Itinerary from St. Peter's Square to Piazza del Popolo

Starting from St. Peter's Square, the route initially enters the charming Borgo Pio neighborhood. This neighborhood enchants tourists and Romans with its medieval charm: its characteristic alleys are filled with numerous traditional trattorias, artisan workshops, and shops of all kinds, offering an intimate atmosphere close to the Vatican walls.

Continuing the itinerary, we enter Via Cola di Rienzo. The street, now one of the capital's most important shopping streets, is lined with imposing Umbertine-style buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

After walking the entire length of Via Cola di Rienzo and crossing the Ponte Regina Margherita, we reach Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome's most majestic squares. Its name derives from the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, located in one corner of the square. The current architectural layout is the result of the neoclassical intervention of Giuseppe Valadier, carried out between 1811 and 1822.

The square is characterized by the so-called "Trident," or three streets radiating outward toward the heart of the city: Via del Corso in the center, Via del Babuino to the left, and Via di Ripetta to the right. The two "Twin Churches" define the apex of these three streets: Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Dominating the north side of the square is the Porta del Popolo, the ancient northern entrance to the city for those coming from the Via Flaminia. Finally, at the center of the square stands the Flaminian Obelisk, the first Egyptian obelisk transported to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC and dating back to the 13th century BC.