Location Guide to San Lorenzo

Rome's Quarter San Lorenzo:

San Lorenzo has a grungy feel about it accumulated after centuries of being a working class district and left wing political activism. This area which is now home to a large student population gained the reputation as being a ‘red quarter’ in 1909 as the only area of the city that tried to stop Mussolini’s March on Rome.
You’ll notice a lot of graffiti in the area which if you read Italian will tell you a lot about the area’s political past. Wandering around the neighborhood you will notice buildings with parts missing or even cut in half due to heavy bombing in World War 2.

In the 1960s San Lorenzo was the headquarters of student activism and today it is still considered a meeting point for left wing activists, as well as artists and film makers. Students sit at cafés drinking espresso and smoking next to piles of books and if you join them you’ll discover it’s a good place to take in everyday Italian life. Or eavesdrop on the older residents as they chat over coffee and you will find that the conversation often still revolves around politics.
In the evenings the area becomes pedestrian-only and an area full of pubs and live music venues. You’ll be sure to find something interesting happening in this lively area every night of the week.

San Lorenzo, Rome: Top 10 Things to Do and See

1. ‘Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls’ Basilica.
2. Visit a social centre for cheap drinks and live music.
3. See local musicians play in one of the pubs or music venues.
4. Porta Maggiore.
5. The ruins of the ancient walls that run along Via di Porta Labicana.
6. Porta Tiburtina.
7. The Verano Cemetery.
8. The Villa Gentili-Dominici.
9. The Church of Saint Mary the Immaculate.
10. The University of Rome – La Sapienza.

Spotlight on: Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls’ Basilica

This Basilica known locally as ‘San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura’ is one of Rome’s 7 pilgrimage churches built over the site of St. Lawrence’s grave. The original building dates back to 314 – 335 when it was founded by Constantine the Great. The church has been re-modelled numerous times including a major restoration after it was badly damaged during World War II.
In the crypt below the Church you can visit Saint Lawrence’s Tomb as well as view the relics of St Stephen and St Justin the Martyr that are enshrined here. There is a marble slab with a large stain which is rumoured to be blood left by St Lawrence after his execution.
The Church also features Byzantine Mosaics and in the cloisters you’ll find an interesting display of ancient inscriptions as well as part of a bomb that hit the Basilica in 1943.

How to Get There

San Lorenzo is a suburb located between Rome’s Termini Railway Station and La Sapienza University of Rome, east of the historic centre.

On Foot: It is a ten minute walk from Termini. FollowVia Marsala until you arrive at an archway. Turn left onto Via dei Ramni and immediately turn left again onto Via di Porta Tiburtina. Take the second left onto Via Tiburtina and you’re in San Lorenzo. You can also follow the directions to the Verano Cemetery (Cimitero del Verano) which will also lead you to Via Tiburtina.
By Bus: The 492 bus goes down Via Tiburtina and you can catch it from either Largo di Torre Argentina, Piazza Venezia or Via Nazionale in the historic centre of Rome
By Tram: Take tram number 19 from San Pietro o Villa Borghese or the number 3 tram from the Colosseum.