Pigneto and Torpignattara: Porta Maggiore to the Mausoleum of Helena: a walk in Rome

East out of the Aurelian Walls at Porta Maggiore, along the zigzag of Via del Pigneto with its market and pedestrian strip, past the bar that has served the district since 1924, in the area where Pasolini filmed Accattone. It then heads south to the Casilina and Constantine's mausoleum for his mother Helena in Torpignattara.

Best time: Late afternoon into aperitivo time, when Via del Pigneto fills up; or a weekday morning for the market

The route, stop by stop

1
Porta Maggiore and the Tomb of Eurysaces
The tomb of the freed slave and baker Marcus Vergilius Eurysaces, late Republic, with a frieze showing bread-making, sits just outside the gate. It was hidden inside a tower of the Aurelian Wall until 1838. 10 min.
2
Mercato del Pigneto
Neighbourhood market at the west end of Via del Pigneto, the street that zigzags from near Porta Maggiore into the district. 10 min.
3
Pigneto station (Metro C)
Metro C stop on Via del Pigneto, handy for getting here or leaving. 2 min.
4
Via del Pigneto pedestrian zone
The pedestrian stretch of Via del Pigneto (an isola pedonale since 2015), lined with bars and small restaurants. The district was the set for Pasolini's Accattone (1961) and many other Roman films. 20 min.
5
Necci dal 1924
Via Fanfulla da Lodi 68: the district's historic bar, in business since 1924 as its name says. A Roman hypogeum was uncovered beneath it. Stop for a coffee or an aperitivo. 20 min.
Founded in 1924 as a bar and dairy, the Pigneto hangout of Pier Paolo Pasolini, who shot scenes of "Accattone" here. Today an all-day bistro with a garden; a 1st-century BC…
6
Mausoleum of Helena (Tor Pignattara)
Via Casilina, at the 3rd mile of the ancient Via Labicana. Constantine built it in 326-330 as his own tomb; it was then given to his mother Helena, who died in 330. The catacombs of Saints Marcellinus and Peter lie next to it. Walk out along Via del Pigneto and past Piazza della Marranella, the district's southern corner on the Casilina. 20 min.

Walking directions

Pigneto and Torpignattara: Porta Maggiore to the Mausoleum of Helena

The route, stop by stop

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