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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 in Campo Marzio District
Following is the list of places to visit in the 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 a 135-step staircase named after the Palace of Spain, the 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
Alessandro Specchi and Francesco De Sanctis designed the Spanish steps construction 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 quickly 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), the main shopping street of Rome;
- Ripetta (Via di Ripetta)
- Babuino (Via del Babuino).
The latter, Via del Babuino, will bring you to another historical hallmark of Rome – the 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 Ramesses II, also called the Flaminio obelisk. Initially, the obelisk was located on the famous hippodrome Circo Massimo but was transferred to Piazza del Popolo in 1589. The obelisk is 24 meters high and has 3400 years old construction.
On the north part of the square, you can see Porta del Popolo – the city’s northern gates. Piazza del Popolo is located at the beginning of Via Flaminio Street and, during Ancient Rome, played the 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 it has everything that you need in order to cook a perfect Italian dinner.
- Address: Piazza Monte d’Oro, 29
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 7 am-3 pm
Where to Eat
Of course, there are many excellent restaurants where to eat in this famous area of Rome.
Trattoria Gran Sasso
Trattoria Gran Sasso is a small family-type restaurant offering various 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 become Ad Hoc Restaurant’s point of pride and one of the reasons for great appreciation from its customers.
- Address: Via di Ripetta 43
