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.

On Rome's Aventine Hill, the church of Santa Sabina holds a large rock. Legend says the Devil, angered by St. Dominic's prayers, threw it at him, missing. The rock remains, with holes from the Devil's talons visible. The church grounds also feature a beautiful park with views from the parapet.

The head of St. Valentine rests in the church, Santa Maria in Cosmedin, with his name visible on the skull. The church is better known for the Bocca della Verità, or "Mouth of Truth," a manhole-sized marble face made famous in the movie Roman Holiday. Legend says it bites the hand of anyone who tells a lie.

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.

The Capitoline Hill, ancient Rome's most sacred space with the Temple of Jupiter, is now a beautiful piazza designed by Michelangelo, housing the Capitoline Museums. Its approach features a gentle staircase and statues of Castor and Pollux. In the center is a reproduction of Marcus Aurelius's equestrian statue. Behind the buildings are outstanding views of the Roman Forum.