What to do in Rome: A Small Tour of the Stairs Painted by the Famous Street Artist Diavù

One of the most renowned artists in Rome’s urban scene is David Vecchiato, better known as Diavù, a master of street art and founder of the MURo - Museum of Urban Art of Rome, the city’s first open-air urban art museum. Through his murals and works, Diavù has transformed anonymous corners of the city into true art spaces, accessible to everyone.

Who is Diavù?
Born in Rome in 1970, Diavù began his career in the 1990s, influenced by the worlds of comic books, punk music, and underground culture. After studying painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, he explored various expressive mediums, from poster art to murals, eventually becoming a key figure in Italian street art. As the founder of MURo, Diavù is also a filmmaker, comic artist, and musician, showcasing his remarkable artistic versatility. His work is characterized by a strong visual impact and a deep connection to the urban context: every mural is designed to interact with its surroundings, telling stories of people, places, and collective memories.

The “Popstairs” Project
Among Diavù’s most celebrated initiatives is “Popstairs”, launched in 2015. This project blends urban art with cinema, transforming Rome’s staircases into tributes to iconic figures of Italian and international cinema. Through vivid and detailed portraits, Diavù has given these locations new significance, linking them to the city’s cultural history. The staircases painted by Diavù are not merely decorative; they are artistic spaces for reflection where the past meets the present. Each work celebrates an iconic figure from the world of cinema, positioning urban art as a bridge between historical memory and contemporary innovation.

A Tour of Diavù’s Painted Staircases
If you wish to discover Diavù’s works, here are some of the most famous staircases that deserve a visit:
Staircase of Via Ugo Bassi (Trastevere): Located in one of Rome’s most characteristic neighborhoods, this staircase features a portrait of Elena Sofia Ricci, inspired by the film “In nome del popolo sovrano”. The piece is a tribute to Italian historical cinema and the cultural vibrancy of Trastevere.
Staircase of Mercato Trionfale (Prati): Here, Diavù created two stunning portraits of Anna Magnani, an icon of Italian neorealism. The murals depict the actress in different moments of her career, capturing her expressive intensity and deep connection to the city of Rome.
Staircase of Viale dei Parioli: In this elegant area of Rome, Diavù painted a tribute to Monica Vitti, one of the most beloved actresses in Italian cinema. The portrait celebrates her free spirit and extraordinary talent, symbols of a golden era in Italian cinema.
Staircase of Valle Aurelia (AURA Shopping Center): This work is dedicated to the great Gigi Proietti and his character “Gaetanaccio,” tied to Roman folklore. The mural perfectly integrates into an area once known as the “Valley of Hell,” transforming it into a space of memory and celebration.

The Meaning of Diavù’s Works
Diavù’s painted staircases are not just artworks; they are tools for enhancing local identity. Through his work, the artist transforms often overlooked urban spaces into areas of cultural interest. Each mural tells a story, intertwining the identity of Roman neighborhoods with collective memory. The Popstairs project, in particular, highlights the importance of cinema as an integral part of Roman culture. Diavù’s works celebrate not only film stars but also the profound connection between Rome and the cinematic world, paying tribute to the city that has served as an open-air film set for decades.

Tips for Visiting Diavù’s Works
A tour of Diavù’s painted staircases is a unique experience for lovers of street art, cinema, and urban exploration. To fully enjoy these works:
- Plan your visit in the morning or at sunset, when natural light enhances the murals’ details.
- Bring a camera or smartphone: Diavù’s works are perfect for artistic shots to share.
- Explore the surrounding neighborhoods: Each staircase is set in an urban context rich in history, tradition, and places to discover.

An Experience that Combines Art and Cinema
Diavù’s painted staircases are an extraordinary example of how urban art can enrich a city. Each mural is an invitation to pause, observe, and reflect, paying homage not only to the artist’s talent but also to the cultural vitality of Rome. If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating experience in the Eternal City, following Diavù’s trail will lead you to discover an unseen side of Rome, where the past intertwines with contemporary creativity.