Welcome to Repubblica and the Quirinale
Making the Most of Your Time
While slightly off Rome’s bustling tourist path, this central (and well-connected) area has a number of intriguing sights, from the stunning sweep of Piazza della Repubblica and the excellent ancient art collection of the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme to the bones of the Capuchin Crypt and Bernini’s breathtaking sculpture, the Ecstasy of St. Theresa. It’s possible to walk the whole area, but this part of town is so well connected by bus and Metro that it’s usually quicker to take public transport. When choosing a time of day to visit, remember that many churches (like Santa Maria della Vittoria, home of Bernini's Saint Teresa sculpture) close at midday, reopening around 3 or 4.
Top Reasons to Go
Bernini's Ecstasy of St. Teresa: Admire the worldly realism of Teresa's allegedly spiritual rapture. The star of the Cappella Cornaro, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Bernini's theatrical masterpiece is a cornerstone of the high Roman Baroque period.
Palazzo Barberini: Take in five centuries of art at one of Rome's greatest family palaces, where you can gape at Rome's biggest ballroom and Raphael's La Fornarina.
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme: Admire the spectacular Hellenistic Boxer at Rest, get your emperors straight in the portrait gallery, and marvel at breathtaking 2,000-year-old frescoes on the top floor.
Capuchin Crypt: Contemplate eternity in the creepy-yet-creative crypt under Santa Maria della Concezione, "decorated" with the skeletons of 4,000 monks, replete with fluted arches made of collarbones and arabesques of shoulder blades.
Piazza del Quirinale: Crowning the Quirinale—the loftiest of Rome's seven hills—is the Piazza del Quirinale, with spectacular views over the city, its horizon marked by "Il Cupolino," the dome of St. Peter's. Framing the vista are enormous ancient statues of Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri (Horse-Tamers).
Getting Here
Located between Termini station and the Spanish Steps, this area is about a 15-minute walk from either. Bus No. 40 will get you from Termini to the Quirinale in two stops; from the Vatican take Bus No. 64. The very central Repubblica Metro stop is on the piazza of the same name.
Quick Bites
Come il Latte. Located just a five-minute walk from Piazza della Repubblica, Come il Latte has a serious following for its super-creamy, all-natural gelato. The pistachio may be the best in town, though you can't go wrong with any of the flavors, some particularly creative (like rice and cinnamon). Top off your scoop with homemade panna (whipped cream) in a variety of flavors and either dark or white chocolate from the shop's chocolate fountain. Via Silvio Spaventa 24/26, Repubblica, Rome, Latium, 00187. 06/42903882.
