Circus Maximus

Discovering the Circus Maximus: Ancient Rome Just Around the Corner

A Walk to the Circus Maximus

Just a short walk from The Rabbit Hole, the Circus Maximus is one of ancient Rome’s most fascinating sites. This massive stadium, built as early as the 6th century BC, was the heart of Roman entertainment. It hosted chariot races, public games, and imperial celebrations, often drawing crowds of over 150,000 people. Stretching over 600 meters in length, it was the largest stadium in the ancient world.

The Circus was nestled between the Palatine Hill, where emperors built their grand palaces, and the Aventine Hill, a quieter and more residential area known today for its gardens and hidden viewpoints. While only a few ruins remain of the original structure, the sweeping green space still echoes with history and is a favorite place for Romans to walk, jog, or simply relax.

As you explore the area, there’s much more to see. Just a few steps from the eastern end of the Circus stands the famous Bocca della Verità (the Mouth of Truth), an ancient marble mask that, according to legend, will bite the hand of anyone who tells a lie. It’s located in the porch of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and makes for a fun photo stop.

Nearby you’ll also find the Temple of Vesta, a small, circular temple once dedicated to the goddess of the hearth. It stands in the Roman Forum Boarium, one of the city’s oldest markets, near the Tiber River. The area is full of ancient charm and layers of history.

And if you plan to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, walking through the Circus Maximus is almost a must. From the eastern end of the Circus, the route naturally continues toward the Palatine Hill and leads directly to the heart of Imperial Rome. It’s a scenic and historically rich path that ties together many of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

How to get there on foot:
Leave The Rabbit Hole on Via Napoleone Parboni and head toward Via degli Orti di Cesare. Continue straight along Viale Trastevere, then cross the river via Ponte Palatino. From there, you’ll be at the base of the Aventine Hill, and just a short walk further lies the Circus Maximus — wide, green, and steeped in history. The entire walk takes about 20–25 minutes and is filled with beautiful views of everyday Roman life.

Take your time, enjoy the journey, and get ready to step into the timeless atmosphere of ancient Rome.