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Classical Rome: musical magic in the Eternal City
Travel with us to Rome where we guide you through the Eternal City's most spectacular attractions and venues for classical music.
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1. Have a night at the Roman opera
Rome's spectacular Teatro dell'Opera seats 1,600 and has legendary acoustics. World-class opera and ballet productions are staged here from November to May each year. Photo: Getty
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2. Gasp at Caravaggios
Concerts are held around the year at Rome's 16th century French National Church - San Luigi dei Francesi. What could be better than listening to Baroque music and gazing up at Caravaggio paintings?
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3. Surround yourself with astonishing architecture
The Augustinian church of Santa Maria del Popolo, in one of Rome's most famous squares, is not a major tourist attraction but it's a jewel of a church with breathtaking art. There are concerts here too, including from visiting choirs.
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4. Experience the ruins of the Caracalla baths
In the summer months, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma moves to the outdoor theatre at the Baths of Caracalla, with their ruins as the backdrop. The Three Tenors gave their first concert together here at the opening of the 1990 World Cup (pictured). Photo: AP
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5. Sample the excitement of the Piazza di Spagna
The Piazza di Spagna, at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, is one of Rome's most famous squares and the setting for many festivities throughout the year. Here dancers from the Teatro dell'Opera perform during a 'Roman summer' event. Photo: Getty
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6. See where Tosca jumped
Spoiler alert: Puccini's 'Tosca' ends with the eponymous heroine hurling herself from the battlements of the Castello St. Angelo. Concerts are held at the adjoining bridge three times a week. Photo: AP
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7. Soak up some French culture
Very civilised concerts and recitals take place at the French Academy, located in the Villa Medici, within the Villa Borghese on Rome's Pincian Hill. Photo: Getty
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8. Hear a concert inside a beetle, or a turtle...
Rome's Parco della Musica is home to the Academy of Saint Cecilia. The buildings were designed by 'Shard' architect Renzo Piano. Reportedly the world's most visited music facility with more than a million visitors each year, the structures have been given such nicknames as blobs, beetles, scarabs, turtles, and computer mice.
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9. Be transported back to the Renaissance - with Raphael too.
The Villa Farnesina is a Renaissance suburban villa in the Via della Lungara, in Rome's Trastevere district. The Villa regularly hosts Renaissance music concerts on historical instruments in the concert hall surrounded by Raphael's frescos.
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10. Attend a blockbuster concert at Rome's Olympic Stadium
Opened in 1937, Rome's Olympic Stadium seats more than 73,000 and hosts major concerts by international artists and bands. Andrea Bocelli performed here ahead of kick-off for the UEFA Champions League Final in 2009.
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11. Imagine gladiators at the Colosseum
Holding between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, Rome's first century Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. Today, if you're lucky, you might catch a concert here by a big star like Andrea Bocelli, seen here performing with the Abruzzo Symphony Orchestra in May 2009. Photo: Getty
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12. Enjoy the romance of a 'Notte Romano'
Every summer there's a series of classical concerts that take place at the Theatre of Marcellus called 'Notti Romane' - 'Roman Nights'. The Theatre of Marcellus is an ancient open-air theatre built in the closing years of the Roman Republic. In those days, locals and visitors were able to watch performances of drama and song. You can now do the same. Photo: Alexander Z.
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13. Spend a Sunday afternoon at a concert
Every Sunday afternoon and Monday evening, there are concerts at the 1,800-seater Auditorium Conciliazione, often given by the Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma. Photo: Matthias Manasi
