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The Vatican district is on the
west bank of the Tiber, directly across from Rome’s historical
center. This
district is just in front of Vatican city. Since the 9th century,
it has been a warren of small streets and alleys in a walled
area that protected the inns and hospices for pilgrims who
stayed in the shadow of St. Peter’s. In modern times, however,
this is a
residential and popular area with many small restaurants.
Vatican City and Castel Sant’Angelo
got its
name - according to legend - from pope Gregory the Great. In
fact, it was built as a tomb for the emperor Hadrian in AD 135.
By the 6th Century it had been transformed into a fortress, and
it remained a refuge for the popes for almost 1,000 years.
It is just a few minutes walking distance from Piazza Navona, Piazza Farnese and Campo
de' Fiori, and about 15 minutes from the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps.
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