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Pigna district is of the top priority place to visit by millions of tourists coming to Rome every year. Located in the heart of historic Rome, Pigna district hosts numerous sightseeing sites organically spread across its territory.
History
The name of the Pigna district derives from the giant bronze pinecone (Pigna) sculpture that used to decorate an Ancient Roman fountain. Currently, the sculpture is located in the upper end of Bramante’s Cortile del Belvedere (Belvedere Courtyard at the Vatican Palace), accompanied by a pair of bronze Roman peacocks brought from Hadrian’s mausoleum (Castel Sant’Angelo).
Modern history
Today, in Pigna district has one of the largest concentration of beloved tourist sites. Therefore, when planning your Roman holidays, you will most certainly come over this district and its beautiful and at the same time powerful history.
What to See
Following is the list of places to visit in Pigna district:
Pantheon
Perhaps one of the most controversial historical treasures of Rome, the Pantheon attracts not only tourists from all over the world, but also anthropologists and historians from well-known academic institutions. The thing is, initially the building of Pantheon was a pagan temple dedicated to twelve Gods.
Emperor Hadrian commissioned the construction of the temple in approximately 126 AD. Today, this monument is considered the most well preserved Ancient Roman buildings. This is, in part, because the building was used for several purposes. For example, since 7th century, the Pantheon was used as a church dedicated to ‘St. Mary and the Martyrs’ (also known as Santa Maria Rotonda). The entry is free of charge as the building is a state property.
Interestingly, in 2013 the Pantheon was visited by record 6 million people
- Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia really is considered to be the heart of Rome. This is because Piazza Venezia hosts a record number of historical Roman treasures. From the one side, it has Palazzo Venezia, while from the other – Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Altare della Patria. The latter is the part of the Monnument to Vittorio Emanuele II, first king of Italy. Among the tourists this building is commonly known as ‘the big white building’.
- Address: Piazza Venezia
Palazzo Venezia
Formerly known as the Palace of St. Mark, the construction of Palazzo Venezia fortress like building dates back to 336. The complex was built around the medieval tower, which tourists can see at the right side of the palace. In 1469 it became a residential papal palace. In 1564, Pope Pius IV gave the palace to the Venetian embassy in Rome in order to win their sympathies.
Today, the building belongs to the Museo nazionale del Palazzo di Venezia, which frequently exhibits pieces of art, predominantly pottery, tapestry, statuary that dates back to the early Christian and Renaissance eras
- Webpage: www.museopalazzovenezia.beniculturali.it
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 8:30 am – 7:30 pm (Mondays closed)
- Tickets: Full price – 10 euro; reduced – 5 euro (EU citizens between 18-25; EU full-time public school teachers)
- Address: Piazza Venezia 3, 00186
Palazzo Doria Pamphili
Palazzo Doria Pamphili hosts the best-known private gallery in Rome. Incoming visitors are able to appreciate works of such famous figures as Raphael, Tiziano, Caravaggio, Brueghel the Elder and Bernini. The collection was initiated by Pope Innocent X Pamphili in 1644.
Today, the gallery exhibits over 400 paintings dating back to 15th and 18th centuries
- Opening hours: Everyday 9 am – 7 pm
- Address: Via del Corso 305, 00186
Where to Eat
Of course, in this famous area there are many amazing restaurants and bars to visit:
Scholars Lounge Irish Pub
Situated in the very heart of beautiful Rome besides the impressive Piazza Venezia, Scholars Lounge can boast to be the most famous Irish bar not only in Rome but in Italy itself. Opened back in September 2005 by Declan Crean and Celestino Cucchiarelli, the establishment has become a highlight in the nightlife of the Eternal City.
- Webpage: www.scholarsloungerome.com
- Address: Via del Plebescito 101/b, 00186
Pasta-eat
Pasta-Eat Fast Food have been serving the finest pasta in Rome since 2017. They claim to provide all of their visitors with the finest food and high quality service. Their aim is to bring the traditional flavours of Italy throughout Europe and the rest of the world with their fresh hand-made pasta. Pasta-Eat was born combining Italian and European tradition and adapting it to a fast food restaurant concept.
- Webpage: www.pasta-eat.it
- Address: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 22, 00186
Origini Gelateria
Stop by Origini Gelateria and grab yourself an Italian traditional dessert while on your way to explore the beautiful city sites. This gelateria offers a variety of unique flavors that you will hardly find anywhere else in Rome.
- Address: Via del Gesu 73/a, 00186
