The bohemian heart of Rome

Tucked between the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums and Via Nazionale, the Rione Monti (the Monti district) is the oldest in Rome and today one of its most charming and on-trend. A maze of cobbled alleys, little squares with fountains, artisan workshops, vintage shops, wine bars and trattorie (family-run eateries), all a short walk from the great monuments yet with a genuinely local soul. This is the Rome you savor slowly, perfect for anyone who loves a bohemian mood, one-of-a-kind shopping and an aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks) in the alleys.

From the Suburra to a trendsetting district

In antiquity this area was home to the Suburra, ancient Rome's crowded, rough-and-tumble working-class quarter, teeming with life. Over the centuries Monti changed profoundly, yet it kept its character as a village in the heart of the city. Today Romans and visitors alike love it for its blend of history, craftsmanship and neighborhood life, off the mass-tourism radar despite being utterly central.

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What to see

  • Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, with its fountain, the heart of the rione.
  • The signature streets: Via dei Serpenti, Via del Boschetto, Via Leonina, Via Urbana.
  • The church of Santa Maria ai Monti and its medieval glimpses.
  • How close it is to San Pietro in Vincoli (home to the Moses of Michelangelo) and the Forums.

We go deeper in our guides to what to see in Monti and vintage shopping in Monti.

Eating and drinking

Monti is famous for its trattorie (family-run eateries), its wine bars and the aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks) in the alleys: an authentic food experience in the heart of Rome. We cover it in our guide to where to eat in Monti.

Getting there

The rione is served by Metro Line B (Cavour and Colosseo stops) and sits right next to the major monuments. You'll find every detail in our guide to how to reach Monti.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Monti district? Rome's oldest rione, set between the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums and Via Nazionale: today a bohemian, on-trend neighborhood of alleys, artisan workshops, vintage shops and wine bars.

What was the Suburra? Ancient Rome's crowded, rough-and-tumble working-class quarter, which once stood here: teeming with life, it lies at the root of the Monti district's character.

What is there to see in Monti? Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, the signature streets (Serpenti, Boschetto, Leonina, Urbana), the church of Santa Maria ai Monti and, nearby, San Pietro in Vincoli with the Moses of Michelangelo.

Is it a touristy district? It's extremely central yet keeps a genuinely local soul, loved by Romans and visitors for its craftsmanship, vintage finds and life in the alleys, well off the mass-tourism radar.

How do you get there? By Metro Line B (Cavour, Colosseo), and it's right next to the great monuments. With a private driver you skip the ZTL and parking headaches.

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Article #554 · Category: Districts · Updated: May 2026