Top 5 Arthouse Cinemas in Rome

Top 5 Arthouse Cinemas in Rome

As if Rome needed any more romantic or charming attractions to add to the city; its arthouse cinemas really do leave you grasping for air in the best possible way.

Italian cinema was a thriving industry in between the 30s and the 60s. The Italians were worlds ahead of most other European countries when it came to contributing to this global phenomenon. The classic cinema houses that screened the films of the times are still in operation in Rome today, serving as the city’s own independent arthouse theaters.

Alcazar Cinema in Rome

Trastevere is the neighborhood in which you’d expect to find an Italian arthouse cinema; it’s independent, it’s vibrant and it’s culturally diverse. The Alcazar has been part of this area since before it even embodied all of these characteristics. It has seen generations of change and evolution, especially in the cinematic world.

The Alcazar is no longer solely an arthouse cinema. The plush red interior and classic design made way for opportunities for the space to be used more extensively. In addition to indie film screenings one can now also watch live music performances in the space.

Alcazar Cinema in Rome – by Alcazar Cinema – Uploaded by them

Film screenings of internationally made pictures are shown in their original languages. There is a bar and snack kiosk onsite as well.

Trastevere is a beautiful neighborhood to roam around after an evening at the cinema. There are trattorias and wine bars in the streets surrounding the Alcazar that stay open late. Guided walking tours through this neighborhood are also a good idea!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Daily

ADDRESS: Via Cardinale Merry del Val, 14b, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Circo Massimo

Casa del Cinema in Rome

The Casa del Cinema is one of the most iconic arthouse cinemas in all of Italy. It marks the heart of the Italian film community; a screening space for works as they’ve come through the city over the ages.

The arthouse cinema is situated inside of the Villa Borghese Park, one of the city’s biggest public green spaces. The park has a number of attractions other than the cinema, including two museums, a fruit garden and a massive piazza right in the center.

Casa del Cinema in Rome – by Casa del Cinema – Uploaded by them

The cinema is comprised of two main spaces; one indoor, and one outdoor. The outdoor screening area is amongst the trees and makes way for whimsical screenings in the summer months. The indoor cinema is equally as charming, with a cafe, bookstore and exhibition space along with it.

Note that cars are not permitted in Villa Borghese Park, and parking in the surrounding streets is limited. I recommend arriving with public transport!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Daily

ADDRESS: Largo Marcello Mastroianni, 1, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Termini

Isola del Cinema in Rome

This arthouse cinema only exists for a few months out of the year, and then disappears when the cold arrives in Rome. During June, July and August the Isola de Cinema is set up on the side of the Tiber River as part of the city’s summer festival.

The banks of the river see immense transformation as stalls, live music, vintage markets, bookshops, exhibition spaces and more are set up all down the water’s edge for the public to enjoy. The Isola del Cinema is part of it, and is the city’s pop up summer cinema.

Isola del Cinema in Rome – by Isola del Cinema – Sourced from their Facebook

The schedule is made up of international films, short films, documentaries and independently made local works by up and coming Roman filmmakers. They also dedicate a significant number of screening time to showcasing all of the Italian classics from they country’s filming heydays.

Follow the Isola del Cinema social media pages so that you don’t miss the next run on the Tiber.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Daily

ADDRESS: Viale di Trastevere, 203, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Colosseo

Nuovo Sacher in Rome

Another gem of the Trastevere neighborhood, the Nuovo Sacher is an arthouse cinema that comes with a cult following thanks to its creator Nanni Moretti.

It’s the place to be and be seen for the film-loving hipsters of Rome. The trendiest cinema house in town and a safe space for the youth groups of the city who struggle to fit in elsewhere.

Nuovo Sacher in Rome – by LPLT – Wikimedia Commons

The space is predominantly indoor, but the do set up an outdoor summer stage during the warmer months where additional screenings can take place. You’ll have a bar with coffee, drinks and snacks available.

Take note that the Nuovo Sacher screens a lot of films only in Italian. English speakers should check on this before purchasing tickets.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Various

ADDRESS: Largo Ascianghi, 1, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Circo Massimo

Cinema dei Piccoli in Rome

Trust Rome to bring you the smallest cinema in the world. And trust it to be situated in the same park as their other important arthouse cinema, mentioned first on this list.

The Cinema dei Piccoli is right at the southernmost entrance of the Villa Borghese Park. It’s a miniature chalet-style house that contains a screening room and a few seats.

Cinema dei Piccoli in Rome – by PastaFazzulla – Wikimedia Commons

The screenings take place seven days a week, both during the day and at night. The day screenings are specifically for children, offering a range of classics and new films for the little ones to enjoy.

By night, the tiny cinema becomes a romantic haven for lovers and solo travelers looking to see some movies in a park. You can visit their social media to see a current schedule and also to reserve tickets. There are tickets available on site, but since the space is so small they almost always sell out within minutes.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Various

ADDRESS: Villa Borghese, Largo Marcello Mastroianni, 15, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

METRO STATION: Policlinico