Poolside, Colosseum-style. Photo by All'Ombra del Colosseo

By Annie B. Shapero in Rome—

Summer can be stifling in Rome and come August, most of the locals head for the hills. This year, 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 has 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, is 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 is part of a larger city-run “resort” called All’Ombra del Colosseo, meaning literally “in the shadow of the Colosseum.” It includes 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 is open for frolicking from June 26 through September 5, when the worst of the summer heat should have passed.

If you go…

Soaking away with the iconic monument in full view does come at a price: The pool costs €14 for an all-day pass (starting at 9 AM), and €10 for a half-day runs (starting at 2 PM). Reduced admission is available for children and students, from €7 to €9.

Cheapo note: Although the price seems steep, remember that the usual price for a beach club pass anywhere in Italy is about €10.

Getting there

Entrance on Via di San Gregorio (Parco del Celio).

For more information, call 06 70 03 17 01 or visit their web site (in Italian only).

About the author: Annie Shapero is EuroCheapo’s Italy correspondent. She writes for WHERE Magazine Rome.

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Rome’s Gucci store on Via dei Condotti, as photographed by scalleja

Rome, city of the Colosseum, the Vatican, and some of the most coveted art in the world, is also a well-known fashion center. Why not do as the Romans do, and snag a few fabulous—and free—haute couture shopping bags, before you head home?

Pack a bag

As Cheapos, we can’t exactly advocate an indulgent spending spree, but we can advise you to keep those glossy shopping bags, if such a spree should occur. (Hey, we’re all human, right?) The homeland of Armani, Prada, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, and Gucci offers some of the snazziest fashions in Europe and most purchases come in fancy bags with pristine packaging.

Via dei Condotti is one of the richest streets in Italy and boasts the stores, and glossy bags to prove it. This is where to find the big names listed above. On Via del Corso, which runs through the historic city center of Rome, you’ll find Ferrari and Swarovski crystal while Piazza Navona is the best place for gallery-hopping and antique browsing. An “ingresso gratuito” sign in the window is your signal to poke around for free. A “saldi” sign means there’s a sale going on.

Cheapo tip: Find the least expensive item in a designer shop and buy it: think keychain, a towel, baby booties, or even a pen or pencil. The cheapest wares still come in pretty packaging and are easiest to pack. Back home, we’ve been known to carry a small, paper Gucci bag as a lunch sack. And, ribbons from sweet, haute-worthy packages make great hair ties!

While you’re at it…

Don’t forget the outlets! Rome is known for its factory warehouses full of discounted designer duds. We recommend you check out Fashion District Valmonte, just 45 minutes east of Rome’s city center, which boasts 150 designer shops (Calvin Klein, Pierre Cardin, and Sisley to name a few) and is Italy’s self-proclaimed “largest shopping project.” For directions and coupons for the outlet, visit Valmonte’s web site.

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