In the days of the Roman Empire Gaius Octavius, Caesar’s adopted son, divided Rome into 14 subdivisions called Rione (Latin for region) which are synonymous with modern-day neighbourhoods. This guide will walk you around the boundaries of one such district.

Walking around a city is always an exercise in getting used to a place and spotting small features that you may not normally notice if you have your head stuck in a guide-book. While I certainly want to make sure that I visit the main sights, I also want to make sure that I feel comfortable in any place I visit and so I try to find the time to just aimlessly wander around.

Rione II is perfect for a good brisk walk around Rome. The boundary of this old Imperial neighbourhood show the main thoroughfares of the Eternal City and a few quick detours will allow you to see some fabulously iconic sights too.

Let’s start on the Capitoline Hill in Piazza di Venezia (‘Venice Square’) right in front of the Altare della Patria (‘The Homeland Altar’), a patriotic monument to the fallen soldier and a symbol of Italian unity built at a time when a single Italian nation was still considered unusual.

Tip: The view of Rome from the rooftop is unsurpassed.

Head up the Via del Corso and try not to get too distracted by the many shops along this main thoroughfare. If you do get distracted, try not to be so focused that you miss the little architectural details along the way that make Rome such a beautiful place to visit.

Turn right into Via delle Muratte and if you want to follow the exact boundary of Rione II, take the first left into Via di Santa Maria in Via. However, I would recommend heading straight along Muratte for another two blocks to catch a glimpse of the fabulous Fontana di Trevi, immortalised in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. (Hopefully you will see more of it than I did here!)

Get back on track by exiting the square from its northern corner and turn right into Via Del Tritone. This will take us to Piazza Barberini, famous for the fountain of Bernini that Da Vinci Code lovers will be thrilled to see.

Technically, we should head up Via di San Basilio and then turn left but I recommend taking Via Barberini which curves into Piazza di San Bernardo (‘St Bernard’s Square’) and then follow Via Venti Settembre (‘Twentieth September Street’) along the spine of the Quirinal Hill. You will reach the Incrocio delle Quatro Fontane (‘The Four Fountains Junction’) which has a fountain on each of the four corners. Sadly, these were being restored when I passed by last and so I couldn’t enjoy them to the full.

Ah well.

Head straight on through Via del Quirinal, home of the Quirinal Palace which is the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. After the palace, the road becomes Via XXIV Maggio (‘Twenty-Fourth May Street’) and ends in the Largo Magnanapoli.

The Quirinal Palace was the location of a stand-off between the Pope and the newly-formed Italian government.

We’re not far from the Colosseum here, so be careful not to step in front of an anxious Roman driver as you ogle the Roman remains around you.

Rather than follow the traffic, Nip through the pedestrianised Via Magnanapoli to end up back on Piazza Venezia.

The route involves several inclines and if you take your time about it, this is a good 2 hour walk – not including stops for coffee, gelato and a quick peek into the main churches that litter your route.