Walking itinerary to discover the Monti neighborhood
The Monti neighborhood is a stone’s throw from the Imperial Fora. Today, the district is the beating heart of Rome for Romans and tourists alike. The city of Rome, although world-famous for the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel and the Trastevere, has several other, lesser known yet fascinating neighborhoods.
What people find captivating about the Monti neighborhood is its lively atmosphere and its retro charm. Stores and restaurants are scattered throughout a maze of cobblestone alleys overlooked by ancient stately buildings.
A walking tour to explore the Monti neighborhood is an experience not to be missed when visiting Rome because you will experience an authentic side of the capital.
Monti neighborhood: what to see and do
From the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, 5 minutes on foot, you reach the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana which houses one of the oldest apse mosaics in Rome depicting Christ with the apostles. The mosaic stones create a light-dark effect of considerable impact.
The next stop is at Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome and there’s a legend around its construction: on the night of August 4, 358 A.D., the Madonna appeared to Pope Liberius, asking him to build a church. The next morning, snow had fallen in mid-summer, blanketing the Esquiline Hill, indicating where the new basilica should be built.
Continuing your journey, you should really visit the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the oldest and most important of the four papal basilicas in Rome. This imposing building is rich in history and artistic treasure, such as Bernini’s famous Baldachin that dominates the main altar. Not to be missed is the Scala Santa, a staircase of 28 steps which, according to tradition, was brought from Jerusalem to Rome by Saint Peter and which the faithful climb on their knees to obtain plenary indulgence.
Some ideas for lunch and a quick snack
If you’re looking for a snack, a stop at Regoli is a must. Over 100 years old this store sells classic creme-based pastries and tarts and the famous shortcrust pastry tart with custard and strawberries.
Not far away is another institution in the Esquilino neighborhood: the ancient Panella bakery, part bakery, part general store and a great place for lunch or an aperitif.
Continuing your journey towards the FH Grand Hotel Palatino, stop at the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli to admire Michelangelo’s Moses, sculpted by the artist for the mausoleum of Pope Julius II.
From here the Colosseum, the symbol, par excellence, of Rome, is just 6 minutes away on foot. The tour concludes with a walk along the Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Shopping in the Monti neighborhood, between creative design and chic, vintage stores
In Monti, young artists and designers have opened a myriad of small studios, where creativity blends with artisanal excellence.
From Via del Boschetto, enter the neighborhood to discover items with incredible characteristics: from silver and bronze jewelry to cups and ceramics and even artistic creations made with recycled materials and high-fashion designer stores. And there is no shortage of chic retro clothing stores in the neighborhood.
Where to eat in the Monti neighborhood
The huge variety of the food and drinks available ranges from cafés and wine bars, for drinks, tastings and snacks, found in unusual locations such as small bookshops, bakeries and artisan workshops, to ethnic restaurants that offer flavors from all over the world, up to traditional Roman trattorias.
What is certain is that the Monti neighborhood is full of life in the evening.
There is no shortage of things to do, from small venues for an aperitif to a more traditional dinner at Le Spighe, for example, the restaurant in the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino, which is open for lunch and dinner to both hotel guests and outside visitors. The chef, Giuseppe Mulargia, and his staff offer a range of cuisine, including seafood, with traditional Roman and non-Roman dishes.
Each day, the chef selects fresh, seasonal produce from the market to create exquisite off-menu options.
Where to sleep in the Monti neighborhood
Are you looking for a great place to stay in Rome?
Let yourself be pampered by the staff at the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino. The hotel is in a strategic position: in the heart of Rome, just a few steps from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum and close to the Cavour metro stop. To fill up before heading out to discover the city, let us satisfy you with a breakfast of homemade pastries, savory options and fruit.
