Lots of summer festivals are winding up this month. Then, after Ferragosto on August 15, most Italians head for the hills…or the beach. Stay tuned for a full slate of fall events beginning next month.
Puccini Festival. This festival in Torre del Lago (near Lucca, Tuscany) is a must for opera buffs. It runs through August 23.
A Palio or Two. If you are unable to make it to the second installment (August 16) of this year’s Palio in Siena, check out the Race of the Terzieri in Citta delle Pieve, Umbria, from August 13-24.
Tuscan Sun Festival. Does Frances Mayes hear the sound “ca-ching” every time this arts festival takes place in Cortona? Anyhow, it runs through August 10.
Art in Rome. There are plenty of opportunities to cool off indoors at Rome’s many art exhibits in August: The Renaissance of the Arts from Donatello to Perugino at Museo del Corso (through Sept. 7); 15th Rome Quadriennale at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, which showcases 100 contemporary Italian artists and highlights the sculptures of Luciano Fabro (through Sept. 14); City Life 1930-2007 at the Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi is a collection of 200 photos of Rome street life through the years (through Sept. 21); Coreggio and the Artists of Ancient Times is a comparative study of Coreggio paintings and the artists from ancient times at the Galleria Borghese (though Sept. 14); Vietnam photographs from Italian photographer Ennio Iacobucci at the Museo di Roma in Trastevere (through Sept. 14); and many, many more exhibitions.
I was wondering how save it is on the roads, I mean driving yourself, since we were thinking of hiring a car on our trip to Italy, but we’re not very experienced drivers and worry about windy country roads, or busy traffic. Are the locals unforgiving of clueless tourists behind the wheel?
I know it’s crazy, but we were thinking of heading to Rome this weekend from Naples. I’m not sure I can hack a trip to the beach with the rest of gli italiani! Thanks for the heads up on what’s on. I’m interested in that Vietnam photo collection! – Karen
In my experience, the locals are unforgiving of any and everyone.
As far as driving, it will certainly be more difficult in the city centers, where you’ll encounter congestion, traffic restrictions, and agressive drivers. The winding country roads don’t usually pose much of a problem for foreigners, as far as other drivers are concerned. Just be mindful of traffic signs (Slow Travel Italy has a good primer at http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/road_signs/index.htm).