Just FYI: Went to Rome for the first time this past April 21st and stayed 4 days. I think it was their Liberation Holiday, but we got in to all museums, attractions for FREE. The only thing we paid for was the Vatican. It saved us a ton of money. Didn't know if anyone else knew about this but this might help future travelers and their plans for next year.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
The free week each year is called Settimana della Cultura. This year it was April 18th-26th. Museums and archeological sites owned and administered by the Italian government participate in all parts of Italy. Notte Bianco is still up in the air... not sure if it will happen as the NEW mayor made cuts last year. The website has not been updated with new info as of yet. Hopefully they will pull it together, but it looks bleak.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
Also in the late summer there is an event called "White Night" in which museums stay open all night, there are bands, etc. It was big in 2007, cut back last year, not sure about 2009. See http://www.romefile.com/events/notte-bianca.php
Posted by
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
Is there a way to find out when this will be in 2010?
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
Sounds like the perfect time to visit Rome. Before the heat and crowds set in. Was it rainy while you were there?
Posted by
OP
wichita, ks
34 posts
I'm sure you could get on Rome's tourism website and it should show a list of holidays for the upcoming year.
We didnt' get to much rain. Sprinkled on a couple of times and there was one good shower one night. Other than that we really had great weather.
Posted by
Ely, MN, USA
274 posts
So is this a good time to visit sights in Rome, or does it draw lots of crowds and is therefore a bad time?
Posted by
OP
wichita, ks
34 posts
It was busy but not near the summer crowds would be. If we go again it would be that time of year.
Posted by
Rome
3 posts
April is a lovely time to visit Rome. There are crowds but it is ok provided it is not Easter week in which case it is super crowded. The week of culture has happened for the last few years and should happen again in 2010. Google Settimana della Cultura or Wek of Culture Rome 2010 by the end of this year of Jan of next year and something should pop up.