So you are staying in the Monti district of Rome. This is one of the oldest parts of the city. In ancient times, during the time of Julius Caesar and Augustus and later, this vibrant neighborhood was known as the Suburra. It was a hub of activity, with shops and apartments and, by all accounts, streets full of activity and commerce.

The church Santa Maria in Aracoeli on the Capitoline Hill has a fascinating foundation story. Emperor Augustus had a vision of a woman presenting a child on an altar, leading him to build the "altar of heaven," or "ara coeli," which names the church. Its nave columns are from ancient ruins, one noted "from the chambers of Augustus." The 124 marble steps were added after the Black Death of 1348.