VIA DEL CORSO

You are at the foot of a mile-long road that runs straight between Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Popolo: it is the true spine of Renaissance, Baroque, and modern Rome. It is always crowded with tourists as well as Romans thanks to the countless shops on its side streets; Via del Corso is a true parade of palaces, churches, clearings, and historic cafes. The name "corso" is not a synonym for "road", but comes from a popular horse race that took place during Carnival from the second half of the 1400s. So begin walking down the road, whose first part coincides with the first stretch of the ancient Via Flaminia, and leave the scenic Piazza Venezia behind you. After a few steps, on your left you'll come across the vast eighteenth-century façade of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj.

FUN FACT: Via del Corso's pavement was financed with the proceeds of taxes paid by prostitutes, who also financed the pavement of Piazza del Popolo.