The Big Summer Cool Down in Rome

July 18th 2014 by Silvia

No one can deny that Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world; full of amazing art, architecture, food and fun.
But summers can be unbearably hot, so we have put together a list of ways to cool off while still enjoying everything Rome and the surrounding areas have to offer.

Summertime in Rome - CharmingItaly

Churches: A church is not only a place to cool off, but also a quiet environment to escape the crowds of tourists and take a moment for yourself.
Rome has over 900 churches and many of them have important works of art too - all for free. Check out San Pietro in Vincoli, about a 10 minute walk from the Colosseum. Here you will find Michelangelo's "Moses." Or, if you happen to be heading to Piazza Navona from the Pantheon, pop into San Luigi dei Francesi to see works by Caravaggio.

Gelato: This is probably pretty obvious, but maybe not so obvious as to which gelateria is the best.
Make sure to visit Della Palma on via della Maddelana 20/23 if you are near the Pantheon. This gelateria has every flavor imaginable as well as dietary specialties like gluten free. Be sure to ask for panna (whipped cream) as it comes at no extra cost only in Rome.

Summer in Rome - Gelato time!

Catacombs: Similar to churches, these underground burial spaces allow you to combine cooling off while still taking advantage of Rome's robust history.
These subterranean labyrinths of tombs cover up to 375 miles and date back to the 2nd century AD. Check out this site for more information on the history of the catacombs as well as visiting hours.

Castelli Romani: The Castelli Romani are hillside towns to the southeast of Rome.
These towns are where many Romans go to escape the suffocating heat in the summer. One of these towns is Castel Gandolfo, the traditional summer residence of the Pope. This cobblestoned, hilltop village offers views of the blue volcanic Lake Albano below as well as many outdoor cafes, ice-cream shops and boutiques. Castel Gandolfo can be reached by train from Termini. Take the Albano Laziale line and get off at the Castel Gandolfo stop.

Best Beach in Rome - Sperlonga

The Beach: If you find the only thing that will truly cool you off is a dip in a body of water, try Sperlonga.
True, it is a bit further away than Ostia, but it is well worth the extra distance. This small, cheerful town is full of flowers, whitewashed homes and a clear, green sea that cannot be beat. Take the train from Termini to Fondi-Sperlonga (about an hour), then a taxi or the bus to the beach and enjoy!