Rome Travel Forum

My husband and I are taking my Mum to Europe in December/January. We will be in Rome from the 3rd January.

Can anyone please help me with the following questions:
(i) Will the Porta Portese markets be operating on the first Sunday in January?
(ii) I read in a guidebook, some reference to some Christmas markets in the Piazza Navona that run until 6 January every year. Does anyone know anything about this?
(iii) I also read in a guidebook something about Winter Sales. Will the sales be on in early January?
(iv) The Castel Romano Designer Outlet. Is it worth going to in terms of stock, prices/discounts, variety? How does it compare for example to The Mall in Florence? Is it worth going to if the sales are on in shops in Rome itself? How does one get there by public transport? Is there a shuttle?
(v) Will there be lots of shops open in early January or will they still be closed for a Christmas break?
(vi) Not related to shopping, but are sights such as the Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Colosseum open on January 6th which I believe is a public holiday in Italy?
(vii) Will the fruit and vegeatble markets be operating in the Campo De Fiori in early January?

Thank you very much in advance.

I try to help you as much as I know.
I) Yes
II) Visit Piazza Navona in the night between January 5th and 6th to get the best of this market. Overcrowded but fascinating.
III) Usually yes. In the last years winter sales started at the beginning of january
IV) No idea....
V) They'll be open

Cheers

gmg

Ciao,

Some answers to your questions:

- I also read in a guidebook something about Winter Sales. Will the sales be on in early January?

The sales in Rome usually starts the first Saturday after the 6th January, but this year 2008 the sales started before: the 5th January.
There is no point to go to outlets or shopping malls while in the center there are the same shops and there are sales. Shops are open in early January.

-The Castel Romano Designer Outlet. Is it worth going to in terms of stock, prices/discounts, variety? Is it worth going to if the sales are on in shops in Rome itself?

You will find the same boutiques on Via Cola di Rienzo, Via del Corso and Via Nazionale, what in shopping malls. On Via Cola di Rienzo and also close to Metro station S. Giovanni there is a big fashion store COIN. Another similar La Rinascente is on Via del Corso, so you can do your shopping while sightseeing.

In the center there are also lots of small boutiques, which offer unique clothing at a good rate. Look for them on Via del Governo Vecchio, Via dei Serpenti and many more in the heart of Rome.

Additionally, the prices in shopping malls are often more expensive than in small boutiques. And what's important you will lose lots of time to park your car, I heard up to 1,5h to park your car in Parco Leonardo shopping center during weekends. (there will be really crowded when sales/saldi start)

Personally I was once, 3 years ago, in fashion outlet Valmontone (about 70 km out of Rome, direction Cassino). I will never go there again, first I got sick of all these stores and secondly the prices were really high.
My advice: the best shopping is in the center of Rome!!!

Thank you very much for your replies gmg61 and sikorka. I appreciate it greatly.