ROMA

Speranza

ROMA is best viewed from the JANICULUM, where the FOUR central sectors can be distinguished.

FIRST, across the TEVERE lies "Classical" (or "Ancient") ROMA, to the south of PIAZZA di VENEZIA, across the ruins of the AMPHITHEATRVM FLAVIUM ("Colosseum"), the baths of CARACALLA and the former rubbish dump of MONTE TESTACCHIO.

SECOND, there is "mediaeval" Rome, between the CORSO and the TEVERE, in the former CAMPO MARZIO, a gloomy, squalid part of ROMA, only in part rebuilt.

THIRD, On the opposite side of the TEVERE has been laid the "VATICANO" with the suburbs of the TRASTEVERE, contained in the west wall of URBANO VIII, and on the north side by the former marshy valley floor of the INFERNO.

FOURTHLY, what may be termed "sistine" ROMA, east of the CORSO, was laid out formally in the "Renaissance". It was begun by SESTO V (1585-90) who constructed the VIA SISTINA and the general street plan between the PINCIO and S. Maria Maggiore.

This explains why the centre of ROMA has shifted several times in the course of her history, creating a number of focal points.