Visit Rome, Italy… now?
When I say “Don’t visit Rome right now” I know I’m in for a bit of pushback from some readers. How and why would I say such a thing? I feel the comments coming… “Rome is iconic – Italy’s capital, Ilene – what’s wrong with you?”
I hope this post will put my statement in context that makes sense.
Editors Update…
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Rome… The Eternal City, where every cobblestone whispers tales of emperors, gladiators, and centuries of history. It’s a dream destination for many, with its timeless ruins, majestic fountains, and bustling piazzas. But wait, what’s that noise? Is it the clatter of Roman chariots? Nope, it’s the sound of construction crews hard at work on Metro Line C.
Yes, dear traveler, Rome is in the midst of a major facelift, and all in the name of progress. Metro C, the city’s ambitious subway project, is a mammoth undertaking that’s set to transform the way Romans and tourists navigate the city. However, like any major construction endeavor, it comes with its fair share of chaos and disruption. Visit Rome, Italy?… so, if you’re planning a trip to Rome soon, perhaps you might want to consider hitting the pause button.
Our Recent Trip: Visit Rome, Italy
At the beginning of July 2024, our youngest daughter and her boyfriend, Brett (many of you know from our books) visited us in Lucca. After a few days, we try and take Ally to a new city in Italy- one she hasn’t visited before. Brett is an extensive traveler for business, so he’s been to most major cities around the world. So, Ally’s choice this visit–was Rome. And why not? Who wouldn’t want to see this beautiful, historic city?
Well, as it turns out, not only did we stumble across Project Metro C (which we had previously), but things not even associated with this project were undergoing restoration. The impact was quite disturbing – hence the immediate release of this post.
Our findings:
- After a three-hour tour of the Vatican, we walked to St. Peter’s Basilica. As we entered, I shook my head. Michelangelo’s Pieta was blocked off without even a little window where you could watch the restoration. Then my glace went to the alter and sure enough, the enormous Baroque sculpted maroon-colored canopy was covered in scaffolding.
- A visit to Piazza Navona gifted us the same. All three fountains were under restoration and blocked from view. It took away the entire beauty and experience of this huge piazza.
- A walk to The Vittoriano (aka the wedding cake, dentures, and typewriter building) was a complete disaster. The building was visible, but the surrounding area was a war zone.
- In front and around the Colosseum, construction trucks and pipes are everywhere. We had known this area was in full Metro C construction from our last visit five years ago.
But the construction and restoration everywhere we seemed to go… in showing our daughter Rome for the first time, was disappointing. But you need to investigate for yourself and the areas that are under construction are not the only amazing sites to experience in Rome.
IMPORTANT to Know – The Jubilee Scheduled for 2025
The Jubilee 2025, known as the Holy Year, will begin on December 24, 2024, and continue the entire year of 2025. The next scheduled Jubilee will be held in 2050, except for extraordinary Jubilees called by the Pope. Hence the facelift of many of the incredible statues and fountains. Of course, it makes sense.
For the 2025 Jubilee the city of Rome expects no fewer than 35 million pilgrims, so you need to consider whether or not you are eager to participate. Visiting Rome during a Jubilee year is possible and is a magnificent opportunity to see a city in celebration but… you need to plan accordingly.
What is a Jubilee?
The Jubilee originated from the Jewish tradition, that established a year of rest for the earth every 50 years. But what is the Jubilee for the Catholic Church you might ask? The Jubilee or Holy Year is the period during which the Pope grants absolution from all sins to all the faithful who travel to Rome and participate in the planned religious initiatives.
So, the extra restoration and cleaning of famous statues and fountains are part of getting ready for this. I get it and understand completely. My advise to you – just plan ahead and be flexible.
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A Current Tourist’s Guide to the Construction Chaos
Now please, don’t get me wrong, Metro C is a fantastic endeavor. This ambitious project will be Rome’s first fully automated metro line, whisking you across the city. But for now, construction is in full swing, and let’s just say, “picturesque” isn’t exactly the first word that comes to my mind.
Imagine this: you’ve saved up for your Roman adventure, and there you are, ready to capture that iconic snap of the Colosseum. But wait, scaffolding blocks half the view, and a detour sends you on a wild goose chase through a maze of construction fencing. You say… “This wasn’t in the guidebook!”
Fear not, fellow travelers! Here’s the lowdown on Metro C, with a healthy dose of humor to help you navigate the current situation.
What is Metro C and What’s the Buzz About?
Metro C, Rome’s third subway line, is designed to alleviate the city’s notorious traffic congestion and provide a much-needed boost to its public transportation system. Stretching from the eastern suburbs to the heart of Rome, this new line promises to connect key historical sites and modern neighborhoods with unprecedented efficiency.
There are currently 22 active stations on Line C, including 11 built below street level, along with 13 multifunctional shafts. Additionally, 2 underground stations in the historic center of the capital are under construction.
However, great things take time, and Metro C is no exception. The project began in the early 2000s and has faced numerous delays and challenges, from archaeological discoveries to financial setbacks. Visit Rome Italy? The current projection… completion by 2034! Yes, you read that right—2034! So, for the foreseeable future, Rome is a city under construction.
Find out more from Euro News
So, Should I Cancel my Roman Holiday?
Not necessarily! Rome is still Rome, a vibrant city bursting with history and charm. There’s plenty to see and do, and you might even score some sweet deals on hotels due to the construction.
Plan Ahead
However, if your heart is set on postcard-perfect pictures and uninterrupted sightseeing, consider postponing your trip. The official completion date is 2034, but with any large-scale project, you know there will always be delays.
Think of it this way: the inconvenience you face today will pave the way for a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable trip to Rome tomorrow. The completed Metro C will be a marvel of engineering.
Do your homework before you go. Check for updates on construction zones and plan your itinerary to avoid the busiest areas. Websites and travel forums can provide current information and tips from fellow travelers.
Stay Flexible
Be prepared to adjust your plans on the fly. If a particular site is too congested or noisy, have a backup plan. Rome is full of hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that can offer a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Visit Rome, Italy – Conclusion
Rome remains an extraordinary destination, full of beauty and history. However, the current construction of Metro C has undoubtedly added a layer of complexity to any visit. If you can wait, you might find a more serene and accessible city in the years to come.
So, the choice is yours. Will you face the Metro C challenge and become a seasoned Roman explorer, or will you wait until the dust settles? Whichever you choose, remember – “When in Rome…” well, you know the rest. Just be prepared for a little “dolce vita” with a side of construction cones, scaffolding, and embrace the chaos.
EDITORS UPDATE:
After this article was posted, I indeed got lots of pushback. Some readers on Facebook weren’t so nice and others restored my faith in humanity. One person claimed I was trying to sell a guide and another scolded me for hurting people. Yet another mentioned this post is misleading and that I sound like all renovations are going to last ten years.
I do agree with one Facebook comment that I should include the Jubilee information and this is the reason for many, if not all the simultaneous restorations. I thanked her for her insight and have amended this post to include this information.
As for false information comments and such, I disagree. I used facts posted on several Rome official websites. I want to note that several posts on the internet are similar to mine. And if you’ve heard of Rick Steves, he’s been critical too. This post was strictly my opinion of a recent visit taking my daughter for her first visit to Rome and her disappointment. Nowhere am I saying to stay away from Rome for ten years. My goal is to inform and be flexible. Happy traveling!
Good to know, as we were considering a visit to Rome next spring. Florence is a “bit of a mess” now due to subway construction as well, though not nearly as bad as you describe for Rome. I’m not sure what the plan is, but it would bear further investigation. We drove into the ZTL to our hotel near the Medici Chapel in May and there were many one way streets or streets with one side under construction that turned them into one way streets and the maps used by our nav system or in Google Maps on our phones had the updates. Since we had done the same drive to the same hotel last year, we had a reasonable idea of where to go, but it was still a challenge to get to our hotel.
Thanks Dennis for the comment. I wasn’t aware about Florence but I agree – it can’t be to the extent of Rome. I don’t want to discourage you… I really wanted people to be aware and prepared for the chaos.
They are replacing the protective glass around the Pieta and it will be completed in September, the work on the canopy will be completed in November. With the Jubilee next year, the Vatican is spiffing up things. It’s hard to plan travel around restorations. I’ve had numerous experiences in my years of travel of looking up to see scaffolding on a major site or museums closed. But the Metro construction does add additional chaos.
Great information Patricia, thank you! I did not research about the Pieta prior (my mistake). The last time we were there (5 years ago) the glass was around it already so I wonder if it was just “cleaning time.” It doesn’t matter. Of course its difficult to plan with restorations, it was just dissapointing for our daughter.
Thanks for the information Ilene, and I am glad that you are conscientious enough to update your post. Metro C has been a challenge for years. We were lucky enough to visit just before it started, and the two visits since, it certainly detracts from the view. Maybe this construction will force tourists to some other, very beautiful areas of Rome and the surrounding areas.
Thanks Angelo. The woman’s comment was valid and I respect that. Information on The Jubilee needed to be added to the post for a bit of clarification. There’s plenty of Rome to see outside of the major construction areas – that’s for sure.
Wonderfully informative post!
As a couple who sometimes add on a stay in Rome to our frequent trips to Italy, we appreciate the heads up on what to avoid. No fun getting to a favorite and seeing it covered in scaffolding.
As you mentioned, Rome has more than enough to offer that we can circumvent the construction and still see plenty, if we so choose.
Thank you for sharing this very helpful information!
Linda
Thank you Linda. I appreciate that you understand the purpose of the post. Rome is always wonderful to visit. It just helps to know what you might encounter. Thanks for the comment!
My daughter just returned from a short break in Rome. She described the wonders. She also described the horrors. Arriving in Rome by train she found young people lying on the floor in their own filth, some with needles hanging out of arms covered in track marks. She said the stench of urine and faeces was overpowering. The same went for the area in which her budget hotel was situated. Every time she and her aunt left the hotel they were mugged. Swarms of children as well as adults targeting them as rich white tourists. They are not rich people and had nothing to steal of value but hands went all over their bodies searching for valuables. On the street, on public transport. The tourist areas of Rome are tightly controlled but if you can’t afford to stay in the expensive hotels and never leave that area expect to see horrors and be a victim of crime. Construction issues will be the least of your concerns.
Glenn, what a horrible experience for the two of them. It breaks my heart to hear this, and we need to be reminded to always be on our guard. You are correct that construction is not a big issue in the scheme of things.