Italian cities are under a red heat alert. 27 major cities, including Rome, Milan, Naples and Venice, have reported temperatures that threaten public health. It means the Ministry of Health wants everyone safe, so they’re changing opening times for the big sights.
The Colosseum is now open Friday & Saturday nights from 19:45 to 23:30, and the Pantheon from 19:00 to 23:00 every day except Thursday. Sforza Castle in Milan is also open between 17:30 and 19:30. These later hours keep the crowds cooler.
Inside the Colosseum they’re spraying mists at the gates and running extra medical tents. “We’re not just letting it be a tick‑box; the heat is a global problem, it’s real,” says the park’s director, Simone Quilici.
Air‑conditioned museums and churches are your first line of defense. When the sun blazes, head to the Vatican, the National Archaeological Museum in Naples or the underground Catacombs of San Sebastian.
Plan around water. If you’re near a lake, coast or river, consider a boat instead of a long walk. Water splashes off the surface keeps you cooler and you’ll see sights you can’t reach by foot.
In places like Florence, the Garfagnana hills in the north are perfect for a car trip to escape the heat. Booking tickets online in advance (for the Vatican, Colosseum, etc.) means you won’t stand in line during peak temperature periods.
Local tour guides also suggest going off the beaten path. Smaller galleries, cafés with air conditioning, or old cafés in towns like Bologna, Verona or Venice offer relaxed spots away from the heat.
Eat and drink cool. Try a traditional Sicilian granita or Rome’s grattachecca for a tasty chilly refreshment. Pair that with a walk in shaded parks – Villa Borghese, Villa Adriana or the Acquedotti parks are popular.
Advisories urge fans to stay hydrated, wear hats and sunscreen, and use shade whenever possible. By timing your afternoons, using mists and room cooling, and choosing less crowded locations, you can enjoy Italy’s heritage without burning up.
So, while the sun is fierce, there are plenty of ways to experience the romance and history of Italy while keeping cool. Adapt the itinerary to the weather, take advantage of later openings, and enjoy every moment safely.
