In previous posts I have mentioned contrade, rioni, terzieri and quartieri, all of these being a collective for districts or neighbourhoods in villages, towns and cities. For example, Siena has contrade, Panicale and Rome have rioni and Cittâ della Pieve has terzieri. These districts are territorial subdivisions, very competitive and based on where you were born. They are historic and traditional communities that really come to the fore at Palio time.
Rome has twenty two rioni and today we explored rione 1, the area of Monti. Its name comes from the fact that several of the hills of Rome were originally in this district. Monti is full of archaelogical sites including the colosseum and baths and market of Trajan.
These days Monti is a very desirable place to live, it retains some of its village feel yet is bohemian and has coffee shops and bars, street food and fashion. Locals still enjoy the traditional lifestyle in Monti.
It was rather quiet when we were there, probably due to it being a Sunday afternoon in the holiday season, but there are some bonuses in this situation.
On the outside wall of Santa Maria ai Monti was this beautiful mosaic. Sadly the large garbage bins were full to overflowing right beneath the B.V.M and up close she had an expression which seemed to express her displeasure.
It was rather quiet when we were there, probably due to it being a Sunday afternoon in the holiday season, but there are some bonuses in this situation.
We weren't the only ones looking around in Monti.
There was diversity in the churches as well, a Ukrainian Catholic, a Chinese Christian Church, an Ordinariate for the Military and one of Rome's major churches, San Pietro in Vincoli ( St. Peter in Chains ). Michelangelo's amazing sculpture of Moses can be seen there.
On the outside wall of Santa Maria ai Monti was this beautiful mosaic. Sadly the large garbage bins were full to overflowing right beneath the B.V.M and up close she had an expression which seemed to express her displeasure.
Of course every hot day out deserves a gelato and with one of Rome's best in Monti we had to visit. Fatamorgana has a wonderful range of unusual flavours and we had (in English) grape and nuts, green tea, coconut cream and my favourite, fennel, honey and licorice.
We will have to come back to Monti in the evening some time soon.
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