Monti is a central, historically and culturally rich neighbourhood in Rome, Italy, situated between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum. Getting its name from the Italian word for “mountains” due to the original area including the Esquiline Hill, Monti’s coat of arms naturally consists of three green mountains, each with three peaks before a silver backdrop.
In addition to the Colosseum, Monti’s main attractions include the Roman Forum, Trajan’s Market, Ludus Magnus, Domus Aurea, the baths of Trajan and the baths of Titus. Famous, painstakingly detailed statues such as the Michaelangelo statue in the church of St. Peter in Vincoli reveal not only Monti’s extensive architectural but artistic connections. The area is a distinctly Roman and family-friendly experience, with a nice green space and playground by Oppian Hill. Charming vintage stores and bookstores weave around chic cafes, restaurants and bars, busy and inviting, with an intriguing, grand adventure to be found on every street corner.
Monti in Rome - one of the highlights of 11 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Rome (Read all about Rome here)
What are the highlights of Monti in Rome?
The Colosseum in Monti is one of the most well-known attributes of ancient Rome, an oval amphitheater to house spectators during gladiator and other performances east of the Roman Forum. The Ludus Magnus was a training establishment for gladiators. The Roman Forum is a plaza encircled by well-preserved archeological ruins, made up of important Roman buildings of government in the city centre. On the Via dei Fori Imperiali, Trajan’s Market includes the ruins and surviving structures of Trajan’s Forum. Other ruins of interest in Monti include the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Nerva.
Commissioned by Nero, Domus Aurea or the “Golden House” was an enormously lavish, landscaped complex, a show of wealth to replace the previous luxurious dome destroyed by a fire. The baths of Trajan and Titus reside in Monti as well, with public neighborhoods of parkland and vast estates.
Where to eat and drink in Monti in Rome?
Monti is home to a wide range of local and traditional cuisines. Blackmarket Hall is a stylish, traditional bar with a unique mix of cocktails, bruschetta, burgers and vegetarian-friendly dishes amongst its offerings. Ai Tre Scalini is an elegantly designed eatery with a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, offering a large variety of wines with its pasta plates and meat platters. Al42 offers a similar selection, known for its classic carbonara and meat dishes in a modern, minimalist environment.
Moreover, Cuoco & Camicia offers specialty Italian dishes according to the season, a sleek trattoria in Monti that provides tastings and wine pairings to its interior and exterior sidewalk tables. Daruma Sushi offers a fine selection of seafood in an open kitchen as well as 1960s dining style. Mizio’s Street Food and Zia Rosetta are high-quality sandwich shops. Happy hour at the terrace bar Hummus is particularly enjoyable, with stunning rooftop views.
What else is good to know about Monti in Rome?
The neighbourhood also includes the prominent churches of Santa Maria dei Monti, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Clemente, San Vitale, Santa Prassede, San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Santi Domenico e Sisto, Santo Stefano Rotondo, San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Lucia in Selci. Santa Maria dei Monti, Santa Maria Maggiore, Santi Domenico e Sisto, Santo Stefano Rotondo and San Giovanni in Laterano are the major basilicas to visit in Monti. Furthermore, San Clemente is unique for its mix of designs from multiple periods in Rome’s history.
If you’re looking for free spirited ambience, the area of Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, Piazza degli Zingari and Via Urbana is highly recommended, with artisan workshops among contemporary stores and street vendors. Monti is most easily reached through the B line station or a 15-minute walk from the metro, near the similarly culture-centric neighbourhoods Trastevere, Prati, Ostiense, Pigneto and Testaccio.
Monti in Rome
Location: Roma RM, Italy
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