Near Stazione Termini, Castro Pretorio is one of the most desirable central neighborhoods in Rome to book your hotel. But in the last two years, it has hit the news for less than pleasant incidents that impact its safety. Is Castro Pretorio safe? Is this central area a wise choice to book your hotel?
The location of the Castro Pretorio neighborhood is hard to beat, no doubt about that, but many are now wondering whether it’s wiser not to take the risk and maybe book somewhere else. Being close to Stazione Termini is handy for a number of reasons. Apart from its central and well-served location, it’s practical if you need to take the train early in the morning.
Along with Monti and the Esquilino, Castro Pretorio is an area that has always been quite popular due to its position, public transport connections, and variety of restaurants.
The Castro Pretorio neighborhood is relatively small. Nestled between important roads such as Via XX Settembre, Via delle Quattro Fontane, Via Marsala, Corso d’Italia, Viale Castro Pretorio, and Viale Pretoriano. In its heart, Piazza Repubblica showcases the wonderful 19th-century Fontana delle Naiadi.
Bordering the Esquilino and the Sallustiano neighborhoods, Castro Pretorio is served by three metro stops (Repubblica on line A, Castro Pretorio on line B, and Termini on lines A and B) and several buses. Apart from this, it’s also located next to the historic center, easy to reach with a pleasant stroll.
The same Castro Pretorio has its fair share of important landmarks including Museo Nazionale Romano set inside the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian and the wonderful Basilica degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a masterpiece by Michelangelo.
But is Castro Pretorio safe?
Castro Pretorio’s safety has occasionally been the subject of news reports, especially because of night riots among young people who hang out around Roma Termini metro and train stations.
From micro criminality episodes such as thefts and pickpockets to out-and-out attacks, people started to feel unsafe, both tourists and residents.
On several occasions, the residents have complained to the local municipality which has been taking stricter measures to improve the situation of the area, both day and night. Among these measures are an increase in the area’s public lighting, shutting down the minimarkets by 10 pm, and 30 percent more police officers patrolling the streets.
The local police have engaged in cracking down on homeless tent encampments that have grown more visible increasing the area’s insecurity, both real and perceived.
Should you book your hotel in Castro Pretorio?
All in all, even though I must admit that Castro Pretorio has gone through a rough patch, I really like the neighborhood and enjoyed my time there.
At night, it’s probably less safe than other central districts but we shouldn’t forget that it’s also where two of the most luxurious hotels in Rome are, St. Regis Roma and Palazzo Montemartini, along with other types of accommodations.
I think the streets around landmarks like the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain are safer than Castro Pretorio at night, but also this one sees a large deployment of police officers. Plus, during the day, it’s a very busy area packed with offices, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Generally speaking, daytime, Castro Pretorio is safe and a vibrant neighborhood to explore and enjoy. In the evening, I would probably take public transport if it’s not too late, while after 10 pm, I would probably prefer to reach my hotel by taxi.
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