Borgo Pio

Borgo Pio is one of the most characteristic and charming neighborhoods in Rome, located just a few steps from the Vatican. This picturesque village, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful houses, offers a unique atmosphere that takes visitors back in time. The neighborhood was founded in the 15th century by Pope Pius IV, from whom it takes its name, and served as a residence for the workers involved in the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. Borgo Pio is rich in history and tradition, and strolling through its streets means immersing oneself in a bygone era, where every corner tells a story. One of the most fascinating elements of the neighborhood is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a small but beautiful church built in the 16th century. The church is famous for its fresco of the Madonna delle Grazie, the work of an anonymous artist, which is the object of great popular devotion. An interesting anecdote concerns the famous “Court of the Martyrs,” a courtyard hidden among the houses of the village where, according to tradition, several Christians were executed during the persecutions.