The residential area of Prati, with it's graceful palazzos and shopping streets (especially Via Cola di Rienzo and Via Ottaviano), lies to the North of the Vatican State. The Castel Sant'Angelo and the Borgo district lies to the south of Prati, between the Vatican State and the Tiber River.
With the splendours of the Vatican and St. Peter's so close at hand, there is a profusion of restaurants, caf�s and shops catering for every taste. The area is a popular area to stay, as it is a convenient location for moving around the city (metros at Lepanto, Ottaviano S. Pietro and Cipro Musei Vaticani), and for its relatively calm atmosphere.
Attractions:
Castel Sant'Angelo
Forget queuing to get in the dome of St. Peter's. The Castel Sant' Angelo offers almost as good a view, and also includes a lovely caf�/bar at the top! You will also see the chamber where the mortal remains of many Roman emperors were laid, the enormous strongbox for the papal treasury and many rooms embellished for the papacy through the centuries. After visiting it you can also stroll across the Ponte Sant'Angelo - an ancient Roman bridge now embellished with sculptures of angels by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Entrance E5/E2.50 concessions.
Recommendations:
Alexanderplatz
Via Ostia
The best jazz bar in Rome.
The Old Bridge Gelateria
Via Bastioni di Michaelangelo
Hugely popular with both tourists and locals, the only bad thing which could said about this ice cream bar is that there are invariably long lines outside! The ice cream is well worth the wait though, and is also reasonably priced. |
