Temperatures across Italy are soaring to levels deemed threatening to people’s health and wellbeing. The ministry of health has issued a red alert for all of Italy’s 27 major cities – including Milan, Naples, Venice and Rome – for this week.



Time your outings


Visiting outdoor attractions during Italy’s hottest hours (after lunchtime) is a “big mistake”, says Simone Quilici, director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum. The Colosseum and other major sites have now been allowed to open later:



  • Colosseum (Rome) – Fridays & Saturdays 19:45 to 23:30

  • Pantheon (Rome) – 19:00 to 23:00 every day except Thursdays

  • Sforza Castle (Milan) – 17:30 to 19:30


Cooling fans and mists have been installed at the Colosseum’s entrances and additional medical stations have been set up to cope with the heat. There are plans to plant shade‑providing vegetation along the pathways.



Seek out parks, museums and churches


Air‑conditioned museums are an ideal, cool escape. Many churches in Rome, like the ancient basilica of San Paolo, also offer a shady environment. Culinary classes and wine‑tasting sessions in air‑conditioned venues are increasingly popular substitutes for hot walking tours.


In Rome, popular park destinations such as Villa Borghese, Villa Adriana and the Baths of Acquedoti provide ample shade, while underground catacombs offer cool, atmospheric exploration.



Go off the beaten track, and book ahead


For travelers who can exploit Italy’s water features, boat tours or lake visits are excellent ways to stay cool. In Florence, the Garfagnana hills are a quiet, cooler retreat for drivers. If you must visit the Vatican or other high‑traffic sites, book tickets online first – demand fills quickly, especially in the heat.



Do as locals do


While the Colosseum or the Duomo may be high on your list, consider local galleries and museums in smaller towns, where crowds are lighter and cafés offer a place to rest and chill. In Bologna, a quiet cinema can be the perfect midday break from the sun. In Verona, a concert at the Arena provides cultural enrichment while staying indoors.


Some guides recommend visiting Venice’s Teatro La Fenice and Ca’ Rezzonico art museum, both of which maintain strong historical charm and cooler interior environments.