Rome is rich in cultural events, to which both Romans and tourists regularly frequent. But for the most part, you need a reservation that must be booked directly through the organizers, and, from a foreign country, it is almost impossible to get tickets in advance. Most theaters do not accept telephone reservations, and you must wait in line sometimes for hours and then be contented with cheap tickets.

The monthly cycle of baroque music. Concerts take place in magnificent churches (Sant'Ignazio, San Luigi dei Francesi...) and exclusive historical palaces. During the break a guide is possible in the spaces often inaccessible to the public.

The concerts in the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj cover different classical music styles. They take place in the splendid 17th-century palace. The famous picture gallery and private rooms can be visited during intermission.

During the summer, this event "per eccellenza" is not to be missed: the open air stage of the Baths of Caracalla. Here, theater performances, operas, classical and pop concerts are held within an amazing and unique framework: a 1,500 square meter stage, 120 seats for the orchestra, and 6,000 for the audience, inside the breathtaking ruins of the ancient monument. The success has been overwhelming. Reservations are strongly suggested.

The recently restored Borghese Gallery, which was designed at the beginning of the 17th century as Cardinal Scipione Borghese's private art collection, is visitable only by advanced booking. It is one the most beautiful galleries in the world: works of Bernini, Canova, Raphael, Caravaggio and many others are exhibited in the spaces of the magnificent "Villa suburbana". The so-called secret gardens and the historical park offer the opportunity to become acquainted with works of great interest (Casina di Raffaello, Viale dell'Uccelliera, il Giardino della Meridiana, historical marble busts in the Viali). A cultural walk in the country in the middle of the city... .

The Domus Aurea (Golden House), build by the emperor Nero build after the city fire in 64 A.D., occupies part of the Palatine and most of the Celian and Esquiline hills. Advanced booking is also required. The emotive impact of the restored, now underground palace ruins is great, but the number of visitors is limited. "There was an artificial lake as well as parks and woods where imported wild beasts were allowed to roam". According to Suetonius in his life of Nero, the palace walls were adorned with gold and mother-of-pearl, rooms were designed with ceilings that showered guests with flowers and perfumes...