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News Rome

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Rome Implements New Ordinance, Fining Bad Tourist Behavior in Historic Center

Rome put intoaction a immediate "Decorum Ordinance" for the historic center (centro storico), empowering local police to issue on-the-spot fines of up to €450 for specific anti-social behaviors. The list includes wading in fountains, walking around shirtless or in swimwear, dragging wheeled suitcases noisily on certain cobblestone streets after 10 PM, and "picnicking" on historic steps like the Spanish Steps.

Jubilee 2025 Officially Concludes with Record 33 Million Pilgrims

The historic 2025 Holy Year reached its grand finale on January 5 as the last pilgrims crossed the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. Vatican officials confirmed a record-breaking 33 million participants—the most in Jubilee history.

Tiburtina High-Speed Rail Station Evacuated Due to Major Roof Leak During Storm

The Roma Tiburtina railway station, a major hub for high-speed and regional trains, was partially evacuated and saw significant service disruption after a powerful spring storm caused a large section of its modern glass and steel roof to leak catastrophically. Water poured onto the main concourse and platforms, damaging retail spaces and forcing the closure of several tracks for safety inspections.

Archaeology: Routine Gas Line Work Leads to Discovery of Imperial-Era Statue on Via Tiburtina

Utility workers laying a new gas line on the ancient Via Tiburtina, about 3km from the city center, unearthed a large, well-preserved marble statue of a robed female figure, likely a representation of Vesta or a Muse. Archaeologists from the Superintendency were called in and have now cordoned off the area for a full excavation, hailing it as a significant urban find.

Environment: "Heat Island" Effect Study Names Rome's EUR District as Hottest Area in City

A detailed thermal mapping study conducted by Sapienza University of Rome identified the EUR district as the city's most intense "urban heat island," with average summer temperatures 7-8°C higher than the surrounding Roman countryside. The study, commissioned by the city, blames the district's dense concentration of concrete, marble, and asphalt with minimal green space, and urges urgent "re-naturalization" plans.

Court Orders taking of €1.2 Million in Assets from Former Mayor Gianni Alemanno

A Rome court ordered the preventive seizure of assets (including two apartments and financial holdings) worth €1.2 million from former Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno. The seizure is linked to an ongoing corruption trial related to the capital's notoriously troubled 2009 bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics, where Alemanno is accused of illicit financing.

Historic Café in Piazza Navona Closes After 108 Years, Citing Unsustainable Costs

Caffè Tre Scalini, famous for inventing the "tartufo" chocolate ice cream dessert and a fixture in Piazza Navona since 1916, has announced its permanent closure. The owners cited a "perfect storm" of factors: exorbitant rent increases, plummeting revenue from the city's new stricter rules on outdoor table service (tavoli fuori), and the crushing debt incurred during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Lazio Region Declares War on Tiger Mosquitoes with New Drone-Based Larvicide Program

The Lazio Region's health authority launched an aggressive new anti-mosquito campaign, employing drones to spray organic larvicide over vast areas of public parks, cemeteries, and other potential breeding grounds in Rome. The program targets the aggressive Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito), a vector for diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya, whose population has exploded after a warm, wet spring.

Mango Abandons Plans for Flagship Store on Via del Corso

The Spanish fast-fashion retailer Mango has officially withdrawn its application to open a multi-story flagship store on Rome's premier shopping street, Via del Corso. Insiders report the company grew frustrated after 18 months of navigating Rome's complex and slow bureaucracy for commercial licenses and historical building modifications, deciding to invest the capital in Milan instead.

Lazio Football Club Fined, Section of Stadium Closed for Racist Chants

Following investigations into last weekend's match, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) ordered Lazio's Stadio Olimpico to close the Curva Nord (North Stand) for their next home game and fined the club €50,000. The sanctions were levied after confirmed instances of racist chants and monkey noises directed at opposing team players during the match against Lecce. Club officials condemned the fans responsible.

Economics: Eni Launches New "Industrial Evolution" Company

As of January 1, the Italian energy giant Eni officially transferred its refining and transformation assets to a new entity, Eni Industrial Evolution S.p.A. Headquartered in Rome, this new company is tasked with managing the decarbonization and sustainable transition of Italy’s traditional energy infrastructure.

Science: New "Mitochondrial Tweak" Breakthrough in Weight Management

Researchers in Rome-adjacent labs announced on January 5 the development of experimental compounds that encourage cells to burn more calories by subtly adjusting how mitochondria produce energy. This scientific milestone aims to provide a safer alternative to older, more dangerous weight-loss chemicals.

The Arts: Rare Egyptian "Treasures of the Pharaohs" Exhibit

The Scuderie del Quirinale continues to draw massive crowds this week with its prestigious exhibition, "Treasures of the Pharaohs." Featuring artifacts rarely seen outside of Egypt, the exhibit is a cornerstone of Rome's 2026 winter cultural program and is scheduled to run through early May.

Fashion: Luxury Italian Street Style Trends for 2026 Revealed

With the post-holiday season in full swing, Roman fashion houses highlighted "Timeless Elegance" as the dominant trend for 2026. Street style in the Centro Storico has shifted toward modern luxury knits and refined silhouettes, blending high-end couture with functional everyday aesthetics.

Italy Forecasts 1 Million Vacancies by 2030

A report released on January 5 highlights a massive labor demand in Rome and throughout Italy. Driven by tourism and the tech sector, officials anticipate over one million job openings in the coming years. High-paying roles in Engineering and Finance (averaging €77,500–€109,000) are currently seeing the most aggressive recruitment.

Real Estate: Rome Rental Market Hits Record Highs

As of January 5, data shows that Rome rents have surged by nearly 8% year-over-year. A studio apartment in the Centro Storico now regularly exceeds €1,200 per month, fueled by a persistent supply shortage and the massive influx of visitors from the Jubilee year.

Antitrust Investigation Launched into EV Charging

On January 5, Italy's antitrust regulator (AGCM) announced an investigation into the utility group A2A over alleged violations of EU competition rules regarding electric vehicle charging services. This comes as Rome continues to expand its charging infrastructure to meet new 2026 sustainability targets.

Italian Pasta Spared from High-Level US Tariffs

In a win for the Roman culinary economy, news broke on January 5 that several major Italian pasta producers have been spared from the most aggressive US tariffs. This relief is expected to stabilize exports for one of Rome's most vital economic sectors.

Epiphany "Befana" Festival (Cultural/Family) – Piazza Navona, Jan 6

The Three Tenors Concert (Opera) – Chiesa di S. Paolo entro le Mura, Jan 6

The Great Opera Arias (Symphony) – Palazzo Poli, Jan 7

Manfred Honeck & Seong-Jin Cho ( Music) – Auditorium Parco della Musica, Jan 8–11

Capuchin Crypt Sacred Music Concert (Choral) – Casa per Ferie I Cappuccini, Jan 8

Bach & Vivaldi by Rinaldo Alessandrini (Symphony) – Santa Cecilia Hall, Jan 15–17

AS Roma vs. Inter Milan (Serie A Soccer) –stad Olimpico, Late Jan (Check schedule)

Flowers: From Renaissance to AI (Art Exhibition) – Chiostro del Bramante, through Feb 22

Italy's State Investment Bank Cancels Plan for New Rome Headquarters, Citing Austerity

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), Italy's national investment bank, announced it has cancelled its highly anticipated plan to build a new €300 million headquarters in Rome's EUR business district. The decision, citing a need for fiscal austerity and a shift toward hybrid work models, is a significant blow to the city's commercial real estate sector and urban development plans.

Vatican Museums Announce Discovery of Unknown Renaissance Frescoes During Restoration

During routine restoration work in a Vatican Palace corridor closed to the public, art restorers discovered a series of stunning, previously unknown frescoes attributed to the workshop of Renaissance master Pinturicchio. The frescoes, depicting mythological scenes, were hidden under centuries of grime and whitewash, and will now be studied and eventually displayed.

Bulgari Unveils "Eden" High Jewelry Collection with Spectacular Show at Villa Medici

The Roman luxury house Bulgari launched its new "Eden The Garden of Wonders" high jewelry collection with an exclusive, star-studded presentation in the gardens of Villa Medici. The event, celebrating the brand's 140th anniversary, featured pieces inspired by Roman mosaics and Baroque gardens, solidifying the city's role as a global fashion capital beyond Milan.

Rome's Public Sector Unions Announce Nationwide Strike for May 17th

Major Italian public sector unions, including FP-CGIL, have called for a 24-hour national strike on Friday, May 17th, which will heavily impact Rome. The action will affect local public transport (ATAC), state schools, museums, and municipal offices. The unions are protesting stagnant wages, precarious contracts, and understaffing in the wake of the public administration reform.

Mayor Gualtieri's Plan to Convert Empty Offices into Housing Hits Legal Snag

Mayor Roberto Gualtieri's flagship "Housing Plan," which aims to convert vacant central office buildings into affordable student and young professional housing, has been temporarily blocked by the Regional Administrative Court (TAR). The court cited concerns over zoning changes and historical preservation regulations, demanding a more detailed impact assessment for the first five pilot buildings.

Rome Leads Italy in Surge of Electric Scooter and Micro-Mobility Vehicle Sales

Data from the Italian Association of the Automotive Industry (ANFIA) shows the Rome metropolitan area saw a 145% year-over-year increase in registered electric scooters, e-bikes, and micro-cars in Q1 2024. Dealers cite high fuel costs, traffic congestion, and improved (though still patchy) charging infrastructure as key drivers, signaling a major shift in urban mobility.

Chaos Erupts in City Council Over Approval of New Waste-to-Energy Plant

A fiery debate in the Campidoglio (City Hall) over the approval of a new waste-to-energy plant for Rome's municipal waste led to shouting matches and a temporary suspension of the session. The ruling coalition passed the measure, arguing it is essential to solve the city's perennial garbage crisis, while the opposition and environmental groups decry it as a step backward for recycling and public health.

ATAC Announces "Red Line Revolution": 6-Month Night Closure for Critical Upgrades

Rome's public transport company, ATAC, announced that the entire Metro Line A (the Red Line) will close every night from 10 PM to 5 AM, ing June 1st, for at least six months. The unprecedented closure is for urgent, long-delayed modernization work on tracks, signals, and safety systems to improve reliability. Daytime service will continue, but the news has dismayed night owls and shift workers.

AS Roma vs. Genoa (Serie A – Final Home Match of the Season)

When: Sunday, May 19, 8:45 PM

Where: Stadio Olimpico

What: A key final league match for Roma as they push for a Champions League spot, promising an electric atmosphere at the Olimpico.

La Pazza della Scala (The Madwoman of La Scala)

When: May 14 - 26

Where: Teatro Argentina

What: A celebrated new Italian play by Fausto Brizzi, a dramatic and comedic story centered around the world of opera and family secrets.

Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia - Beethoven's 9th Symphony

When: Thursday, May 16 - Saturday, May 18

Where: Auditorium Parco della Musica, Sala Santa Cecilia

What: The renowned Santa Cecilia Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano, perform Beethoven's monumental Symphony No. 9, the "Choral."

Picasso. La Scultura (Picasso. Sculpture)

When: Opens Friday, May 10 (Runs until August 25)

Where: Musei Capitolini, Palazzo Caffarelli

What: A major exhibition dedicated to the sculptural work of Pablo Picasso, featuring over 50 pieces exploring his revolutionary approach to form and materials.

Roma Incontra il Mondo (Rome Meets the World) Festival Kick-Off

When: s Friday, May 17

Where: Villa Ada

What: The opening weekend of Rome's beloved summer-long world music festival, featuring international and Italian artists in the lush park of Villa Ada.

ATP Internazionali BNL d'Italia (Italian Open)

When: May 8 - 19 (Final Weekend)

Where: Foro Italico

What: The climax of one of the world's most prestigious clay-court tennis tournaments, part of the ATP and WTA Masters 1000. The finals weekend features the top global stars.

Il Cinema Ritrovato al Palazzo - Open-Air Classic Film Festival

When: Nightly, May 10 - September 1

Where: Palazzo delle Esposizioni Rooftop

What: The popular summer film festival begins, screening restored classic films from Italian and international cinema under the stars on a spectacular rooftop terrace.

Pentecost Sunday Celebration at St. Peter's Basilica

When: Sunday, May 19

Where: St. Peter's Square & Basilica

What: A major Papal Mass celebrated by Pope Francis for Pentecost, drawing large crowds to the Vatican. The Pope will give the Regina Coeli address at noon.

Gelato Festival 2024 Rome Edition

When: May 17-19

Where: Piazzale di Ponte Milvio

What: The ultimate celebration of Italian gelato returns. Top gelatieri from across Italy compete for awards, while the public enjoys unlimited tastings, workshops, and live music.

Jubilee 2025 Officially Concludes as Holy Door Closes

The historic Holy Year of 2025 officially came to an end on January 5. Vatican officials announced that a record-breaking 33 million pilgrims visited Rome over the past year. The closing ceremony, led by the Vatican, marked the end of an era that saw the city's infrastructure tested by a daily average of 90,000 visitors.

Economics: Eni Industrial Evolution S.p.A. Officially Launches

In a major restructuring of Italy's energy sector, Eni announced that as of January 1, its "Refining Evolution & Transformation" unit has been spun off into a new company, Eni Industrial Evolution S.p.A. Headquartered in Rome, the firm will manage the transition of traditional refineries and depots across Europe into sustainable industrial.

The Arts: Rare Egyptian "Treasures of the Pharaohs" Exhibit Opens

The Scuderie del Quirinale is currently hosting a prestigious exhibition titled "Treasures of the Pharaohs," which will run until May 3. The collection features rare artifacts from Egyptian history and has been cited by local critics as the must-see cultural event of the 2026 winter season.

Fashion: Modern Luxury and Street Style Defined for 2026

Rome’s fashion districts are seeing a shift toward "Timeless Elegance" as the new year begins. Trend reports from early January highlight a surge in luxury Italian street style, focusing on high-quality knits and structured outerwear that blend traditional Roman sophistication with modern, functional luxury.

Education Sector Hiring Surge at John Cabot University

John Cabot University in Rome announced a major recruitment drive this week to keep up with record international enrollment. With a final deadline of January 20, 2026, the university is seeking to fill numerous administrative and academic roles to bolster its operations following the Jubilee-year boom.

Rome Rental Market Reaches New Peak

As of January 5, the Rome rental market is categorized as "landlord-friendly" with a vacancy rate of only 3% to 5%. Rents have climbed 8% to 10% year-over-year, with the average studio in the Centro Storico now exceeding €1,200 per month ($1,300), driven by the persistent supply shortage.

Antitrust Investigation into EV Charging Infrastructure

Italy's antitrust regulator (AGCM) launched a formal investigation on January 5 into the utility group A2A. The probe centers on alleged violations of EU competition rules regarding electric vehicle charging services in Rome, just as the city faces pressure to modernize its green transit infrastructure.

US Spares Italian Pasta Producers from Major Tariffs

There was a sigh of relief in Rome's culinary sector on January 5 as reports confirmed that the Trump administration has spared several major Italian pasta producers from high-level trade tariffs. This move is expected to stabilize the export economy for one of the region's most iconic industries.

News Rome

SS Lazio vs. ACF Fiorentina (Serie A Soccer) –stad Olimpico, Jan 7