A neighbourhood guide to Monti in Rome

Bordering the Colosseum’s north-eastern wall, Monti is also known for Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and the Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the Italian President. Its charming cobbled alleyways retain an inviting village-like vibe. Losing yourself among its tangle of back streets is a delight – discover pavement cafés, little-known galleries and the vibrant street food scene it’s best-known for.

If your style leans towards one-off designs, you’re in the right place: Monti is lined with independent boutiques. Blouses, dresses and jumpers are artfully arranged by colour around LOL’s velvet chairs and birdcages, and can be beautifully accessorised with the chunky silver jewellery made by brothers Giorgio and Valerio Gigietti in Mind Jewels. For creative homeware, stop by Rigodritto to linger over displays of stainless-steel pan lampshades, desks with wheels for legs and coat hangers made from branches.

LOL, Via Urbana 89, 00184 Rome
Mind Jewels, Via del Boschetto 108a , 00184 Rome
Rigodritto, Via Urbana 118, 00184 Rome

Draw inspiration from this creative neighbourhood with thought-provoking art in contemplative galleries. PostmastersROMA is home to digital works, installations and collages by contemporary artists who are inspired by modern-day issues. Prefer fine art? While away an afternoon in the 19th century Palazzo delle Esposizioni, whose three floors house temporary exhibitions, a 136-seat cinema and an auditorium, plus workshop spaces, a bookshop, restaurant and café.

PostmastersROMA, Via Crescimbeni 11, 00184 Rome
Palazzo delle Esposizioni, Via Nazionale 194, 00184 Rome

Named after an Italian sandwich, Zia Rosetta’s atmosphere is as light as its namesake. Whether you choose a mini version or the full-size variety, the café’s rolls are filled to bursting with meatballs, parmigiana or ricotta and wild cherry jam. If that doesn’t satiate your sweet tooth, the gelato at Fatamorgana will. Founder Maria Agnese Spagnuolo draws inspiration from around the world to experiment with unusual ingredients such as salted capers, hibiscus and chestnut honey.

Zia Rosetta, 54 Via Urbana, 00184 Rome
Fatamorgana, 5 Piazza degli Zingari, 00184 Rome

This neighbourhood’s most surprising discoveries are tucked away off the main thoroughfares. To find them, you need a keen eye. Maxima Gallery showcases contemporary art by Italian artists, just around the corner from the Rome Opera House – but is easily missed as it’s at penthouse rather than ground level. Meanwhile, Galleria Sacripante’s secret cocktail bar hosts occasional DJs, whilst its eclectic décor and meticulously crafted cocktails may tempt you to stay a little longer.

Maxima Gallery, Via Agostino Depretis 86, 00184 Rome
Galleria Sacripante, Via Panisperna 59 , 00184 Rome