Rome Newsletter - March 2026

March in Rome marks a distinct shift in the city's atmosphere. As winter fades, the days become longer and the scent of blooming yellow mimosa flowers begins to fill the air, signaling the approach of spring. This bright flower is the traditional symbol of Festa della Donna (Women’s Day) on March 8th, a day when you will see sprays of yellow throughout the city. In Rome on this date many places offer special deals and offers just for women, like free or discounted museum entry and cultural tours, alongside restaurants, clubs and spas where women can enjoy exclusive promotions to celebrate the day.

The fathers are also celebrated in Italy on the Festa di San Giuseppe (Father's Day) on March 19th signaling the appreciation to family in Italian culture. This day is designed around family activities and special offers to fathers and children like free entry and discounts to the Bioparco di Roma (the zoo of Rome). And don't forget to try the special pastries associated with this day: the cream-filled bignè di San Giuseppe!

History enthusiasts visiting this month have a unique opportunity to witness the Ides of March re-enactment. On March 15th, the anniversary of Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, the Gruppo Storico Romano stages a dramatic reconstruction of the event at the actual site where it occurred: the archaeological area of Largo di Torre Argentina. The performance typically includes a solemn funeral procession towards the Roman Forum. It is a compelling, free-to-attend event that brings one of Rome's most pivotal historical moments to life in the heart of the modern city.

For those interested in authentic products and shopping souvenirs outside the tourist traps, Rome offers special markets in March such as Unique Market at Industrie Fluviali, a market and a cultural event that will be held on the weekend 7-8 March in the Ostiense district of Rome. It is much more than a simple market: it is a market dedicated to quality craftsmanship, independent design, selected vintage and gastronomic delicacies. Gourmet lovers cannot miss Formaticum 28-29 March at Mattatoio di Roma, an artisan cheese market celebrating the very best of Italy's cheeses, gathering together producers across the country and promoting sustainable agriculture.

For art lovers, this month’s cultural calendar is especially rich. As always, the month begins with Free Museum Sunday on March 1st, offering complimentary access to state- and city-run museums and archaeological sites across Rome and the surrounding area. Please note that the most popular landmarks, such as Castel Sant’Angelo, tend to attract large crowds, so be prepared for queues. Starting March 6th, Palazzo Cipolla (Museo del Corso) presents an important exhibition of 50 masterpieces from Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, highlighting the Habsburg collection. The major retrospective on Gian Lorenzo Bernini continues at Palazzo Barberini, exploring his pivotal relationship with Pope Urban VIII and its lasting impact on Rome’s Baroque identity. Impressionism and Beyond - Masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts remain on view at the Ara Pacis Museum and at Palazzo Bonaparte, the Alphonse Mucha exhibition closes on March 8th, followed by an exhibition dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai from March 27th. Other highlights include Constantin Brâncuși at Trajan’s Markets and Jack Vettriano at Palazzo Velli on view the whole March. The Capitoline Museums host several exhibitions, including Cartier and the Myths until March 15th, whereas Greece in Rome, alongside a unique exhibition on the Ancient Civilisations of Turkmenistan will be on view through the end of the month.

There is also a lot happening on the music and opera front and this March Rome’s music scene shines opera and classical highlights. Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia hosts names like Daniil Trifonov with Brahms and Dvořák 12–14 March and Grigory Sokolov performing Beethoven and Schubert on 30 March. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma presents spectacles like Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos and Ronchetti’s Inferno. The Roma Film Music Festival 16-22 March is a week‑long celebration of cinema soundtracks that brings immersive cine‑concerts, live orchestral performances of iconic film scores and special events such as Star Wars – Return of the Jedi in Concert alongside tributes to composers like Piero Umiliani. Jazz lovers can enjoy performances such as Night for Ella on March 7th, a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald in Jazz at Elegance Cafè - Jazz Club (tickets with 30€ drink & concert). We recommend also stepping into the magic of Rome this March and experience opera and classical music in the elegant setting of the historic church of St. Paul within the Walls (San Paolo Entro le Mura) and to be captivated by unforgettable performances such as The Three Tenors, La Traviata and Four Seasons.

For sport lovers, in March, the Stadio Olimpico comes alive with key moments of the football and rugby season; both AS Roma and SS Lazio play crucial Serie A fixtures as the championship enters its decisive phase. March also frequently features international rugby, with Italy hosting matches of the Six Nations Championship. The Rome-Ostia Half Marathon kicks off the city’s sporting calendar on March 1st, followed by the Rome Marathon on Sunday, March 22nd. This major sporting event sees thousands of runners completing a 42-kilometer route past the Vatican, the Colosseum, and other landmarks. While it is a spectacular sight, it also results in significant road closures and bus detours throughout the historic center.

March in Rome invites you to immerse yourself in live music, world-class art, and rich history, enjoy special events and unique festivals, and take early-spring strolls through the city’s historic piazzas and gardens — making it the perfect month to experience the Eternal City’s beauty and energy. If you are looking for help orienting yourself within the city's complex layers of history and and discover the best local insights, we would be delighted to see you on one of our walking tours to help you get the most out of your visit!

Date	Event	Category
March 1-31	Teatro dell'Opera di Roma In March, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma presents a rich and varied lineup celebrating both classic and contemporary repertoire. Rome’s opera will host opera spectacles such as Richard Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos from March 1st until March 10th and Lucia Ronchetti’s Inferno, based on Dante from March 3rd until March 7th. Alla corte dei re di Francia - Musiche per Versailles is a themed concert of French Baroque music on 5 March featuring works inspired by the court of Versailles. Neumeier / Godani / Millepied – A mixed dance programme from 17 to 22 March featuring pieces by three celebrated choreographers (John Neumeier, Jacopo Godani and Benjamin Millepied).	📅 Other	More details →
March 28-29	Formaticum - Artisan Cheese Market Cheese lovers won't want to miss Formaticum, an artisan cheese market organized 28.-29.3 at Mattatoio di Roma in Testaccio district. celebrating the very best of Italy's dairy traditions, where producers from across the country gather to share incredible culinary products! Formaticum is an annual, Rome-based market organized by La Pecora Nera Editore and expert Vincenzo Mancino, which promotes sustainable agriculture and offers tastings and direct sales.	📅 Other	More details →
March 8	Festa della Donna (Women's Day) Italian Women's Day, Festa Della Donna, a dedicated day to celebrate women showing appreciation for the important women in one's life and solidarity for women's rights. Across Italy, the bright yellow mimosa flower—symbolizing strength and resilience—is traditionally gifted to women, and its sweet scent fills the air as spring begins. In Rome, women can enjoy free admission to state museums and galleries, along with special offers and programmes at bars and restaurants!	🎄 Holiday	More details →
March 19	Festa del Papà (Father's Day) The Feast of Saint Joseph (Festa di San Giuseppe) marks also the Father's Day in Italy, which is traditionally celebrated in Rome with special offers for fathers and families. This includes, for example, special deals at restaurants and free access or discounts to family activities, such as the Rome Zoo (Bioparco di Roma). And don’t forget to try the fluffy and creamy ”bignè di San Giuseppe”-pastries during this celebration in your local bakery!	🎄 Holiday
March 15	Ides of March "Beware the Ides of March!" Ides of March, the assassination day of Julius Caesar on Sunday 15 March takes place in Rome with a historical re-enactment of that fateful day in 44 BC. The free open-air performative event will be staged by the Gruppo Storico Romano in the archaeological area at Largo di Torre Argentina at 16.00. From there, participants lead a solemn funeral procession through the streets to the Roman Forum. The event is free to attend, though tickets are required for entry to the Colosseum Archaeological Park, where the funeral ceremony takes place. It's a remarkable opportunity to witness one of Rome's most pivotal moments come alive in the heart of the city!	🎪 Festival	More details →
March 1-31	Concerts of Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Check the concerts and performances of March in the Accademia di Santa Cecilia and Auditorium Parco della Musica. This month some of the top performances include Director Daniel Harding conducting the orchestra with star pianist Daniil Trifonov, performing Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7. 12, 13-14 March and the legendary pianist Grigory Sokolov closing the month with a highly anticipated recital, performing music by Beethoven and Schubert 30 March.	🎵 Concert	More details →
March 16-22	The Rome Film Music Festival The Rome Film Music Festival returns for its fifth edition on 16th-22nd of March, offering a week of international premieres and exclusive performances under the artistic direction of Marco Patrignani. Experience for example the exclusive performance of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert, blending film screening with live orchestral music.	🎵 Concert	More details →
March 1-31	Exhibitions at Palazzo Bonaparte This is the final week to view the collection of the Czech artist Alphonse Mucha, a major retrospective dedicated to the Art Nouveau master, hosted at Palazzo Bonaparte until March 8th. Be ready for a major exhibition dedicated to the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai opening on March 27th.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
March 1-31	Exhibitions at Capitolium Museums Discover the "Cartier and the Myths" ("Cartier e i Mito") exhibition until March 15th at the Musei Capitolini to explore the relationship between the jewelry house and classical art or visit "Greece in Rome" (La Grecia a Roma) exhibition to discover the historical connections between the two ancients civilizations.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
March 1-31	Bernini and the Barberini exhibition at Palazzo Barberini Discover the most important and ambitious showcase ever dedicated to Baroque genius Bernini, immersing yourself in his masterpieces! This special exhibition explores the extraordinary relationship between Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Maffeo Barberini, his first and most influential patron, who took the name Urban VIII upon his election to the papacy in 1623.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
March 1	Free museum-hopping day on Sunday 1.3.2026 The first Sunday of the month means free museum hopping! State museums, archaeological sites and Rome's city-run museums, open their doors for free on Sunday 1st of March. The free landmark sites include for example Castel Sant'Angelo and the Capitoline Museums. However, despite the free access, some museums like Galleria Borghese still require booking your place in advance.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
March 6-31	Habsburg Masterpieces' exhibition at Palazzo Cipolla Experience 50 masterpieces from the presitigious Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna to go on display in Rome starting from 6 March at Palazzo Cipolla. The exhibition is promoted and produced by Fondazione Roma in collaboration with the Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM).	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
March 1	Eurospin Roma-Ostia Half Marathon Be part of history at the 51st edition of Rome-Ostia half marathon — a thrilling 21.097 kilometres of speed, endurance, and pure energy. From the iconic start at Palazzo dello Sport in Rome’s striking EUR district, you’ll surge forward along the wide, fast lanes of Via Cristoforo Colombo with the grand finale awaiting at the legendary Rotonda di Ostia, where the Mediterranean breeze and cheering crowds welcome you across the finish line.	⚽ Sport	More details →
March 22	Rome Marathon 2026 (Maratona di Roma) The legendary running event "Acea Run Rome The Marathon" returns on Sunday 22 March, and celebrates its 31st edition this year. Running in Rome means the thrill of running through history! The route stretches 42.195 km surrounded by spectacular views and masterpieces of art and architecture. Visitors should anticipate significant road closures and crowds throughout the city center.	⚽ Sport	More details →