Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Il Tridente
The three streets that radiate south from Piazza del Popolo cut straight to the heart of
ancient Rome. Historian and presenter Dan Cruickshank explained the appeal of 'Il
Tridente' to
Lonely Planet Traveller
magazine.
Piazza del Popolo (
Click here
)
at the start of Via del Corso
LONELY PLANET / GETTY IMAGES ©
Rome is one of the few capital cities whose heart is still girdled by long sections of
defensive wall. But what makes Rome different from other great walled cities is its
gates. These mighty and majestic works remain portals between different worlds.
For me, most exciting and in many ways perfect, is the Porta del Popolo on the
northern tip of the city centre. Perfect not because of its design but because it is the
perfect way to enter the magic domain of Rome. Outside the gate all is movement and
space: wide modern roads and, to the east, the beautiful gardens of the Villa Borghese.
Pass through the gate, which until the mid-19th century was the main point of entry
to the city for travellers, and the heart of Rome opens before you. From the south side
