9 Things to See Near Piazza del Popolo: Rome Neighborhood Guide

Piazza del Popolo marks the northern gates of Rome and is the largest piazza or square in the city. The piazza connects to so many parts of Rome which means there is tons to see. For that reason, we created this guide on the top things to see near Piazza del Popolo. It is important to mention it’s written by a tour guide of Rome.

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9 Incredible Things to See Near Piazza del Popolo in Rome

Rome is such an incredible city which is shown by truly how much there is to see. We’ve built this article along with others to help guide you through the city. This way you don’t end up walking by something incredible without noticing it which is easy to do in Rome!

9. Fountain of Neptune & Goddess of Rome

While in Piazza del Popolo, put the twin churches at your back and turn left. You’ll see this monumental statue of Neptune riding some dolphins and mermen in classic style holding a trident. On the opposite side of Piazza del Popolo you’ll see the statue of Dea Roma which mirrors Neptune. Dea Roma means goddess of Rome and is also the terminus of the Acqua Vergine Nuovo aqueduct.

The statues and aqueduct were built in the 19th century to bring water to the ever expanding city. Both statues celebrate this fact. Neptune, as god of the sea, celebrates water and Dea Roma celebrates the glory of Rome!

8. Villa Medici

As you walk up Viale della Trinità dei Monti you’ll see a rather awkward-looking building on your right-hand side just a few hundred meters from the Spanish Steps. It looks like it doesn’t belong in Rome and that is because it does not. This is Villa Medici of the famous dynasty of Florence.

Villa Medici has a facade that would fit in much better in Florence which makes sense since the Medici were from there.  The rear of the palace is more likely to be placed somewhere in France due to the glorious gardens and architecture.  The estate is owned by the French State and is amazing. You can visit easily and take a tour or even sleep the night there.

Yes, you read correctly.  You can spend the night at Villa Medici which is easily the most exclusive B&B in Rome unless the Vatican starts to open up their doors and allow visitors. This is a super cool experience that connects you directly to the famed Medici dynasty. Check out more cool places to rest your head in Rome with our article “Where to Stayin in Rome.”

Reservations are taken only directly through Villa Medici.  Follow the link for more details.

7. Via Margutta

There are three roads stemming from Piazza del Popolo forming a sort of trident into Rome. One of those roads is Via del Babuino which is bustling and full of people. Lateral to this street is Via Margutta which is an extremely quaint and quiet street in an otherwise crowded area.

If you are looking for a decent meal and a beautiful stroll, Via Margutta is a nice little detour while on vacation!

6.Ara Pacis & Mausoleum of Augustus

Ever wondered what an pagan altar in Roman times looked like? The Ara Pacis ( Altar of Peace) is your best chance to see one up and personal.

It celebrates the  Emperor Augustus’ return to Rome from Spain and Gaul after a three year absence. It took three and a half years to build and was dedicated on the birthday of Augustus’ wife Livia

Interestingly the goddess Pax ( Peace) was fairly unknown before 13 BC. However, Augustus became famous for the Pax Romana ( Roman Peace) and as a result, the goddess Pax increased in popularity.

Giant white marble blocks, known as Luna, form the alter. The friezes describe typical Augustean imagery. For example the acanthus plants and the ythical founders of Rome- Aeneas and Romulus. If you visit today, you need to bear in mind that the structure has been rebuilt and the original structure was actually built 450 meters from the current spot. Having said that, it is still an imposing structure and something not to miss.

5. Villa Borghese & the Borghese Gallery

The Borghese family was one of the most powerful families in Roman history. Much like the Medici in Florence the Borghese amassed wealth and power even if they did it under only one 16 year hold over the papacy.

During that 16 year run, they made some important acquisitions such as the purchase of a plot of land just north of the walls of Rome. This area is now known as the Borghese Gardens and is home to the famed Galleria Borghese.

The Borghese family still exists today, but without much claim to their former wealth. That said, their name is on the front of the St. Peter’s Basilica and their garden, the Borghese garden, remains the most beautiful in Rome.

4. Il Pincio

This has long been one of my favorite spots to visit in Rome.  I am a sucker for viewpoints and they don’t get much better than this one.

Situated on top of  Piazza del Popolo at the edge of Villa Borghese, Il Pincio is named after the very hill it was carved out of; the Pincian Hill. It technically lies outside the ancient boundaries of Rome so it is not included in the original 7 hills of Rome but for me, it will always be #1.

The view here not only overlooks the whole of Rome but the city’s largest square,  Piazza del Popolo. You can see the twin churches below along with the Flaminian Gate of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica off in the distance.  It is a wonderful place to take what will likely be your favorite photo of the trip!

3. Piazza Del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is a must see square when in Rome and likely deserving of its “Top things to see near” article. Its about a 10 minute walk from Piazza di Spagna and you should likely plan to spend about an hour in the area. From here, you can hike up the stairs to #6 on this list; il Pincio for great views.

You can also see the “twin churches” featured in the image above. Also in the image is a statue of a lion which sits on the base of the Flaminio Obelisk which is one of the largest of Rome’s 13 obelisks. The Latern Obelisk is the largest in front of St. John Latern Church.

In Piazza del Popolo you’ll also the namesake church, Santa Maria del Popolo. While this church was loved by all history nerds prior, it received global acclaim with Dan Brown’s Angels and Deamons where it was heavily featured.

The church is famous for many things including Cosmati Floors which can be found all over Rome including the Sistine Chapel. They are also in the Westminster Abbey in London. In terms of popularity, this church has two Caravaggio paintings that are must-see paintings and absolutely free to see here (all Rome churches are free to enter).

You’ll also find the hand of Bernini on literally almost every single part of this church, but famously for the statue of Daniel in the Chigi Chapel.

2. The Twin Churches

Piazza del Popolo is the northern entrance to Rome and what a scene it is. Imagine walking into the gate of Rome for the first time and seeing the very picture above. You immediately understand you are somewhere special!

The square culminates into three streets that course their way through the city; Via Ripetta, Via del Corso, and Via del Babuino. Dividing these three roads are what we refer to as the “Gemelli” churches or twin churches.

The churches are in fact not twin churches which can be seen after a little bit of inspection, but the do form a beautiful entranceway to the city!

1. Santa Maria del Popolo

Santa Maria del Popolo is an incredible church famous amongst tour guides in Rome for its beauty and contents. Many don’t realize that churches in Rome are free to visit. They also often contain masterpieces that you have to pay admission to see in most museums.

As you walk by this unassuming church from the exterior, you’d never realize that it had such marvels on the inside. The church has felt the hands of Bramante, Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio, and of course the hand of God!

When visiting, be sure to visit the Chigi Chapel (left side nave) by Raphael which features a statue of Daniel by Bernini. In the nave to the left of the main alter you’ll find three paintings. Caravaggio is responsible for the two on the left and right side wall.

Caravaggio painted the crucifixion of St Peter which happened upside down. Why? Peter, who Nero put to death, did not feel worthy to the same death as Jesus. For this reason, Nero crucified him upside down.

You’ll also see the painting of St. Paul falling off his horse on the way to Damascus. This scene was crucial to the survival of Christianity since this was the moment when Paul began promoting Christianity. Paul spoke Aramaic and Greek which was key to the spread of Christianity.

It is important to note that the Basilica itself suggests that it was built on top of the tomb of Emperor Nero in 1099. It is said its very purpose was to cast away the spirit of Nero who was haunting the area. Interessante!