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Rome: Aventino and Testaccio

Go beyond Rome’s main tourism draws with a visit to the Aventino and Testaccio neighborhoods. In Aventino, you’ll find beautiful homes punctuated by historic ruins, grand basilicas, and jaw-dropping views. Down the hill, Testaccio gives you the frenetic energy of city life, bustling with cafés, piazzas, and a dynamic arts scene.

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WHAT TO SEE & DO

Tempietto at San Pietro

Tucked in the courtyard of San Pietro in Montorio, you’ll find a stunning example of High Renaissance architecture. Dating back to the early 16th century, the Tempietto, or “small temple” was designed by Donato Bramante in honor of the place where it’s believed St. Peter was martyred.
Piazza di S. Pietro in Montorio, 2, Rome, 00153

Giardino degli Aranci 

Pass an ancient fountain and stroll beneath spindly pine trees on your way to one of the best views in Rome. From the overlook at Giardino degli Aranci, or “Orange Garden” you can see a massive swath of Roman rooftops, including St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s the ideal spot for an afternoon picnic or an early evening sunset.
Piazza Pietro D’illiria, Rome, 00153

Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta

Unlike the grand views at Giardino degli Aranci, the fortified compound at Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta gives you only a small glimpse of Rome’s cityscape. Look through the keyhole in the large wooden door to see St. Peter’s Basilica, which is perfectly framed by the garden’s hedges.
Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 3, Rome, 00153

Circo Massimo

In ancient Rome, Circo Massimo was a major entertainment hub where more than 200,000 spectators could gather to watch chariot races. Today, the venue’s large, rectangular footprint serves as a public park where excavation and restoration efforts continue to unearth new information about the site’s history.
Via del Circo Massimo, Rome, 00186


 WHERE TO EAT

Casual & Fine Dining

Deciding where to eat in Italy is no easy task, so consider this list of local eateries to get you started:
Ristorante Paris in Trastevere, Piazza San Calisto, 7/A, Rome, 00153
Antico Arco, Piazzale Aurelio, 7, Rome, 00152
Ristorante La Scala in Trastevere, Piazza della Scala, 58/61, Rome, 00153
Stazione di Posta, Largo Dino Frisullo, 1, Rome, 00153
Osteria La Gensola, Piazza della Gensola, 15, Rome, 00153


 EXPLORE OTHER ROME GUIDES

Esquilino & San Giovanni

Piazza del Popolo

Navona

 

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