Need info on area southwest of Vatican please
 

I'm looking at renting an apartment long-term (8 weeks) that is outside my guidebook references.

It is southwest of the Vatican area, on Via Gregorio VII. Owner states just 500 meters from "Sala Nervi" (Papal audience hall). It looks to be just on the south side of Via Gregorio VII, and due south from the Hospital San Carlo di Nancy.

It does look like Gregorio VII is a major thoroughfare. And owner states many buses run along this route.

If anyone can verify the above, and if you have any comments on the neighborhood. I will be traveling solo and would like to know if this is safe area at night for lone middle-aged females. :)

Thanks for any/all help or comments!

anyone?

gonna try this again... anyone? :)

I would guess that you haven't gotten any answers yet because not many (any?) vacationers stay in this spot. It may well be a safe area, but it isn't near any of the spots that tourists like to visit. I wouldn't want to stay on a street that's a major thoroughfare, because it would tend to have lots of street and traffic noise. Many buses may go along via Gregorio, but I'm a big walker, and I would rather stay somewhere that I could walk to most of what I want to see, rather than having to take a bus EVERY TIME.

If I was travelling to Rome by myself, and I'm a middle-aged female, I would stay somewhere close to the Pantheon or Piazza Navona, where I could be out in the evening in a location where there would be many other people. (That may be true of this apartment area, but I wouldn't know). If you don't want to stay in that location (which may be too pricey for an 8-week stay), check out places in Trastevere. The rents might be lower than by Piazza Navona, but you'd be closer to many of the tourist sites than the via Gregorio location.

Keep in mind that I've never stayed in Rome for 8 weeks - I envy you! Try the Slowtrav website, for info from people who've had longer stays in Italy. Or even posters on the tripadvisor Rome forum, who tend to be more local, might be able to give good advice on long-term rental locations.

Good luck!

I'm a bit familiar with the area, but it depends on how far out you would be. At the end it runs into Cornelia. At the intersection for Cornelia/Aurelia/Baldo degli Ubaldi is Piazza Inerio. There is a large supermaket past the parking lot on the corner (across from McD's). The hospital you mentioned doesn't seem far from there and I would think Baldo degli Ubaldi would be your closest metro stop. There are quite a few convents in the area. On via Aurelia is a large police headquarters (on out a bit). There are lots of bus connections that head in towards the Vatican to the big underground bus hub (it's one of the major bus hubs in Rome) that is on that side of the Vatican.

Thanks for the replies. Yes, staying in city center is too costly. I have been offered this apartment at a great rate for the 2-month stay. So, I'd really like to find out some more about the area.

Sounds pretty safe if it is the side of town where all the Vatican staff and visitors stay. :) I'll check out slowtrav and tripadvisor.

Grazie!

There was a long thread (last year?) about someone renting an apartment around the Cornelia metro stop. I think there would be some info applying to this area also. I'll see if I can track it down.

I stop in the supermarket out there for things to bring back to the states as the prices are half what they are in the center for the things I like to buy. It's a big market on two floors. There is an outdoor market in front with permanent booths so you might find some things there also.

This is the big underground bus terminal I mentioned. It has all kinds of amenities.
http://www.gianicolo.it/index_eng.html

Honestly, if it were me I wouldn't stay there. I would spend a little more money and stick to the tourist areas. I like Italy and we are going back next year, but you do have to be careful.

The Via Gregorio VII is a safe area. It is a working class, blue-collar type area. There are many bus connections to downtown - and also to Cipro Metro (not sure what street you're on or closest to). It is a "locals" area - you'll not see too many other vacationers in this area. I have 5-6 friends who live in off Via Gregorio VII and they have had no safety issues or concerns. The Via Gregorio VII is a large 4+ lane road with a lot of bus and truck traffic (especially in the AM). Good Luck!

Hi sarge,

i don't know this area of Rome at all, but of course a "long stay" is very different to a week's visit. being in an area like this can be a positive advantage I think if you are there for a while - the locals soon get to to know you as you aren't just one of the throng of tourists that they see everyday, you can get away from the crowds when you want to, and it's a lot cheaper.

so long as it's safe [and it sounds like it is] it's a great idea.

have great trip!