1Neighborhoods
Monti was once one of Rome's poorest and roughest districts — ancient Suburra, home to the city's slums in Roman times — before its low rents and medieval-village layout attracted artisans, designers, and a wave of small wine bars from the 2000s onward. Via del Boschetto and Via dei Serpenti are lined with independent boutiques and vintage clothing shops rather than chains, and the small triangular Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, with its fountain, is the neighbourhood's social hub in the evening.
It sits directly behind the Colosseum and Roman Forum, making it a natural, quieter place to end a day of ruins. The atmosphere is closer to a small Italian town than the historic centre nearby.
✨ Reasons to go
- 1This neighborhood was ancient Rome's Suburra, a notoriously overcrowded slum district in Roman times.
- 2The triangular Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, with its fountain, serves as the area's evening social hub.
- 3Via del Boschetto and Via dei Serpenti are known for independent boutiques and vintage shops rather than chain stores.
💡 Good to know
- 1Combine with a visit to the Colosseum or Roman Forum, both a short walk away
- 2browse Via del Boschetto and Via dei Serpenti for vintage and independent shops
- 3have an evening aperitivo in Piazza della Madonna dei Monti.
⏱️ Typical visit
1h15
🕰️ Best time
afternoon, early evening or evening
🚶 Walking intensity
Active — lots of walking
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