We moved to Rome on business 10 years ago and so far we started to discover every corner, creating "our places". Those ones where we never get tired of returning, which we recommend to anyone who comes to the city. Here is our sensorial itinerary of Rome in 10 places not to be missed.
From piazza Buenos Aires to the Coppedè district
Let's start with one of the first areas we discovered in Rome: Coppedè district. A stone's throw from the Trieste district, our walk starts from the elegant Buenos Aires square and continues on via Tagliamento. We raise our noses upwards passing under the arch between the “Palazzi degli Ambasciatori” to arrive in Piazza Mincio, where the Art Nouveau of the neighboring buildings leads to a fantastic world in which creative inspiration combines with beauty. Fontana delle Rane, Villino delle Fate and Palazzo del Ragno: here we are in the heart of the Coppedè district. A stroll between Piazza Mincio and its surroundings takes about an hour. An easy walkable path following the post COVID-19 distancing rules.
Testaccio: the neighborhood teeming with Roman spirit
In our itinerary, a Roman place by definition cannot be missing: the Testaccio district! Symbol of Testaccio are the Monte dei Cocci, the Fountain of the Amphorae, the lively local market and the Slaughterhouse, seat of the Macro Museum but also of a department of the Faculty of Architecture. A neighborhood rich in history, where a celebrity like the singer Gabriella Ferri used to live in. However, to taste better the true Roman life we are talking about our advice is to come in the morning midweek to watch the scenes of elderly locals joking or greeting each other while shopping in the small shops.
The Aventine and its churches
The next stop is the Aventine, magical and mysterious, which contains many legends. Look out from the terrace of the Giardino degli Aranci to admire one of the most beautiful views of Rome. Also not to be missed is the Municipal Rose Garden, open in the spring months, the churches on the hill, including the Basilica of Santa Sabina with the Devil's stone, and the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, where iconographies and architectural elements would reveal the coordinates of a hidden Templar ship. Between myths and esoteric tales, a peek at the now famous Keyhole is a must. Skip the line advice? If you can, spend the night there to be almost alone to contemplate such a wonder.
Monti: the district a stone's throw from the Forum
Very central but at the same time secluded: if the nightlife is unleashed at night, the real district must be experienced during the day, between the silences of its corners and partial views. From via dei Serpenti, where the Colosseum can be touched with a finger, to via Panisperna, framed by its ivy, which makes the church of Santa Maria Maggiore seem very close. Unmissalble the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, where you can admire Michelangelo's impressive Moses. Going up the steps of the Borgias continue in the heart of the neighborhood, in Piazza della Madonna di Monti. Between ethnic restaurants and design shops, a weekend stop at the Market is a must, especially if you love vintage.
Largo Argentina and its cats
A few steps from Piazza Venezia, this super-visited place always has a certain charm for us. May be because of the open-air ruins of the 4 temples or its historical importance, due to the conspiracy against Caesar, but this, in our opinion, is one of those symbolic places of the Eternal City. And there is more. Here is the most famous feline colony in Rome. Just go down the steps and join the association that takes care of treating and adopting the stray cats in the area. Thus, while observing a fundamental place for the history of Rome, you can have fun finding the cats hidden among columns and capitals!
The Jewish ghetto
The Jewish ghetto, plunged in silence and calm, is in the heart of Rome. Start from the Turtle Fountain and lose yourself in its narrow streets full of history. Narrow streets imbued with the scent of bakeries that prepare sweets, such as the typical ricotta and sour cherry cake. Kosher restaurants along with small shops and historic fabric shops. Admire the Portico d'Ottavia and walk at the foot of the Teatro Marcello. Check out the beauty of the Synagogue, which can only be visited on a few days, to taste the atmosphere of this unique neighborhood. And if you happen to be in season, give yourself a “carciofo alla giudia”!
A walk in via Margutta
Set between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo, there is Via Margutta. Strolling here is a breath of fresh air for your eyes and mind in any season, without considering the charm of the historic shops where you will find not only prints and paintings of all kinds but also everything useful for painting. The beauty of this place is in the atmosphere: an air made sparkling by street artists, which make walking even more enjoyable.
Villa Doria Pamphilj
One of the green lungs of the capital, Villa Doria Pamphilj is a walk that always enchants us. It will be for its elegance together with the breathtaking view of Rome. A place where you can walk in peace, respecting the spacing rules imposed by COVID-19. Whichever entrance you choose, the Belvedere Lake, the Fontana del Giglio and, of course, the Casino del Ben Respiro right out of a fairy tale, are the iconic points not to be missed.
From the Botanical Garden to the Janiculum Lighthouse
An unusual walk is the one that starts from the Botanical Garden, in the center of Trastevere, and its rich collections. From the Rose Garden to the Bamboo Forest to the Mediterranean Garden. The visit lasts at least a couple of hours but it is also pleasant to stop and breathe a bit of fresh air, perhaps reading a book on a bench. The walk continues through the most famous district of the Roman nightlife that changes its face during the day, climbing up towards the Janiculum. Pass by the famous "Fontanone", continue towards the Terrace of Piazza Garibaldi and then along the Passeggiata del Gianicolo. Shortly after, the lighthouse will appear in front of you, donated in 1911 by the Italians in Argentina to Rome.
Saint Peter's Basilica at night
Our sensorial itinerary can only end here, in front of the Dome. Although wonderful to visit during the day, we were enchanted when we wind there, almost by chance, the first time we were in the city at night. We walked along Via della Conciliazione practically alone with the imposing Basilica lit up before our eyes: an unforgettable experience. Moments in which you are face to face with the eternal beauty of Saint Peter's and the city itself. Moments and emotions that belong to Rome and to our 10 years here.
This Must Be The Trip wrote for us
