Rome/Old Rome



The Fountain of Neptune at the center of the Piazza Navona

Old Rome is the historic medieval and renaissance center of Rome. While the oldest section of Rome is at the Forum, and the Modern Center has shifted to the Via Veneto, Old Rome remains the city's most charming district, with lovely piazzas (squares) and streets to wander and find small cafes and restaurants. Old Rome includes the neighborhoods of Navona, Campo de' Fiori, Pantheon, and the Ghetto.

Get in[edit]

From Termini station, take the 64 bus. Be careful as this route is popular with pickpockets. The Old Rome area is served by several stops between Piazza Venezia and the River Tiber. Or, take one of the many other buses serving Piazza Venezia.

See[edit]

Ancient Rome[edit]

The Piazza of the Pantheon
Roof of the Pantheon
  • 1 The Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, +39 0668300230. M-Sa 08:00-19:30, Su 09:00-18:00, public holidays 09:00-13:00, closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25. It was built in 27 BCE, by Augustus' right hand man Marcus Agrippa, and later remodeled by the Emperor Hadrian (AD 125-128). This ancient temple was built as a temple to all the gods of the Roman state but has served as a Christian church since the 7th century. It is the only building from the Graeco-Roman world which has remained substantially intact and in continuous use throughout to the present day, and as it is still a functioning church, silence is requested during your visit. The Pantheon is celebrated for its large dome. From inside you'll see traces of the former bronze ceiling, melted down during the reign of Pope Urban VIII to make weapons for the fortification of the Castel Sant' Angelo. The hole in the center of the ceiling, though, is an original feature designed for architectural reasons (the dome would collapse without it.) If it happens to be raining, you should definitely go to the Pantheon to see the rain pouring into the building through the hole in the ceiling. There are holes in the ground that drain the water. The spectacular doors are Romans, but not the original. The original bronze beams of the pronao were melted down by Pope Urban VIII and might have been used to create Bernini's Baldacchino, or canopy, in Saint Peter's. The dome is the largest masonry dome in the world, larger than that of Saint Peter. The building now appears to be built in a depression, but this was not the original appearance. The street level at the sides and rear has risen about 10 metres (33 ft) since its construction due to the accumulation of debris from 2,000 years of settlement. This has necessitated the maintenance of the deep trench that keeps the building from being buried. The Pantheon was free for many years, but fees began being charged in 2023. Under 25 years old €2, over 25 €5. Pantheon (Q99309) on Wikidata Pantheon, Rome on Wikipedia
Largo di Torre Argentina
  • 2 Largo di Torre Argentina. Not, as commonly believed, named after the country but after the city of Strasbourg (Argentoratum in Latin), from which came a courtesan of Pope Alexander VI who lived nearby. Four Roman Republican-era temples, Pompey's theater and a Roman public toilet ("Latrina") have been excavated. The largo is also home to a large number of cats which are tended by the local animal rights organization (Purportedly a jab at Mussolini who excavated the area and is said to have hated cats.) largo di Torre Argentina (Q1541068) on Wikidata Largo di Torre Argentina on Wikipedia
  • 3 Temple of Hadrian, La Borsa, Piazza di Pietra. The temple of the Emperor Hadrian was consecrated in 145 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius. The remains of the antique temple were incorporated into a new building that served as the Papal Customs House. It was finished around 1690 and today accommodates the Stock Exchange (Borsa). Temple of Hadrian (Q431062) on Wikidata Temple of Hadrian on Wikipedia

Churches[edit]

  • 4 Sant'Andrea della Valle, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II (Bus: 46-62-64-916-916F-n46-n98-n904), +39 06 6861339, fax: +39 06 6877897. M-Sa 15:00-19:30, Su 08:00-19:30. Minor basilica in 17th-century baroque style with good art inside. In a smaller Italian city, this might be a prime attraction, but in Rome, with its abundance of great churches, this is merely a pleasant church of secondary interest to visit if you are in the area. Sant'Andrea della Valle (Q1631593) on Wikidata Sant'Andrea della Valle on Wikipedia
  • 5 Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, Corso del Rinascimento, 40, +39 066864987. Su 09:00-12:00, closed Jul and Aug. This little church is hard to find but well worth the extra effort although it is often closed when you get there. One of Borromini's masterpieces. It is located only a block from Piazza Navona, but not usually visible from the street, as you must enter the courtyard of an old palazzo to reach the church. Sant'Ivo is a small church the dome of which is shaped like the Star of David, but with every other point rounded. The steeple seen from the outside looks like it has a staircase wrapped around it that ascends to heaven. As the church was commissioned by the Barberini family that produced a number of popes and whose family symbol was the bee—some say the steeple resembles the stinger of the insect. Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza (Q1324617) on Wikidata Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza on Wikipedia
  • 6 Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Piazza della Minerva, 42, +39 066793926. M-Sa 07:00-19:00, Su 08:00-13:00, 15:00-19:00, monastery M-Sa 09:00-12:00, 16:00-18:30. This church is literally right next to the Pantheon. It is one of Rome's only Gothic churches, and well worth looking inside, although its plain square façade makes it look inconspicuous from outside. Excellent stained glass windows. Santa Maria sopra Minerva (Q823685) on Wikidata Santa Maria sopra Minerva on Wikipedia
  • 7 San Luigi dei Francesi, Piazza San Luigi dei Francesi, 5, +39 066882718. 08:00-12:00, 15:30-19:00, closed Th afternoon. This church is roughly halfway between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. It is most notable for a side chapel which contains three Caravaggio masterworks: "The Calling of St. Matthew", "St. Matthew and the Angel" and "Martyrdom of St. Matthew". San Luigi dei Francesi (Q638283) on Wikidata San Luigi dei Francesi on Wikipedia
  • 8 Sant'Ignazio, 8 A Via del Caravita. Between the Pantheon and Via del Corso. A stunning example of Baroque art. The ceiling frescoes are especially fine, including a trompe l'oeil dome by the master Andrea Pozzo. Sant'Ignazio Church (Q1465674) on Wikidata Sant'Ignazio Church, Rome on Wikipedia
  • 9 Sant'Agnese in Agone, Piazza Navona, +39 0668192134. Tu-Sa 09:00-12:00, 16:00-19:00. By Borromini, reputed to be on the spot where St. Agnes was martyred in the 4th century AD. This lovely basilica church is small with an almost circular interior. It is undergoing rehabilitation and the facade and dome are hidden in scaffolding. It seems to be open only until noon. Sant'Agnese in Agone (Q1192577) on Wikidata Sant'Agnese in Agone on Wikipedia
  • 10 Santa Maria dell'Anima, Via Santa Maria dell'Anima, 66, +39 066828181. 09:00-13:00, 15:00-19:00. Contains the tomb of Pope Hadrian IV, the last non-Italian pope before Pope John Paul I. Santa Maria dell'Anima (Q2140145) on Wikidata Santa Maria dell'Anima on Wikipedia
  • 11 Santa Maria della Pace, Vicolo dell'Arco della Pace, 5, +39 066861156. Tu-F 10:00-12:00. The church was built by order of Pope Sixtus VI (della Rovere). The campanile was erected in 1504 by Bramante and the church has frescoes of the four sibyls by Raphael in its interior. Santa Maria della Pace (Q1514683) on Wikidata Santa Maria della Pace on Wikipedia

Historical squares and streets[edit]

  • 12 Campo de' Fiori. If it is sunny, you'll catch a few young people and older gentlemen sitting at the base of a statue in the middle of the open space. The statue is a brooding, hooded Giordano Bruno—an excommunicated Dominican monk and one of the earliest cosmologists who held the idea of an infinite universe. He was burnt at the stake for heresy on this spot on 17 February 1600. The piazza is used as a marketplace during the day, and party central for college students and tourists at night. When the sky gets dark and the street lamps go on, the Campo de' Fiori fills with people and lovers wander arm in arm in the crowd. Over the buzzing of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter you may hear a young vocalist belt out O Sole Mio at the top of his lungs as change plunks into his accordion case. Campo de' Fiori (Q28303) on Wikidata Campo de' Fiori on Wikipedia
  • 13 Piazza Navona. The pride of Baroque Rome, was established towards the end of the 15th century, and preserves the shape of the ancient Stadium of Domitian. The buildings surrounding the square stand where the spectators once sat, watching the spectacle of the naumachiae (battles among ships). The square remains completely unspoilt by traffic and modern buildings. Today, the square is an immensely popular place to sip a cappuccino, shop, and watch street performers. Behind the piazza at the northern end, you can still see remains of the Roman athletic stadium well below the current ground level. Amongst the various monuments of the square, look especially for the two Baroque masterpieces by Bernini and Borromini. Piazza Navona (Q463400) on Wikidata Piazza Navona on Wikipedia
  • 14 Piazza Colonna. Where the building of the Italian Government, Palazzo Chigi is situated. Also there is a marvelous carved column—hence the name—dating back to Imperial Rome. Piazza Colonna (Q63785) on Wikidata Piazza Colonna on Wikipedia
Bernini's elephant statue outside the Minerva church
  • 15 Piazza della Minerva. A small piazza just behind the Pantheon. The centerpiece is a statue of an elephant by Bernini with an ancient obelisk on its back. Piazza della Minerva (Q2518575) on Wikidata Piazza della Minerva on Wikipedia
  • 16 Piazza di Sant'Ignazio. Small and attractive piazza tucked away in a neighborhood near Pantheon. Piazza di Sant'Ignazio (Q1120890) on Wikidata
  • 17 Piazza di Monte Citorio. Where you can find the building of the House of Representatives. Piazza di Monte Citorio (Q2579746) on Wikidata Piazza di Monte Citorio on Wikipedia
Via Giulia
  • 18 Piazza di Pasquino. Small piazza about 20 m (65 ft) from Piazza Navona, behind the Brazilian Embassy. There is a statue named "Pasquino", according to a legend named after a tailor who used to work nearby and had a reputation for complaining. The statue has been used for the past three centuries as a place to hang messages, complaints and other opinions which have to be shared with the neighborhood. The statue is probably an ancient Roman portrait of Hercules. Piazza di Pasquino (Rome) (Q57710200) on Wikidata
  • 19 Via Giulia. An example of urban planning that goes back to Pope Julius II, who, in 1508, envisioned it as a street that would connect all major government buildings. It is around a kilometer long and is in a straight line, an unusual feature for the time. It is lined with some interesting palaces but these days is more known for its antique shops. Via Giulia runs parallel with and one block from the River Tiber. via Giulia (Q782187) on Wikidata Via Giulia on Wikipedia
  • 20 Via de Coronari (Street of the Rosary Dealers). In the Middle Ages pilgrims on their way to St. Peter's had to pass through the Via dei Coronari in order to cross the Tiber at Ponte St. Angelo. The street got its name from the people who sold rosaries to the pilgrims. It follows the ancient Via Recta which led from what is today Piazza Colonna to the Tiber. In the 15th century Pope Sixtus IV initiated the construction of private buildings. Today, several houses dating back to the 15th and 16th century may be seen. House nr. 156/157 is said to have been the House of Fiametta, the mistress of Cesare Borgia. Via dei Coronari (Q1032187) on Wikidata Via dei Coronari on Wikipedia
  • 21 Via del Governo Vecchio. The street is named after the Palazzo del Governo Vecchio, the seat of the Papal government in the 17th and 18th centuries. It was part of the Via papalis which connected St. John Lateran and St. Peter's. Houses nr. 104 and 106 date to the 15th century and there are some houses from the 16th century as well. The palace on nr. 123 was intended to be the residence of Bramante. The Palazzo del Governo Vecchio is situated just opposite. Via del Governo vecchio (Rome) (Q57710319) on Wikidata
  • 22 The Ghetto. The Ghetto lies between the island in the River Tiber and the Theatre of Marcellus and includes Rome’s synagogue. It was established in 1555 as a result of a Papal Bull by Pope Paul IV that required all Jews to live in the area, considered one of the least desirable quarters of the city, as it was subject to constant flooding by the river. The area was originally enclosed by walls and gates that were only open during the day. With the end of the Papal States in 1870, the requirement that Jews live in the Ghetto came to an end. The walls were torn down in 1888 and much of the ghetto was demolished. However, there is still much to see, including walls of buildings that incorporate Roman ruins, and there are several good Jewish restaurants. Roman Ghetto (Q527647) on Wikidata Roman Ghetto on Wikipedia

Historical buildings[edit]

  • 23 Palazzo della Cancelleria, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. This remarkable building served as the site of the Apostolic Chancellery, or offices of the Pope, for centuries, and now houses a Vatican court. Tucked behind the facade is also the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Damaso, an ancient Roman house church rebuilt in the 15th century. Palazzo della Cancelleria (Q2031943) on Wikidata Palazzo della Cancelleria on Wikipedia
Palazzo Farnese
  • 24 Palazzo Farnese, Piazza Farnese, 67, +39 06 68892818. phone for opening times. Since 1871 this has been the French Embassy. This 16th-century palace contains an important fresco cycle by Annibale Carracci and houses a library of collections by the French school in Rome, particularly on Roman archaeology. Note the two beautiful fountains in the piazza. Palazzo Farnese (Q848386) on Wikidata Palazzo Farnese on Wikipedia
  • 25 Palazzo della Sapienza, Corso Rinascimento, 9 (Bus 70 81, 87, 492; Close to Piazza Navona), +39 06 686 4987. This building housed the University of Rome from the middle of the 15th century until 1935. The splendid interior courtyard was created by Giacomo della Porta. The inside church of Sant'Ivo (see above) is one of the masterpieces of the architect Borromini. Palazzo della Sapienza (Q3891484) on Wikidata
  • 26 Palazzo Altemps (Branch of the Roman National Museum), Via Sant' Apollinare 8 (Bus 70, 81, 87, 492), +39 06 6897091. Tu-Su 09:00-19:45. Simple and elegant lines make up this building, whose construction began in 1480 for Count Girolamo Riario, nephew of Papa Sisto IV, and was taken up by architect Martino Longhi for the new owner, Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps. Today it houses one of the branches of the National Museum of Rome, showcasing ancient and Renaissance sculptures, and the results of the 16th/17th-century fashion for 'completing' ancient sculptures missing heads or arms. €15 (less for EU citizens of ages 18-24) gives admission to this and the three other National Museums of Rome. Palazzo Altemps (Q1094986) on Wikidata
  • 27 Palazzo Taverna, Via di Monte Giordano. The building is in one of the most hidden corners of the city center among Piazza Navona and Castel Sant'Angelo. It served as residence for the Orsini family. Nowadays it is private property and one can only glance at the courtyard and the amazing fountain inside, erected in 1618 by architect Antonio Casoni. However, the brief moment is worth it. Palazzo Taverna, Rome (Q20088659) on Wikidata Palazzo Taverna, Rome on Wikipedia
  • 28 Palazzo Crivelli, Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 22. This building also known as the Doll House was built in the 16th century. It is unique for the quantity and quality of the decorations—lions' heads, satyrs and disfigured heads that adorn the facade attributed to the sculptor Giulio Mazzoni.
  • 29 Palazzo Spada, Piazza Capo di Ferro. This building was erected in the 16th century for Cardinal Girolamo Capodiferro. One century later it was acquired by another powerful Cardinal, Bernardino Spada, and was restored by Borromini, who created the forced perspective optical illusion in the arcaded courtyard. Palazzo Spada (Q1058475) on Wikidata Palazzo Spada on Wikipedia
  • 30 Palazzo Madama, Corso del Rinascimento, +39 0667061. every 1st Sat in a month 10AM to 6PM. This palace of the 16th century was erected by the famous Medici family. It was the residence of Cardinals Giovanni and Giuliano Medici, later Pope Leo X. and Clement VII. Catherine de Medici, Pope Clement VII's niece lived here until her marriage in 1553 with Prince Henry, the son of King Francis I of France. The palace is named after Madama Margerita of Austria, the illegitimate daughter of Emperor Charles V. Since 1871 it has been the seat of the Italian Senate. Palazzo Madama (Q1755046) on Wikidata Palazzo Madama on Wikipedia
  • 31 Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 141. chapel only open on March 16 07:00-12:00. The palace was built by the architect Baldassare Peruzzi on behalf of the Massimo family. The former palace was destroyed during the pillage of Rome in 1527. The Massimo family can be traced back to Quintus Fabius Maximus who defeated Hannibal in the 3rd century BC. The building is open to the public on March 16, only in order to commemorate the miraculous reanimation of Paolo Massimo by St. Philip Neri in 1538. Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne (Q1521924) on Wikidata Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne on Wikipedia
  • 32 Palazzo del Collegio Romano, Piazza del Collegio Romano. The Collegio Romano was a college of the Jesuit order. Many popes, cardinals and bishops were educated here. Since 1870 it has been a secular (non-monastic) school. The coat of arms on the doorway is that of Pope Gregory XIII (1572–1585). The tower was erected in 1787 and served as an observatory. Until 1925 all clocks in Rome were set after that of the Collegio Romano. Roman College (Q2157592) on Wikidata Roman College on Wikipedia
  • 33 Hosteria dell'Orso (Bear's Inn), Via dei Soldati, 25 (bus 70, 81, 116, 186, 204, 280, 492,628). M-Sa 08:00-13:00. A historical inn where reputedly the Italian poet Dante Aligheri and French travellers of the 16th century, including the poets François Rabelais and Michel de Montaigne, stayed.

Fountains[edit]

  • 34 Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), Piazza Navona. By Bernini, in the very centre of Piazza Navona. Incorporates an Egyptian obelisk and symbolises four of the world's great rivers (the Ganges, the Nile, the Danube and the Plata), representing the four continents known at the time. Four Rivers Fountain (Q655470) on Wikidata Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi on Wikipedia
  • 35 Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor), Piazza Navona. At the southern end of the Piazza, designed by Bernini but the main statue of the Moor was done by Giacomo della Porta and the other statues are 19th-century copies of the originals. Fontana del Moro (Q1435824) on Wikidata Fontana del Moro on Wikipedia
  • 36 Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune). A 19th-century addition to the square, made to balance the Fontana del Moro. Fountain of Neptune - Neptune fighting an octopus (Q1759793) on Wikidata Fountain of Neptune, Rome on Wikipedia
  • 37 Fontanella del Facchino ((Fountain of the Porter)), Via Lata. Like Pasquino, the Facchino is one the so-called "speaking figures" which are peculiar to Rome. He is looking out of the Banco di Roma building. The man depicted is holding a barrel in his hands and is carrying water. It is sometimes said that he is looking similar to Martin Luther, but more probably a porter who died while carrying a barrel is depicted here. Il Facchino (Q3968656) on Wikidata Il Facchino on Wikipedia
  • 38 Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle fountain), Piazza Mattei (just to the north of the Ghetto). A pleasant fountain in an out-of-the-way square. It was originally meant to have four dolphins rather than turtles but the dolphins proved to be too large for the water pressure so the turtles were added as an afterthought. Fontana delle Tartarughe (Q936296) on Wikidata Fontana delle Tartarughe on Wikipedia

Museums[edit]

  • 39 Museo Napoleonico (Napoleonic Museum), Piazza di Ponte Umberto, 1 (bus 70, 81, 87, 116, 186, 280, 492), +39 0668806286. Tu-Su 09:00-19:00, closed jan 1, May 1 Dec 25. The museum is dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte and his family. After Napoleon's death in 1821 the Pope gave permission to his family to settle down in Rome. His sister married Prince Camillo Borghese. Napoleonic Museum (Q15141205) on Wikidata
  • 40 [dead link] Palazzo Altemps (branch of the National Museum of Rome (Museo Nazionale Romano)), Piazza Sant'Apollinare, 46, +39 0639967700. Tu-Su 09:00-19:30, closed Jan 1, Dec 25. See Historical Buildings. €10 adult, €6.50 EU citizens age 18-24 for access to all four National Museum of Rome sites. Palazzo Altemps (Q1094986) on Wikidata
  • 41 [dead link] Crypta Balbi (branch of the National Museum of Rome (Museo Nazionale Romano)), Via delle Botteghe Oscure, 31, +39 06 39967700. Tu-Su 09:00-19:45, closed Jan1, Dec 25. This museum is built on top of the excavation site of the Balbi Crypt, a building from the first century A.D. which underwent considerable modifications in the following centuries. Through the building's history, the museum gives us glimpses of what Roman life across the ages was like. Free visits of the ruins are possible. The Essedra ruins are only accessible on Saturdays and Sundays, at 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 14:45 and 15:45. €10 adult, €6.50 EU citizens age 18-24 for access to all four National Museum of Rome sites. Crypta Balbi (Q3005742) on Wikidata

Columns, obelisks and statues[edit]

  • 42 Column of Marcus Aurelius. Column of Marcus Aurelius (Q265384) on Wikidata Column of Marcus Aurelius on Wikipedia
  • 43 Obelisco di Montecitorio (Montecitorio Obelisk). An ancient Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome in 10 BC. Obelisk of Montecitorio (Q740755) on Wikidata Obelisk of Montecitorio on Wikipedia
  • 44 Santa Maria Minerva Obelisk, Piazza della Minerva (bus 116 and all lines on Via del Corso and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II). One of Bernini's masterpieces, an obelisk on the back of an elephant. Elephant and Obelisk (Q826635) on Wikidata Elephant and Obelisk on Wikipedia

Do[edit]

  • Wander the stalls of the Campo de' Fiori market. From farm fresh vegetables to spices to kitchen implements—it is a colorful and busy place.
  • Wander around the side streets, particularly those between Piazza Navona and the river. There are still many artisans' shops and away from the tourist areas it is sometimes difficult to believe that you are in a major city.

Theatres[edit]

Buy[edit]

  • Campo de' Fiori is one of the oldest open air markets in Rome. The day starts as early as 03:30, when the first "fruttivendolo" drive up, and by 08:00, under wide umbrellas, tables overflow with an abundance of brightly colored fruit and vegetables. Organically home-grown by people who have, more often than not, been farming for generations. At the east end, near one of the best sandwich shops in all of Rome, is the flower stand absolutely bursting in color and fragrance. The "Campo" is filled with tourists, locals, families, school groups and musicians until 3PM, when the booths are taken down, packed into cars, carts and trucks with the produce and driven away, and a loud, white, behemoth of a street cleaner sweeps through the square, cleaning up leftover greens, wrappers and trash.
  • Via dei Giubonnari stretching from the south-east corner of Campo de' Fiori due west towards Via Arenula contains many funky, fashionable clothes shops, and other interesting boutiques.

Eat[edit]

Cooking for yourself. In Campo de' Fiori you won't have any trouble finding local food shops and there's also a food market right in the square in the morning. Cooking at home is cheap.

Budget[edit]

There are many budget restaurants in this district.

  • 1 Pizzeria da Baffetto, Via del Governo Vecchio, 114, +39 06 6861617. Old-fashioned, family feel pizzeria near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, unarguably serving some of the best pizzas in Rome. Usually crowded but well-worth the occasional queuing.
  • 2 Solopasta, Via della Vetrina, 26, 27.
  • 3 Pasta In Corso, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 273-275.
  • 4 Alfredo e Ada, Via dei Banchi Nuovi, 14.
  • 5 Osteria Orbitelli, Vicolo Orbitelli, 13.
  • 6 Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara, Largo dei Librari, 88.
  • 7 Pizza Zazà, Piazza di S. Eustachio, 49.

Mid-range[edit]

  • 8 Cul de Sac, Piazza Pasquino, 73 (Near Piazza Navona), +39 06 68801094. Kitchen works until 01:00. In Aug, closed for 2 weeks. One of the best enoteche (wine bars) in Rome, serving a wide range of small dishes. The pate selection is a must-try. However, off-hours service is slow.
  • 9 Il Bacaro, Via degli Spagnoli, 27, +39 06 6872554. You'd never know that you are three minutes walk from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Via degli Spagnoli is tiny, leafy and quiet. Il Bacaro seats about 24 inside and even fewer outside under the shade of an ancient vine. Great selection of wine. In general a great stop for a romantic meal in the Eternal City.
  • 10 La Taverna del Ghetto, Via Portico d'Ottavia, 8, +39 06 68809771. Meat restaurant, excellent lamb dishes.
  • 11 Tapa Loca, Via di Tor Millina, 4 (near Piazza Navona), +39 06 6832266. Spanish food.
  • 12 Taverna Lucifero, Via del Monte della Farina, 43 (small street off of Campo de' Fiori), +39 06 68805536. 18:00–about 22:00. A hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant. As of summer 2012, not too crowded—it seems people haven't found it yet. All seating is inside. Don't miss the eggplant appetizer, mozzarella and tomato appetizer, limoncello liquor, tiramisu and chocolate mousse. Closes for entire month of August for holidays.
  • 13 BellaCarne Kosher Grill, via del Portico d'Ottavia, 51, +39 06 68 33 104, . 12:00-16:00 and 18:30-00:00. Focused on the world of kosher meats, bringing back Jewish traditions and culture to the heart of Rome’s Jewish neighbourhood, along with the typical tastes and recipes from Rome’s Jewish cuisine. €30.

Splurge[edit]


Bakeries[edit]

  • 14 Forno di Campo de' Fiori, Campo de' Fiori. A traditional bread shop that makes one of the best kinds of pizza bread in Rome. With your back to the Giordano Bruno statue in the middle of the square, the Forno is at the bottom of the square to the left. Good place to have lunch.

Ice cream[edit]

  • 15 Della Palma, Via della Maddalena, 20 (at Via delle Coppelle), +39 06 68806752. Located just a couple blocks north of the Pantheon, this is an excellent gelateria with 140 different flavors. Prices are very reasonable. Vegan soy gelato also available.
  • 16 Frigidarium, Via del Governo Vecchio, 112, +39 3381800220. One of Rome's best artisanal gelaterias, but without the fussy attitude that marks some of the higher-class or more expensive locations. Excellent rotating flavors, all prepared on the spot. Their eponymous house flavor comes with a free cookie.
  • 17 Gelateria Giolitti, Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40. It opened in 1800, and is very popular amongst locals, tourists. The late Pope John Paul II was known to be a regular customer. Among the best ice cream in Rome. About €4 for a large cup and €2 for a regular cone.

Drink[edit]

Among the two most popular bars in Campo de' Fiori, particularly for American backpackers and exchange students, are Sloppy Sam's and the Drunken Ship. Both are nice for a quiet afternoon drink but are usually quite noisy at night, with specials most nights to encourage business.

  • Vineria Reggio, Campo de' Fiori (Half way along the south side of Campo.). 07:00-01:00. Great place to sit for an affordable drink.
  • 1 The Drunken Ship, Campo de' Fiori (South West corner of Campo). 07:00-01:00. Western bar. Girls are encouraged to have fun by lying on the bar and allowing guys to drink shots off their chests. Do not visit this bar on nights when England or English teams play football at Stadio Olimpico, because Italian lads often come here armed with knives to pick a fight.
  • 2 Caffè Novecento, Via del Governo Vecchio, 12 (behind the Pantheon and Piazza Navona), +39 066865242. Closes at 22:00. Offers a very good variety of cakes, sweets, coffee and tea. The furnishing are nice, with couches as seats at some tables. Prices are mid-high range but worth every cent.
  • 3 Caffè Giolitti, Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40 (behind the Pantheon and Piazza Navona), +39 066991243. 07:00-01:00. An elegant coffee house in the style of the Belle Epoque, opened 1900. It offers among the best ice cream in Rome.

Sleep[edit]

Connect[edit]

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