RomaPolacchi

Just a few feet away from the Colosseum is the Caelian Hill (Celimontana) and its yearly summer event, the Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival . Almost every night, starting at 10:15 pm (perfect for after dinner) the ancient Roman Villa Celimontana hosts a jazz concert for the low price of 6 Euros! Young and inovative musicians are the feature of this particular festival-and things really heat up after midnight, when a second concert begins. Latin jazz is on the schedule for this weekend.

Modern Bride magazine rates Italy as the #1 honeymoon destination in the world. And naturally Rome must be included in every Italian honeymoon. Brides.com recommends some great hotels and restaurants, including the recently renovated restaurant Casina Valadier in the Villa Borghese and the Exedra Hotel (which has a pool !). The website also recommends some fun activities such as the Casa del Jazz , a villa devoted to live music and the Citta del Gusto , a 54,000 square foot space that houses restaurants, riverside terraces, and the Gambero Rosso food TV channel-and live cooking demonstrations in a food theater! Readers: Have you honeymooned in Rome? What were your favorite activities?

Years ago when the Modern Traveler was a student in Rome, Trastevere nightlife was irresistible. Today the pubs and clubs that lured MT in the past are still attracting expatriates and locals. The tiny Stardust Jazz Bar on Vicolo dei Renzi satisfies any cravings you may have for live jazz and cocktails. Upstairs you can have tea during the day (and bagels on the weekends!). Downstairs at night is where the live jazz gets heavy-and the rock and reggae! Readers: Where can you hear the best jazz in Rome?

As part of the Estate Romana festivities, a free jazz festival is taking place from July 10 through August 10 at the Ristorante Giuda Ballerino near Largo Appio Claudio (Via Marco Valerio Corvo 135). The festival is kicked off by Pasquale Iannarella on saxophone. Call 06/71076070 for more information.