Don’t let a sudden downpour spoil your Roman holiday! While Rome is famous for its outdoor sights, a rainy day is the perfect excuse to explore the city’s incredible indoor treasures. From stunning churches and world-class museums to the fascinating history hidden beneath the streets, here are the best indoor activities in Rome when the weather turns wet.
The Pantheon and the mystery of the rain
A rainy day is perhaps the best time to visit the Pantheon, one of Rome’s most awe-inspiring architectural marvels. It’s a spectacular sight any day, but on a rainy day, you can witness a unique phenomenon. The oculus, the large hole at the center of the dome, is open to the elements, and when it rains, the water falls directly into the interior.
Legend has it that the unique design, which features a slightly domed floor and a drainage system, prevents the floor from flooding. Watching the drizzle or a shower fall through the 9-meter wide opening is a mesmerizing experience and will forever change how you see this ancient temple-turned-church.
Explore Rome’s museums
If you’re wondering what to do in Rome on a rainy day, museums are your perfect escape. Rome is home to some of the world’s most impressive collections, offering hours of cultural immersion while keeping you dry.
- Vatican Museums: Though often crowded, the sheer size and scope of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel make them a must-see. You can spend an entire day inside exploring masterpieces from every era.
- Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini): Located on Capitoline Hill, these are considered the world’s oldest public museums. They house an extraordinary collection of classical sculptures and Roman artifacts, including the iconic bronze statue of the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus.
- Borghese Gallery and Museum: Located within the beautiful Villa Borghese, this museum is famous for its stunning Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings. Remember to book your ticket well in advance, as entry is strictly timed and limited.
Rome underground
Venture beneath the bustling streets to discover Rome underground, one of the most fascinating things to do when it rains. This network of subterranean spaces reveals layers of history, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past.
- Basilica di San Clemente: This incredible site is a historical lasagna. On the surface, you have a beautiful medieval basilica. Go down one level to find an older 4th-century church, and descend another to discover a 1st-century Roman house and a Mithraic temple.
- The Catacombs: Escape the rain by taking a tour through the ancient Roman catacombs. These underground cemeteries, like those of Callixtus or Domitilla, offer a solemn and atmospheric journey through early Christian history.
Rome’s churches
Rome boasts hundreds of magnificent churches, many of which are works of art in themselves and offer an excellent refuge from the rain. They are completely free to enter and provide a peaceful, dry sanctuary.
- St. Peter’s Basilica: While officially in Vatican City, it’s an essential church to visit in Rome. Its immense scale and breathtaking art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà, will easily occupy a few hours.
- Santa Maria Maggiore: One of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, its stunning mosaics and gilded ceilings are a feast for the eyes.
- Santa Maria della Vittoria: This unassuming church houses one of the great masterpieces of the Roman Baroque: Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.
With a little planning, a rainy day in Rome can turn into an unforgettable exploration of the city’s timeless indoor wonders.