Circo Massimo

Having referenced Circo Massimo so many times in this blog, I figured I should finally dedicate a post to it!

So what was Circo Massimo exactly? Well, in case you’re wondering: no, it was never a “circus” in the sense that we know it today, although considering all the pomp and opulence of the Romans, one could only imagine what an incredible show that might have been. The “Circus” as the Romans knew it was used for entertainment though, and they certainly knew how to impress.

The history of Circo Massimo is almost as old as Roma itself. The Etruscans used the low-lying agricultural land for races to entertain the elite, and with Tarquinius Superbus, seating for the plebeians were added to allow everyone to view the events. During the Republic and Empire, the area was used for ludi, or public games. The festivities could have lasted a couple of hours to several days in length, but were always filled with important religious ceremonies, feasts, athletic events, drama/theatre, and parades. The most well known of these events was the chariot racing, which could have between 12 and 24 competitors in a single event. 

In addition to chariot racing, the arena was also used as an area for beast-hunting shows. The events usually included imported trees, raised wooden stages, and incredible animals from across the empire, such as elephants, bears, and leopards.

What visitors can’t see today are the incredible stands that used to hold up to 150,000 spectators. Circo Massimo was the biggest of Rome's circuses, even at the height of the Empire. If you visit Piazza del Popolo, you can still see one of the massive Egyptian obelisks that used to grace the median in the center of the track. The massive granite pillars survived over a thousand years of disastrous flooding, barbarian pillaging, earthquakes and general chaos during the fall and ruin of Rome until Pope Sixtus V removed them in 1587.

Today, Circo Massimo is more impressive for its size than anything else. It runs 621 meters (2,037 feet!) from the banks of the Tiber to just shy of the Baths of Caracalla. The field is situated between Aventine and Palatine Hills, and it has a dedicated metro stop for access to this thriving area of the city. There is easy access to many Roman ruins, great restaurants, and the Tiber. It has hosted a number of important events in modern times, from music festivals to World Cup victory celebrations.

TramTracks passes Circo Massimo every Monday on our tour of the Eternal City! While it might not look like much today, this monument is one of the oldest in Roma, and it is a great place for a picnic, a evening walk, or a run with your pet.

Locanda Atlantide Music Club

Looking to keep the party going after Monday night TramTracks? Look no further! Inside these graffiti covered doors is Locanda Atlantide, is a fantastic music club located just steps away from Piazza Maggiore. 

Locanda hosts every kind of performance, from music (rock, ethnic, world, jazz, experimental, pop, post-rock, folk, singer-songwriters and more), to theater, dance, movies, and art exhibitions. The space also offers a place for musicians, artists, and the public to interact and create together. They often host seminars and artist/theater workshops for the public.

Locanda Atlantide is open every day of the week from 7pm-2am. On Fridays and Saturdays, they often keep their doors open til the wee hours off the morning ( we're talking 4 a.m.). Concerts are often 5 euro or less, and workshop prices vary, but are sometimes free! It is located in San Lorenzo at Via dei Lucani 22B, which is just down the street from Porta Maggiore! Get in the mood for some music and dancing with our TramTracks aperitivo. You’ll be ready to rock after experiencing our amazing live band aboard one of Roma’s historic trams, especially after a few glasses of fine Italian wine to loosen the hips!

Check out their website here for details about their weekly concerts, performances, and workshops. Here's a great video of the popular band Young the Giant playing at Locanda Atlantide earlier this year.

San Lorenzo is a super hip neighborhood with some great areas to hang out. If you are a fan of street art, explore San Lorenzo! You are likely to find the best urban installations and graffiti in one of Roma's most popular area for students. 

Events this Sunday: Hunger Run and Vintage Markets

 This Sunday, you have a great opportunity to help those in need, and have some fun while doing it! The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is putting on their 8^th annual Hunger Run to raise funds and awareness to eradicate world hunger.

The course will take you past many of Roma’s best sites, including the  Terme di Caracalla (the spectacular baths of Emperor Caracalla), Teatro Marcello, the Via dei Fori Imperiali, il Colosseo, Via di San Gregorio, Piramide,  Aventino (Aventine Hill), Circo Massimo, and Stadio Nando Martellini. 

T

You can register on Saturday, 19^th of October, from 10:00am-6:00pm, or on the day of the event until 9:30am. The best part is it’s only 10 euros, and the proceeds go help end world hunger around the world.

The event takes place this Sunday, 20^th of October, starting at Viale delle Caracalla, and opening at 8:30am. The starting gun will be fired at 10am. Traffic is closed on all streets that the event takes place on, so go to walk, run, race, or even just watch! For another interesting way to see these monuments, check us out at TramTracks! You will be singing, dancing, and dining along a very similar route.

After the run, unwind at Circolo degli Artisti’s Vintage Market! Festivities start at 5:00pm until late in the evening. This event has been running since 2008, and has always included a wide array of artisanal, vintage, handmade, and rare finds from over 80 vendors. There will also be a happy hour, at 7:00pm, an area for aperitivo, and a great set of live Roman DJ’s. The TramTracks bassist, Maurizio, is a vendor there, and sells some incredible jewelry. Circolo degli Artisti is on 42 Via Casilina Vecchia, in San Giovanni.