Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SIGHTS
The Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Rome's most fashion-
able district, Palazzo Barberini and a sprinkling of Caravaggios...it's all a hop and a
skip from Villa Borghese when you're in need of a breather. This area is one of
Rome's richest, in terms of cuisine, art and culture (as well as hard cash) and offers
an embarrassment of treasures for the visitor.
Piazza del Popolo & Around
CHIESA DI SANTA MARIA DEL POPOLO
See
Click here
.
CHURCH
PINCIO HILL GARDENS
( Flaminio)
Overlooking Piazza del Popolo, the 19th-century Pincio Hill is named after the
Pinci family, who owned this part of Rome in the 4th century. It's quite a climb up from the
piazza, but at the top you're rewarded with lovely views over to St Peter's and the Gian-
icolo Hill. From the gardens you can strike out to explore Villa Borghese or head up to the
Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps.
PARK
IL GENIO DI LEONARDO DA VINCI
( 06 3600 4224; Piazza del Popolo 12; admission €7; 9.30am-8pm; Flaminio)
This small exhibition
has working models of some of Leonardo da Vinci's remarkable inventions. It's fascinating
to see his futuristic visions and some of the models are interactive (it could be a handy
child-pleaser), but it feels overpriced for what it is.
EXHIBITION
TOP SIGHT
PIAZZA DEL POPOLO
For centuries the site of public executions (the last was in 1826), this public space was laid out in 1538 to provide a
grandiose entrance to what was then Rome's main northern gateway. Via Flaminia connected the city with the
north from here. The piazza has been remodelled several times since, most significantly by Giuseppe Valadier in
1823, who created the gaping ellipse we see today.
