Pantheon - Campo Marzio

This is the political centre of the capital. Within a few metres of the massive columns of the Pantheon you can watch most of the country’s politicians go by, to the senate, the chamber of deputies, the government offices or just to the restaurants and bars that crowd the narrow streets. Whereas in other countries the parliament and government buildings shelter behind impenetrable security fencing, in Rome anyone can gaze at them from only a few metres away. Accommodation here is scarce and the family-run shops and street markets have been squeezed out by supermarkets, night-time drinking places, pizzerie and smart restaurants. The most elegant part of the area is around Piazza in Lucina, which is now a pedestrian precinct, just off the busy Via del Corso. There are probably more baroque churches here than in any other city in the world. Most of the area is now a pedestrian precinct, street parking is very limited and there are no garages.