Though one of the smaller neighborhoods in
Rome, Castro Pretorio remains a fascinating district worth discovering again and again. It's largely underrated as it's far from the top tourist spots in the city. It's easy to get distracted by Centro Storico's iconic landmarks or Prati's elegant affluence, but Castro Pretorio? Apart from Piazza della Repubblica and Teatro dell'Opera, there aren't any famous sights here. But then again, that's what makes the area magical. It's far from a residential suburb but it's still a lot more peaceful compared to its neighboring districts. It also boasts many underrated spots you simply have to check out yourself!
Where is Castro Pretorio in Rome?
Just how central is Castro Pretorio in Rome? It's right beside Centro Storico, the city center. Located in Municipio I and within the 18th rione, Castro Pretorio is truly one of
Rome's central neighborhoods. Not only is it at the heart of the city but it's also surrounded by the city's popular areas. Hence, it's baffling how Castro Pretorio isn't as famous as the likes of Tratavera, Prati, Parioli, and more. Still, residents who know Rome, understand that Castro Pretorio is one of the most coveted addresses in the Italian capital.
Is it Safe in Castro Pretorio, Rome?
Castro Pretorio is a largely safe neighborhood in central Rome. Firstly,
Rome's crime rates are already mid-range, making it one of the safest capital cities in the world. Generally speaking, practically all of central Rome is safe. As for Castro Pretorio itself, this fairly underrated area is rarely as crowded as Centro Storico but not as quiet as the city outskirts. It's lively enough to have tight security but not so busy that it's crime-ridden. Castro Pretorio still gets some petty crimes, but they're not so rampant that they're a major cause for concern.
What's The Vibe in Castro Pretorio, Rome?
Castro Pretorio is Rome at its finest. If you want to
move to Rome and live in the “Eternal City” you've seen in movies, this is one of the best places to start. Since the area is right beside Centro Storico, the latter's famous landmarks are only a hop and a skip away. The neighborhood itself has the electric energy that the Italian capital is known for. With a few historic buildings and well-known tourist spots of its own, Castro Pretorio maintains a nice balance between a local city district and the beloved tourist destination that Rome is known for.
Is it Expensive in Castro Pretorio, Rome?
It's safe to say that Castro Pretorio is a pricey part of town. Is it the most expensive neighborhood in Rome? No! That title goes to Prati, the city's most affluent area. Still, as a central district, Castro Pretorio is not too far off. Since it's a place where tourists still drop by, it makes sense that many establishments here will cost you a lot of money, ranging from popular restaurants to luxury hotels. Eating out in Castro Pretorio will already cost you about €20.00 to €30.00 per meal at a mid-range restaurant, for example. And if you want to go shopping, the district offers both high-end department stores and local shops.
What to See in Castro Pretorio, Rome
As already mentioned, Castro Pretorio is right beside Centro Storico, Rome's treasure trove of iconic landmarks. No less than the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia are all located here. As such, you can easily get to them from Castro Pretorio. But if you want to stay within the district, you can also discover some of the more
underrated sights of Rome. There's Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, for example, which is a unique spot that combines an Art Deco exterior with a grand Baroque interior. Piazza della Repubblica, on the other hand, is the kind of grand circular plaza that Rome is known for.
What to Do in Castro Pretorio, Rome
If you could spend a free
day in Rome, what would you do? If your answer is to play tourist and go sightseeing, then Castro Pretorio is a great place to start. Not only is it near Centro Storico's beloved landmarks, but it has many fascinating sights on offer too. Places like Enfi Teatro Srl, Cinema Quattro Fontane - Circuito Cinema, and of course, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, never fail to keep you entertained too. And of course, you can't forget about Castro Pretorio's culinary scene. The area has enough notable hotspots to rival Centro Storico, Parioli, Trastevere, Prati, and more.
The Best Restaurants in Castro Pretorio, Rome
Speaking of Castro Pretorio's culinary scene, the neighborhood is truly one of the best places to let out your inner foodie. It helps that it's such a diverse range of hotspots, including both fairly affordable traditional trattorias to even some of
Rome's best Michelin-starred restaurants. No matter your budget, you'll find a place to eat here, especially if you don't mind indulging in authentic Italian cuisine again and again. Some of the best of the best here include Trattoria Cecio on Via Principe Amedeo, Culinaria on Via Gaeta, and Ristorante Pizzeria Mino on Via Milazzo, among many others. Here are more of Castro Pretorio's best restaurants.
- Tosca - Trattoria Pinseria on Via del Viminale
- Trattoria Cecio on Via Principe Amedeo
- Rosemary terra e sapori on Via Modena
- Ristorante Pizzeria Mino on Via Milazzo
- Rifugio Romano on Via Volturno
- Nerone in Hotel Flower Garden on Via del Viminale
- La Famiglia on Via Gaeta
- Culinaria on Via Gaeta
- Bacco al Pretorio on Via Castelfidardo
- Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Hotel Artemide on Via Nazionale
What to Know About Castro Pretorio, Rome Apartments
While there's no doubt that Castro Pretorio is a pricey neighborhood, renting here is a different story. The average rent in the area is only about €900.00 to €1,400.00 per month, comparatively lower compared to Rome's other central neighborhoods nearby. Living in Castro Pretorio is not cheap, but thanks to the district's diverse real estate range, it's easy to get a place that's more affordable than in other famous districts. Even more so since Castro Pretorio has many types of properties, including cozy studio flats, multi-bedroom apartments, and massive
luxury homes to rent in Rome.
Castro Pretorio in Rome is one of the more underrated neighborhoods in the city. Because of its location, it tends to get overlooked by the more popular areas. However, it's still a fabulous place with many fascinating sights, great eats, cool shopping, and more.
