Walking the Via Cavour in Rome, Italy
The Avenue Connects Termini Station with the Forum and Colosseum
Walking down the Via Cavour in Rome is one of many walking tours options that give visitors a real taste of the city. Beginning at the central bus and rail station, Termini on any city map, the Via Cavour takes the visitor past two important basilicas, dozens of shops and restaurants, and ends at the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Many tourist hotels are located in the vicinity of Termini, making Via Cavour a logical route for visitors beginning their exploration of Rome
The Termini Neighborhood
The central station is surrounded by wide avenues that are filled with street vendors and outdoor cafes. Visitors looking for gelato or Italian pastries will have no problem choosing from the many offerings. Termini is also the central bus hub. From here, visitors can find inexpensive transportation to any part of the city.
Visitors may wish to start their walk at Terme di Diocleziano, or the Baths of Diocletian, directly across from Termini. The ancient thermal baths date to the end of the third century and were built by the Emperor Diocletian. In 1560 Michelangelo transformed the ruins into a church. The structure also houses an archaeological museum.
Walking Via Cavour to the Forum
Visitors can turn onto Via Cavour after exploring the Termini area. Via Cavour is lined with shops, restaurants, and internet cafes. Santa Maria Maggiore looms on the left; it is one of Rome’s four principal basilicas. The church is dated to the early fifth century and has been enlarged since than. Interior mosaics date to the thirteenth century.
The basilica is only one of a handful to feature a holy door (the first door of five at the main entrance), only opened during a Jubilee Year. The chief relic, found at the main altar, is the crib of the baby Jesus. There are two gift shops, one inside the church across from the sacristy, and one near the main entrance.
Further down the Via Cavour, also on the left, is San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains). Getting to the basilica requires a short detour off the Via Cavour and visitors should follow posted directions. The church is well worth a visit because it contains the tomb of Pope Julius II, built by Michelangelo. The marble tomb is a masterpiece of sculpting, highlighting the statue of Moses.
The basilica is named St. Peter in Chains because it displays the chains of St. Peter, a unique church relic dated to the fifth century when it was found in Jerusalem. Another important church relic found here is a sarcophagus containing the relics of the seven Maccabei Brothers.
The Roman Forum and Colosseum
Via Cavour intersects the area of the Roman Forum. Visitors can turn left and continue walking toward the clearly visible Colosseum or turn right toward the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, referred to as “the wedding cake” because of its unique look. From the monument square, visitors can easily make their way toward the Pantheon or Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
Rome is a city of many interconnecting avenues that make walking tours easy and exciting. The Via Cavour is one of many. Although churches and historical sites close in the evening, shops and cafes remain open until late. Visitors to Rome with hotels off the Via Cavour will find the avenue an easy route to the city’s many sites.
Past Reminders Along Modern Avenues
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Travel
Latest Articles