While snow is an extremely rare occurrence in Rome, it is guaranteed to get pretty nippy outside during winter, especially with the wind.
Its best to pack a long coat, gloves and a scarf but don’t worry, the famed Mediterranean sun still appears throughout the season allowing you to enjoy all the city has to offer.
One can take advantage of the cold by ice skating, an activity not normally associated with Rome.
There are a few outdoor ice skating rinks, including one conveniently positioned between the Castel Sant’Angelo and the Tiber River.
The others are a bit further away from the center, located at Piazza dei Re and another larger rink near the Parco della Musica. All three are open from the start of December until February.
Have fun on the ice and don’t let winter get you down!
by Ian Zurzolo
Writer, editor, American University of Rome graduate, Italian Notebook Editorial Intern.
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Something new, Ian? All those years we lived there, I never saw it. What a super idea!
Hi Louise,
Not many people in Rome know about the rinks. The only reason I found out was by riding my bicycle around town and stumbling across the one by Castel Sant’Angelo, which is pictured above in the note.
My favorite outdoor rink is by Parco Della Musica, which is much bigger and not as crowded. It is very beautiful at night with the Renzo Piano designed buildings in the background. (http://www.flaneri.com/fileblog/Auditorium.jpg)
Happy skating!
What a happy post, Ian! All the many times we’ve been there in winter we’ve never noticed this rink! Fantastic! Buon Natale!