Ottobrate Romane

​It's almost the end of October and Rome is still showing its best side when it comes to the weather. And coming from Scandinavia myself I have to admit this is defintely the best part of living in a mediterranean climate! This is the the perfect moment for many outdoor activities since the temperatures are not too high but not cold...and this type of climate makes everything a bit easier like a morning run in the parc, enjoying long aperitivos under the stars at some piazza or taking the vespa just to tour the city for an hour or so...without having to think of getting cold!

Everybody knows that Rome is famous for its history, monuments and culture, right? But very few know that actually October is the best month to visit the eternal city. This period goes under the name 'Ottobrate Romane' - a unique month due to the very mild & pleasent climate and the light... almost like extended summer! But what was originally the 'Ottobrate Romane'? The Roman ottobrate was a type of a party that ended the harvest season (vendemmia) in October. In reality they were cheerful Sunday picnics 'fori porta' (outside the city gates) that took place in Rome. They were organized for the sole purpose to escape the city for entertainment and involved all the inhabitants, despite their social level.

Now that the Italians have ended their holidays end and everything goes back to the usual routine most places start to be less crowded and easier to enjoy. Beaches and seaside areas are still blessed by pleasantly warm temperatures, but without the bustle of July and August. Even most of the seaside restaurants (stabilimento in Italian) are open in order to enjoy a chilled glass of wine and some fresh fish for lunch. The past weekend I spent at the beach in Maccarese and the temperature climbed up to 30 celsius! Maccarese by the way is a small seaside village (part of Fiumicino) just 20 min outside the city where more or less famous Romans escape for the the hot summer months!

Think of the Roman autumn as a great moment to discover the secrets of this ancient city now that most of the bigger tourist crowds have disappeared. So, if you still have some days left over & don't know what to do so why not suprise yourself with a long weekend in Rome?!?

Buona giornata,

Salla