The roads that lead from Rome: some unforgettable streets from the Eternal City
The Roads: When you’re visiting the city with most monuments by square feet in the world, it’s easy to go looking for the “greatest hits”: The Colosseum, Saint Peter’s Basilica, the beloved Trevi Fountain and many more. While this is more than understandable, it’s also true that a big part of Rome’s charm comes from its streets. Whether you want to get lost in the cobblestone vicoli that fill the Historic Centre, or venture outside the Aurelian Walls to see some of the other quaint boroughs of the city, you can be sure that you’ll find many unforgettable spots that you will treasure as your very own. By all means, wander away and get lost in the city: you’re bound to found many gorgeous locations. But let us suggest a couple of classic Roman Streets you won’t want to miss out on.
Via Margutta
Parallel to the very chic Via del Babuino, which starts as you leave Piazza di Spagna, you take a small turn to the right and you find Via Margutta. Home to many antiquaries and art galleries, you can also find some cool eating spots like the pop-art decorated Trattoria Margutta or the vegetarian restaurant Il Margutta. This charming Roman via was home, among others, to the famous film director Federico Fellini and his wife, Giuletta Massina. Via Margutta can be an excellent place to have your picture taken with your significant other, or just by yourself. The hidden jewel of this street? Il marmoraro, one of Rome’s cutest shops, where you can get your very own artisanal marble plaque with your name, your favourite phrase or a typical Roman one.
Via Giulia
Back in the XVI century, Pope Julius II (the same one who commissioned the Sistine Chapel and ordered Saint Peter’s Basilica complete rebuilding) wanted to take Rome to new heights of splendour, and asked the famous architect Bramante to develop this street that would be part of the city’s renewed beauty. Centuries later, Via Giulia has been through some change, but remains one of the city’s most charming streets. Being rather long, it’s ideal for a stroll during the afternoon hours. You can visit Borromini’s tomb at San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, or, if you feel courageous, visit the ossuary chapel at Santa Maria dell’Orazione e della Morte, Rome’s creepiest church. The Galleria Spada, home to Borromini’s famouse perspective gallery is also located there. Or just find a cute coffee shop and enjoy watching people pass by. Whatever your choice, Via Viulia is certainly worth a walk.
Via dei Coronari
Head north from Piazza Navona, and turning to your left almost as soon as you leave the square, you’ll find Via dei Coronari. Named after the rosary crown sellers who used to work there centuries ago, it was also home to many courtesans back in the day. Nowadays the place is packed with posh clothing shops, antiquaries and cool places to have a bite or sip some proper espresso. Do take your time to snap some pictures at Piazza San Simeone, or, for a one-two punch of flavour and photos, get some of Rome’s best gelato at the Gelateria del Teatro and then take a selfie with your free hand while savouring your ice cream at the steps besides it. You’ll thank us for it.
Via Bernardo Celentano, “Little London”
A city as ancient and rich with art, architecture and history as Rome is bound to have more than one quirky or peculiar spot (places like the Coppedè neighbourhood or the Secret of Rome at the Aventino hill come to mind), and its streets are filled with them. In some cases, the street itself is the thing to watch. Not far from Piazza del Popolo and near Rome’s Auditorium, a little bit of Notting Hill seems to have been uprooted from British soil and planted in a small street called Via Bernardo Celentano. No cars can enter the street and everything is kept spick and span. It all makes for an almost surreal experience, as you’ll feel you’ve left Rome for a few moments. It is a little bit off the usual beaten path, but for those eager for a hidden jewel in Rome’s treasure cove, it’s a great find.
This is just a small taste of all that you can find walking down the streets of Rome, whether you’re looking for someplace in particular or just wandering around to be surprised by the city’s majesty. We want to help you make your trip here unforgettable. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
