Natale di Roma (2779th Anniversary of Rome's Founding)
The Eternal City's birthday, every April 21st
About Natale di Roma
Rome's Birthday
The Natale di Roma is the annual celebration of the city's legendary founding, which tradition dates to April 21, 753 BC, by Romulus, who used a plow to trace the sacred furrow of the pomerium on the Palatine Hill. Every year on this date, Rome celebrates its birthday: in 2026, the Eternal City turns 2779 years old, a record of longevity few places in the world can claim.
A civic celebration promoted by Roma Capitale
The official celebration is promoted by the Municipality of Rome (Roma Capitale), through the Department of Culture and the Capitoline Superintendency for Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with Zètema Progetto Cultura. The program, which is entirely free, spans several days in April and culminates on April 21st, the highlight of the festivities. This is not a manufactured tourist event, but a true identity-driven celebration involving institutions, musical bands, civic museums, and citizens.
Musical bands in the historic center
The most evocative moment is dedicated to music: in the late afternoon of April 21st, at 5:30 PM, the Armed Forces musical bands perform simultaneously in seven monumental squares in the center. Each square hosts a different ensemble, from the Rome Capital Local Police Band in Piazza del Campidoglio to the Army Band on the steps of Trinità dei Monti, as well as the bands of the Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri, State Police, and Penitentiary Police. A choral tribute that transforms the historic center into an open-air stage.
Ceremonies, tours, and museums
The day begins with institutional ceremonies: the laying of a laurel wreath at the Altare della Patria, Holy Mass in the Chapel of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and, in the Giulio Cesare Hall, the presentation of the commemorative medal and awards related to Roman identity. In the afternoon, it is possible to access Palazzo Senatorio for exclusive free guided tours of the Giulio Cesare Hall, the seat of the Municipality of Rome since 1143. Numerous Civic Museums — from the Trajan's Markets to the Gallery of Modern Art, from the Barracco Museum to the Museum of Rome in Trastevere — offer special openings and free admission for residents of Rome and the Metropolitan City.
A tradition that unites history and community
The Natale di Roma has roots in antiquity: the Romans already celebrated the Parilia, the pastoral festival linked to the founding of the Urbs. Today, the anniversary lives on in the center of Rome, capital of the Lazio region, as an opportunity to rediscover the city's heritage and civic pride. Institutional celebrations are often accompanied by historical re-enactments in costume — pageants, rituals, and reconstructions of Roman life — that bring symbolic places like the Circus Maximus to life, giving visitors a taste of the atmosphere of ancient Rome.
Natale di Roma — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Natale di Roma celebrated the 2779th anniversary of the city's founding with a rich free calendar curated by Roma Capitale, spread over several days in April and concentrated on the highlight of April 21st. Institutional ceremonies, military band music in the city's squares, exclusive tours, and free civic museums marked the celebration of the Eternal City.
Programme Natale di Roma 2026
Tuesday, April 21st — Main Day
- 9:00 AM — Laying of the laurel wreath at the Altare della Patria in the presence of the Mayor.
- 9:30 AM — Holy Mass in the Chapel of the Palazzo dei Conservatori.
- 10:30 AM — In the Giulio Cesare Hall: presentation of the 2779th Natale di Roma commemorative medal, the Cultori di Roma Prize, the Certamen Capitolinum, and the 87th Strenna dei Romanisti.
- 11:30 AM — Performance by the Rome Capital Local Police Band in Piazza del Campidoglio.
Armed Forces Band Concerts — 5:30 PM (simultaneous)
- Piazza del Campidoglio — Rome Capital Local Police Band
- Trinità dei Monti Steps — Italian Army Band
- Piazza San Silvestro — Navy Band
- Piazza Pia — Air Force Band
- Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina — Carabinieri Band
- Piazza di Pietra — State Police Band
- Piazza di Sant'Ignazio — Penitentiary Police Band
Guided tours of Palazzo Senatorio
Free tours of the Giulio Cesare Hall on April 21st at 4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:00 PM, and 6:45 PM (groups of max 30 people), organized by the Capitoline Superintendency in collaboration with Zètema. Mandatory reservation at 060608 from 10:00 AM on Friday, April 17th.
Civic Museums and thematic tours
Special openings and tours in numerous museum sites: Trajan's Markets (Brancusi exhibition), Pietro Canonica Museum, Barracco Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, Museum of Rome in Trastevere, Museum of Rome at Palazzo Braschi, Casal de' Pazzi Museum, plus a street art itinerary in the Quadraro district. Free admission to Civic Museums for residents of Rome and the Metropolitan City.
Highlights Natale di Roma 2026
- 2779th birthday of Rome celebrated in the heart of the historic center
- Seven Armed Forces musical bands performing simultaneously at 5:30 PM in seven monumental squares
- Exclusive tours of the Giulio Cesare Hall at Palazzo Senatorio
- Special openings and free admission to Capitoline Civic Museums
Prices Natale di Roma 2026
Practical information — Natale di Roma
When
The Natale di Roma is celebrated around April 21st; in 2026, the program runs from April 18th to 22nd, with the main events on April 21st.
How to get there
Events take place in the historic center of Rome. By metro: Line B, Colosseo or Circo Massimo stop; Line A, Spagna or Barberini stop for the Tridente squares. Numerous bus lines serve Piazza Venezia, a short walk from the Campidoglio. We recommend reaching the center by public transport, avoiding cars due to the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones).
Costs and reservations
All main events are free of charge. Tours of the Giulio Cesare Hall at Palazzo Senatorio require mandatory reservation by calling 060608. Free admission to Civic Museums for residents of Rome and the Metropolitan City.
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Where does it take place — Natale di Roma
Centro Storico (Campidoglio e piazze del centro)
Piazza del Campidoglio, 00186 Roma