If you spend time in Rome, you will probably walk through the Monti neighborhood, especially if you visit the Colosseum, the Forum, Trajan’s Markets or the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. As many visitors pass through Monti, more and more are based here or at least taking the time to explore this character-filled section of Rome.
Monti history
The Monti area of Rome is often called one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the Eternal City. Of the 22 rioni or districts in Rome, like the Paris district , Monti is Rioni 1. It is the oldest residential neighborhood in Rome and was once a densely populated and impoverished slum. Due to its location adjacent to the Roman Forums, which were the political and religious center of the city, Monti was originally called Suburra, the source of the word “suburb,” and was known as an area of disrepute. A wall was even built to separate Monti from the Forum area to prevent frequent fires in crowded slums from spreading to municipal areas of Rome.
Today, Monti is a vibrant and colorful area with interesting tourist spots, great places to eat, charming wine bars, unique shops, and a young and slightly bohemian vibe. It is not so much a pristine, well-kept neighborhood as it is a genuine and inhabited area of Rome, where vineyards cover century-old apartment buildings, clothes hang from upstairs windows, scooters line the sidewalks and young children. playing in city parks and squares while their parents drink wine or coffee and watch. To see how real Romans live, work, eat and shop, there are few better neighborhoods to explore than Monti.
Where is Monti?
If you’re looking at a map of central Rome, the Monti neighborhood is southwest of the Termini train station, and begins next to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The wedge-shaped neighborhood descends to Via dei Fori Imperiali, stopping just before the Colosseum. It also includes a small area of streets southeast of the Colosseum. Via del Quirinale, Via Nazionale, Via Cavour, Via Merulana and Via dei Fori Imperiali are the main arteries of Monti, which has multiple bus lines and two metro stations (metro), Cavour and Colosseo.
The wide streets and narrow alleys of Monti are a delight to stroll and discover. Here are 10 of the best things to do and see in this charming Roman neighborhood.
Visit Trajan’s Market and Forum
In the southwest corner of Monti, Trajan’s Market and the Imperial Forums are part of a combined museum complex. The market was essentially an old shopping center with small shops under covered arcades. The ruins are in surprisingly good shape and despite their proximity to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, they are never overcrowded. The entrance is at Via Quattro Novembre 94, and the complex is open every day.
Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria la Mayor
Although not technically in Monti, the papal church of Santa Maria Maggiore is right on the border of the neighborhood. The massive church has impressive 5th-century biblical mosaics, plus a marble floor, bell tower, and additional mosaics dating from medieval times.
Experience ancient Rome at the Domus Aurea
Although it can only be visited on weekends and by reservation only, the underground remains of Emperor Nero’s vast palace, the Domus Aurea, make it one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Rome. A recently added virtual reality experience, which is part of the required guided tour, brings ancient Imperial Rome to life with vivid colors and details.
Go to the Basilica of San Clemente
Located a few blocks east of the Colosseum, the Basilica of San Clemente is a medieval church built on early Christian and pagan structures, including a Mithraeum, where followers of the Mithra cult ritually sacrificed bulls. You can visit the ornate church for free, although the extremely interesting underground archaeological excavations have an admission fee.
See the ancient wall of Suburra on Via Tor de ‘Conti
Suburra, as Monti was known in ancient Rome, was a crowded and dangerous neighborhood where fires frequently consumed its ramshackle wooden houses. The ancient wall of Suburra, a large part of which is still visible in Via Tor de ‘Conti, was built as a firebreak and as a visual buffer between Suburra and the Roman forums. It didn’t work out: The Great Fire of 64 AD started in Suburra and quickly spread to the rest of the city.
Pasea por the square of the Madonna dei Monti
This square in Via dei Serpenti works as a kind of living room for the neighborhood. Teenagers gather at the Renaissance fountain, young children learn to ride their two-wheelers, and couples and families drink and dine at La Bottega del Caffè, a neighborhood institution.
Buy unique and vintage items
The smaller streets of Monti are a treasure trove of Roman-made fashions, with everything from one-of-a-kind clothing to handmade shoes and leather bags to quirky home designs. There are also shops specializing in vintage clothing, antiques, and Bijoux jewelry and goods. Via del Boschetto, Via Panisperna and Via degli Zingari are just a few places to look for unique items.
Dine like a local
The streets of Monti are lined with simple trattoria and casual wine bars, most of which have not lowered their standards or added “tourist menus” to attract customers. Favorite spots include La Bottega del Caffè (mentioned above), L’Asino d’Oro, and Trattoria del Monti.
Sample of small plates and local wines
At many of Monti’s favorite spots, you can order small plates from a tapas menu, rather than sitting down to a full meal. If you see the “Enoteca” sign, you are on the right track. La Bottega del Caffè, Ai Tre Scalini, and Cavour 313 are among some of the best places in Monti to sample regional wines, cheeses, cold cuts, and other delicacies.
Get lost!
Monti is one of the best neighborhoods in Rome to wander around, even if it means getting lost along the way. As it is anchored by the Colosseum, Via dei Fori Imperiali, and other massive landmarks, you probably won’t miss too much . It’s a safe area, even at night, and in no time you’ll likely run into a main traffic artery (or something even bigger, like the Colosseum!). Therefore, we recommend that you put away your GPS smartphone, risk taking a wrong turn, and enjoy absorbing the flavor of this unique Roman neighborhood.
