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Campitelli district is considered to be the largest open-air museum out of all Roman districts. One may consider this due to the numerous historical sites on its territory. And yes, Colosseum takes up the central position in this list. So, make sure to pack well before starting this memorable journey across the ancient district of Campitelli.
History
Campitelli district is one of the oldest Roman neighborhoods. It takes its name after the Capitoline hill it resides on (Capitolium), where once Rome’s major temple dedicated to Jupiter Optimus Maximus stood. Despite this, this Roman neighborhood is the least populated, amounting to 600 residents. This is because many government buildings and historical sites are located on its territory.
Modern history
Today, in the Campitelli district, tourists will find tons of historical attractions. As mentioned before, this district hosts the most significant number of historical sites on its territory. Therefore, be ready to immerse yourself in a real Roman holiday.
What to See
Following is the list of places to visit in the Campitelli district:
Colosseum
The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is perhaps the greatest construction in the history and culture of Rome. Located to the south of the central part of the Eternal City, just east of the Roman Forum, the Colosseum has long served as the most prestigious place for entertainment in the capital and empire for centuries.
Since many books and movies have already been dedicated to this marvelous historical monument, it would be necessary to go through the essential points in this article. The Colosseum was created around AD 70-72 by the Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. As a result, the building accommodated an average of 50 to 80 thousand visitors.
Initially a gladiator fight theatre, in the 5th century, the Colosseum hosted only wild animals fight. This is due to the final turn of Rome to Christianity. In the middle of the 18th century, Pope Benedict XIV declared the Colosseum a holy place for the Catholic Church. Thus, it resulted in numerous excavation and restoration works carried out throughout the 19th century onwards. The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most famous historical sites. Thousands of tourists visit the Roman amphitheater and the surrounding area every day, while the average annual flow of people reaches several million.
- Read about how to buy tickets to the Colosseum.
- Tickets: 18 euros (include the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum)
- Note: the ticket is active for 48 hours.
- Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Arch of Constantine
This triumphal arch was constructed to commemorate the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312. Many would be interested to know that this is the last of existing triumphal arches in Rome. The Arch of Constantine is 21 meters high, 29.5 meters wide, and 7.4 meters deep. It is located next to the Colosseum and marks the beginning of Via Triumphalis, the main entrance point of emperors coming to Rome.
- Address: Via di San Gregorio, 00186
Piazza del Campidoglio
Designed by talented Michelangelo, Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitoline square) has a rather interesting trapezoidal form. Michelangelo made the decision to increase the size of a square visually. Today, Piazza del Campidoglio is a museum complex (Capitoline museum) consisting of three buildings surrounding the square perimeter. Those buildings are: Palazzo Nuovo, Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Senatorio.
- Address: Piazza del Campidoglio 00186
- Book a private guided tour to the Capitoline Museums
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, from 9 am to 8 pm
- Ticket: adults – 15 euro, EU citizens (18-25) – 13 euro, first Sunday of each month – free entry.
Where to eat
Following is the list of best places where to eat in the Campitelli district:
Pizza Al Massimo
You definitely cannot explore the city with an empty stomach. So, Al Massimo is a perfect spot to stop by. So, grab your favorite taste of piazza, and off you go to continue your journey. Tourists are also to be informed that Al Massimo presents a variety of vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.
- Address: Via Dei Cerchi 55, 00186
InRoma Restaurant
InRoma Restaurant proudly claims to have the best carbonara in the world. So come and check for yourself, but make sure to book the place before as there are usually crowds of people there. Another bonus is that the restaurant is always open according to the information provided on their webpage, so do not be afraid to stay late.
- Webpage: www.inroma.eu
- Address: Via dei Fienili 56, 00186
Gelateria Vacanze Romane
Stop by Gelateria Vacanze Romane and feel as if you are on the set of the original movie with Audrey Hepburn. This gelato place offers a wide range of unique flavors you will never regret trying.
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GelateriaVacanzeRomane
- Address: Piazza d’Aracoeli 9, 00186