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Pigneto District in Rome: A Local’s Guide to the Trendiest Neighborhood

Filled with exciting adventures and located between Porta Maggiore and via Prenestina, the Pigneto district in Rome is one of the most popular locations amongst locals, but surprisingly not as popular amongst tourists. This may be because there’s very little information out there for tourists to actually understand and be interested in the many beauties that this district holds but we’re here to change that!

Here’s a guide on what to do in Pigneto, one of the best neighborhoods in Rome!

 

History of Pigneto

Up until the Unification of Italy in 1861, the Pigneto neighborhood was pretty much only filled with private villas and farms. This area was usually referred to as “the area outside Porta Maggiore” as it started from the meeting point between various Roman Aqueducts coming from the east side of the capital. Throughout the years, this district became the construction site for many buildings, even though most of them were unauthorized. Slowly, the district became home to many industrial workers.

The Pigneto Neighborhood was always considered a left-wing district with a very open mentality and its citizens in fact were actively part of the anti-fascist movement in Rome. Because of this, during World War II, the Pigneto Neighborhood was unfortunately heavily bombed.

Nowadays it’s a vibrant district filled with graffiti, some of which are dedicated to the infamous poet Pier Paolo Pasolini, who heartedly highlighted the social issues surrounding this neighborhood and partly gave it the narrative it has today.

Because of its open mindset, Pigneto is also considered to be a great gathering area for Rome’s LGBTQ+ community and students of La Sapienza University.

 

What to Do in Pigneto

As mentioned before, the Pigneto district is one of the most popular areas for locals and it’s filled with things to do, restaurants and bars and all kinds of shops. If you wish to experience Rome at its fullest, here’s a list of activities you can do in this active neighborhood!

 

Where to Eat in Pigneto

Pigneto is a great area for you to get something to eat. This district is filled with locals’ most beloved restaurants where you can eat some of the best dishes from Rome’s food culture but also try something different, given the variety of cultures that this neighborhood has. Here are a few restaurants you should try if you’re in Pigneto:

  • QUI SE MAGNA: This traditional trattoria is one of the best places where you can get some Italian food in Pigneto. We suggest you try your favorite Roman pasta (Carbonara, Amatriciana, Gricia, or Cacio e Pepe) or some Carciofi alla Romana;
  • BOSCO: This restaurant is particularly popular for its truffle and mushroom dishes that we suggest you try;
  • VITAMINAS 24: A great option for vegetarians who can’t easily find traditional dishes to eat in Rome. This restaurant offers some of the most colorful salads and tasty veggie burgers;

If you’re not feeling like having a full lunch or dinner, Pigneto is also perfect for an aperitivo with friends. With its many bars, you will easily find cheap and delicious options!

 

Shop for Music or Watch a Live Show

If you’re a fan of music you will love the Pigneto district. This neighborhood is in fact filled with vintage record stores where you will be able to find great vinyls from all kinds of genres. Its passion for music doesn’t end here though. Pigneto is packed with bars and pubs where you will be able to go watch a live show of some indie artists, here’s a list of some you should check out:

  • PIERROT LE FOU;
  • GIOVE LIVE MUSIC PIGNETO;
  • ELLINGTON CLUB;

 

Conclusion

The Pigneto District is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Rome. The atmosphere you will feel in this vibrant neighborhood will quickly make you feel alive and like a local too! If you want to get to know more about the city of Rome, make sure to check out our other blogs!