Historic Center of Rome (Centro Storico di Roma)

The Basics

UNESCO designated the “Historic Center of Rome” a World Heritage Site in 1980, declaring the area inside the Aurelian Walls (plus Vatican City, just outside the walls) as the city's Centro Storico. Many consider the smaller area covering what was once the ancient Campus Martius (now the location of the Campo Marzio rione, or quarter) as the true Centro Storico, however. Regardless of how you measure it, the Centro Storico, home to the Pantheon, Temple of Hadrian, the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Piazza Navona, and Campo de' Fiori, is one of the most important neighborhoods in the Eternal City. The Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and Colosseum, and Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are just outside the narrowest interpretation of the Centro Storico, as is Vatican City across the Tiber River.

Because of its narrow streets and pedestrian-only areas, the best way to visit the Centro Storico is on a walking or electric-bike tour that includes Rome’s most important sights. Many Ancient Rome tours also cover some or part of the Centro Storico, as do night tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Rome's Centro Storico is a great place to get a taste of Italian nightlife—the area is filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs.

• There’s a lot to cover during Centro Storico walking tours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.

• The cobblestone streets of the Centro Storico may be a challenge for wheelchairs and strollers, but the squares are wide and flat.

• The lion's share of Rome's most popular attractions are located inside the confines of the Centro Storico, so be sure to bring your camera.

How to Get There

The Centro Storico can loosely be defined as the area of Rome's city center that’s sandwiched between Piazza Venezia/Via del Corso and the Tiber River. Take the 64 bus from the Termini station to the Piazza Navona stop.

When to Get There

Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and the Centro Storico is where most visitors head. To escape the wall-to-wall crowds, visit the capital city during winter, or low season (excluding the December holidays).

Nearby Neighborhoods

The Centro Storico is situated close to a number of other interesting neighborhoods, including trendy Trastevere just across the river, bohemian Monti to the east, and elegant Prati to the north.

Ways to explore

From ancient baths and forums to Renaissance palaces and paintings, the Historic Center of Rome contains many of the world’s most recognizable sights. You can wander the area freely, but certain attractions may require tickets. To best understand the area’s impact on global history, join a sightseeing tour. Walking, e-bike, golf cart, and Segway tours are the ideal way to navigate the cobblestone streets around historic locations such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Navona. To focus your attention on a specific part of Centro Storico, choose among tours of ancient Rome, Vatican City, or Rome’s fountains and squares.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies depending on the attractions you visit, so check before booking to confirm if wheelchair access is available.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, coins for the Trevi Fountain, water bottle to fill up at Rome’s many nasoni (drinking fountains)

What to wear

Exploring Rome’s Centro Storico means lots of walking, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Most attractions don’t allow smoking, non-service animals, or consuming outside alcohol.

Amenities

Rome’s historic center features tourist information points located on Via dei Fori Imperiali, at Castel Sant’Angelo, and other locations.

Address

The Historic Center of Rome encompasses a vast stretch of the Italian capital, accessible from the Fiumicino or Ciampino airports and Termini train station. The area is best explored on foot or guided tours by bike or vehicle. Public transportation can help you get from one attraction to the next.

Driving

Driving around central Rome can be chaotic, and parking is particularly difficult, even for residents. Get around by taxi or rideshare app, or book a sightseeing tour of Rome.

Public transportation

Buses, trams, and trains are all available in Rome’s Centro Storico, with the most useful routes being the metro A and B lines that can get you from the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum.

Best times to visit

Explore the Centro Storico in the early morning for the best photos or after sunset to see ancient ruins by night—be aware that many shops and attractions close from 1pm to 4pm.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day to go to Rome’s historic center, though Sundays and Mondays are common closing days for attractions.

Best months to visit

Rome sees its biggest crowds and hottest temperatures from June to September—visit in the off-season for a more comfortable experience.

Special events

The Historic Center of Rome hosts celebrations year-round, such as the city’s “birthday” on April 21, which features costumed parades, gladiator reenactments, and other festivities commemorating the 753 BC founding of Rome.