The Rione Monti district has always been a world apart. In order to make room for the famous Via dei Fori, the Rione Monti district - which is rather small if compared to other areas of the eternal city - was dramatically altered during the fascist period.
Despite this rather dramatic change, the district tucked between via Nazionale and via Cavour, has kept intact all its enchanting beauty and this is due to its lovely narrow side-streets and superb examples of architecture which never fail to take your breath away.
One of the District’s chief attractions remains the beautiful piazza Santa Maria dei Monti which features the imposing church that deserves all your attention.
The church was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII in 1580 to celebrate the discovery of a miraculous 15th century image of Maria with Sts Lawrence and Stephen.
It was found in the ruins of a nearby convent of the Poor Clares, and which now hangs over the high altar. A copy is taken in procession through the streets on 26 April each year.
Only a few steps away is the infamous Palazzo Borgia from where one can enjoy an amazing view of San Pietro in vincoli or Saint Peter in chains (a basilica best remembered for being home to Michelangelo’s famous statue Moses).
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