What's on in Rome: Listings

Here's Italy Heaven's pick of future events in Rome - for a full picture of events during your stay, you should buy a listings guide such as the weekly Roma c'e, as many events aren't publicised well in advance. This small-format magazine has an English-language section at the back with museum as well as event listings.

These aren't technically 'events', but they are recent developments which might not be featured in your guidebook: there is now a super glass lift which takes you right up to the roof of the Vittoriano monument for views over Rome, and the long-closed Museo Barracco, which has a lovely collection of ancient statues and art, has finally reopened.

Christmas music and dance

Over the Christmas period there are free music and dance shows in Piazza di Spagna (at the Spanish Steps) in Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, which should add a bit of glamour to a winter trip to Rome.
> Toccata e fuga shows

Dada e Surrealismo riscoperti - Dada and the rediscovery of Surrealism

Lovers of modern art should pay a visit to this important exhibition on surrealism, housed in the Vittoriano complex (so very handy for sightseeing, or for rainy-day tourism). Until 7th February 2010.
> More information

Rome: the Paintings of an Empire

This art exhibition is one I'm hoping to visit - it should be fascinating for those interested in Roman history or the story of art. In the Scuderie del Quirinale, 'Roma: La Pittura di un Impero' collects some of the surviving paintings from the Roman Empire, covering several centuries of artistic developments. We're used to seeing stone ruins and marble statues, but the Romans were surrounded by colourful two-dimensional art which is largely lost. Until 17th January 2010.
> Scuderie del Quirinale

Six Nations Rugby

The Six Nations rugby tournament is approaching once again. This year Italy's home matches are against England and Scotland: with Italy v England on the 14th February... just right for a romantic Valentine's Day trip.
> Rugby in Rome

Christmas in Rome

The weeks around Christmas are a good time to Visit Rome, with lots of good Christmas shopping potential, the annual Christmas market in Piazza Navona, decorative lights and Christmas trees, red carpet outside shops and nativity scenes in churches and at the Vatican.
> Winter and Christmas in Rome