Rome: Cool off at the city’s new outdoor pool… by the Colosseum

The Colosseum sits behind the resort-style pool in Rome's center. Photo by All'Ombra del Colosseo

UPDATE SUMMER 2012: This pool no longer exists. The article below was published in 2009.

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Summer can be stifling in Rome and come August, most of the locals head for the hills. This year (2009), with more Romans staying put than in the past—and hordes of visitors filling the streets—Rome seems more crowded and even hotter than ever.

But for those visiting the city in the heat of the summer (or those Romans taking a “stay-cation”), a new city-run pool and entertainment park made it easy to find a splash of relief from the heat.

Take a dip, Colosseum-style.

The swimming pool, run by the Castellum Sport and Culture Association, was located in the heart of the historic center, just behind the Colosseum, in the Parco del Celio (a popular park frequently used as a concert venue). The pool was part of a larger city-run “resort” called All’Ombra del Colosseo, meaning literally “in the shadow of the Colosseum.” It included the pool, food and drink stands, live music performances, a disco (this is Italy after all), and even a poker table!

All’Ombra del Colosseo was open for frolicking from June 26 through September 5, 2009.