Borgo

Overview

The Borgo (Borgo Pio) is a massive, charming, historic medieval district permanently squeezed between the massive walls of Vatican City and the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo. It is a quiet, atmospheric village living in the massive shadow of the Pope.

Highlights

• Via Borgo Pio: The charming, delightfully pedestrianized central artery lined with historic traditional restaurants, tiny artisan bakeries, and incredibly specialized stores viciously selling high-end Catholic vestments to visiting cardinals.
• The Passetto di Borgo: The massive, towering fortified medieval wall slicing through the district, containing the secret elevated escape corridor used by Popes to flee to Castel Sant'Angelo.
• The Vibe: Despite being located next to the most touristed square on earth (St. Peter's), the narrow cobblestone side streets remain, shockingly quiet and residential.

History

The Borgo originated as a sprawling Saxon pilgrim colony clustered around the massive tomb of St. Peter in the 8th century. In 1936, Mussolini ordered the fierce, devastating demolition of the neighborhood's dense central spine (the Spina di Borgo) to notably drive the massive, authoritarian Via della Conciliazione straight to the basilica, slicing the historic village in half.

Visitor Tips

• Dining: While touristy right near the basilica walls, if you walk just two streets east into the neighborhood, you will find incredibly excellent, historic family-run Roman osterias serving local Vatican workers.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes of wandering.