Hi, I’m Gianluca.
I studied cultural anthropology, and I’ve always been fascinated by the different ways people live, move, and experience a place.
Rome is not only my city – it’s the environment I love observing, understanding, and sharing through these small stories.
Together with my wife Connie, we host travellers in our small hotel near the Vatican, where we enjoy meeting people from all over the world and exchanging perspectives – just as I do here in the blog.
If you ever feel like saying hello while exploring Rome, you’ll find us on our terrace as well, where every morning we serve breakfast with a view.
Gianluca
If you stay in our charming bed and breakfast in the Prati district, you can explore Rome on foot. You can experience some of the city’s most iconic landmarks in just two hours. This walking tour takes you through vibrant streets and across historical squares, offering a perfect way to immerse yourself in Rome’s cultural and historical charm.
Start Your Journey in Prati
Begin your adventure from Prati, a beautiful, elegant district known for its wide avenues and stylish architecture. Our bed and breakfast is located right in this peaceful neighbourhood, making it the ideal starting point. Prati is home to a wide array of boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, offering a delightful atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Via Ottaviano and Piazza San Pietro
As you head toward Via Ottaviano, you’ll find yourself immersed in the lively heart of Vatican City. The street leads straight to Piazza San Pietro, one of the most recognizable squares in the world. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, the square is famous for its massive colonnades and the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in Christendom.
Walk Down Via della Conciliazione
From Piazza San Pietro, stroll down the grand Via della Conciliazione, a wide boulevard that connects the Vatican to the rest of Rome. The street was constructed in the 1930s to symbolize the reconciliation between the Holy See and the Italian state after years of tension.
Castel Sant’Angelo
At the end of Via della Conciliazione, you’ll reach Castel Sant’Angelo, a towering fortress originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in AD 135. Over the centuries, it has served many purposes, including as a papal residence and a prison. The iconic angel statue atop the structure gives it its current name.
Cross Ponte Sant’Angelo to Via dei Coronari
Cross Ponte Sant’Angelo, the ancient bridge adorned with angel statues designed by Bernini. This will take you to Via dei Coronari, a picturesque cobblestone street filled with antique shops and beautiful Renaissance buildings. This street was once used by pilgrims heading to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Piazza Navona
Walking along Via dei Coronari, you’ll arrive at Piazza Navona, a stunning square built on the site of an ancient Roman stadium. The piazza is famous for its Baroque fountains, including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. It’s a great place to pause and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Palazzo Madama and The Pantheon
From Piazza Navona, cross Corso del Rinascimento and walk behind Palazzo Madama, the seat of the Italian Senate. Continue on to the Pantheon, located in Piazza della Rotonda. Built in 27 BC and later reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Its enormous dome is a marvel of Roman engineering.
Piazza Montecitorio and Piazza di Pietra
A short walk from the Pantheon brings you to Piazza Montecitorio, home to the Italian Parliament. Continue to Piazza di Pietra, where you’ll find the impressive remains of the Temple of Hadrian, with its towering ancient columns.
Galleria Alberto Sordi and Fontana di Trevi
Next, head through the elegant Galleria Alberto Sordi, a beautiful shopping gallery from the early 20th century. This will bring you to the famous Fontana di Trevi, where you can toss a coin over your shoulder to ensure a return to Rome. The fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732, is an iconic symbol of Baroque Rome.
Piazza di Spagna and Via del Babuino
From the Trevi Fountain, walk towards Piazza di Spagna. The Spanish Steps are a favourite meeting spot for both locals and tourists, with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top offering beautiful views of the city. Continue along Via del Babuino, a street lined with high-end boutiques, to reach Piazza del Popolo.
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is one of the grandest squares in Rome. Once the site of Rome’s northern gate, it is now a beautiful open space dominated by an Egyptian obelisk and surrounded by churches and fountains. From here, enjoy a short walk across Ponte Margherita back to Prati.
Return to Prati
To conclude your tour, walk down Via Cola di Rienzo, one of the main shopping streets in Prati. This brings you back to the starting point of your walk, having experienced some of the best that Rome has to offer, all within just two hours.
Conclusion
This walk through Rome offers a unique mix of history, culture, and modern-day charm. Whether you’re staying with us for a weekend or a longer holiday, this walking route is a perfect way to explore the city. Book your stay at our bed and breakfast in Prati today and embark on a memorable Roman adventure!
