How long does it take to walk the Ostiense art trail?

A self-guided walk through the main highlights of Ostiense typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This duration includes time to photograph the major murals and take a short break at the Gazometro or Eataly.

Is the Ostiense neighborhood safe for tourists?

Yes, Ostiense is a safe, local neighborhood. While it has a gritty, industrial look, it is a bustling residential and student area. As with any city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night when the bar scene becomes active.

Is there a fee to see the street art in Ostiense?

No, the street art in Ostiense is entirely free to view as it is located on public buildings and walls. You can enjoy the 'outdoor museum' at your own pace without any tickets or reservations.

What is the 'Iron Colosseum' in Rome?

The 'Iron Colosseum' is a nickname for the Gazometro, a massive 92-meter tall metal structure in the Ostiense district. Built in 1937, it was once Europe's largest gas holder and is now a protected icon of Rome's industrial heritage.

Can I see ancient ruins in Ostiense?

Yes, the walk starts at the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, an ancient Roman tomb from 12 BC. Additionally, the Centrale Montemartini museum houses hundreds of ancient Roman statues inside a former power plant.

What is the best time of day for a street art walk in Rome?

The best time is during the late afternoon. The lighting is ideal for photography, and you can end your walk at Eataly or a local trattoria just as the neighborhood’s famous dining scene begins to come to life.

Is the Ostiense walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route is mostly flat and follows city sidewalks. While some pavement may be uneven near the older industrial sites, it is generally accessible for strollers and those with limited mobility.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the classical marble of the city center and discover Rome’s vibrant, industrial heart. This self-guided walk through the Ostiense neighborhood reveals a side of the Eternal City often missed by traditional itineraries. Known as Rome's outdoor urban museum, Ostiense is a place where gritty 20th-century industrial architecture meets world-class contemporary muralism. Throughout this walking route, you will witness the transformation of an old working-class district into a cultural powerhouse, characterized by massive silos, iron structures, and colorful street art that stretches across entire apartment blocks. Your journey begins at the striking Pyramid of Caius Cestius, a reminder of Rome's ancient obsession with Egypt, which now serves as the gateway to the city’s modern evolution. As you move deeper into the neighborhood, the scenery shifts from ancient stone to the 'Iron Colosseum'—the Gazometro—which dominates the skyline. This area became the canvas for the 'Ostiense District' project, an initiative that invited international artists to revitalize the neighborhood’s walls. You will encounter works by world-renowned artists like Blu, whose massive mural on a former barracks features a kaleidoscope of colorful faces, and Axel Void, known for his hauntingly beautiful portraits. Beyond the art, this neighborhood stroll explores industrial archaeology. You will see how former power plants have been repurposed into stunning museums, like the Centrale Montemartini, where classical Roman statues stand in stark contrast against retired diesel engines. This juxtaposition of the ancient and the mechanical is unique to this part of the city. This walking tour Rome experience is perfect for photography enthusiasts and those looking to understand the contemporary soul of the city. The route concludes at the massive Eataly complex, a temple to Italian gastronomy housed in a repurposed air terminal, providing the perfect spot to refuel after your exploration. Discovering Ostiense independently allows you to linger at each mural and soak in the authentic, unpolished atmosphere of a Roman neighborhood that is constantly reinventing itself. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The ancient Pyramid of Caius Cestius

Massive street art murals by world-renowned artist Blu

The iconic Gazometro, Rome's 'Iron Colosseum'

Classical statues among industrial engines at Centrale Montemartini

The vibrant street art hub of Via delle Conce

A culinary finish at the massive Eataly Roma Ostiense

Tour Stops (6)

Pyramid of Caius Cestius

Your self-guided adventure starts at one of Rome's most unexpected landmarks: a 36-meter high white marble pyramid. Built around 12 BC as a tomb for a wealthy Roman magistrate, it reflects the 'Egyptomania' that swept Rome after the conquest of Egypt. While it looks out of place next to the busy Ostiense traffic, it serves as the perfect starting point for a walk that explores Rome's ability to blend different eras. Take a moment to admire the preservation of the marble before heading south into the heart of the industrial district. This structure was later incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, which you can still see running alongside it.

Via delle Conce

As you turn onto Via delle Conce, the industrial character of the neighborhood begins to take over. This street is a focal point for the Ostiense District street art project. Look for the large-scale murals that often change or get updated; street art is by nature temporary and evolving. You might see works by artists like Herbert Baglione or Sten Lex. This area was once dominated by tanneries and warehouses, but today the brick walls serve as a massive canvas. The art here often carries social or political messages, reflecting the neighborhood's working-class roots and its modern, rebellious spirit.

Porto Fluviale Ristorante Pizzeria

This stop isn't just about food; it's about the building itself. Look across the street at the former military barracks. The facade is covered in one of Rome's most famous murals by the artist Blu. It features 28 colorful, monstrous faces that incorporate the building's windows as eyes. Blu is a legendary figure in the street art world, known for his anonymity and large-scale critiques of capitalism and pollution. This specific work took days of labor and is a landmark of the district. The building itself, once an abandoned warehouse, now houses a popular restaurant, symbolizing the gentrification and creative rebirth of Ostiense.

Gazometro

Standing tall over the Tiber River is the Gazometro, often called the 'Iron Colosseum.' Built in the 1930s to store the city's gas supply, this skeletal metal structure is the ultimate symbol of industrial Rome. Though no longer in use, it has become a beloved icon of the skyline and a frequent backdrop for Italian films and fashion shoots. It represents the era when Ostiense was the engine of Rome’s modernization. The surrounding area is now a hub for nightlife and tech startups, but the looming presence of the Gazometro keeps the neighborhood’s industrial soul alive.

Centrale Montemartini

This is perhaps the most unique museum in Rome. The Centrale Montemartini was the city's first public electricity plant. When the Capitoline Museums needed more space, they moved a portion of their classical sculpture collection here. The result is a stunning visual contrast: serene white marble gods and goddesses from ancient Rome posed against a backdrop of massive, dark iron diesel engines and steam turbines. It is a perfect metaphor for the neighborhood—where the ancient past and the industrial future collide in a way that is uniquely Roman. Note that entrance to the interior requires a ticket, but the exterior architecture is worth viewing even if you don't go inside.

Eataly Roma Ostiense

Your walking route ends at Eataly, a massive food hall located inside what was once the Air Terminal for the 1990 World Cup. This building was largely abandoned for years before being transformed into this culinary destination. It’s a great example of 'urban recycling.' Inside, you can find every Italian delicacy imaginable, from fresh pasta to artisanal gelato. It’s the perfect place to conclude your stroll through the 'new' Rome, reflecting on the layers of history you’ve passed—from an ancient pyramid to industrial gas tanks, and finally to modern Italian lifestyle and design.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ostiense district is widely considered the best place for street art in Rome. This neighborhood features large-scale murals by international artists like Blu and Roa, particularly along Via Porto Fluviale and Via delle Conce, making it a premier destination for a walking tour Rome experience.