rome neighborhoods

Rome Neighborhoods: How Rome Is Divided

Rome Neighborhoods: The ''Rioni'' vs. Municipal Districts
The giant metropolis and Italian capital that Rome is today is divided into 20 municipal districts, but almost the entirety of what can be considered the historic center of Rome is contained in Municipio I. In spite of this monstrously modern way of organizing the city into administrative districts, the original was one composed of ''rioni'', which reached a maximum number of 22 in the early years of the 20th century, up from the 20 that characterized most of Rome's history. Most of these rioni, except for Borgo and Prati, are located in Municipio I, but don't leave them out as they happen to be right on either side of the Vatican. The most famous of these rioni are surely Trastevere and Monti (R.XIII and R.I), not only for their artistic and cultural value, but also for the bitter and bloody rivalry between the two neighborhoods over centuries past. It is important to note that each rione functioned as a sort enclosed community in which the small town mentality that governed much of Italy could be imported into the Caput Mundi.

Rome Neighborhoods: Monuments and Their Surroundings   
It is also useful to divide Rome's neighborhoods according to the monuments that are located in them, and this, on occasion, even coincides with the rione, or popular conception of the neighborhood. A good example of this is the area of Trevi, where the Trevi Fountain happens to be located. While other neighborhoods in Rome are known purely by their monuments, such as San Giovanni, San Paolo, and San Saba. But there are some inconsistencies, for example there is no such neighborhood as Termini, this neighborhood is referred to as Esquilino, or Piazza Vittorio. The Rennaisance core of Rome can be considered as a neighborhood in itself, but it is actually made up of 7 rioni. So here too, you will often hear Pantheon to designate something near the Pantheon, or Piazza Navona to designate something nearer this awe inspiring piazza.

Rome Neighborhoods: Descriptions and Useful Info
Perhaps no other city in the world can boast the beauty, and individuality of Rome's neighborhoods. Each of which can be distinguished for the monuments to be found, architectural style, and history. Many times just turning off a main street like Via Cavour, Corso Vittorio, or Via Merulana can lead you through the winding alley-sized streets that are one of Rome's most important patrimonies. Like many city centers, many of the original inhabitants of the neighborhoods have relocated to surrounding areas. The reason behind this is the cost of living, which can reach astronomical heights in the dead center of Rome. Nonetheless, wandering through the city it is highly reccomended to seek out that magic moment when you will happen on a street where you can see life as it has been lived in the Eternal City for centuries.

Rome Neighborhoods: Saftey
Generally speaking, Rome is a very safe city, though you need to be sure not to be pick-pocketed or scammed by gypsies posing as helpful Italians. Unfortunately, you need to be aware of this in all areas of the city, as foreigneres provide them with a multi-million dollar business. A neighborhood to be extra careful about this in is Esquilino, and actually in Termini Station. There is also usually a lot of drinking going on in Campo de' Fiori late into the night, and sometimes fights do break out (ironically foreign visitors). The good news is that the instance of violent crime is very, very low in Rome, and you can be sure to walk around undisturbed as long as you don' t have your ''dummy'' shirt on.     

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