Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Going underground through layers of history at the
Basilica di San Clemente
.
Being over-awed by the towering ruins of the
Terme di Caracalla
.
Enjoying a quiet moment in the tranquil
Basilica di Santa Sabina
.
Looking through the keyhole of the
Priorato dei Cavalieri di Malta
.
Explore: San Giovanni to Testaccio
Encompassing two of Rome's seven hills, this oft-overlooked part of town offers
everything from barnstorming basilicas and medieval churches to ancient ruins, busy mar-
kets and hip clubs. The area can easily be divided into two separate patches: San Giovanni
and the Celio; and Aventino and Testaccio. A day in each is sufficient to cover the main
sights.
Start off at the landmark Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the focal point of the
largely residential San Giovanni neighbourhood. It's easily accessible by metro and quite
magnificent, both inside and out. Once you've explored the cathedral and surrounding
piazza, head down Via di San Giovanni in Laterano towards the Colosseum. Near the bot-
tom, the Basilica di San Clemente is a fascinating church with some thrilling underground
ruins. From there, you can walk across to the Celio, the green hill that rises south of the
Colosseum. There's not a lot to see but the graceful Villa Celimontana park is a great
place to escape the crowds. Further south, the ruins of the Terme di Caracalla are one of
the neighbourhood's highlights, easily on a par with anything in the city.
Further west, on the banks of the Tiber, the once working-class area of Testaccio is a
bastion of old-school Roman cuisine with a number of excellent trattorias and a popular
nightlife district. Rising above it, the Aventino boasts a number of wonderful medieval
churches and one of Rome's great curiosities - the famous keyhole view of St Peter's
dome.
Local Life
ยป
Romance
Local Lotharios out to impress their loved ones take them to enjoy the
views from the Parco Savello (
Click here
) on the Aventino.
