DK Travel : Rome : The Quirinal and Via Veneto

The original hill of Rome, the Quirinal was mainly residential in Imperial times, noted for its grand baths and temples. In the Middle Ages, it reverted to open countryside and it wasn’t until the 16th century that it again became important, when the crest of the hill was claimed for the pope’s new palace. Following that, important papal families built their large estates all around the area, including the Barberini, the Corsini and the Ludovisi. The Quirinal Palace has passed through many metamorphoses but the biggest change to the area came after 1870. The Ludovisi sold off their huge villa to developers, and Via Veneto and the smart area around it became an instant success with the wealthy classes of the newly unified country. This quarter speaks of elegance and power throughout all its ages.

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Africa

Scoop up tantalizingly spicy vegetables and meats with spongy bread.
Andrea

Very congenial and featuring a wide-ranging menu. The supplì (rice croquette) is a classic starter.
Arion

Independent bookstore specializing in exquisite art books. It stays open until 10pm on Sundays..
Baths of Diocletian and Aula Ottagona

The main collection of this museum is dedicated to rather academic holdings, principally inscriptions and stele (funeral stones). The Aula Ottagona features two 2nd-century BC bronze sculptures of great beauty, which were discovered lovingly hidden in a trench 6 m (20 ft) below the concrete floor of the Temple of the Sun, on the steep hillside of the Quirinal (see Baths of Diocletian).
Bruno Magli

If the cachet of spending vast quantities of cash appeals, this shop should be top on your list for your next shoe purchase.
Café de Paris

This café has always been the landmark of dolce vita lifestyle along this glossy strip. It’s still a magical place to sip an espresso or partake of a light snack.
Café Veneto

Right in the heart of the famous street, habitués find elegance and carefully prepared fare. Specialities include game and truffles.
Capuchin Crypt

A taste for the macabre may be all you need to enjoy this place. A cast-iron stomach doesn’t hurt, either. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about this intense memento mori is its position, at the bottom of what was the most sophisticated of streets when la dolce vita was in full swing.
Colline Emiliane

The speciality here is Emilia-Romagna cuisine, which highlights a variety of prosciutto (ham) dishes and tortellini in brodo (meat-filled pasta in broth).
Dagnino

Rome’s favourite spot for sampling Sicilian pastries, like cassata (iced cake).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30-40
- €40-50
- €50-60
- over €60