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Scalinata dei Borgia: A Roman Stairway with a Storied Past

Explore the Scalinata dei Borgia in Rome, a historic stairway with dark legends and a picturesque route to Michelangelo's Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli.

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The Scalinata dei Borgia, also known as Vicus Sceleratus ('Wicked Street'), is an ancient staircase in Rome steeped in history and legend. Located near the Colosseum, it offers a picturesque, if somewhat hidden, glimpse into the city's past.

A brief summary to Scalinata dei Borgia o Vicus scelleratus

  • Via Cavour, 256, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, 00184, IT
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven stone steps.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting for photos.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli to see Michelangelo's Moses.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Colosseum, head northwest on Piazza del Colosseo, turn left onto Via dei Fori Imperiali, and continue straight. Turn right onto Via Cavour and continue for about 500 meters. The steps will be on your right, marked by an inscription or signage.

  • Public Transport

    Take Metro Line B (Blue Line) to the Cavour station. Exit the station and head west on Via Cavour. The Scalinata dei Borgia will be on your left at Via Cavour, 256. A single metro fare is approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app like Uber or Free Now. Input 'Scalinata dei Borgia o Vicus scelleratus' or the address 'Via Cavour, 256, 00184 Roma RM' as your destination. Taxi fares from Termini Station to the city center typically range from €8 to €15.

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Discover more about Scalinata dei Borgia o Vicus scelleratus

The Scalinata dei Borgia, also known as the Vicus Sceleratus, is more than just a set of steps; it's a journey through Roman history and legend. Located in the Esquilino neighborhood, this staircase connects Via Cavour to the Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli. Its name, Scalinata dei Borgia, comes from the belief that the buildings surrounding the steps were once owned by the infamous Borgia family. Popular tradition suggests that the balcony overlooking the archway belonged to Vannozza Cattanei, the mistress of Pope Alexander VI Borgia and mother to his children, including Lucrezia Borgia. The alternate name, Vicus Sceleratus, meaning 'Wicked Street,' comes from a dark legend. It is said that this was the site where Tullia Minor, daughter of King Servius Tullius, drove her chariot over her father's dead body in 535 BC. This act forever marked the street as a place of treachery and murder. Today, the Scalinata dei Borgia offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Covered in ivy, the staircase provides a scenic route to the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli, home to Michelangelo's Moses. Exploring the Scalinata dei Borgia provides a unique glimpse into Rome's rich, and sometimes dark, past.

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