Monti is a great place to stay when you are ready to visit the monuments of ancient Rome. You are literally in the midst of the most ancient part of Rome and down the street from the Colosseum! From the Via dei Serpenti, you can see the Colosseum is perfectly framed at the end of the street. There is no need for directions - it is a straight shot. Don't - Don't head directly for the Colosseum. I'm asking you consider a slight detour.

Now that you have the history of Monti from Part One, let's orient you to the modern neighborhood. I am going to focus on the Piazza della Madonna dei Monti and the streets immediately surrounding it. Despite the fact that you are within sight of the Colosseum, the area has a very local feel.

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.