Rome: See
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CARAVAGGIO AND BACON
Does this time of year make you moody? Well, two artists who knew all about the dark side were Caravaggio and Francis Bacon, whose shadowy work will be shown together at the Borghese Gallery until 24 January. The 16th century meets the 20th century with surprising results.
Address: 5 PIAZZALE DEL MUSEO BORGHESE. | Tel: +39 06 841 3979
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KEATS-SHELLEY HOUSE
High on the list of any tourist itinerary should be a visit to the former home of poet John Keats, who died here in 1821. At the foot of the Spanish Steps, it is brimming with romantic mementoes, letters and poems that pay tribute to Keats and fellow lyricist Percy Shelley.
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MACHINES OF LEONARDO
Interact with over 40 of Leonardo da Vinci's designs, brought to life by a team of science supremos and cutting-edge craftsmen (until 30 April). The machines include an Archimedean screw, a robot and floats for walking on water.
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MAXXI
It may not be opening offi cially until next year, but the Zaha Hadid-designed national museum of architecture and contemporary art is worth visiting not only for its warm-up events but also its exterior. Running until 21 November is a retrospective of architect Carlo Scarpa.
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Roman Carnival
Recently revived, this ancient festival uses the Piazza del Popolo as its base, and features fl oats, horse shows, fi reworks and period dress. A spate of jousting accidents put paid to the original festival in the 1800s… something of a sore point.
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St. Paul's Outside The Walls
This church honours St Paul, who was martyred in Rome circa 67AD. It contains some spectacular relics and mosaics, as well as St Paul's tomb. Scooter-lovers turn up for “vespers” at 5pm each day (ahem).