San Giovanni

Rome
San Giovanni featuring a city
San Giovanni
San Giovanni
San Giovanni which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle
San Giovanni which includes a city, signage and street scenes
Discover one of Rome’s most densely populated residential areas and admire a spectacular 4th-century basilica and an Ancient Roman palace.

Find some of Rome’s greatest historic buildings in San Giovanni. Tour the Lateran Palace and the Basilica of St. John Lateran. See a collection of stunning paintings and tapestries in these historic buildings. San Giovanni also has some of the city’s finest shopping areas, with boutique stores and vintage markets. Visit a community market and shop for wine, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Learn the history of the Papal States in the Lateran Palace. This grand building once belonged to Roman noblemen. It became a papal home from the 4th to the 14th centuries. The Lateran Palace now houses the Vatican Historical Museum. Tour the site with a Vatican guide and see fascinating religious documents and artworks.

Visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, connected to the Lateran Palace and dating back to the early 4th century. Inside, notice the spectacular statues of the Apostles. Look above the sacramental altar to see what is said to be part of the table from Christ’s last supper.

Near the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the Scala Santa, a holy staircase located in the Piazza di Porta San Giovanni. It is believed that Christ ascended these stairs during his trial. See the Porta Asinaria, one of the first gates of the Aurelian Walls of Rome. In the 6th century, the armies of the Goths under Totila entered Rome from this gate and ruthlessly plundered the city.

Walk to Via Sannio and its busy market selling clothing, shoes, leather goods and other items. Shopping in San Giovanni is generally less expensive than in Rome’s more central shopping districts.

San Giovanni is known as a residential area however, it is filled with religious relics and Roman history. Reach this historic district from the San Giovanni metro station. While in the neighborhood, enjoy a sweet Mont Blanc pastry or a profiterole from a traditional Italian bakery.


Popular places to visit

Things to do



Other neighbourhoods around San Giovanni

Esquilino featuring a garden as well as an individual male

Esquilino

5/5(1 area review)

Esquilino is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore. See more of Rome by jumping on the metro at S Bibiana Station or Vittorio Emanuele Station.

Esquilino
Colosseum which includes a monument, heritage architecture and a city

Celio

Noted for its historic sites and cafes, there's plenty to explore in Celio. Top attractions like Colosseum and Porta Portese are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Parco Celio Tram Stop or Colosseo-Salvi N. Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Celio
Monti which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a ruin

Monti

Known for its cozy cafes and churches, there's plenty to explore in Monti. Top attractions like San Pietro in Vincoli and Imperial Fora are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Cavour Station or Colosseo Station to see more of the city.

Monti
Rome Historic Centre showing a statue or sculpture, a fountain and a square or plaza

Rome Historic Centre

Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are a few top attractions in Rome Historic Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Venezia Tram Stop or Colosseo Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning cathedral, and charming cafes.

Rome Historic Centre
Santa Francesca Romana featuring heritage architecture

Campitelli

You'll enjoy the churches and monuments in Campitelli. You might want to make time for a stop at Roman Forum or Palatine Hill.

Campitelli
Via XX Settembre showing signage

Castro Pretorio

4/5(1 area review)

Spend some time visiting places like Baths of Diocletian while getting to know Castro Pretorio, and be sure to check out the interesting museums. You can hop aboard the metro at Termini Tram Stop or Repubblica - Opera House Station to see more of the area.

Castro Pretorio

San Giovanni