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As the leaves fall from the trees, Rome in November is transformed into an atmospheric setting, with its monuments standing majestically in the golden autumn light. This month offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the capital's thousand-year history.

The cool, but not cold, atmosphere envelops the ancient streets and squares, providing an ideal context for discovering the city without the summer ardour or long tourist lines.

But what to do in Rome in November? As the great monuments stand out against the clear sky, architecture and history come alive in a golden light. It is a perfect time to soak in the grandeur of Rome's sights without the hustle and bustle of the tourist season. Strolling along the Tiber or getting lost in the picturesque alleys becomes an authentic experience, with the colors of autumn painting the cityscape.

Roman gastronomy is revealed in all its glory, with markets and fairs showcasing the culinary treasures of the region. November is the ideal month to savour local cuisine in a more intimate atmosphere, enjoying delicacies without the hustle and bustle of the busier seasons.

From gastronomy to art, via cultural events of international significance, we will discover together how to best experience Rome in a month that is an enchantment for the senses. 

Through an overview of the main events and must-do activities, we will delve into a Roman November that promises to sur prise and delight residents and visitors alike.

Rome's must-sees

There are places in Rome that deserve to be seen in any light, in any season, in sunshine and in rain. They are those places where you could return dozens of times to discover them again and again, those places that we can define as eternals. 

These include the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel and the Pantheon. If you like going for walks, this is the perfect season to visit, or revisit, Villa Borghese and the Pincio Gardens, or Ponte and Castel Sant'Angelo. 

Why should you visit Rome in November? Well, because the temperatures are cooler but still pleasant. And then, unlike the summer season, the queues for entry and monuments are generally shorter than in the spring or summer months. This guarantees you much more peace and quiet and time for sightseeing. 

With fewer visitors around, you can explore Rome calmly, admiring the architectural details and immersing yourself in history without the hustle and bustle of the crowds.

Besides, the autumn atmosphere adds a special touch to your visit. The golden light and falling leaves create a picturesque scenery around the monuments. Besides the fact that you can take more beautiful photos. 

Living in Rome gives you this advantage, of being able to admire the places that the whole world would like to see in a different, more intimate, more peaceful context.

Rome's traditions in November

You may not know it, but Rome comes alive in November thanks to traditions as old as the city itself. An unmissable opportunity to discover more about the soul of the city and its inhabitants, starting with the local culture. What are the things to do in Rome in November?

The first event is the procession of the Sacconi rossi. This is a religious procession that takes place every year on 2 November, the day of the Commemoration of the Dead. The procession is organised by the Confraternity of San Giovanni Calibita, which wears the traditional red sacks. The procession starts from the church of San Giovanni Calibita on the Tiber Island and winds its way along the banks of the river to the basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.

Then on 4 November, the Day of National Unity and the Armed Forces is celebrated. On this day, a series of events take place in Rome, including the laying of a laurel wreath at the Milite Ignoto, located at the Altare della Patria. 4 November is also the day on which the journey of the train of the Unknown Soldier, which on 28 October 1921 transported the body of an unknown Italian soldier from Aquileia to Rome, is remembered.

11 November is the feast day of St Martin, patron saint of travellers and pilgrims. On this day, according to tradition, barrels of new wine are opened. In Rome, in particular, the traditional 'Festa del vino novello' takes place in Piazza Navona.

On 22 November, St Cecilia, the patron saint of music, is celebrated through a series of concerts and musical events.

Finally, 25 November celebrates St Catherine of Alexandria, the patron saint of philosophers and theologians. On this day in Rome, the traditional procession of the pifferai, which winds through the streets of the historic centre, takes place.

Exhibitions and museums

Are you an art lover? On days when the weather is a bit colder, you can escape to the warmth and visit one of the many active exhibitions:

  • Vis-à-vis. Tenerani Spina: only a few more days, only until 12 November 2023, to be able to participate in this exhibition of photography and plaster sculpture, at the Palazzo Braschi of the Museum of Rome; 
  • La Deposizione di Cristo: the work by Jacopo Tintoretto can be visited at the Capitoline Museums until 3 December 2023; 
  • Philippe Halsman: the photographer's portraits will be on display at the Museo di Roma in Trastevere until 7 January 2024; 
  • Laboratorio Prampolini #2. Taccuini, disegni e progetti inediti dal Futurismo all’Art Club: until 14 January 2024, you can see the works of Enrico Prampolini at the Galleria di Arte Moderna in Rome; 
  • L’allieva di danza di Venanzo Crocetti – Il ritorno: also until 14 January 2024, you can admire this famous post-restoration work at the Gallery of Modern Art; 
  • The World of Bansky: still on until 28 January 2024, the exhibition on the world's greatest street artist, at Stazione Tiburtina; 
  • Helmut Newton – Legacy: on show until 11 February 2024 at the Ara Pacis Museum; 
  • Il tocco del Pigmalione. Rubens e la scultura a Roma: exhibition dedicated to the painter at the Galleria Borghese in Rome until 18 February 2024; 
  • Andy Warhol – Universo Warhol: the great artist will be on show until 17 March 2024 at the Museo Storia della Fanteria; 
  • Van Gogh Experience: exhibition on the eclectic artist at the Next Museum until 31 March 2024; 
  • Escher: installation just opened at the Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome and open until 7 March 2024.

For all these reasons, you should spend more time in the city than on a classic Rome holiday in November.

 Trade fairs and major events

The calendar of events in Rome is always particularly rich, but let's take a look at the most anticipated dates of the year:

  • Excellence: an event dedicated to wine and food from 9 to 11 November 2023 with conferences, seminars and stands of starred restaurants at the New 'La Nuvola' Congress Centre;
  • Super Cat Show: exhibition of 800 felines from all over the world on 11 and 12 November 2023 at the Fiera di Roma;  
  • Romaeuropa Festival 2023: until 19 November 2023, you can participate in this artistic event complete with art, theatre, cinema, dance and music at the Auditorium Parco della Musica; 
  • Ligabue: in concert at the Palazzo dello Sport on 18 and 19 November 2023; 
  • Roma Arte in Nuvola: International Modern and Contemporary Art Fair to be held at the Nuovo Centro Congressi 'La Nuvola' from 24 to 26 November 2023; 
  • Roma Jazz Festival: again at the Auditorium Parco della Musica until 26 November 2023 there will be another highly anticipated Roman event; 
  • Bibo Frizzante: wine fair with artisans and DJ sets at the MONK in Rome on 26 and 27 November 2023; 
  • Scientopolis – Evolution Park: until 28 January 2024, this exhibition will be open for young and old to discover the world of biology and science.

Deciding to go to Rome in November can therefore be interesting because the month is really full of events for all tastes.

Concerts not to be missed

Have you decided to live in Rome because you love music and know that international artists come through here? You are right, every month of the year brings with it big names. 

Here are the guests on the calendar for November:

  • Madame: in concert on 5 November 2023 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica's Sala Santa Cecilia; 
  • Archive: on 6 November 2023 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica; 
  • Asaf Avidan: on November 7, 2023 also at the Auditorium Parco della Musica; 
  • Emis Killa: at the Orion on 8 November 202; 
  • Tedua: on 8 and 9 November 2023 at the Palazzo dello Sport; 
  • Mecna: on November 10, 2023 at the Orion; 
  • Giorgia: on November 11 at the Palazzo dello Sport; 
  • Emma: 12 and 13 November 2023 at the Largo Venue;
  • Zero Assoluto: on November 12, 2023 at the Palazzo dello Sport;
  • The Darkness: at the Orion on 13 November 2023;
  • Venerus: on 14 November 2023 at the Orion; 
  • Tropico: at the Largo Venue also on 14 November 2023; 
  • Fasma: on 16 November 2023 at the Orion; 
  • Tommaso Paradiso: also on 16 November at the Palazzo dello Sport; 
  • Bombino: on 19 November 2023 at the Sala Sinopoli of the Auditorium Parco della Musica; 
  • Ex-Otago: at the Orion on 23 November 2023; 
  • Margherita Vicario: on 24 and 25 November 2023 at the Largo Venue; 
  • Elodie: on 25 and 26 November 2023 at the Palazzo dello Sport; 
  • Willie Peyote: on 25 November 2023 at the Orion; 
  • Dire Straits Legacy: on 30 November 2023 at the Sala Sinopoli of the Auditorium Parco della Musica. 

Still looking for the right flat to start your Roman holiday? Don't worry, because we can help you with that. Just prepare your calendar and we will take care of finding the right accommodation for you. Contact us to tell us what you need and our professionals will do their best to find accommodation you will never want to leave.

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