Explore the Eternal City: Rome
Rome calls you for an experience that no other city can offer. Walk where emperors and gladiators wrote history, admiring the timeless majesty of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Immerse yourself in the cradle of Western civilization, where every stone tells a legend. From the wonders of the Vatican to the Baroque squares enlivened by the Trevi Fountain, art is everywhere.
The Legacy of SPQR
Observe the traces of ancient grandeur engraved in the initials SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus), which reminds us how the city was ruled by the Senate and the Roman people. This emblem of antiquity is a testament to a civilization that shaped the world.
Safe Spaces and LGBT Tolerance
Rome is generally considered a safe and tolerant city for LGBT people, especially in central areas and neighborhoods with a lively gay scene, such as Ostiense and Testaccio. In tourist and central areas, attitudes are generally open, and public displays of affection by same-sex couples are common and rarely problematic. The city hosts the large Roma Pride parade, demonstrating the community’s strong presence and visibility.
Despite the trend towards openness, rare incidents of homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia still occur, particularly in peripheral or less frequented areas. Associations periodically record reports of verbal and physical assaults, highlighting the need for vigilance. To combat this, Roma Capitale has shown commitment to promoting inclusion by establishing dedicated offices and help desks, such as municipal LGBTQIA+ help desks. Key organizations like the Gay Center, Il Circolo di Cultura Omosessuale Mario Mieli, and shelters like Casa+ offer support to victims of discrimination or violence.
Access to safe spaces is vital, and the ARCO Card is your key to these havens of safety and acceptance.
Indulge in Roman Cuisine
Roman cuisine is a triumph of strong flavors and simple ingredients, the result of popular and peasant traditions. Here are the specialties you absolutely must try:
- The Four Kings of First Courses
- Spaghetti alla Carbonara – The emblem, strictly with guanciale, egg yolk, Pecorino Romano DOP, and black pepper.
- Bucatini all’Amatriciana – Guanciale, Pecorino, and tomato.
- Rigatoni alla Gricia – The “mother” of first courses, guanciale, Pecorino cheese, and pepper (without tomato).
- Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe – Only Pecorino cheese and pepper, creamed to perfection with the cooking water.
- Appetizers and Street Food
- Supplì – Rice croquettes stuffed with ragù and melted mozzarella (“al telefono”).
- Carciofi alla Giudìa – Whole fried artichokes, opened like flowers and made crispy, typical of the Roman Jewish tradition.
- Classic Main Courses
- Coda alla Vaccinara – Oxtail stew cooked slowly in tomato sauce and vegetables.
- Saltimbocca alla Romana – Veal slices with prosciutto and sage, cooked in butter and white wine.
- The Essential Dessert
- Maritozzo con la Panna – Soft sweet bread roll filled with generous amounts of whipped cream.
Endless Beauty and Power
Experience the unique atmosphere of the alleys of Trastevere and savor Roman cuisine, concluding your journey in the Eternal City, an inexhaustible treasure trove of beauty and power. Let Rome capture your heart and imagination as you explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights.
Approfondimenti su Rome
Rome calls you for an experience that no other city can offer.
Walk where emperors and gladiators wrote history, admiring the timeless majesty of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Immerse yourself in the cradle of Western civilization, where every stone tells a legend. From the wonders of the Vatican to the Baroque squares enlivened by the Trevi Fountain, art is everywhere.
Observe the traces of ancient grandeur engraved in the initials SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus), which remind us how the city was ruled by the Senate and the Roman people.
Experience the unique atmosphere of the alleys of Trastevere and savor Roman cuisine, concluding your journey in the Eternal City, an inexhaustible treasure trove of beauty and power.
Here are the must-see places to visit in Rome:
Start with the ultimate symbol: the majestic Colosseum, and continue on to the archaeological area of the Imperial Forums and the Palatine Hill for a dip into Ancient Rome.
Don't miss the Pantheon, the best-preserved Roman building, with its incredible open-air dome.
Throw a coin into the spectacular Trevi Fountain and admire the Baroque grandeur of Piazza Navona. Vatican City is a must-see for the majestic St. Peter's Basilica and the treasures of the Vatican Museums, culminating in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
Finally, enjoy the lively and popular atmosphere of dinner in the Trastevere district.
Rome offers unique experiences even without spending a penny, you just need to know where to look!
Admire the fountains: It costs nothing to gaze in awe at the majestic Trevi Fountain and the sculptures in Piazza Navona, such as Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers.
Visit the Squares and Stairways: Stroll through Piazza di Spagna, admiring the Spanish Steps and the elegance of Piazza del Popolo.
Enter the Basilicas: Admission to the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica is free, as is admission to the four Papal Basilicas and almost all of Rome's churches.
Discover Caravaggio's Masterpieces: Admire the master's original works for free, on display in churches such as San Luigi dei Francesi and Santa Maria del Popolo.
Enjoy the Views: The terraces of the Janiculum (with the Fontanone dell'Acqua Paola) and the Pincio offer spectacular and romantic views of the city.
Stroll among the Ruins: Admire the imposing ruins of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum from the outside (especially from Via dei Fori Imperiali).
Stop at the Pantheon: The ancient Roman temple converted into a church (there is currently an entrance fee, but it was traditionally free and is well worth the small cost).
Explore the Secret Gardens: Visit the charming Giardino degli Aranci on the Aventine Hill for a moment of tranquility and the famous view from the Buco della Serratura.
Take advantage of special initiatives: Remember the “Sunday at the Museum” promotion with free admission to state sites (Colosseum, Forums, etc.) on the first Sunday of every month.
Lose yourself in Trastevere: The entire neighborhood is a free attraction, perfect for soaking up the Roman atmosphere among alleys, markets, and the ancient Basilica of Santa Maria.
The history of LGBT people in Rome is a fascinating journey that spans from tolerant antiquity to medieval obscurantism, right up to modern-day assertiveness.
Ancient Rome (Before Christianity)
Male homosexual relationships were widespread and generally accepted, provided that the free Roman citizen remained the active partner (passivity was considered dishonorable). Emperors such as Hadrian and Nero had publicly celebrated male lovers.
Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages
With the rise of Christianity and imperial legislation (especially under Justinian), homosexuality was condemned as “sodomy,” becoming a **serious crime** punishable by severe penalties.
Modern Period and Papacy
For centuries, homosexual life was forced underground due to the strong influence of the Church and repression.
Birth of the Movement (Late 20th Century)
The modern LGBT movement in Rome gained momentum, particularly with the founding of the Mario Mieli Homosexual Culture Club.
Rome hosted the **first unified Gay Pride parade in Italy in 1994. The city was the venue for World Gay Pride in 2000 and EuroPride in 2011, cementing its role as the capital of civil rights in Italy.
Struggles for Rights
Since the 2000s, Roman associations have been at the forefront of the introduction of civil unions and the fight against homotransphobia.
Today, Rome is a center of activism and culture, with a vibrant LGBT+ scene concentrated around areas such as the Ostiense district and San Giovanni in Laterano, the historic home of Pride.
Roman cuisine is a triumph of strong flavors and simple ingredients, the result of popular and peasant traditions. Here are the specialties you absolutely must try:
The Four Kings of First Courses
Spaghetti alla Carbonara - The emblem, strictly with guanciale, egg yolk, Pecorino Romano DOP, and black pepper.
Bucatini all'Amatriciana - Guanciale, Pecorino, and tomato.
Rigatoni alla Gricia - The “mother” of first courses, guanciale, Pecorino cheese, and pepper (without tomato).
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe - Only Pecorino cheese and pepper, creamed to perfection with the cooking water.
Appetizers and Street Food
Supplì - Rice croquettes stuffed with ragù and melted mozzarella (“al telefono”).
Carciofi alla Giudìa - Whole fried artichokes, opened like flowers and made crispy, typical of the Roman Jewish tradition.
Classic Main Courses
Coda alla Vaccinara - Oxtail stew cooked slowly in tomato sauce and vegetables.
Saltimbocca alla Romana - Veal slices with prosciutto and sage, cooked in butter and white wine.
The Essential Dessert
Maritozzo con la Panna - Soft sweet bread roll filled with generous amounts of whipped cream.
Rome is generally considered a safe and tolerant city for LGBT people, especially in central areas and neighborhoods with a lively gay scene (such as Ostiense and Testaccio).
However, as in any large metropolis, the experience can vary:
In tourist and central areas, attitudes are generally open, and public displays of affection by same-sex couples are common and rarely problematic. The city hosts the large Roma Pride parade, which demonstrates the community's strong presence and visibility.
Roma Capitale has shown commitment to promoting inclusion, for example by establishing dedicated offices and help desks (such as municipal LGBTQIA+ help desks) and supporting initiatives. There are important organizations such as the Gay Center, Il Circolo di Cultura Omosesuale Mario Mieli, and temporary shelters (such as “Casa+”) that offer assistance to victims of discrimination or violence.
Despite the trend toward openness, rare incidents of homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia still occur, especially in peripheral or less frequented areas. Associations periodically record reports of verbal and physical assaults, highlighting the need for vigilance.