Sant’Eustachio District – Heart of Roman Historic Center

Located between Piazza Navona and the famous Pantheon, the Sant’Eustachio district is the heart of the Roman historic center (Centro Storico). Nevertheless, despite its small size, this district attracts tourists for its high-end hotels and side streets lined with authentic Roman trattorias.

Moreover, Sant’Eustachio has a perfect location, as most of the major historical sites are located in a walking distance from the neighbourhood

History

As well as Parione and Regola districts, Sant’Eustachio made up the territory of Campus Martius (Field of Mars) during the Ancient Roman times. Indeed, Sant’Eustachio was the center of Campus Martius with numerous official buildings standing on its territory. Unfortunately, most of them have not reached them these days.

The district was named after St. Eustachius, a Christian martyr in the 2nd century. During the Middle Ages, the district underwent a major reconstruction, which increased the number of private houses owned by the middle and low social classes on the territory of the neighborhood.

Modern history

Today, the Sant’Eustachio district is a unique neighborhood, not only due to its close proximity to the Pantheon and Piazza Navona but also due to the variety of excellent Italian cafes and restaurants located on its territory. Also, the district has plenty of historical spots to explore, so consider visiting Sant’Eustachio and be ready to deepen your knowledge of Roman history.

What to See

Following is the list of places to visit in the Sant’Eustachio district:

Basilica di Sant’Eustachio

It is believed that the walls of the Basilica di Sant’Eustachio were erected precisely at the spot where St. Eustachius martyr, was killed together with his children and wife. Basilica di Sant’Eustachio is one of the minor titular Roman churches, which means that it was assigned to one of the cardinal priests approximately in 1918.

Since its founding in 8th century, this church has been known and well recorded as diaconia, the center for aiding poor and the sick

The church’s design was carried out in Baroque style under the supervision of the architects Cesare Corvara and Antonio Canevari.

• Address: Piazza di S. Eustachio 82, 00186

Palazzo Madama

According to historical records, the palace’s building was constructed upon the ruins of the ancient baths of Nero, which is located next to Piazza Navona. The construction of the modern building we all see today was completed in 1505 by the Medici family. Consequently, the palace hosted many members of the Medici family, including Catherine de Medici invited there before her marriage to Henry, son of King Francis I of France, in 1533.

The name of the palace derives from Madama Margherita of Austria. She was an illegitimate daughter of Emperor Charles V, who married Alessandro de Medici but remarried Ottavio Farnese after his death. That is why the significant art collection of the Florentine Medici family was inherited by the Farnese family.

• Address: Piazza Madama, 00186

Chiesa di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza

Built-in 1642-1660 by the famous architect Francesco Borromini, the Church of St Ives at the ‘Sapienza’ is considered one of Rome’s brightest examples of Baroque architecture. The church building belonged to the University of Rome in the 14th century. Soon, in the 17th century, Borromini re-adopted the already existing building of the Palazzo.

• Address: Corso del Rinascimento 40, 00186

See also a Guide to Borromini’s Masterpieces in Rome and other districts of Rome.

Where to Eat

This district is rich in choice of good restaurants and bars:

Sant’Eustacio Il Caffe

Sant’Eustacio Il Caffe is a cafe that roasts superior quality, cooperative, and sustainability-farmed beans on the premise.

It opened in 1938 on the site of another cafe called ‘Caffe e Latte.’ The cafe has been owned by the Ricci brothers – Raimondo and Roberto, since 1999. They have kept up the tradition of serving the highest quality product to all their customers throughout these years. They use a mixture of organic and fair-trade coffee beans, 100% Arabica, which get imported from small cooperatives in South America.

• Webpage: www.santeustachioilcaffe.com
• Address: Piazza Sant’Éustachio 82, 00186

Read also about the Best Tiramisu Places in Rome.

Ginger

Ginger was first opened in 2012 with the aim to put together health and taste. Ginger is definitely the place for those sticking to healthy diets from breakfast to dinner. Ginger’s menu is veggie-friendly, meaning that 80% of their dishes are plant-based and have many raw specialties. Therefore, if you are tired of Italian cuisine, which is almost impossible, you can enjoy your healthy salad or smoothie without stepping out of the center of Rome.

• Webpage: www.gingersaporiesalute.co
• Address: Piazza Sant’Eustachio 54-55, 00186

Read also about the best Vegetarian and Vegan restaurants in Rome.

Queen Bee

Queen Bee restaurant is as fantastic as it sounds! It serves quality food, and burgers are among the top. Order your lobster burger and enjoy your Roman holidays.

• Webpage: www.queen-bee.it
• Address: Via del Monte della Farina 23, 00186

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)