The Centocelle neighbourhood in Rome: its history, what to see, how much it costs to live there

Located in the eastern part of Rome, the Centocelle district is an area that combines a fascinating history with a vibrant and dynamic present. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and its ever-evolving cultural scene, Centocelle has become a point of reference for locals and visitors alike.

Let’s take a look at what to see and how much it costs to live in this area of Rome.

The history of the Centocelle neighbourhood

The name Centocelle comes from “Centum Cellae”, a military citadel built during the period of greatest expansion of the Roman Empire. It consisted of numerous rooms (cellae) that housed the 100 best knights of the imperial guard of Emperor Constantine I.

The neighbourhood is shaped like a large rectangle, bounded by Via Casilina, Via Labicana, Via Prenestina, Via Palmiro Togliatti (formerly Viale della Botanica) and Viale della Primavera. Via Casilina, in particular, was an important artery connecting Rome with Anzio.

In 2021, Centocelle celebrated its centenary, boasting an important history linked to the Resistance during the Second World War: the local community stood out for its extraordinary commitment, collaborating with the Italian military in the fierce defense of the local military airport.

The Nazi-Fascist troops still managed to occupy the airport, but the inhabitants of the neighbourhood actively participated in the partisan struggle, carrying out various acts of sabotage against the German troops. In the immediate post-war period, the Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco, located in via Prenestina, was established here as an educational and recreational centre, with the aim of providing education and training to the many children living in the neighbourhood.

As well as being a place of worship, the building included a vocational school where boys could learn a trade, and areas for recreational activities such as an athletics track, table football, ping pong and a cinema.

Strolling around the neighbourhood: what to see

Here’s what to see in the Centocelle area of ​​Rome:

The Acquedotto Alessandrino

The Acquedotto Alessandrino (Aqua Alexandrina), built by Alexander Severus in 226 AD, is one of the landmarks of the Centocelle district. The water flowed for about 22 kilometres, with its source located in the Monte Compatri area. The remains are very well preserved.

Church of San Felice da Cantalice

Built in 1934 and dedicated to the saint of Rieti, the church features interior decorations created by the Capuchin Friars of the convent on Via Veneto. This place of worship was also the backdrop to a scene in the film “Accattone” by Pier Paolo Pasolini.

Forte Prenestino

Forte Prenestino is a social centre that has been inhabited and self-managed since 1986. Its self-management experiments with an organisation of space and activities based on the free association of individuals, united by a shared project and ethics.

The Illegal Metropolitan Library

The Biblioteca Abusiva Metropolitana (BAM) was founded on February 14, 2013 in the heart of Centocelle as a collective space dedicated to sharing. This self-managed and self-financed centre boasts a collection of over 10,000 books, including 4,000 volumes from the Zannino Collection. Offering a wide range of knowledge far removed from market logic, the BAM also provides its users with free internet access and a study room.

The library promotes many initiatives: from book presentations to documentary and film screenings, from schoolbook exchanges to art and photography exhibitions. It also hosts book and poetry readings, music evenings and other cultural activities, creating a lively meeting place for the community.

Street Art in the neighbourhood

Walking along the streets of Centocelle, it is impossible not to notice the numerous works of street art by the most varied artists. From works inspired by nature, to a large mural dedicated to Sergio Leone, there is no shortage of other creations, decorations and stencils.

How much does it cost to buy a house in the Centocelle district?

The average price of properties for sale in the Centocelle, Tor de’ Schiavi area of ​​Rome is €2,758/m².

Average rent in Centocelle

The average price of properties for rent in the Centocelle, Tor de’ Schiavi area of ​​Rome is €14.23/m².

The data reported in the article refer to the month of February 2025 and were processed by the experts of Immobiliare.it.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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