ROMAN HOLIDAY: Via dei Coronari, one of the most characteristic streets of Rome with a fascinating history
Via dei Coronari, in the heart of Rome, embodies the historical and artistic essence of the city. This street, just 500 meters long, starts from Piazza di Tor Sanguigna, a stone's throw from Piazza Navona, and has its roots in the Middle Ages, when it was known as "Via Recta" for its rare linear layout. In the sixteenth century, it became an important hub for pilgrims heading to St. Peter's, and owes its name to the "coronari," sellers of rosaries, images and sacred relics who operated here to satisfy the devotion of the faithful.
A walk through history and architecture
Today, Via dei Coronari is one of the most evocative streets in Rome, dotted with Renaissance buildings, such as the Palazzo del Drago, famous for its elegant decorations and architectural details that make it one of the most distinctive buildings on the street. Between numbers 122 and 123, there is also the famous "Casa di Raffaello", which according to tradition was inhabited by the famous painter. With its simple and timeless elegance, this house represents a symbol of historical continuity for the city.
Along the street, the famous sacred shrines, or "Madonnelle", stand out, adorning the walls of the ancient buildings, testifying to a popular faith that has been widespread and rooted over the centuries. The most famous is the shrine of the "Madonna dell'Immagine di Ponte", built in 1523 by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger on commission from Cardinal Serra di Monserrato. This work, made of ashlar and enriched by a fresco by Perin del Vaga, depicts the Coronation of the Virgin and is surmounted by the coats of arms of the patrons, making it a unique piece in the panorama of urban religious works.
An open-air film set
In addition to its architectural heritage, Via dei Coronari offers visitors a lively atmosphere thanks to its antique shops and picturesque cafés that line the street. For this reason too, Via dei Coronari has been a place loved by Italian and international directors for decades, who have chosen it as the ideal backdrop for numerous films. Among the most famous is “Gli Innamorati” by Mauro Bolognini, set among the charming artisan shops and medieval houses of the street. This 1955 film, which tells the story of the daily life of a group of young Romans, captures the lively and authentic atmosphere of Via dei Coronari, making it come to life as a neighborhood teeming with stories and feelings.
Other iconic films include “Chi si ferma è perduto”, a 1960 comedy starring Totò and Peppino De Filippo, and “Ogni maledetto Natale” (2014), which once again celebrates the versatility of this street as a perfect backdrop for stories of all kinds. Every corner of the street retains the timeless atmosphere that makes it perfect for representing a Rome that resists and fascinates with its colors, lights and shadows.
The Legend of Fiammetta, Cesare Borgia's Lover
Among the characters linked to this street, Fiammetta Michaelis stands out, a famous courtesan and lover of Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI. Known for her beauty and intelligence, Fiammetta is a legendary figure of Renaissance Rome. The “Casa di Fiammetta” is located at number 156-157 and dates back to the beginning of the fifteenth century. Built in brick and adorned with a loggia and a portico with two arches, the house was a place of charm and mystery, frequented by the powerful and artists of the time. Its history is intertwined with that of the Italian courts and powerful figures of the Renaissance: it is said that Fiammetta was not only one of Cesare Borgia's favorites, but also an influential woman, capable of maintaining relationships with prominent political and religious figures. Her presence has left a mark on Roman popular culture, so much so that even today her house is a destination for those curious and passionate about Renaissance history.
An unforgettable Roman stay
Visitare Via dei Coronari significa immergersi in una Roma segreta, lontana dai circuiti turistici più battuti. Soggiornare nei dintorni permette di esplorare comodamente non solo questa via, ma anche i tesori vicini, come Piazza Navona e il quartiere di Ponte, ricchi di angoli nascosti e storie da scoprire. Per chi soggiorna a Roma, vivere un angolo così suggestivo offre l’occasione di sentirsi parte della storia e della bellezza senza tempo della città.
Book your stay now and get ready to live a unique Roman experience, between past and present, in one of the most fascinating streets in the world.
