The Via Baccina is a narrow street connecting the Via Tor de Conti to the Via dei Serpenti in Rome. If you are on your way from the station to the archaeological area it is a much more pleasant street to walk through than the parallel Via Cavour, which is wide, crowded and lined with tourist traps.
Via Baccina Rome
Useful information
To see: Plaque for Ettore Petrolini (n.32), Mercato Rionale (n.36), Oratorio della Santissima Vergine Addolorata.
History and description
The Via Baccina is named after a family that used to own property in the street. It is known that the family was already present in the city in the 16th century. Since there are two tombs of members of this family in the Santa Maria d’Aracoeli Basilica, they must have been quite wealthy and influential.
In 1666, Pope Alexander had wanted to prolong the street to the junction with the Via degli Zingari. In 1878, this idea was newly proposed. However, since the buildings on the Via Baccina were built without a proper foundation, the project was abandoned.
What to see
Until 1933, there was a garden in the street. This was however replaced by the Mercato Rionale, which makes it one of the oldest neighborhood markets of the city. For many years, it was only opened now and then, but after a restoration in 1993 the situation has much improved. (Hours: 07:00 till 14:00; Tuesdays and Fridays 07:00 till 19:00; Sundays: Closed.)
The plaque on the wall of Via Baccina n. 32 honors the actor Ettore Petrolini, who used to live there.
The Madonella at the end of the street (toward the Salita del Grillo) is said to have moved its eyes in 1797.
The Oratorio della Santissima Vergine Addolorata dates back to the 16th century. Originally the building was used for the storage of grain. The neoclassical facade was added in 1826. After the unification of Italy (1870) the oratory was deconsecrated. It is property of the Municipality of Rome since 1976.