Monti, Rome: The Neighborhood You’ll Want to Wander

Monti was Rome's first rione. The days when this area was home to prostitutes and gladiators are long gone. Today Monti is a charming neighborhood with a wide range of places to stay in Rome, close to the city's biggest attractions.

Its name comes from its geography, since it covers the Esquiline and Viminal hills, plus part of the Quirinal and the Celio.

A bohemian neighborhood in Rome

Along its cobbled streets you'll find more and more stylish cafés, artisan shops and restaurants, and its appeal keeps growing.

If we had to define it by its residents, we'd call it a working-class neighborhood that has held on to its spirit over the years. In fact, in the Middle Ages its residents were known as monticiani, and they even spoke a dialect somewhat different from those of other Rome neighborhoods.

This bohemian corner of Rome is something of a refuge for anyone looking to escape the many tourist traps and wildly overpriced hotels.

The most popular meeting point in Monti is without a doubt its square: Piazza della Madonna dei Monti. Artists, locals and visitors gather on its steps every day to enjoy the company, the evening and the view.

What to see in Monti

This neighborhood is home to plenty of Rome's points of interest. There's the Quirinal Palace, seat of the Presidency and an interesting museum in Rome. And Trajan's Market is an attraction you shouldn't miss in Monti.

This vast ancient market was built between 107 and 110 AD and once had as many as six levels and more than 150 shops selling goods such as oil, wine, fish, fruit and vegetables. Although the complex is in ruins, since 2007 it has housed the Museum of the Imperial Forums, which showcases the architecture of the ancient Roman Forum.

Monti borders essential Rome monuments such as the Colosseum and the basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and St. John Lateran.

Monti is definitely one of our recommended neighborhoods for staying in Rome.

How to get there

Metro: Vittorio Emanuele, Cavour and Colosseo