Category: Rome

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Visiting the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain in Rome has introduced a new queuing system to manage the ever-growing crowds, especially in preparation for the Jubilee in 2025.

I was there in November 2024 (left) as the Fountain was being restored for your visit.

History of the Fountain

Navigating the New Queue System at Trevi Fountain

Officials have implemented a structured queuing system to enhance the visitor experience. Visitors can access the fountain from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the last entry at 8:30 p.m. The number of visitors is capped at 400 at a time to prevent overcrowding.

On Mondays and Fridays, the fountain remains closed until noon for coin collection, and every other Monday, it opens at 2 p.m. for cleaning.

Best Times to Visit

  • Late Night Magic: The queue system isn’t regulated after 9 p.m., so visiting after 9:30 p.m. allows you to enjoy the fountain without heavy crowds. Plus, it’s beautifully illuminated at night!
  • Midday Pause: If you want to see the fountain during the day, 12:30 p.m. is a good time since many tourists break for lunch.
  • Avoid Mondays & Fridays Mornings: The fountain stays closed until noon on these days for coin collection and cleaning.

Where to Line Up

Visitors enter through a central staircase and exit via a gate on the left side, facing Via dei Crociferi. There’s no time limit—you can stay as long as you like. However, eating, drinking, and sitting on the fountain’s marble edge are prohibited.

Future Changes

Rome’s mayor has hinted at a possible online reservation system later this year, which may require visitors to book tickets and select time slots. For now, entry remains free and available for walk-ins.

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Italy | Rome | Christmas 2024 Events

Christmas Tree Lightings in Rome, Italy 2024

Rome, the Eternal City, transforms into a magical wonderland during the Christmas season. The city is adorned with beautiful lights, festive decorations, and, of course, stunning Christmas trees. Here are the key dates for the Christmas tree lightings in Rome for 2024:

Vatican Christmas Tree Lighting

  • Date: December 7, 2024
  • Time: 6:30 PM
  • Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
    The Vatican Christmas tree lighting is a significant event, symbolizing unity and hope. This year’s tree will be accompanied by a Nativity scene inspired by the lagoon town of Grado.

Piazza Venezia Christmas Tree Lighting

  • Date: November 29, 2024
  • Location: Piazza del Popolo (due to construction at Piazza Venezia)
    The tree lighting at Piazza Venezia is a beloved tradition, but this year it will take place at Piazza del Popolo.

Other Notable Christmas Events

  • Piazza Navona Christmas Market: From December 1, 2024, to January 6, 2025, this historic square transforms into a vibrant market filled with festive stalls and decorations.
  • Christmas World at Villa Borghese: Starting November 30, 2024, this immersive Christmas village features light displays, cultural exhibits, and a skating rink.
  • Piazza di Spagna/Spanish Steps: A small Christmas Market and nativity scene set up at the bottom of the Spanish Steps.
  • Piazza Mazzini:  A vintage/antique market in Piazza Mazzini in Prati which throughout December turns into a fairly large Christmas Fair where you will find gifts, crafts, food, Christmas decorations and more, Some of the stalls previously found in Piazza Navonna will be set up here.
  • Laghetto dell’Eur Christmas Village: Set around the enchanting Laghetto dell’EUR, an artificial lake competed for the 1960 Rome Olympics. The market showcases more than 100 exhibitors and their artisanal crafts, delicious food, and a picturesque ice-skating rink.
  • Cinecittà World’s Christmas Village
    From November 9, 2024, to January 6, 2025, the famous film-themed park offers a holiday transformation, complete with seasonal attractions and family-friendly activities.

Rome’s Christmas tree lightings and festive events offer a unique blend of tradition, beauty, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these events are sure to fill your heart with the spirit of the season.

Happy holidays! 🎄✨

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Colosseum Visit – Pricing or Group of Four

Rome: Small Group Tour Colosseum Experience
$392.92 Sunday 3 pm

Operated by: Rome Adventures 73 Reviews 4.5 Stars

Overview Journey back to the days of imperial Rome during this guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Choose from convenient, flexible departure times all day long. Listen to riveting tales of ancient gladiators and warring emperors as you stroll through iconic, well-preserved ruins. Admission tickets are included. A time-saver guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Cover three of Rome’s most iconic ancient attractions in just a couple of hours Listen to in-depth commentary from your guide on the days of imperial rule Enjoy panoramic views overlooking the city’s historic center

24H ONLY ARENA – Direct from Colosseum Site
€72 (Approx. $78.50) Tickets Only

Choose the time of your visit

12:00 PM

12:40 PM

1:20 PM

2:00 PM

3:20 PM

4:00 PM

4:40 PM

5:20 PM

6:00 PM

  • The ticket is valid on the day of booking.
  • The ticket includes entrance and exit from the side of the Sperone Stern, with a visit only to the floor of the Arena.
  • You can book the entrance time to the Colosseum and decide whether to visit the Roman Forum, the Palatine and the Imperial Forums before or after.
  • A single entrance with booked time at the Colosseum + a single entrance to the area of the Roman-Palatine Forum and the Imperial Forums, without a fixed time, provided that the ticket is valid from the first ticket stamp.
  • We recommend that you arrive at the entrance of the Colosseum 15 minutes before the scheduled time of entry. The entrance to the Colosseum is not far from the Arch of Constantine, at the so-called “Sperone Stern”.

What’s included:

  • One admission to the Arena floor only at the booked time
  • One admission to the Roman Forum-Palatine archaeological area and Imperial Fora
  • Entry to SUPER sites
  • Entry to any exhibitions that may be in progress in the Roman Forum-Palatine archaeological area