Prati & Vaticano
Prati is the twelfth district of Rome (R. XII) and lies on the western bank of the Tiber. It is known for its wide boulevards, elegant buildings and Art Nouveau style that gives it a modern, Parisian charm.
It is bordered by the Della Vittoria district on the north side, the Vatican City, then close to St Peter's Basilica, the Borgo and Ponte districts on the south side, and the Flaminio, Campo Marzio and Trionfale districts to the east and west.
The district owes its name to the meadows of Castello, a place where the Romans of antiquity went for a pleasant outing. Following the Unification of Italy (1861), the whole area underwent intense urbanisation by the bourgeoisie. Thus, there are still buildings with the architectural style of that time although others were built later, after the mid-20th century.
The Prati district is an elegant and residential area, one of the most prestigious in Rome. It is located right in the centre of the capital and is therefore a perfect place to live if you need to be in the heart of Rome.
Its streets are lively with a wealth of shops and clubs, and it is in itself a quiet area but adjacent to many of the city's main attractions. These characteristics make Prati very liveable, far from the hustle and bustle of tourists, despite being so central, and well equipped with services.
We have no availability in this neighborhood
What to see and do
Prati is a beautiful district with a unique personality that deserves to be visited in its entirety.
Among the main sights are churches, museums, and elegant buildings that you can admire while strolling along its wide avenues. One of the most important buildings is the Palace of Justice, which houses the Supreme Court, known as the Palazzaccio, a nickname given to it by the Romans because of its size and function. This overlooks Piazza Cavour, characterised by an elegant and well-kept garden and a statue dedicated to the Piedmontese statesman, Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour.
The Palazzaccio together with the Civil Court of Rome, the Army and Carabinieri barracks, with the adjoining Historical Museum of the Carabinieri, have made the district the hub of lawyers and justice.
Continuing the tour along the Lungotevere, you arrive at the Church of the Sacro Cuore del Suffragio, also known as the 'Piccolo Duomo' because of its spires and statues that are somewhat reminiscent of Milan Cathedral. Here you will also find the Museo delle Anime del Purgatorio (Museum of the Souls in Purgatory), which houses a collection of various documents and mysterious relics.
A short walk from Prati is the area's major tourist attraction, Vatican City. A full tour is a must here, and we recommend doing it on weekdays and away from holiday periods, as it easily fills up with tourists from all over the world.
Not to be missed are the Vatican Museums, tickets are best taken in advance, one of the largest and most prestigious collections of art and history. Here you will find the works accumulated by the Popes over time and centuries through which you can trace the entire history of mankind. It is a very large complex that takes up to three or four hours to visit completely. Also included is the Cortile della Pigna where the Pignone, a bronze sculpture almost four metres high, stands.
Here is the Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel), a unique spectacle that cannot be found elsewhere, covered with Michelangelo's frescoes, the most famous being the Last Judgement, which always leaves everyone speechless.
Then of course there is Piazza San Pietro, where you can admire Bernini's famous colonnade, and Basilica di San Pietro, imposing from the outside and marvellous inside. Right here is La Pietà, one of Michelangelo's masterpieces.
Where to eat and drink
When the sun goes down over the Prati district, both during the week and at weekends, the lights are turned on and the district comes alive. There are several wine bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, also with live music, that fill up with people in the mood for a good time.
Restaurants in Prati are frequented by tourists and Romans alike, the reason being on the one hand the centrality of the area and its proximity to the Vatican, and on the other hand the quality of Roman cuisine. Worth trying are: Hostaria Ago e Lillo, from pizza to traditional first and second courses; Osteria Ragno d'oro, a family-run establishment with essential furnishings; Il Matriciano, a famous Roman restaurant with indoor and outdoor tables; Ai Balestrari, traditional first and second courses and pizza baked in a wood-burning oven; Casa Prati, an Italian cuisine restaurant with a varied menu.
If, in the heart of Rome, you are in the mood for international flavours, here is where you can go for it: Acqualunae, creative cuisine offering dishes from tartare to Japanese; Da Song for Chinese cuisine, Taki for sushi, Grecos, a good and very cosy Greek restaurant. Then again: Dim Sum, Asian cuisine; Halal Restaurant, an Indian restaurant; Neighbourhood Filipino Restaurant, a Filipino restaurant with typical specialities worth trying.
Besides excellent dinners, the Prati district is perfect for aperitivo in its trendy bars and an atmosphere that combines the classic and the international. Here are some solutions: Il Piccolo Diavolo, a small venue with colourful walls offering buffet aperitifs and specialising in cocktails. Enosfera, a shop selling excellent wines but where you can drink directly on the spot; Beer Time, as its name suggests, is the realm of beer but also of spirits and liqueurs; Gus Bar & Social Club, a risto-pub with a beautiful and sophisticated atmosphere; Freeda Roma, excellent drinks accompanied by boards and appetisers.
For breakfasts outside: Caffè Prati, a family-run café with a cafeteria service but also quick lunches; Caffetteria Ruberto, brioches and various pastries; Sciascia Caffè 1919, a bar but also a shop with a small shop selling sweets and drinks. We also recommend Pasticceria Parenti to taste sweets with the true flavours of Rome.
Where to go shopping
The shopping street of the Prati district is Via Cola di Rienzo, a shopping street lined with mid-range and luxury shops and brands. Here you will find, for example, Max Mara, Liu Jo, Brandy Melville, Calvin Klein, and a whole series of shops selling jewellery, shoes, gifts and furniture.
Here you will also find the Coin Excelsior, spread over three floors and inside an Art Nouveau building, offering a selection of Italian and international fashion, beauty and quality homeware brands as well as fine dining outlets.
The Prati district is very well supplied in all aspects, from services for everyday needs, such as supermarkets, grocery shops and pharmacies, to newsstands, wine shops, record shops, computer shops, electronics shops and so on.
If you are in Vatican City and have an emergency, you can count on the Vatican Pharmacy "Paul VI" located in Via della Porta Sant'Anna, founded in 1874. It is visited by many people and has strict rules regarding the products on sale. In fact, those considered contrary to Catholic morality are not to be found, while some medicines not yet on the Italian market are on sale.
Worth visiting or even for some interesting purchases is the Vatican Bookshop Benedict XVI, on Via della Tipografia. Here you can find many books on any subject related to Catholicism and Christianity in general.
Some questions?
Have more questions?
