The Piazza del Popolo area presents one of the most prestigious areas, rich and fascinating in the history of Rome, dove with architectural elegance, art, culture and tradition if found in a setting of extraordinary beauty. Located on the northern edge of the…
The Piazza del Popolo area presents one of the most prestigious areas, rich and fascinating in the history of Rome, dove with architectural elegance, art, culture and tradition if found in a setting of extraordinary beauty. Located on the northern edge of the historic center, in the Campo Marzio river, the square is one of the most famous monumental entrances of the Capital and the ideal starting point to explore some of its most important attractions. The privileged position allows you to easily reach Piazza di Spagna, Villa Borghese, Via del Corso, Fontana di Trevi and numerous other places symbolic of the Eternal City.
Piazza del Popolo: history, art and architecture
The heart of the quarter is the maestosa Piazza del Popolo, one of the most scenic squares in Rome, characterized by the imposing Flaminio Obelisk of Egyptian origin, the elegant fountains and the extraordinary harmonious architecture designed by Giuseppe Valadier in the Ottoman Empire. At the end of the entrance to Via del Corso there is the famous gem of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, also known as the Chiesa degli Artisti.
Of particular interest is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, an authentic scrigno of art that guards the capolavori of Caravaggio, Raffaello, Pinturicchio and Bernini. The most important operation includes the Conversion of San Paolo and the Crocifission of San Pietro di Caravaggio. Complete the complex monumental Porta del Popolo, ancient accesso settentrionale alla città across the Aureliane Wall.
Il Pincio and Villa Borghese: panoramic and nature
From the piazza, a suggestive passeggiata leads to the Terrazza del Pincio, one of the most romantic belvedere of the Capitale. Here you will see a spettacolare panorama of all of Rome, the cupole of the churches and the Basilica of San Pietro, particularly fascinating in the Tranto.
Proseguendo si raggiunge Villa Borghese, one of the most important historic sites of the city, with gardens, alberati roads, fountains, lakes and numerous cultural attractions. Inside you will find the prestigious Galleria Borghese, which houses the capolavori of Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio and Raffaello, the Bioparco di Roma, the Casina di Raffaello, the Casa del Cinema and the suggestive Temple of Esculapio on the lake.
Il Tridente, Via del Corso and Via Margutta
Piazza del Popolo is the vertex of the famous Roman Trident, formatted on Via del Corso, Via del Babuino and Via di Ripetta, three historic arteries that reach the most elegant areas of the center.
Via del Corso is one of the main streets of Roman shopping, business riches, historic palaces and monumental churches. Via del Babuino leads directly from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza di Spagna, traversing an area characterized by prestigious boutiques, art galleries and refined historic buildings.
Particularly suggestive is Via Margutta, famous street of artists, with atelier, courtyards, galleries and rich palaces of Edera. The road is also known by its owner with the cinema and with the film Vacanze Romane.
Piazza di Spagna e Trinità dei Monti
A short distance away you will find Piazza di Spagna, one of the most famous squares in the world, dominating the monumental Staircase of Trinità dei Monti. At the foot of the staircase you find the Fontana della Barcaccia, made by Pietro Bernini with the contribution of the son Gian Lorenzo.
The area includes Via dei Condotti, Via Frattina and Via Borgognona, famous for the international high fashion boutique. I deserve a visit also to Keats-Shelle
Line 100: An electric minibus serving the historic center and the area around the Spanish Steps.
Line 119: An electric service covering the area around Piazza del Popolo and its surrounding streets.
Line 85: Connects Via del Corso to Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum, and San Giovanni.
Line 160: Useful for reaching Piazza Barberini, Villa Borghese, and other central areas.
Line 628: Connects various parts of the city via the historic center.
Taxis and shared mobility services are also available, which are particularly convenient for evening travel.
Metro
The nearest metro station is Spagna (Line A), located about a 5–7 minute walk away. It offers direct connections to:
Barberini: Piazza Barberini, Via Veneto, and the Trevi Fountain.
Repubblica: Piazza della Repubblica and the Baths of Diocletian.
Termini: The main railway station and an interchange hub for Line B.
Ottaviano: St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums, and the Prati district.
Flaminio: Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese, and the Flaminio district. San Giovanni: Basilica of St. John Lateran and an interchange with Metro Line C.
Another convenient stop is Flaminio (Metro Line A), which can be reached in about a 12–15 minute walk.
Tram
There are no tram stops in the immediate vicinity of Via Belsiana. Tram line 2—when running on its regular schedule—can be accessed from Piazzale Flaminio (a 15-minute walk away) and connects the area to Piazza Mancini and the Flaminio district. In general, however, the metro and buses are more practical options for getting around.
Reaching the train stations
Roma Termini: Take Metro Line A from the Spagna station in the direction of Anagnina. The total journey takes about 15–20 minutes. This is the main railway hub for high-speed (Alta Velocità), Intercity, and regional trains.
Roma Tiburtina: Take Metro Line A to Termini, then transfer to Metro Line B toward Rebibbia/Jonio. The journey takes about 25–35 minutes.
Roma Ostiense: Take Metro Line A to Termini, then transfer to Metro Line B to the Piramide station, which is connected to the Ostiense railway station. The journey takes about 30–40 minutes.
Roma Trastevere: Accessible via bus or a combination of train connections (requiring a transfer). The journey takes about 35–50 minutes.
Roma San Pietro: Accessible via bus or train connections, generally requiring a transfer. The journey takes about 30–45 minutes.
Reaching the airports
Leonardo da Vinci – Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
The most convenient option is to travel to Termini via Metro Line A and take the Leonardo Express—a direct train that reaches the airport in 32 minutes. The total travel time from Via Belsiana is approximately 55–70 minutes, including waiting times. Alternatively, you can take the FL1 regional train to Fiumicino from either the Ostiense or Tiburtina train stations. Giovan Battista Pastine Airport – Rome Ciampino (CIA)
Getting around on foot
The location makes it easy to explore the main attractions of the historic center on foot, including the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), Via Condotti, Via del Corso, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza del Popolo, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Villa Borghese.
In summary
Via Belsiana 90 is an ideal place to stay in the heart of Rome, thanks to its proximity to the "Spagna" metro station, numerous bus lines, and major tourist attractions. Efficient connections to Rome Termini also provide easy access to railway stations and both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. It is a particularly convenient choice for those wishing to discover the capital without a car, whether for leisure or business.
