Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 11

Rome Debuts Curling Rink Opposite the Colosseum During Italy’s 3rd Summer Heat Wave

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Aug 11

Rome Debuts Curling Rink Opposite the Colosseum During Italy’s 3rd Summer Heat Wave

Q: Can sliding stones on synthetic ice actually help tourists beat the sweltering heat in Rome's most crowded district?

Not really in a physical sense. The Colosseum-area rink appears to be made of synthetic ice, which allows curling without refrigeration, water or heavy energy use. That makes it practical in a Roman heat wave, but it does not create the kind of cooling effect of a real ice rink or an air-conditioned indoor space. What it can do is offer brief psychological relief and a more manageable stop in one of Rome’s hottest, most crowded districts. The Oppian Hill setting near the Colosseum draws heavy foot traffic, and the curling installation gives tourists a playful diversion from standing in exposed archaeological sites with little shade. Participants in the Rome event described it as spontaneous, fun and harder than it looked, suggesting its value is entertainment rather than real heat protection. That matters because the Colosseum district is notorious in summer for long, sun-exposed visits. Travel advice for Rome during heat waves still points to more reliable strategies: booking timed entries, sightseeing early or late, taking shaded or indoor breaks, using museums and churches at midday, and drinking from the city’s free nasoni fountains. So sliding stones on synthetic ice can help people feel better by changing the experience of the heat, not by materially lowering their temperature. It is a clever urban attraction and a memorable Olympic-inspired stunt, but not a substitute for shade, hydration or air conditioning.

1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 11

Oppian Hill overlooking the Colosseum has become an unlikely curling venue, drawing Romans and visitors to try a winter sport in July heat.
Italy’s third blistering heat wave in three months sharpened the contrast, turning the rink into a novelty attraction during a sweltering Roman summer.
Luca Puzziferri, 37, said he and three companions joined spontaneously and found the experience fun despite little skill on the ice.
Giuseppe Nicoletti, 36, said watching curling at this year’s Winter Olympics in Italy had made the sport look easier than it proved in person.