Via di Ripetta Rome, from Piazza del Popolo to Ara Pacis.

The Via di Ripetta in Rome runs from the Piazza del Popolo to the river Tiber. Of the three streets that form the so-called Tridente it is the one on the right. Although following the trajectory of a 1st century BC Roman street, its present layout stems from the beginning of the 16th century.

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Via di Ripetta Rome

History and description

The present Via di Ripetta was built by order of Pope Leo X. In those days it was still called Via Leonina. The Pope is supposed to have financed its construction with money he got from a brothel tax.

The street did not get its present name until 1704, after the construction of the Ripetta harbor. This harbor was called Ripetta to distinguish it from the already existing, bigger Ripa Grande harbor in Trastevere.

Tourist attractions

Augustus Mausoleum

The Augustus Mausoleum was constructed in the 1st century AD by the emperor himself. It was meant to be a mausoleum for him and his family. The monument can only be seen from outside. In 2021 it was reopened to the public, after a long restoration.

Ara Pacis

The Ara Pacis, or Altar Of Peace, was constructed in order to celebrate the peace restored in the empire after Augustus had returned from Spain. In 1995 the American Architect Richard Meier redesigned the building housing the monument. It is now a museum and hosts several prestigious exhibitions a year.

San Rocco Church

The San Rocco Church was built in the 17th century. Its facade is the product of a later design by Giuseppe Valadier.

San Girolamo degli Illirici Church

The Church of San Girolamo degli Illirici stand right next to the San Rocco Church. It is also known as San Girolamo dei Croati or San Girolamo degli Schiavoni.

Santa Maria Portae Paradisi Church

The Santa Maria Portae Paradisi Church was originally built in the 9th century. Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane renovated this church in the 16th century.