Campo Marzio is Roman district number four and is well known among tourists for the placement of Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna. The center of luxury shopping and the most spectacular views of Rome, Campo Marzio also has a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire.

History

For centuries, the territory of Campo Marzio, previously known as Campus Martius, has served as a funeral complex. Among the prominent figures buried there are emperors Augustus, Tiberius, Claudius and Nerva. The territory spread for 2 square km and initially passed way over the city boundaries. During the middle ages, the territory was densely populated by artisans, farmers and poor citizens.

The coat of arm of this region is depicted as silver crescent on a blue background

Modern history

After the unification of Italy, the territory of Campo Marzio started to develop and eventually it became the area we know today, the center of quality shopping and cultural enlightenment.

What to See

Following is the list of places to visit in Campo Marzio district:

Piazza di Spagna

One of the most famous Roman squares, Piazza di Spagna is located at the bottom of even more famous Spanish steps. The latter is 135-step staircase that was named after the palace of Spain, seat of the Spanish Embassy among the Holy Sea.

Interestingly, the Spanish Embassy, dating back to 1647, is considered to be the oldest Embassy in the world

The Spanish steps construction was designed by Alessandro Specchi and Francesco De Sanctis with the aim of connecting the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Church of Trinita dei Monti, located above the steps. The monument is a perfect example of Baroque architecture. Moreover, Piazza di Spagna hosts numerous luxury brand shops, such as Valentino and Dior. Therefore, you can easily shift your cultural focus and spend some time doing quality shopping.

• Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187

Piazza del Popolo

Pope Sixtus V commissioned the initial construction of Piazza del Popolo or Square of People in 1589 as part of his urban plan. From the square in the southern direction, you can see three streets radiating in parallel to each other. These are: Corso (Via del Corso), main shopping street of Rome; Ripetta (Via di Ripetta) and Babuino (Via del Babuino). The latter, Via del Babuino, will bring you to another historical hallmark of Rome – Spanish steps. Today, the square is pedestrian, meaning vehicle traffic on the territory of Piazza del Popolo is prohibited.

Right in the middle of the square you can see a tall Egyptian obelisk dedicated to Ramessess II, also called Flaminio obelisk. Initially, the obelisk was located on famous hippodrome Circo Massimo, but was transferred to Piazza del Popolo in 1589. The obelisk is 24 meters high and 3400 years old construction.

On the north part of the square, you can see Porta del Popolo – northern gates of the city. Piaza del Popolo is located at the beginning of Via Flaminio street and during the Ancient Rome played a role of the city entrance.

On the south side of the square, at the beginning of Corso street, you can see two almost identical churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria di Montesanto. Both churches are beautiful examples of baroque style.

Finally, on the east side of the square, there are Napoleon stairs that will bring you to the Pincio terrace where you can observe a panoramic view of the city.

• Address: Piazza del Popolo, 00187

Campo Marzio market

Campo Marzio is a local farmers’ market where tourists head to shop for fresh vegetables and fruits. This market is quite small in size compared to others, though has everything that you need in order to cook a perfect Italian dinner.

• Address: Largo Monte d’Oro
• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am-3 pm

Where to Eat

Of course, there are many nice restaurants where to eat in this famous area of Rome.

Trattoria Gran Sasso

Trattoria Gran Sasso is small family-type restaurant, which offers a variety of good options. Authentic atmosphere, fresh food, all nicely cooked and served.

• Address: Via di Ripetta 32

Ristorante Ad Hoc

The warm and romantic atmosphere of the Ad Hoc restaurant will be the perfect landing place for an evening of taste and savoir vivre. The service, polite and attentive for a unique experience, has itself become Ad Hoc Restaurant’s point of pride as well as one of the reasons of great appreciation from its customers.

• Address: Via di Ripetta 43

Bar al 99

A typical Italian bar al 99 provides a variety of food snacks, from coffee with freshly baked cornetto to some late evening snacks with wine. Most importantly, this place has free wifi!

• Address: Via di Ripetta 256