Rome- Travel guide to Prati Quarter

My Prati:

Prati can be described as elegant and refined. So too are the women who wander the suburb’s streets, usually with an equally manicured pooch in tow. When Romans want to go shopping many avoid the narrow, crowded Via del Corso and instead stroll the wider footpaths of Via Cola di Rienzo or Via Ottaviano. Here you’ll find designer label stores next to boutiques selling leather hand bags and stylish shoes, with numerous small gastronomic stores in between.
If you’re on a budget you’ll be sure to find something trendy at one of the many market stalls that seem to pop up on street corners throughout Prati. When you’re done with shopping, stop for a gelato at the bar on Via Cola Di Rienzo – it’s my favourite in Rome.

Prati Attractions: 10 Things to See and Do

1. The Vatican City
2. Castel Sant’Angelo
3. Via Cola di Rienzo (shopping)
4. Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini
5. Piazza dei Quiriti Fountain
6. Palace of Justice
7. Foro Italico Sports Complex
8. Olympic Stadium
9. Piazza Cavour
10. RAI the headquarters of Italy’s national broadcaster

Prati's typical food

The Rosetta Bread Roll
Rosetta is a round bread roll, about the size of your hand, with five little round knobs on the top in the shape of a flower – hence the name, which means rosette. The inside of the roll is hollow, which makes it perfect for filling. Romans often fill theirs with porchetta (roast pork on the spit). Unfortunately the rosetta goes hard after a day so it’s best to buy and eat straight away.

Pecorino Romano
Pecorino is a sharp tasting cheese made with sheep’s milk. A matured cheese, it ranges from white to pale yellow in colour and has a hard, crumbly texture. Its sharpness means it’s great grated over pasta dishes.

Ricotta
Roman ricotta is much sort after because of its dense and dry quality. Traditionally it was made only using the whey from sheep’s milk, but today it is also made from cow’s milk whey, which gives it a lighter taste. It’s delicate taste is perfect for sweet or savoury dishes, spread on bread or just on its own.

Prati's typical products

Since Prati surrounds The Vatican City there’s no shortage of stores in the suburb selling religious icons, such as crosses, candles or rosary beads. The area also has numerous cheap souvenir stores and is renowned for its cheap tourist t-shirt stalls.

Spotlight on: A Castle for Angels

To be honest I lived in Rome for many years before I actually went inside Castel Sant’Angelo, but as soon as I did I regretted not having visited earlier. The Castle is hardly a new addition to Rome – it was built around 123 BC by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. But in 271 Emperor Aurelian turned the tomb into a fortress. While the Castle doesn’t look that tall it actually has five floors which are worth taking the time to explore, and of course the terrace has a fine panorama of the city. It also is directly linked to the Vatican with a series of tunnels and passages, ensuring the Pope's safe passage at times of revolt .

How to get there

Prati is a neighbourhood in the centre of Rome, next to the Tiber River and surrounding the Vatican City. Once in Rome it can be reached by car or public transport.

By Plane: Prati can be reached from either Leonardo Da Vinci Airport - Fiumicino or Ciampino Airport.
By Car: Once in Rome and on the A90 take the exit onto the SS1, Via Aurelia and follow the road past The Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo.
Bus: Express Bus 40 from Termini Railway Station or 30 from Piazza Venezia.
Metro: Take the Metro line A to Ottaviano and you’ll be in the heart of Prati.
On Foot: From the centre of Rome turn off Corso Vittorio Emanuele II onto Via del Banco di Santo Spirito and you’ll have the bridge across the Tiber River to Castel Sant’Angelo in front of you. Alternatively take any street leading to the Tiber River, follow the River around and cross one of the bridges.