A guide to Rome’s stunning open-air cinemas

Unlock Editor’s Digest for free

FT editor Roula Khalaf selects her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter.

This article is part of FT Globetrotter. guide scent

During the summer, many cities around the world host movie screenings under the stars. But Rome does it better.

From June to mid-September, open-air cinemas become a fixture of the Roman summer.. When the temperatures finally drop in the evenings, locals flock to the famous square and parks for animated screenings of famous Italian and international films. Some places have seating and trucks or gazebos selling food and drinks, while others are simpler and people bring their own rugs, folding lounge chairs, pizza and panini.

With films projected in some of the most beautiful historical locations in the world, from the Villa Borghese to the Colosseum, the Eternal City offers an unparalleled outdoor cinema experience.

Temple of Venus in the Colosseum

Watching movies at the Colosseum is magical. In July, free screenings will be held in the space between the famous amphitheater and the ruins of the Temple of Venus. Get there early: Although there are 800 seats available, they fill up quickly and there is often a showing of the film an hour before the screening. This year’s visitors will be able to enjoy classics such as Beautifull by Luchino Visconti, Ettore Scola C’eravamo Tanto Amati (We all love each other very much) and of course, roman holidays by William Wyler, among others. (Italian films are subtitled in English). Every day at 9:30 p.m., from July 8 to 17, colosseo.it

---

Acquedotti Park

Here you can watch films presented by their directors and actors, while sitting near the monumental ruins of an ancient Roman aqueduct (which you may recognize from the work of Federico Fellini). The Sweet Life and Paolo Sorrentino The Great Beauty (The great beautyand). Free screenings are shown in the original language (without subtitles in the case of Italian films). With over 1,000 seats available, you don’t need to bring your own, but they tend to fill up, so arrive early (and pick up food and drinks along the way). Every day at 9:30 p.m., from July 4 to 25, romacinemafest.it

---

San Cosimato Square

Located in the heart of the Trastevere neighborhood, this picturesque square lights up this summer with free screenings of famous works by authors such as Stanley Kubrick, Orson Welles and Wes Anderson, shown in their original language with Italian subtitles. There are 500 seats, but it is recommended to arrive early to grab one. Ice cream, popcorn, and drinks can be purchased on-site, although those looking for larger meals should visit one of the nearby grocery stores or pizzerias that offer takeout. From Wednesday to Sunday at 9:15 p.m. until mid-July, ilcinemainpiazza.it

---

Monte Ciocci Park

To enjoy a movie while taking in a spectacular view of Rome, head to this, one of the city’s newest parks (it only opened to the public in 2013). It’s free, but there’s no seating, so you’re allowed to bring your alcoholic beverage with a cushion or chair (and also a jacket, as it can get cold at night). Panini, popcorn, chips, fruit, soft drinks, beer and wine can be purchased on site. This year’s highlights include works by Jean-Luc Godard, Martin Scorsese, and an in-person performance by Motorcycle Diaries by its director, Walter Salles; Shrek, shark story and Madagascar are among the animated features. The films are shown in their original language with subtitles. (The association that organizes screenings in Piazza San Cosimato and Parco di Monte Ciocci also has an open-air cinema in Cervelletta Parkwhere you can see The The Earth presented by its director Damien Chazelle and Paolo Sorrentino on June 23). From Wednesday to Sunday at 9:15 p.m. until July 14. ilcinemainpiazza.it

---

Villa Borghese

On the stunning grounds of Rome’s largest public park, the Ettore Scola Theatre, a 300-seat stadium surrounded by trees, offers free film screenings. Italian films are not shown with English subtitles, but many are well known, such as Dino Risi. L’Ombrellone (Weekend, Italian style) — that non-Italian speakers will probably be able to follow along (and learn a bit of vocabulary too). English-language films (with Italian subtitles) include classic epics such as Lawrence of Arabia by David Lean and Sydney Pollack Out of Africanext to The life of Pi by Ang Lee and Alexander Payne The descendants. La Casa del Cinema, the association behind the screenings, has a nearby restaurant that offers takeaway pizzas and drinks. Every day at 9:30 p.m. until mid-September, romacinemafest.it

---

Aurelian Walls Park

Organized by a committee of local residents, Il Cinema alle Mura, a 10-year-old free film festival, is held in the beautiful Aurelian Walls park. The screen faces one of the longest and best-preserved ancient walls in the world, built in the 3rd century AD by Emperor Aurelian. There are over 200 seats but you can also sit on your own mat on the grass. The establishment’s food trucks sell hot dogs and hamburgers (with vegetarian options), beer, and popcorn. This year’s program ranges from The rear window and Persepolis to A star has been bornwhile for nostalgic children and adults Finding Nemo and Shrek It will also be screened (all in Italian without subtitles). Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 pm, from June 21 to August 1, @ilcinemaallemura

Tell us about your favorite Roman open-air cinema experience in the comments below. AND follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter