Rome
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Scenic, but a challenge after a full day of walking throughout Rome, stairs to our Monti apartment.
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Salita dei Borgia - the stairs that lead up from via Cavour to Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli.
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The streets of Monti have a great vibe - this bar gives food truck and new elegance.
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Someone is checking in at Casa Monti!
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Avoid the crowds of Rome, take Metro A to the Giulio Agricola station, then it is a short 15 minute walk to the Parco degli Acquedotti. Walk through the park where the remains of various acquaducts stand. One is even still delivering water to Rome!
Rome
This year, because we had concerns about the crowds that could be in Rome because of the Jubilee, we stayed in the Monti area of Rome. It is a little further away from the sights such as the Piazza Navona etc, but we thought it might have less traffic. It was, and apartment was comfortable with a small patio off the main room, and a second patio on the roof up out private spiral staircase. Although we have been in the Monti area before, we were in a area with lots of hills and staircases. It was just a bit of longer walk to get back to the apartment. But the neighbourhood has a charm to it and it felt more like everyday Rome. I really enjoyed this aspect.
- I enjoyed shopping at the Supermercato Elite on Via Cavour - good selection right in the centre of Rome.
- At the bottom of the stairs outside of our apartment was the Trattoria Al Tettarello - loved the piazza, it became a regular evening pickup to bring back to our apartment.
- I know everyone raves about the gelato at Fatamorgana Monti, and we bought lots, but I found the gelato at Gold Ice on via Cavour at Via dei Serpenti to be better!
Salita dei Borgia / Via Leonina /Via degli Zingari - Salita di Borgia is a steep road (with steps) connecting the higher part of Monti and San Pietro in Vincoli. The Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli which despite many trips to Rome, one that I had not previously visisted. This is the balsilica that h ouses Michelangel's statue of Moses as well as the chains that are said to have held St. Peter.
Via Urbana and surrounding streets are the hipster area of Monti. This old cobbled street now has artisan, art and vintage shops, restaurants. It is also home to one of the most interesting churches in Rome, Santa Pudenziana, which has wonderful mosaics. I am glad that I kept that on my list to return to when it was opened.
Santa Maria Maggiore - on the opposite side of Via Cavour, at the end of Via Urbana. I have been in this church on previous visits. This year long line-ups because of the Jubilee so I admired from afar. Santa Prassede - A stone throw from Santa Maria Maggiore as always surrounded by crowds waiting to get in. I decided I would visit on a subsequent trip to Rome.
Rome was busy, but not at a crazy state despite the Jubilee. Scenes of the crowds at the Vatican though so the extra traffic in the city. Much to see in the city, and this year we just avoid the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. I did pass by the Pantheon and the crowds there are making this location an example of over-tourism.
I wanted to avoid crowds, One morning I took Metro line A tp tjhe Giulio Agricola station, and from there a short 15 minute walk to Via Lemonia and the entrance to the Parco degli Acquedotti. In the centre of the park is the Regina Viarum, a museum that spans 16 km. Along the sides are historic agricultural estates and remains of imperial villas as well as acquaducts. I am very moved by the massive arches of the Claudio Aqueduct, There is also the lower Felice Aqueduct which was built in the Renaissance period by the Popes and are still in use todayfor irrigation.
