Via del Babuino (Baboon Street), Rome

Via del Babuino, the charming street that connects Piazza di Spagna to Piazza del Popolo, seamlessly blends history with modernity. Renowned for its antique and art shops, as well as its inviting bars like the iconic Canova Tadolini café, which was once frequented by esteemed figures like Fellini and Guttuso.

In recent times, Via del Babuino has undergone a restoration as part of the Trident project, preserving its cobblestone elegance and transforming it into a pedestrian-friendly area. With the elimination of parking lots and the widening of sidewalks, the street has become a delightful haven for leisurely window shopping. Here, alongside the antiquities shops, you'll discover luxury brands such as Armani Jeans, Tiffany, Tory Burch, Gente, Maison Margiela, and Valentino, mingling with haute couture boutiques like Sandro, Maje, Brioni, and Compagnia Italiana.

Throughout its history, Via del Babuino has undergone several name changes. The current name, Via del Babuino, is derived from the statue of Silenus, an ancient deity associated with springs and fountains, which is situated in the middle of the street. Cardinal Dezza would bow before the statue every time he passed by, bringing it significant fame. Silenus, portrayed as a disheveled and drunken follower of the wine god Dionysus, is depicted with an ugly and deformed appearance, characterized by a bald head, plump figure, thick lips, and a squat nose resembling a monkey. This led to the street being nicknamed "Babuino," derived from the Romanesco dialect word for "baboon."