Itinerary from the Pantheon to Piazza Venezia

This itinerary leads from the Pantheon to Piazza Venezia.

A few steps from the Pantheon, we can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, a rare example of Gothic architecture in Rome. In the Piazza della Minerva opposite, we can admire the iconic "Pulcin della Minerva," a graceful little elephant designed by Bernini holding up one of the obelisks of ancient Rome.

The route continues to the Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, an example of the most spectacular Roman Baroque, famous for its false dome that leaves every visitor speechless.

Next, following a short stretch of Via del Corso, we arrive at the monumental Piazza Venezia, dominated by the Vittoriano (Altar of the Fatherland). The monument that dominates the square was erected in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy. From its Terrace of the Quadrighe, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Piazza Venezia is the beating heart of Rome: important arteries of the capital converge here, and numerous itineraries to discover the city begin here.

Adjacent to it stands the Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. The square on the Capitoline Hill, a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti, is bordered by three buildings: Palazzo Senatorio, seat of the City of Rome, and on either side the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, which house the Capitoline Museums, considered the oldest public museum in the world, founded in 1471.
At the foot of the Capitoline Hill, along the slope leading to the Roman Forum, stands the Church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami. Beneath it lies the Mamertine Prison, the oldest prison in Rome, where Saints Peter and Paul were imprisoned before their martyrdom.

Between the Capitoline Hill and the Altar of the Fatherland stands the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, the highest point of ancient Rome. Its name, "Ara Coeli," means "Altar of Heaven." To reach the basilica, you climb a monumental staircase of 124 white marble steps, built in 1348 as a votive offering for the end of the Black Death.