts are directly linked to Rome’s archaeological core.

INSPIRATION
Transportation in Rome

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Colosseo–Fori Imperiali: An “Archaeostation” Between the Colosseum and the Basilica of Maxentius

The new Colosseo–Fori Imperiali station sits in a unique archaeological context, between the Colosseum and the Basilica of Maxentius, directly beneath Via dei Fori Imperiali.

At a depth of 32 metres, the architectural project is inspired by a major discovery made during excavation: 28 Republican-era wells and a domus found at great depth. These finds shaped both the structural solutions and the narrative approach to the future “archaeostation”.

Inside the station, the access route down to the platforms is designed as a small underground museum: along corridors and mezzanines you’ll find display cases, panels and multimedia installations that recount the history of the excavations, the artefacts discovered and the transformation of the Fori area over the last century.

From a functional point of view, the station offers:

• Direct exits onto Via dei Fori Imperiali and the Colosseum area
• Immediate interchange with Line B via the internal tunnel
• A potential reduction of surface traffic, thanks to a new underground axis linking peripheral areas and the historic centre

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Porta Metronia: Five Underground Levels Beneath Piazzale Ipponio

The new Porta Metronia station stands in Piazzale Ipponio, between San Giovanni, the Celio and Appio Latino, serving a densely populated area close to parks, schools and healthcare facilities. The station is spread over five underground levels, connected by escalators and next-generation lifts, with bright, spacious architecture designed to handle passenger flows smoothly.

During excavation, archaeologists uncovered a remarkable 2nd-century AD military barracks, with frescoed rooms, mosaic floors and the domus of the commander, along with later residential structures. Part of these remains has been reinstalled and integrated into the station itself, which is also set to become a true “station-museum”.

• The opening of the archaeological exhibition area at Porta Metronia is scheduled for February 2026: visitors will be able to view the remains in situ from walkways and glass viewpoints directly along the metro route.
• For now, the platform level is already operational, providing a new fast access point to Line C from this part of the city.

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The Current State of the Metro in Rome

With these new stations, Line C now links Monte Compatri/Pantano to the Colosseum, crossing eastern and south-eastern Rome and interchanging with the other metro lines:

• Line A: Anagnina–Battistini (east–west axis)
• Line B/B1: Laurentina–Rebibbia/Ionio (north–south axis)
• Line C: Pantano–Colosseo, with future extensions planned towards Piazza Venezia, Chiesa Nuova, St Peter’s and Clodio–Mazzini

Line C remains fully automated (driverless), with platform screen doors and advanced monitoring systems.

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