FAMILY BURNED ALIVE IN ROME

Rome in summer is like being slowly roasted over a cobblestoned flame. Locals flee to the coast. Tourists sizzle.

Rome’s summer heat can turn a dreamy holiday into a sweaty scavenger hunt—unless you know where to chill (literally). To avoid the hottest areas, steer clear of wide-open piazzas like Piazza Venezia or the Roman Forum during midday. These stone-heavy zones soak up the sun and radiate it back like a pizza oven. The Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and Spanish Steps are also gorgeous but brutal under the midday blaze.

Instead, cool down like a clever Roman. Head indoors between 12 PM and 4 PM—think the Ostia Antica with a fresh sea breeze, Borghese Gallery, or even quirky underground spots like the Capuchin Crypts or San Clemente Basilica’s layered ruins. These offer blessed A/C or natural coolness. Anything underground is a good bet. However the coolest place you will find is the Catacombs of San Domitilla. It is 16°C/50°F all year round down there.

For breezy breaks, stroll through Villa Borghese park, the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill, or along the Tiber River in the evening. Want real chill? Duck into any church—they're serene, shaded, and often marvelously air-conditioned. Bonus: you’ll cool off and look cultured.

Finally, take refuge with a cone of real gelato from places like Gelateria del Teatro or Otaleg. You’ll cool your core and your mood. Rome may sizzle, but with the right strategy, you don’t have to.

Beat the heat:

Sightsee in the early morning or late afternoon.

Drink water from the city’s free fountains (called nasoni).

Seek divine shade inside churches. You’ll find peace, coolness, and possibly your will to live.