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Party in Rome? A guide to Rome clubs and nightlife scene
When one thinks about the city of Rome, its fabulous monuments, ruins of the Roman Empire and churches of every age and size always come to mind. But people forget that there are many different things that Ancient Romans have always done well. Roman festivals are one of them (besides building roads and aqueducts, of course!). It would be a shame to visit the capital of the Empire (where one third of the year was dedicated to celebrations) and not to enjoy this relevant aspect of its culture. A number of Rome clubs, bars and discotheques are spread in different neighbourhoods. This is part 1 of a review of the most interesting party places in Rome and a little guide of Rome’s nightlife scene.
Testaccio
Built around the artificial mound composed almost entirely of “testae” (fragments of broken statues, amphorae and other objects) and dating back to the Roman Empire, Testaccio is the neighborhood with the highest density of bars and clubs of any kind in the city. Here you can find also La Pelanda a “center of cultural production” as it’s possible read in their website; hosted in the old slaughterhouse, now totally renovated, the area of 5’000 square meters hosts educational activities, workshops and, of course, special parties related to the exhibitions and events. During the day Testaccio is similar to many others neighborhood in Rome: a well-known market, children playing in the squares, all kinds of shops, lunch in local restaurants… and then? From electronic music to salsa to commercial sounds and live music, life here starts after midnight!
Contestaccio
One of the milestones of the neighbourhood night life is Contestaccio. It has gained fame over the years thanks to launching local and emergent musical talents. This place is very different from the nearby Rome clubs: a real live music bar where it’s possible to eat (also till very late) and hear musical performances of very high level. The stage is shared between the new musicians with their arising projects and already affirmed artists of rock, electronic, funk music and so on. Every day it’s a different jam!
One of the unmissable events that take place here is created by the combination of electronic sounds and classical instruments: guitars, bass, saxophone, percussions, piano, synths and voices. This wonderful medley is directed by Max Scoppetta, the founder of the project. This is probably one of the most alternative Rome parties you can find. It’s a jam session open to all the musicians that wish to share their passion for music. During these events, many different genres of music merge to create something new, one without a specific definition! An orchestra, a musical laboratory, a movement called “Like my mother made me” (“Come mamma m’ha fatto” in Italian), this wonderful occurrence takes place every Thursday during the autumn and winter from 11:00 pm.
Latin Music
Do you prefer Latin music instead? No problem, we’re in Testaccio! Make your way to Caruso Cafe d’Oriente and enjoy all the Salsa, Samba, Merengue and Mambo rhythms! The club opened its doors in 1988, becoming in later years one of the most popular Rome clubs and the reference point for the Latin American music and culture. The most influential artists of the international scene have performed on this stage over the years, creating a continuous spread and mix of Latina and Italian culture. Caruso Cafe d’Oriente is an artistic place of integration and meeting of different cultures.
On the other side of the mound you’ll find the Caffe Latino, where nice events dedicated to Salsa, Reggaeton and Bachata take place. Well-known names such as Gente de Zona, Charanga Habanera, Havana de Primera, Chakal Yakarta and many others have performed here. Recently, to promote the value of integration and cultural diversity, the place has become home to folk dances from Africa, Cuban Rumba and Capoeira accompanied by live music. Come party to this wonderful example of Rome clubs from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 pm onwards.
Jazz Music
This first part of the guide of Rome clubs would not be complete without mentioning the local house of Jazz. It’s located among tuff and stones of a Roman necropolis of 300 AD (some symbols engraved on the stones are still visible today!). During the 18th century it was an ancient bakery, then it turned into a major cheese factory a century later. The historical BeBop club opened its doors in the mid ’80s, establishing itself as a unique space for Blues & Jazz in Rome. It’s not a big place – up to 100 people can have a seat, but it’s very appreciated by fans of the genre thanks to national and international artists and bands who perform in this temple of music, nowadays well-known throughout the jazz world. The structure is a multi-purpose space for the Arts where music, theatre, visual arts, painting and food (carefully prepared only with organic products) coexist nicely. The traditional quality of the BeBop music remains constant: Blues, R&B, Jazz-funk, Swing, with sounds of Central American music. The BeBop is a cultural association, so in order to participate in the events a membership card needs to be obtained.
