Via del Corso runs from Piazza Venetia, below the Il Vittoriano monument in the center of Rome, all the way up to Piazza del Popolo in the north of the city. It's one of the biggest streets for shopping in Rome and is frequented by tourists and locals, looking for a variety of goods. There are no sites that would be of interest to a tourist on Via del Corso, but there are so many very nearby such as the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and Forum Romanum. So if you're doing a lot of walking around the city, then you're bound to find yourself on this street at some point. It's certainly well worth a visit as it's an interesting street with a good variety of shops and a good atmosphere.
We can date the history of this road back to the time of the Roman Empire, when it was known as Via Flaminia and was known to take you towards the Adriatic. The modern name derives from 'corse' as in a course for the horseracing that was commissioned to run here by Pope Paul II. It took place from the bottom of the Capitoline Hill and all the way up to the Piazza del Popolo and just past the city wall...so it literally
was the whole street that took part.
The road is absolutely straight and wide, which is unusual for an area characterised by small streets, alleyways and little piazzas. However, it's often thought of as not wide enough, it's two lanes of traffic and paths either side are just able to fit! But when you're actually on the street it does feel pretty large...especially with all of the tall buildings and some modern large entrances to a few of it's buildings. Also I think the contrast between, say the Trevi fountain and Via del Corso, is so great that when you do end up walking down it, it will naturally seem bigger anyway. Right at the top of the road, nearing Piazza del Popolo it becomes pedestrianised.
During the 18th Century the area became popular with those seeking Rome's intellectual, political and artistic life and it quickly became the intellectual center of Rome. Nearing the mid 19th Century its reputation changed to being a street to shop on, as boutiques, book shops and the like began to spring up. This reputation has remained and since it's thrived as a place where you can buy all sorts but in particular reasonably priced items of clothing. However, if you venture away from Via del Corso you might find yourself of some of the notoriously expensive shopping streets such as Via del Condotti or Frattina. Both of these streets are charming and both host a series of extremely expensive designer boutiques such as Prada, Valentino, Hermes, Trussardi and Moschino.
You will also find some brands which are expensive here too. Some of these shops that feature on Via del Corso include Miss Sixty, Gucci, Chanel, Luisa Via Roma (selling Marc Jacobs), Guya (sells Vivienne Westwood), Swarovski and the Ferrari flag ship store. Also there are a series of pricey but lovely antique shops dotted around nearby. Hausmann's is here too, which is a two hundred year old clocks and watch makers, extremely prestigious and very well known by collectors for the quality of their products.
But there are loads of places to shop if you want some great clothes at a cheaper price (and who wouldn't!). Lots of high street shops too such as Diesel, Energie, United Colors of Benetton, Nike. The target market for most of the shops is the younger customer. You can buy other goods such as sports equipment and general home ware items. Messaggerie Musicali di Roma is a great music and dvd shop that's almost always open and has a good range of stock. Confettaria Moriondo & Gariglio is going to get those tastebuds going, it's an old confectioners which still makes chocolate and sweets from 19th Century recipes. Mmm! This is an absolute must.
When shopping anywhere in Rome, remember the store hours are slightly different. On Monday you might find a lot of shops closed in the morning and open in the late afternoon. During the rest of the week (except Sunday) the hours are roughly 9.30-13.00 then closed for a while and reopened from 15.30 to 19.30.
There are plenty of places to stop and get refreshments - you'll need it, it's a long street! On Via del Corso itself there are plenty of bars and takeaway cafes, selling paninis, sandwiches and drinks but to be honest it's aimed at the tourists, so is more expensive than necessary. Instead, you should definitely head down any of the side streets, particularly the east side, such as Via del Condotti because you can get some seriously amazing food for less money and also have the option to sit down. These streets are less crowded too, which means if you did have a takeaway lunch then you're better off eating it here too - it's just a lot nicer.
If you get fed up of shopping, or more likely the boys get tired of it, then send them in the direction of Piazza del Popolo - there's a cinema right at the end of the street that screens English/American films in the original language. Great way to stop the moaning and give you more time for shopping!
There is a little less sunlight on certain parts of the street, as the buildings are quite tall...if it's not the hottest day then take a cardi or something because it seems to be a little colder here. I doubt there's any science to that, it's just something I've found.
Overall, Via del Corso is a great street, especially for shopping as it provides both upmarket designer clothes, great high street makes and less pricey boutiques which makes it a great all-rounder. A great place to spend the day.
Pictures of Via del Corso
Via del Corso
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Sep 8th, 2008
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