The huge number of cars, the subway open only until 9 p.m., and ancient buildings squeezed between tenements. When you hear that, do you think “mhm, that’s definitely Rome”? Yep, I also didn’t think about Rome in that way. But after the weekend in this city, these are my main thought about this place.
So take advantage of my experience, and find out how to prepare for this type of trip and how to make the most of your visit to Rome’s murals.
Before the trip
When preparing for your trip, it’s important to plan your route ahead of time and create a map of the murals (or attractions) you want to see. This will make it easier to choose a place to stay. It also will help you to decide what type of public transport ticket you need.
In Rome, we decided to stay close to the Re di Roma metro station. It’s a very well-connected area. We didn’t have any problem getting from there to Tor Marancia or Tor Pignattara (murals areas). We also decided to buy a 24-hour ticket because it was easier for us. But… in Rome, you can travel by public transport with your credit card. It is also convenient.
Where is street art in Rome?
It is an easy way to find great street art in Rome. Just visit Giulia’s blog! Giulia is a very experienced street art guide around Rome. On her blog she created very detailed maps with thorough descriptions of selected areas and artists. And what’s more – she offers street art tours if you don’t have time to prepare your own. It isn’t paid promotion, this girl is just amazing!
So… I was looking for street art on her blog. I also googled the newest murals in Rome. But not only the Internet was my source of information. I have two books about street art around the world. I found these incredible photos, addresses, and even maps. So I chose the most interesting places from my point of view and add to my private map. 😊
What I found
In Rome, you can find a lot of small size street art like stickers or stencils and also huge murals. We spent a few hours in Tor Pignattara, and after that, we took the bus and went to Tor Marancia and finished with a long walk around Ostiense. Below I share with you 14 murals, which made the biggest impression on me.
Tor Pignattara
1. Etam Cru, Via Lodovico Pavoni 171
I love the works of these guys. Not only because they have a lot in common with my current town, but because I love their way to present ordinal characters. In Rome, they decided to paint homeless person because of the poverty problem.
2. Etnik, Vía Bartolomeo Perestrello 51
This artwork is amazing because of its 3D composition. Look also how blue elements on the wall compose with the blue blinds.
3. Dulk, Vía Antonio Tempesta
Watching Dulk’s work usually starts with the sentence “Awww, so cute…” and ends with embarrassment for how we let ourselves be fooled by appearances. Rome was no different. From a distance a cute red panda, up close a rather disturbing image of chicks being eaten.
4. Aakash Nihalani, Vía Alessi 259
This mural caught my attention because it is different from the standard ones. It is not a simply painting on the wall, but an attempt to interfere with the space. Wouldn’t buildings be more interesting if we built them out of blocks? 😉
5. L’Orechhio Destro by Escif, Vía Gabrio Serbelloni
When you see Escrif’s works, you have to stop by for longer to figure out what the author was thinking. That’s why I’m always happy when I come across them. This work stands out strongly from his earlier work, which is also interesting.
In this district, you can find many more interesting murals or smaller artworks. If you are curious, be sure to visit Gulia’s blog!
Let’s move on to the next area.
6. Redeemer Child by Seth, Viale Tor Marancia 75
Seth and his fabulous characters. It’s such a shame that there aren’t any of his works in my city (Lodz, Poland). There is nothing left to do despite admiring his works abroad. In Rome, he created a mural inspired by the history of the local boy who died in an accident while playing.
7. Vhils, Viale Tor Marancia/Near Ardeatino
This mural is amazing because of its structure. Not painted, but carved into the wall!
8. Our Lady of Shanghai by Mr. Klevra, Tor Marancia
Maybe this mural isn’t visually impressive, but in terms of uniqueness, it is certainly among the world’s top. Why? Well, the mural was blessed by the priest. Having roots in Czestochowa (the spiritual capital of Poland), I cannot pass by this fact indifferently.
9. I Will Be by Guido Van Helten, Tor Marancia
Last, but not least mural in this area. It caught my attention, but at first, I didn’t know why. As it turned out, the mural was based on an old photograph, so the person depicted on it and the emotions accompanying it are real.
10. Diamond & Solo, Via del Commercio 1B
This mural was created by two local artists. I really like this pop-art style and a lot of metaphorical details. You can see there even ancient time-inspired accents!
11. Roa, Via Sabotino 4, next to VIGAMUS – The Video Game Museum
Roa has created two murals in Rome. I’ve decided to show you this one because it’s about the problem of addiction, plus it fits neatly into the wall space. Note what the animal was sitting on! Interesting fact – the mural is located at a building where you can find The Video Game Museum of Rome. If you like video games, you should definitely go there! It will not be a wasted time.
12. Blu, CSOA FRONTE DEL PORTO, Via del Porto Fluviale
Let me say this – there is no Rome without BLU. Here you will find several large-format works by this Italian artist. And importantly – each of them will have something significant to tell you. I managed to see two of his works.
In the photo below you will see a painting on the former aeronautical barracks that has been occupied by 85 families from South America and North Africa. I highly recommend taking a look at Giulia’s blog, where she has put together a decent post about all of BLU’s Roman works.
13. No name, Somewhere in Pigneto
In Rome, you can find a lot of original, unexpected paintings, stickers, posters, and stencils. You won’t find everything on the Internet or guidebooks so you should trust your intuition, walk long distances and look around you. That’s how I came across this adorable plant trimming teddy bear.
14. Alice Pasquini, somewhere in Garbatella
Walking between one destination and another, we ended up in Garbatella. A neighborhood quite different from what we had seen so far in Rome. A neighborhood full of small mansions, or as we would say in Lodz – Art Nouveau palaces in the style of factory owners. But you can find art here too! There are, of course, large-format murals, but what caught my eye were these two nostalgic works by Alice Pasquini.
Bonus: Gu-Tang Clan
Finally, I tell you about one more work, which we found by chance leaving a noisy Italian restaurant after having a greasy and yummy pasta. Well, the dog from Lodz, Poland stopped by. 🙂
Is Rome worth visiting? Of course!
All in all, Rome is a place that’s full of beauty, history, and culture, and I feel that there’s always something new to discover. This is a great city, especially when you don’t waste time in tourist areas. Don’t wait and book a flight!
Thank you for reading and see you soon!
K.
Part of Streets 