Sanba Rome
Street art at San Basilio
Located in the north-eastern outskirts of Rome, San Basilio is an area often associated with criminality. Here the Sanba Project, whose aim is to redesign the neighbourhood starting from the imagination of its own inhabitants, colour-washed the grey-ghetto atmosphere by inviting several street artists to undertake their own artistic projects involving the local community.
The first street artist to arrive was Liqen, who painted two murals about the (nowadays unbalanced) relationship between men and Nature: “El Renacer”, where rebirth is seen as the result of a general rake sweeping up all the scraps of the industrial economy, and “El Devenir”, in which Mother Nature has gained back its supremacy, represented by an idyllic scenario made of plants and insects.
Still in 2014, Sanba hosted Agostino Iacurci, who painted two murals representing the relationship between the neighbourhood and its inhabitants. In “The blind wall”, a man is watering the plants and thus taking care of its neighbourhood, while in “The globe” San Basilio is depicted as a globe held in great esteem by its inhabitants.
But my favourite intervention was made one year later, and it covered six different facades overlooking Giulietto Minna Park: a work by the street artist Hitnes. Hitnes’ work is highly surrealist, almost dreamlike, and depicts six different animals as if they were the guardians of the neighbourhood.
Find your way with 162 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Rome
Cartolerie Internazaionali
Stationary&Art Supply
Cartoleria Internazionali, one of Rome’s oldest stationery shops, offers notebooks, pens & art supplies — a charming stop between Campo de’ Fiori and Trastevere.
by
Sarah
O'Connell
Caffe ai Banchi Vecchi
Coffee near Campo di Fiori
At Caffe ai Banchi Vecchi, start your day with coffee, cool off with Rome’s best shakerato, and end with a spritz at sunset in a charming piazza.
by
Sarah
O'Connell
Caffe Novecento
Cafe near Piazza Novana
Caffe Novecento near Piazza Navona with its Parisian decoration, offers sweet treats, teas, and light bites. It's perfect for a calm break in historic Rome.
by
Sarah
O'Connell
Rosso Eat Drink Stay
Restaurant by Circo Massimo
Rosso Eat Drink Stay near Circo Massimo serves brunch to dinner with Italian flair, a bohamian vibe, and must-try fries. Try it with dessert or limoncello!
by
Sarah
O'Connell
ArtPeal
Local T-shirts and Accessories
Near the city center, ArtPeal sells handmade pop art–inspired pieces; funky bags, painted shoes, and playful shirts. So much better than regular souvenirs!
by
Sarah
O'Connell
Maccarone il Pastificio
Fresh made Pasta
Maccarone il Pastificio is a Roman hidden gem serving fresh house-made pasta like pesto fusilloni and ajo e ojo — simple, authentic, and unforgettable.
by
Sarah
O'Connell
Castel Sant'Angelo
Castle at heart of the city
Castel Sant’Angelo is at once a monument, museum & archaeological site. Stroll the bridge, enjoy free entry on first Sundays, or relax in its green oasis.
by
Sarah
O'Connell
La Focacceria di Rienzo
Bistro, drinks in Prati
La Focacceria di Rienzo in Prati serves fresh sandwiches, pizzas, and salads with a relaxed vibe — don’t miss the house-made focaccia and charming patio.
by
Sarah
O'Connell
Barnum
Delicious Cafe near Campo di Fiori
Walk up to the bar for the best cortado you may ever have! Come to Barnum near Campo di Fiori market for flaky and huge pastries, made fresh in-house!
by
Sarah
O'Connell
Piccolo Bar
Outdoor Cafe on a lively corner
A spritz at Piccolo Bar will be served with the perfect amount of ice and accompanied with marinated olives that complement whichever drink you pick!
by
Sarah
O'Connell
SiTenne
Dressing the past
"SiTenne" in Rome isn't just a vintage clothes shop. I wouldn't have fallen in love with it if it was. You'll always find a perfect, friendly ambience here
by
Rudy
Di Giacomo
CSOA eXSnia
Fight for a better Rome
CSOA eXSnia in Rome is in my opinion one of the most culturally vivid and beautiful places in the city, a 'self-managed occupied social center'...
by
Matteo
Mueller-Thies
Heading to Rome?
162 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 162 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Rome
Get to know our other Spotters from Rome
As featured on:
