Centro Storico

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Crowd gathering in Campo de Fiori in Centro Storico, early evening.

Overview

A tightly packed tangle of cobbled alleyways, Renaissance palaces, ancient ruins and baroque piazzas, the historic centre is the Rome many come to see. Its theatrical streets teem with boutiques, cafes, trattorias and stylish bars, while market traders and street artists work its vibrant squares. The Pantheon and Piazza Navona are the star turns, but you’ll also find a host of monuments, museums and churches, many with works by the likes of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Bernini et al.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Roman Pantheon is the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome.

    Pantheon

    Centro Storico

    With its revolutionary design, this awe-inspiring temple has served as an architectural blueprint for millennia.

  • Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

    Piazza Navona

    Centro Storico

    With its showy fountains, baroque palazzi and colorful cast of street artists, hawkers and tourists, Piazza Navona is central Rome’s elegant showcase…

  • Rome, Italy - April 7, 2019: Tempio Maggiore or The Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Rome and one of the greatest in Europe. Located in the old Jewish Ghetto. 1172187631 tempio maggiore di roma, great synagogue of rome

    Jewish Ghetto

    Centro Storico

    Visit the atmospheric Jewish Ghetto neighborhood for art studios, kosher food and Rome's main synagogue.

  • March 8, 2018: Traditional outdoor food market of Campo de Fiori (fields of flower), with the statue of Giordano Bruno in the background. 959994236 People Built Structure Food City History Architecture Nature Vacations Square Horizontal Three Quarter Length Outdoors Europe Tourist Monument Roman Italy Statue City Street Street Market - Retail Space Ancient Famous Place Rome - Italy Vegetable Fruit Flower Sky Agricultural Field Beauty Medium Group Of People Photography Tourism Travel Capital Cities Fiori Giordano Tradition

    Campo de' Fiori

    Centro Storico

    Il Campo is a major focus of Roman life: by day it hosts one of the city's best-known markets; by night, people come for its lively bars and restaurants.

  • ROME, ITALY, JUNE 14, 2015 : interiors and architectural details of Doria Pamphilj Gallery, june 14, 2015, in Rome, Italy; Shutterstock ID 310592036; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Galleria Doria Pamphilj

    Centro Storico

    Hidden behind the grimy grey exterior of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, this wonderful gallery boasts one of Rome’s richest private art collections, with works…

  • Largo di Torre Argentina houses the remains of 4 Republican era temples and a modern day cat sanctuary.

    Largo di Torre Argentina

    Centro Storico

    A busy transport hub, Largo di Torre Argentina is set around the sunken Area Sacra, and the remains of four Republican-era temples, all built between the…

View more attractions

Plan with a local

Build a memorable collection

Get to the heart of Centro Storico with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.