Monti Neighborhood

Map of Rome Monti

A preserved and lively Roman identity

Monti is a district in Rome that maintains a strong identity, carried by residents proud of their roots. Its narrow streets and staircases give it a mysterious character, sometimes surprisingly quiet, far from the tourist hustle.
In the evening, the atmosphere enlivens the streets, particularly around Via dei Serpenti and Piazza della Madonna dei Monti. This small square, featuring a fountain, is surrounded by welcoming bars and restaurants, popular with both locals and visitors.
The district’s name comes from the hills it spans: the slopes of the Esquiline to the east, leading to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Vittorio-Emanuele II; those of the Viminal and the Quirinal to the west; and the Imperial Forums to the south, bordered by Via dei Fori Imperiali. In ancient times, Monti corresponded to the Subura, a working-class neighborhood separated from the forums by a large wall. This area, once notorious, housed gambling dens, brothels, and criminals.

Piazza della Madona dei Monti

Architectural and artistic treasures

Beyond its pleasant evening atmosphere, Monti is home to remarkable churches. A must-see is the famous Moses sculpted by Michelangelo in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains. This sculpture impresses with the strength it evokes through the artist’s anatomical mastery, and by its “light” with the horns symbolizing divine illumination. Nearby, the Basilica of Saint Praxedes stands out for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics, among the most beautiful in Rome, especially in the fully mosaicked Chapel of Saint Zenon. Not far away, the grand Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of Rome’s most significant landmarks.
The eastern part of the district extends over the Oppius Hill, close to the Colosseum and the former site of Nero’s Golden House. Less frequented, this zone includes the Trajan’s Baths Park—not the city’s prettiest park—a medieval tower, and the San Martino ai Monti Church. In the underground of the latter, one discovers a fascinating site, a titulus, one of the earliest Christian worship places located within a house—an intriguing glimpse into the origins of Christianity.

Accommodation in Monti

• Accommodation sorted by distance from Piazza Santa Maria ai Monti
• Accommodation sorted by price (for 2 adults) within 800 m of Piazza Santa Maria ai Monti

Photo gallery of the Monti district

Map featuring the Madonna dei Monti square