Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy, a big, free and democratic country, and a city famous for its ancient history, Roman soldiers and gladiators, and museums filled with sculptures of gorgeous men made by gay artists. For many gay visitors it carries a certain fantasy, though the reality is more complicated.

Rome is a controversial place for gay men. Whether because of local mentality or the influence of the Vatican, the city's queer life is far less open and colourful than in many other European capitals. Things have begun to change, however, with newer generations of more open and self-confident gay men and women. This shows most clearly at the big annual Pride manifestation in June and at the LGBT festivals held during the summer, and there are also some good clubs and parties for gays in the city.

Rome has no particular gay area, but the late-evening and night hotspot for the gay and lesbian community is the street in front of the cafe-bars Coming Out and My Bar on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, sometimes called Rome's Gay Street. On warm summer nights it can be packed with hundreds of people.