Are you ready for a Rome at Night adventure in the eternal city? Let me take you on a journey through the never-before-seen Rome at night, in 101 ways that will leave you breathless.
Get ready to discover a city that plays blind man’s buff among its alleys, walks silently between bridges and palaces, and tiptoes to terraces and corners still unknown. A city that binges on homegrown specialties, gluttonous for life, and ready to shed the daily dreariness in pubs and clubs.
Rome at night is a capital city for all, as enchanting and fascinating as each new star. It’s an open-air museum just waiting to be explored by all the pawing night owls who are ready to conquer this beautiful and ageless lady who is no longer afraid of the night.
So come along and join me as we unveil the hidden undercurrents of Rome at night, and discover a city that never sleeps, a city that will keep you wanting more. Let’s make this a night to remember in Rome!
Summer Rome Night
Best Grattachecca in Rome: Refreshing Shaved Ice Treats!
Looking for a way to beat the heat and refresh yourself in the sultry Roman summer? Forget the usual air conditioners and boring cold drinks, and head over to the Three Sisters’ grattachecca stand in Prati for a truly unforgettable experience.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be dazzled by the vibrant and eye-catching display of climbing plants and colorful balls that surround the kiosk. And if that’s not enough to draw you in, the Sisters’ outfits are sure to mesmerize – think eye-blinding tones, and beautiful blue pinafores with red and flowery borders that are a feast for the senses.
But the real reason to visit the Three Sisters is their sublime scratchiness, which comes in a variety of delicious flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Watch as one Sister chops ice, another adds syrup, and the last takes money from customers, all while the scent of Amalfi cedar fills the air.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the mixed grattachecca with citrus and fresh fruit, or opt for a glass with coconut and lemon pieces for a refreshing tropical twist. And despite the high quality and exotic flavors, the prices are affordable, with a glass of grattachecca starting at just 2.50 euros.
Of course, if you’re not in the mood to travel to Prati, there are plenty of other great grattachecca spots to explore around Rome. Check out l’Urto, a 24-hour kiosk on the corner of Via del Porto Fluviale, or La Fonte D’oro in Trastevere for a late-night treat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, take a journey from Monteverde to Ponte Milvio and explore the many kiosks along the way.
But if all else fails, don’t worry – you can always raid your freezer for some ice, or even peel yourself a peach for a truly authentic Roman experience. Whatever you choose, just be sure to refresh yourself and enjoy the delicious tastes and vibrant colors of summer in the Eternal City.
What is grattachecca?
Grattachecca is a classic Roman delicacy that’s the perfect treat to cool off on a hot summer day. This refreshing dessert is made by shaving ice from a large block and adding syrup or fresh fruit on top. You can enjoy grattachecca in a plastic or paper cup, and it’s typically made right in front of you to ensure maximum freshness.
While the traditional version of grattachecca usually includes simple juices and syrups, modern variations feature a variety of fresh seasonal fruits and come in larger cups. These trendy interpretations take this old-school treat to the next level!
Like gelato, grattachecca is a beloved takeaway treat that you can get from small kiosks scattered around Rome. These kiosks are often only operational during summer and certain times of the day, usually in the evenings. If you’re in Rome, trying grattachecca is an absolute must-do!
How do you eat grattachecca?
When it comes to grattachecca, there’s a whole process to enjoy this refreshing treat! You start with a cup that usually comes with a spoon and a straw.
Then, you dig in with the spoon and enjoy those first few bites of shaved ice goodness. As the grattachecca starts to melt, it’s time to switch to the straw and slurp up that sweet syrupy goodness.
It’s like a two-for-one treat: you get to enjoy the satisfaction of eating and the satisfaction of drinking all in one cup of grattachecca!
Wonder at the Alchemical Gate at Piazza Vittorio
Legend has it that the Alchemical Gate in Piazza Vittorio holds the secrets of transmutation into gold. It was gifted by the Marquis of Palombara, who mysteriously vanished after his alchemist friend left behind the formula inscribed on the papers within the gate. Centuries later, the villas on the hill were demolished to make way for the largest square in Rome, named after Victor Emmanuel II. The Marquis’ gift remains a reminder of the power of magic.
But beware, for the carvings and statues guarding the threshold are not just mere decorations. They were carefully chosen and placed for a reason. The god Bes, found in the gardens of the Quirinal, now stands on one side of the gate, while on the other side, the symbols of King Solomon’s seal reign supreme. The frieze below the cross represents a Rosicrucian symbol, and the small print features the oculum, the symbol of gold and the sun. Can you feel the energy pulsating through this pagan square, aligned perfectly between two of the most important churches of Christianity?
Contemporary Literature in the Ancient Ruins of Maxentius
Let me tell you about this amazing literary festival that takes place in Rome every year at the Basilica of Maxentius. It’s called the Festival of Literature and it’s the perfect place for bookworms like me who love the sound of words telling stories.
The festival brings together some of the biggest names in contemporary literature, and they all take the stage under the central vault of this ancient Roman building. The atmosphere is magical, with music playing throughout the evening and actors performing excerpts from the authors’ latest books.
Some seriously impressive writers have graced that stage over the years. We’re talking Toni Morrison, David Grossman, Paul Auster, Jonathan Coe, Ian McEwan, Amelie Nothomb, Hanif Kureishi, Paco Ignacio Taibo II, Gore Vidal, Niccolò Ammaniti, and many more.
It’s an unforgettable experience to see these literary legends in person, and it’s even better when they read unpublished stories right in front of you. But what’s really cool is seeing how their personalities come through in their writing. Like, for example, when Paco Ignacio Taibo II takes the stage and you can practically feel his warm, South American presence.
And sometimes, the authors themselves try their hand at reading their work, which can be hit or miss. Some are great at it, like Carlo Lucarelli, whose eloquence as a TV host and narrator of detective stories is just as impressive in person. But others, like Don De Lillo and Jonathan Franzen, can be a bit monotone and put you to sleep.
But honestly, the charm of the Festival is just being there, surrounded by the ancient ruins and listening to the words. It’s a chance to escape reality for a little bit and just get lost in the stories. And when it starts to rain, which it inevitably does, the event is moved to the Teatro Argentina or postponed until the next day. Hey, even writers have to deal with rain sometimes!
It’s a beautiful thing to see these literary giants in person, to see their faces and hear their voices. It humanizes them, makes them more real.
