Monte Testaccio Mountain
Artificial Roman mound made from broken ancient amphorae
Monte Testaccio in Rome is an artificial mound formed from broken Roman amphorae, adjacent to the Testaccio neighbourhood. Visitors study archaeology, stroll local markets and sample neighborhood trattorie.
Monte Testaccio at a Glance#
Address: Piazza Testaccio / Via di Monte Testaccio, 00153 Rome, Italy
Hours: Public space, open 24 hours
Admission: Free (public hill)
How to Get to Monte Testaccio#
Monte Testaccio sits in Rome’s Rione Testaccio, a 10-20 minute taxi or bus ride (ATAC lines H and 3) from Roma Termini; it’s an easy 15-25 minute walk from the Pyramid (Piramide) metro stop on Line B. The Piazza Testaccio/market area is the easiest place to begin.
Tips for Visiting Monte Testaccio#
- View the mound from Piazza Testaccio and then descend into the Mercato Testaccio for lunch-ancient pottery and modern markets make an odd but perfect pair.
- Visit the small Museo delle Mura nearby for context on Rome's ancient trade networks; combine the stroll with the Pyramid of Cestius and the Protestant Cemetery a 10-15 minute walk away.
- Don't expect dramatic ruins on the mound itself-Monte Testaccio is archaeological refuse. The real spectacle is the idea: millions of broken amphorae arranged into a sleeping hill.
Best Time to Visit Monte Testaccio#
Monte Testaccio is an outdoor public space best visited in mild weather; combine with a market visit and a walk along the ancient walls.
Weather & Climate near Monte Testaccio#
Monte Testaccio's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1372 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 4° | -1° | 111 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 5° | -1° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 3.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | 1° - 8° | 2° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.5h |
| June | Very Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 90 mm | some cloud | 65% | 2.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Excellent | 15° - 24° | 19° | 61 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.5 m/s | 2.0 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Excellent | 15° - 24° | 19° | 79 mm | mostly sunny | 59% | 2.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 107 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 2.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 142 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 9° | 4° | 183 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | 0° - 6° | 0° | 147 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 3.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
