In the winter, Rome can be positively dreary.
During the long gray days, you start to crave a cheery spot of color – which is exactly what you will find in La Piccola Londra.
Rome’s “Little London” is an architectural anomaly.
The short street was an experiment in city planning that was built around 1909.
Rome had ambitions to become a modern European capital and was expanding outside the Aurelian walls.
The Flaminio neighborhood was the first to be developed under the plan, and architect Quadrio Pirani tested out a very un-Roman design: a row of small, independent houses with stairs leading up to the front door and gardens in the back.
Exactly the kind of houses you might hope to find in London.
The design never moved beyond this one small street, but it remains a perfectly preserved Piccola Londra tucked away in bella Roma.
If you want to visit, Piccola Londra is located on Via Bernardo Celentano, directly off of Via Flaminia.
Just keep in mind that there may or may not be a little old lady sitting on said stoop, mean mugging you.
There is a gate to keep cars out, but it should be unlocked if you give it a light tap.
It is a tiny, and charming residential street.
Little London may not be worth going out of your way for, but it certainly warrants a peek if you happen to be in the area for the Maxxi or the stadium.
I’m headed to Rome tomorrow for a quick three night stay. Your blog has been really helpful in learning about off-the-beaten-path places to check out this time. Grazie!
Hi Sherry! I am so glad to hear that. I try to cover some of the less known beautiful parts of Rome.
I hope you have a wonderful time!
I pass by this almost everyday but the gate is always closed. Never thought to just give it a push. I am definitely giving it a shot tomorrow!
Let me know if you make it in! I did get a small stink eye look – but a very small one!
Hello Natalie! Last year I made my Erasmus in Rome and I stayed there for a whole year. Ever since I am looking forward to going back there and I have been following your blog to keep in touch with Rome… I wanted to ask you: Have you ever been to Lo Zodiaco (not the restaurant)? The huge beautiful park with the Observatory with the best, yes I’m going this far saying that, best night view of Rome! Someone special took me there 1 year ago and it is my favourite place in the world now. If you haven’t, you should definitely go there. At night time if possible 🙂 Thank you for this beautiful blog that connects me to my lovely city! I really hope you never stop posting. Take care!
What a fantastic suggestion. Thank you, Elif! I have not been so I will try to get out there for the view soon!
Whaaat! When I went to Rome I had absolutely no idea about this – I wish that I had found your blog before xx
http://www.diaryofanexaptgirl.com
An excuse to come back!
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I so rarely get over to that part, but I’ll definitely have to go make an afternoon out of it! Love this post and your photos, as usual!
We have come to love Rome and it is our favourite Italian city, even though we spend much of our time in Umbria. This La Piccolo Londra will now definitely be in our list to visit when we are finally released from lockdown captivity in Australia! Thank you! Grazie mille.
Enjoy! It is small but lovely. You can combine with a trip to the MAXXI