Things to do in Rome, events and local news | Khora Social

Rome Launches Seven Audio Itineraries Exploring Hidden Sites and Contemporary Culture

Rome Launches Seven Audio Itineraries Exploring Hidden Sites and Contemporary Culture

Rome is being explored through a new audio project designed to highlight parts of the city beyond its best-known landmarks. “Unexpected Itineraries of Rome” offers seven audio routes focused on urban memory, nature and contemporary cultural expressions. The initiative is promoted by Zètema Progetto Cultura on behalf of Rome Capital’s Department of Major Events, Sport, Tourism and Fashion. Written and narrated by journalist Emilio Casalini, the project includes seven main itineraries and 42 short podcasts on individual places of interest, for a total of 49 audio pieces. The routes are intended to combine stories, anecdotes and different perspectives rather than simply describe locations. The first itinerary covers the Ostiense area, where industrial archaeology, street art and the landscape of the Almone river reveal a productive and contemporary side of Rome. Other routes lead through Esquilino, combining basilicas, aqueducts, museums and social change; Forte Bravetta, now a public park and a site of memory; and the archaeological areas of Gabii and Osa along the Prenestina road. The project also includes San Vittorino, where rural scenery meets history, and Tor Marancia, known for street art that turns urban space into an open-air museum. The content is geolocated, allowing listeners to hear each episode directly at the sites it covers. It is available through the Unexpected Rome app and on Loquis, via desktop and app versions. For Rome, the project is relevant because it encourages residents and visitors to discover less familiar neighbourhoods, archaeological sites and landscapes through guided, location-based storytelling.

Best Things to Do in Rome in September 2026: Events, Museums and Concerts

Best Things to Do in Rome in September 2026: Events, Museums and Concerts

September is presented as an especially appealing time to visit Rome, as August’s intense heat gives way to milder sunshine while evenings remain warm enough for outdoor dining. The city’s cultural calendar becomes busy again, with arts festivals, theatre, exhibitions, concerts and other events running throughout the month. Romaeuropa, Rome’s contemporary arts festival, takes place from 8 September to 15 November in its 41st edition. Its programme includes contemporary dance, theatre, music, digital art and children’s events, featuring hundreds of artists from around the world. Short Theatre runs from 3 to 12 September at the Mattatoio and other venues, offering avant-garde performance, dance, music, prose, DJ sets and workshops. State museums, archaeological sites and Rome’s municipal museums will be free to enter on Sunday 6 September. Other highlights include Vinòforum, dedicated to Italian and international wines, at Piazza di Siena in Villa Borghese from 9 to 13 September. Concerti del Tempietto continues nightly at the Teatro di Marcello through the end of the month, with classical, jazz and folk music. Spring Attitude returns on 10 and 11 September, including a special event by i Cani at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Rome Future Week, from 21 to 27 September, focuses on issues including technology, mobility, sustainability, education, health and smart cities. The month also brings Roma Summer Fest concerts and major exhibitions on Kandinsky, Ovid’s *Metamorphoses*, Robert Mapplethorpe, Diego Rivera and Troy. This is useful for Rome because it highlights the range of cultural opportunities available as the city moves from the summer season into autumn.

Rome Events: Free Culture, Theatre and Cinema Listings

Rome Capitale’s “All Events” webpage serves as a central directory for news and events published by the municipal administration. Rather than presenting a specific event announcement, the page provides tools for visitors to search and narrow down available content. Users can filter listings by topic, including environment, culture, rights, disability, education and employment, mobility and transport, social policies, sport, tourism, urban planning, public safety and Rome-related issues. Culture is the largest category shown on the page, alongside numerous entries connected with local districts and municipal bodies. The directory can also be searched by the responsible structure. These include city departments, the Local Police Corps, the Capitoline Superintendency, municipal councillors’ offices, libraries and cultural centres, and the administrations of Rome’s 15 municipalities. This structure allows residents to locate initiatives not only by subject but also by the public office or area of the city involved. The page includes a date filter and a return-to-top function. It also indicates that users must be registered to submit feedback on the page. A chat feature identified as “Julia” is displayed, together with cookie-preference management options. This information is relevant for Rome because the page acts as a single access point to municipal events and updates across the city. Its filters can help residents, visitors and local organisations find initiatives linked to specific neighbourhoods, public services or areas of interest.

Rome Events: Official Calendar of Cultural, Theatre and Free Entry Activities

Rome Capitale’s “All Events” page serves as a central directory for municipal news and events in Rome. The page allows users to browse and filter content by subject, administrative body and date, although the provided text does not include details of any individual event or announcement. The available themes cover a broad range of city life, including environment, culture, social services, sport, tourism, schools, mobility and transport, urban planning, housing, disability, equal opportunities, public safety and digital innovation. Culture is the largest listed category, followed by Rome-related and environmental content. The directory also includes items associated with the Mayor, the Capitoline Assembly and several municipal departments. Users can further narrow their searches by the responsible city office or institution. These include departments dealing with cultural activities, sustainable mobility, environmental protection, education and professional training, housing policy, and major events, sport, tourism and fashion. Content can also be selected by municipality, from Municipio I to Municipio XV, as well as by other offices and councillor departments. The page is relevant for Rome because it provides a single access point to information issued across the city administration. Its filters can help residents identify initiatives, notices and events connected to their neighbourhood, local services or areas of interest, while also showing the wide range of municipal bodies involved in public life across the capital.

How to Choose the Right Rome Tour in 2026: Prices, Timing and Booking Tips

How to Choose the Right Rome Tour in 2026: Prices, Timing and Booking Tips

Choosing a Rome tour in 2026 depends on visitors’ priorities rather than simply selecting the most popular option. The guide suggests that first-time travelers usually benefit from one Colosseum experience, one Vatican visit and either a food tour or an evening walk. Guided tours are most useful for visitors seeking historical context at major sites, while independent travelers focused on photography or flexible pacing may prefer audio guides and self-guided visits. For the Colosseum, standard tours covering the Forum and Palatine Hill are aimed at budget-conscious first-time visitors, while Arena Floor access is presented as a stronger choice for those especially interested in ancient history or photography. Underground and Arena options are geared towards return visitors and small groups. From April to October, morning reservations are recommended because afternoon temperatures can reach 28–35°C. At the Vatican, early-entry tours cost more but are intended to reduce crowds, particularly in the Sistine Chapel. The source advises booking Vatican slots four to eight weeks ahead in the May–September peak season, with early-entry and premium options requiring even more notice. It also cautions against combining the Vatican and Colosseum in a single day, especially on short stays. Food tours in Trastevere offer an atmospheric, visitor-oriented evening experience, while Testaccio is described as more local and suited to repeat visitors. Catacomb visits require guides, and the Appian Way offers additional underground sites. For longer stays, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast are presented as a full-day option, while Ostia Antica is a shorter alternative. This information is relevant for Rome because it helps visitors plan around demand, heat, travel time and the city’s many major attractions, potentially allowing for a less rushed visit.

Rome Technopole, il polo dell’innovazione a Pietralata - PPN ADI - Agenzia delle Infrastrutture

Rome Technopole, il polo dell’innovazione a Pietralata - PPN ADI - Agenzia delle Infrastrutture

Rome Technopole, a new research and innovation hub, is under construction in Pietralata, in north-east Rome. The project is funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and is scheduled to be handed over in December 2026, although the timetable could change during construction. Launched in 2022, Rome Technopole brings together Lazio’s main universities, major public research bodies, Unindustria, local Chambers of Commerce and more than 20 industrial groups. Its purpose is to connect academic research with the regional production system, focusing on energy transition, digital transition and health. The new infrastructure will host the Rome Technopole Foundation, chaired by Sapienza rector Antonella Polimeni. The first construction phase covers 2,300 square metres across three floors within a 7,500-square-metre area granted by Rome City Hall. It will include the Foundation’s headquarters, classrooms, multimedia rooms, research laboratories, and areas for technology transfer and business incubation. The first phase is worth around €11 million, mainly financed by PNRR resources, with support from the Lazio Region’s 2021-2027 ERDF programme. The Lazio regional government has also approved an additional €15 million for the second phase, bringing its total allocation for that stage to €22 million. A new 2,500-square-metre building will provide experimental laboratories, spaces for start-ups and innovative small and medium-sized firms, and joint research activities with companies in aerospace, artificial intelligence, biopharmaceuticals and energy transition. For Rome, the project is relevant because it adds a research and business hub to Pietralata’s wider redevelopment, alongside planned facilities including Sapienza’s new Engineering faculty, student housing and other services.

Rome Museums: Exhibitions and Cultural Events Through August 27, 2026

Rome Museums: Exhibitions and Cultural Events Through August 27, 2026

Rome’s Civic Museums will remain open throughout August, including Saturday, 15 August, offering residents and visitors a wide programme of exhibitions, archaeological sites and cultural activities. The schedule brings together art, cinema, fashion and photography across museums and historic locations in the city. At the Capitoline Museums, visitors can see exhibitions on Diego Rivera, angels in art, Giorgio Vasari’s relationship with Rome, and unfinished paintings in the Pinacoteca Capitolina. Centrale Montemartini presents *Moda in luce 1955-1975*, while Palazzo Braschi hosts an exhibition dedicated to director Ettore Scola. Photography features prominently at the Ara Pacis Museum, with more than 200 images in the Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition, and at the Museum of Rome in Trastevere, which presents projects by Matilde Damele, Hervé Gloaguen and Francesco Conversano. Other venues include the Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Villa Torlonia, the Museo delle Mura and the Museo Carlo Bilotti. Evening immersive sessions of *L’Ara si rivela* continue at the Ara Pacis, while Villa Torlonia’s Second World War bunker and air-raid shelters can also be visited during Ferragosto and later in the month. Rome’s municipal archaeological areas will also be open, including Largo Argentina, the Imperial Forums, the Celio Archaeological Park, the Circus Maximus and the Museum of the Forma Urbis. The programme additionally includes a free 19 August visit for Roma MIC Card holders on Etruscan funerary culture, as well as astronomy shows at the Rome Planetarium. The programme is relevant for Rome because it keeps major civic cultural and archaeological sites accessible during August, including Ferragosto, while offering activities for different audiences across the city.

Initaly

Initaly

Rome is set to remain active during the Ferragosto weekend of Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026, with a range of nighttime events focused on music and entertainment. The article presents the capital as a lively destination during one of Italy’s main summer holidays, when many people traditionally take time off or leave the city. According to the source, the programme includes various evening initiatives across Rome. The report highlights nightlife as a central feature of the weekend, suggesting that residents and visitors will have options for spending Ferragosto nights in the city rather than limiting celebrations to daytime activities. However, the text provided does not specify individual venues, performers, event names, schedules, ticket prices or neighbourhoods. It therefore offers a general overview of Rome’s Ferragosto nightlife rather than a detailed guide to specific appointments. The article was published by inItaly, an online magazine registered in Naples, and is presented as part of its coverage of local activities and destinations. The news is relevant for Rome because it signals that the city will continue to offer cultural and entertainment opportunities during Ferragosto, a period often associated with reduced activity. For people staying in Rome over the holiday weekend, it points to the availability of evening events and music-related initiatives.

Heatwave Intensifies Struggles for Evicted Families Sleeping Rough in Rome

Heatwave Intensifies Struggles for Evicted Families Sleeping Rough in Rome

In the heart of Rome, a severe heatwave is exacerbating the struggles of families recently evicted from a social center known as Spin Time Labs. This center, which had been a refuge for nearly a decade, was forcibly evacuated last month following a minor fire and increasing pressure from the government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. With temperatures soaring close to 40°C, many families, elderly residents, and even pets are now forced to sleep in tents and makeshift beds outside the center's locked gates, facing dire conditions that compound their already precarious situation. The psychological toll of this crisis is becoming increasingly evident. Anastasia Destro, a doctor assisting the evicted families, reports rising levels of distress among those living outdoors. The harsh realities of life on the streets, especially under the relentless sun, have led to numerous health issues. Despite the challenges, a wave of solidarity has emerged from the community, with volunteers providing clothing, food, and essential supplies. The left-wing city council has stepped in to offer tents, air-conditioning units, and portable toilets, while a drinking water truck has been deployed to help those in need. Spin Time Labs was more than just a shelter; it was a vibrant community hub that fostered unity among diverse ethnic groups and cultures. Marco Perilli, a long-term resident, described it as a "big family" where people from various backgrounds coexisted harmoniously. The eviction has highlighted Rome's ongoing housing crisis, with over 17,000 households waiting for council accommodation, many of whom have been on the list for over a decade. While Mayor Roberto Gualtieri is advocating for the residents' return, the building's private owners have thus far resisted efforts to facilitate their reintegration. Among those still hoping to return is Patience Sare, a Nigerian mother who found solace at Spin Time after fleeing conflict in Libya. Her emotional testimony underscores the profound impact this community had on her life, providing a sense of belonging that she desperately wishes to reclaim. As the situation unfolds, the plight of these families serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for solutions to Rome's housing crisis.

US-Brokered Israel-Lebanon Talks Scheduled for August 4-6 in Rome

US-Brokered Israel-Lebanon Talks Scheduled for August 4-6 in Rome

The upcoming US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon are set to take place in Rome from August 4 to 6. This meeting comes as Israel prepares to withdraw from two designated "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon, a significant step in the ongoing negotiations aimed at fostering peace in the region. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani first revealed the details of these talks, which have been confirmed by the US State Department, emphasizing the importance of these discussions in advancing the framework agreement established earlier this year. During the talks in Rome, technical groups will focus on several critical issues, including the expansion of the pilot zone process, the resolution of outstanding border disputes, and the development of a comprehensive peace and security agreement. This framework deal was initiated following a conflict that erupted on March 2 between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. The agreement aims to end hostilities in Lebanon, facilitate the disarmament of Hezbollah, and ensure the deployment of Lebanese troops in the southern region while allowing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal. The US officials involved in the talks believe that the experiences gained from the initial pilot zones will be instrumental in refining the implementation process, allowing for a phased expansion of these zones. However, the situation remains tense, as Lebanon's army has condemned Israel's ongoing military operations in the south, which they argue hinder their full deployment in accordance with the framework deal. Reports of intermittent Israeli strikes and artillery shelling continue to emerge, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the complexities involved in achieving lasting peace. As the talks approach, the international community watches closely, hopeful that progress can be made in resolving these longstanding issues and fostering stability in a region often marked by conflict.

ICC Removes Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Following Misconduct Allegations in Rome Meeting

ICC Removes Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Following Misconduct Allegations in Rome Meeting

The recent ousting of Karim Khan as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sent ripples through the international legal community. Following a secret ballot during a meeting of States Parties to the Rome Statute at the United Nations in New York, Khan was removed from his position after 82 out of 125 member states voted against him. This unprecedented decision was driven by serious allegations of sexual misconduct, which Khan has vehemently denied, claiming that the process leading to his removal was unfair. Khan's suspension had already been initiated by the ICC's executive committee, which prompted the member states to deliberate on his fate. His removal marks a significant moment in the history of the ICC, as it is the first time a chief prosecutor has been dismissed from such a prominent international legal institution. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that the ICC is currently engaged in high-profile investigations, including those involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the wake of Khan's departure, the ICC's deputy prosecutors are expected to step in and manage the office temporarily. This transition period will allow member states to begin the process of selecting a permanent successor, ensuring that the court's crucial work continues without interruption. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, as it not only affects the internal dynamics of the ICC but also raises questions about accountability and governance within international institutions. As the ICC navigates this challenging chapter, the focus will remain on its ongoing investigations and the pursuit of justice on the global stage. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities and responsibilities that come with upholding international law, particularly in a world where political and legal challenges often intersect.

Latest News in Rome: Vigil Violence, Summer Airport Queues, and More on Tuesday

Latest News in Rome: Vigil Violence, Summer Airport Queues, and More on Tuesday

Rome, the eternal city, is currently grappling with a range of pressing issues. Recently, a vigil held for a Moroccan man who was killed by police turned violent, highlighting ongoing tensions within the community. Such incidents remind us of the complex social dynamics that can surface in urban environments, especially in a city with a rich history like Rome. The aftermath of this event has sparked discussions about police practices and community relations, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding. In addition to social unrest, the city is also preparing for a busy summer travel season. Rome's Fiumicino Airport has issued warnings about longer queues under the European Entry System (EES), which is expected to affect travelers arriving from outside the European Union. As tourism is a significant part of Rome's economy, the airport's management is taking steps to ensure that visitors are informed and prepared for potential delays. This proactive approach aims to enhance the travel experience and maintain the city's reputation as a top destination. As the summer approaches, Rome is poised to welcome millions of tourists eager to explore its historic sites, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine. However, the juxtaposition of social issues and the bustling tourism sector presents a unique challenge for the city. Local authorities are tasked with balancing the needs of residents and visitors while fostering a safe and welcoming environment. In summary, Rome is currently navigating a complex landscape marked by social tensions and the anticipation of a bustling tourist season. The city's ability to address these challenges will be crucial in ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy all that this magnificent city has to offer. As discussions continue and preparations are made, the hope is for a peaceful and enriching summer in the heart of Italy.