The Campo Marzio district is located in the North Central section of central Rome. Framed on the west by the Tiber River and the Villa Borghese to the north, this unique district is home to some of Rome’s most spectacular attractions. The area is very tourist friendly, safe and easy to walk in a leisurely day.
While you could spend the entire day window shopping along the Via Frattina or walking around the Villa Borghese we’d like to suggest (5) specific spots to visit while in the Campo Marzio district of the Eternal City. Each attraction is different than the other and as unique as Rome itself. Let’s get started . . .
Jump to a specific section.
The Borghese Gardens are massive and spread out so you could easily spend a day just exploring the grounds. For the most part it is flat with crisscrossing surfaced paths allowing for easy accessibility. Ramie (in a wheelchair) and I spent a few hours exploring the Temple of Asclepius, the Globe Theater Roma as well as the park’s main attraction, the Borghese Gallery and Museum.
English Translation
The Borghese Gardens
English Pronunciation
vill•a•bore•geese or bore•gee•za
- The Villa Borghese, designed by architect Flaminio Ponzio, is the third largest public park in Rome (just shy of 200 acres)
- In the early 17th century the Borghese family converted a vineyard into a vast garden
- In the early 20th century the gardens were converted into the public space it is today
On the Reel
It Happened in the Park (1953)
Starring Eduardo De Filippo, Vittorio De Sica, Anna Maria Ferrero. Directed by Gianni Franciolini.
The story shows the lives of various people from different parts of society who in a single day, stroll through the park. There are (6) different vignettes all against the backdrop of the wonderful Villa Borghese.
The Popolo Square is located at the beginning of the Via Flaminia and once served as the main entrance into the city. It features obelisks, fountains, churches and Santa Maria del Popolo, a basilica with stunning canvases by Caravaggio and glorious Renaissance decoration.
English Translation
Popolo Square
English Pronunciation
pee•ah•za•dell•paw•poe•low
- The Porta del Popolo (gate) was so popular it caused the Porta Pinciana (see above) to be closed for several centuries
- The centerpiece of the square, The Obelisk, is actually Egyptian and was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC, to honor the Roman Empire’s conquest of Egypt
- Piazza del Popolo translated literally means “the Peoples Square”, but the name originally comes from the word “populous”, which is the Latin name for a type of tree
- In the piazza is the famous cafè Rossati where it is common to see famous Italian movie stars and celebrities
On the Reel
To Rome with Love (2012)
Starring Woody Allen, Penélope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg. Directed by Woody Allen.
This contemporary comedy tells the story of a new couple’s families in the Eternal City. It also effectively serves as a postcard of Rome’s landmarks including the Piazza del Popolo.
The Villa Medici is a magnificent villa located between the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. There is a 90-minute guided tour of both the interior and exterior complete with a panoramic view of the Eternal City.
English Translation
Home of the Medici
English Pronunciation
vill•a•meh•dee•chee
- Remarkable renaissance palace & gardens (tours available) that today serves as the French Academy
- Has gone through numerous architectural changes over the centuries commissioned by Emporer’s and the great builders of the day
- A major expansion occurred under the sponsorship of Ferdinando de’ Medici (1549-1609) who became a cardinal at the age of 13
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The Spanish Steps are the very definition of what tourism is all about (in a good way). Beautifully located with a church and obelisk at the top and a piazza at the base, the stairs are often framed with fresh flowers and serve as a resting place for tourists and locals alike.
Italian Translation
Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti
English Pronunciation
scah•lee•nah•ta dee trin•knee•ta deh mon•tea
- The Spanish Steps comprise of three main viewing levels, and an additional six lounging areas covering 135 steps
- The steps are famous for their flower arrangements and as a resting place for visitors
- It is as common to see sitting, as opposed to walking, on the steps
- The steps were originally built to link the Spanish Embassy and the Trinita dei Monti Church
On the Reel
Roman Holiday (1953)
Starring Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert. Directed by William Wyler.
This romantic classic tells the story of a restless princess who escapes her guardians and spends a day exploring Rome and falling in love with an American newsman. Another film love letter to Rome.
The Palazzo Borghese is a palace located just east of the Tiber River that features the nice (and free) Galleria del Cembalo and an amazing courtyard worth the visit by itself.
Italian Translation
The Borghese Palace
English Pronunciation
pa•lots•zo bore•gee•za
- The Palazzo Borghese was built in a relatively short 54 years, starting in 1560
- Palazzo Borghese was called il Cembalo (Harpsichord) referencing it’s unique trapezoidal groundplan
- The Borghese were infamous collectors of antiquities and the palace, and its grounds, feature numerous statues, reliefs and fountains
- Palazzo Borghese was the original site for the family’s art collection, featuring works by Titian, Raphael and numerous other noteworthy artists of the day
- Since 1947 the first floor of the palace has been the seat of the Spanish Embassy
What is your favorite district of Rome (I know . . . there are so many to choose from)!!!
Please use the comment section below to share your Eternal City experiences.
