P.za Vittorio Emanuele II

Built in the aftermath of Italy’s reunification, this piazza is surrounded by Italian palaces and 19th-century style porticoes. Walking under these grand rows of columns, which outline one of the largest piazzas in Rome, you will encircle the garden in its center. The garden itself is dotted with ruins; the remains of an Ancient Roman fountain, the Trophies of Marius. On a sunny day, the park comes alive, a showcase of a vibrant and still-local neighborhood surrounded by history. The piazza is also home to a legend: the Magic Gate. Once the door to the grand Villa Palombara, it is said that an alchemist found a secret herb, capable of creating gold, right before disappearing through the door forever. He left behind a series of indecipherable symbols, carved onto the gate; other than that, all that remained were a few flecks of gold and mystery. 

Via Principe Amedeo, 184
Open 5am – 3pm every day except Sunday

Housed in a sprawling indoor warehouse near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the Mercato Esquilino is a that bustles with energy as locals and vendors shout, haggle, and weave through tightly packed stalls. The market is a colorful amalgamation of fresh produce, exotic spices, international ingredients, and imported goods from across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, reflecting the diverse communities that call the area home. It’s a chaotic but fascinating glimpse into the daily life and global flavor of Esquilino. Bring a good appetite, and cash. 

Piazza di S. Maria Maggiore, 42

One of , this magnificent church is the burial place for eight Popes, including the late Pope Francis. It is rich with decoration: lined with columns, adorned with gold and embellished with a mixture of Paleochristian and Medieval mosaics. The Basilica houses many important relics, including the Salus Populi Romani, a painting of Mary said to have been made by Saint Luke, so sacred and important that upon its arrival in Rome it was paraded through the streets for three days. For those who care more for art than religion, in the church you will find the grave of Bernini, one of Rome’s greatest sculptors, and Arnolfo di Cambio’s nativity scene – the first nativity scene ever in art history. The extravagant basilica, more than 1600 years old, is undeniably impressive. 

Via Carlo Alberto, 47

This small church curiously features two distinct facades: one made of marble and the other of ancient brick. The brick facade is part of the original Servian Walls, Rome’s ancient defensive fortifications, and is connected to the Arch of Gallieno, a remnant of the Porta Esquilina, the historic Esquiline Gate. The marble facade dates back to the late 15th century, when Pope Sixtus IV established the church. Offering a fascinating window into Rome’s layered history, this church also has a darker side; its “Stone of Iniquity” was used as a torture device against Christian martyrs.

Via Merulana, 121
Open Wed- Fri 12pm-8pm | Sat-Sun 10am-8pm

A grand building in Umbertine style, Palazzo Merulana is a cultural hub, art gallery, bookstore and cafè. Housing mostly Roman and Italian artworks, the chic space explores 20th century art. The sculpture-filled lobby and its café is perfect for people-watching or studying, and after wandering through its dedicated exhibition floors, head up to the terrace to enjoy skyline views of the Eternal City. 

Via Merulana, 244

Teatro Brancaccio stands as one of Rome’s principal and most recognizable , a cornerstone of the city’s performing arts scene. In line with the vibrance of the neighborhood, it has played a central role in Roman cultural life since its opening in 1916. It hosts everything from musicals and comedy to dance and big-name concerts.

Piazza di S. Croce in Gerusalemme

Santa Croce in Gerusalemme is an extraordinarily old church, originally built in 324 AD as a chapel to house sacred relics. Before that, the site had many lives: an Imperial villa, an amphitheatre, and the residence of Helen, mother of Constantine. The Chapel of Relics still holds a copy of the Holy Shroud, pieces of the crucifixion cross, and thorns from Christ’s crown. The church reflects the evolution of Roman art and architecture, from its Baroque design to an Ancient Roman statue on the altarpiece, reworked to depict Helen.

Via di Santa Prassede, 9A

A tiny church, tucked away around the corner of its imposing neighbour, Santa Maria Maggiore, is a hidden gem. Considered the masterpiece of Early Medieval Rome, its Byzantine mosaics are some of the oldest in the city, and were executed by artists all the way from Constantinople. It tells the story of the relationship between the two Roman Empires, and the diplomatic and religious ties which formed the early Church.

DISCOVER ROME’S NEIGHBORHOODS