Monteverde is a neighborhood you might not have heard much about, even though as a JCU student it is right in your backyard! A residential region of the city, Monteverde truly feels like an escape from the noise and the chaos of Rome. Monteverde begins right where Trastevere ends.
Start exploring the neighborhood by climbing up to the Gianicolo Hill, behind JCU's Gianicolo Residence. There you will be able to enjoy one of Rome's best views in front of the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola before continuing on your journey. As you continue climbing, you will notice wide, hilly streets, lined with beautiful trees that juxtapose the colorful apartment buildings. These streets feel different than Trastevere: there are fewer tourists and crowds, and the buildings are newer. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you will see regular, middle-class families, lovely gardens, and you will catch a glimpse of what "real" residential life in Rome looks like.
Monteverde is divided into two areas: Monteverde Vecchio and Monteverde Nuovo. The main attraction in Monteverde Vecchio is the gorgeous and massive Villa Pamphili park, one of the most serene spots in the city. Monteverde Nuovo, on the other hand, is a more modern part of the district. It was constructed in the 1950s and today mostly consists of 20th-century apartment buildings. This part of Monteverde may not be as picturesque as the more historic areas of Rome, but it it home to some great, modern restaurants and lounges like MoMo Republic, Me Geisha, and Mezé Bistrot - so it's definitely worth a visit!
As a university student it's easy to get caught up in the noise of everyday life. A typical day off from class might be spent with crowds of tourists visiting a local attraction, shopping on one of Rome's famous shopping streets, or just hanging out in the residence with your fellow JCU students. But why not take a day to yourself and spend a quiet afternoon wandering in an authentic residential neighborhood? Get a chance to see what your life might be like if you were to live in Rome as a local following graduation. There are quite a few residential neighborhoods to explore out there, but start simple: enjoy the tranquility, wonderful views, and peaceful breeze up on the hill just above your very own Trastevere.
Alexa Vujaklija (Shearer)
Class of 2015
Communications major
Grew up in the United States, Germany, the Republic of Georgia, Russia, and Bulgaria
