Lounge on the expansive terrace while the icon of Rome, the Coliseum, changes with time of day, season and weather. The Coliseum views are stunning.

Perched on the Colle Oppio, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, this apartment overlooks the Roman Coliseum, as close as it is possible to live. In less than five minutes, you can walk to famous St. Peter in Chains home of Michelangelo's Moses, Santa Maria Maggiore, Nero's Golden House (Domus Aurea), the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine, the Coliseum and the charming village of Monti within in the city.

In the heart of the Monti district, you'll discover a wonderful part of Rome. It isn't as famous as other areas, yet is right in the center of the Eternal City with many of the famous sights within walking distance. It is characteristically Roman, one of the most ancient neighborhoods in the city. History echoes with views of the Coliseum, the Roman Forum just a few minutes by foot. 2000 years ago this was the subura, the working class area of ancient Rome where Julius Cesar grew up. A number of the most important churches in Rome are nearby: St. John Lateran, St. Peter in Chains, St. Mary Major. This is also the neighborhood where the secrets of nuclear physics were first discovered by theRagazzi of Via Panisperna. The "ragazzi" researched at one of the faculties of Sapienza - the University of Rome founded in 1303. Traditionally a neighborhood of craftsmen, you will find old crafts and modern arts and crafts side by side. Monti has gentrified over the last decade so there is a wealth of restaurants, beautiful shops with fine items of all kinds. Some guests find this more fun to explore than jostling with the crowds around the Spanish Steps.

The New York Times did a nice little article on Monti in 2006, follow the link to read it: In Rome, a Place for Romans. And, again in 2011 In Rome, Monti Is a Quiet Treasure.

Monti is one of the neighborhoods in which Woody Allen's To Rome with Love was filmed.

The neighborhood has become very desirable to Romans because it experiences less tourist traffic than other areas. Guests enjoy living like Romans in the heart of the Eternal City.

The building delights in its spectacular location, inviting in light and reveling in the views available in many directions. Built in the 1960s and has a cool, marble lobby and modern elevator. The residents include distinguished actors, politicians and industrialists. A doorman during business hours provides security and will gladly help you as he can with directions; he speaks some English.

The sweep of the living room is enhance by the long windows onto the terrace and the long white sofas. Cool and clean, it is filled with museum-quality art. Beautiful antique side pieces balance the modern layout and furnishings.

The glory of Magnifico is the long terrace, about 200 square feet with a direct view of the Roman Coliseum and the Arch of Constantine. So close, you are practically inside! Lined with gardener-tended plants and flowers, there is room on the terrace for dining and lounging while you watch the light change on the view of a lifetime. An awning is in two parts and can shade you from the sun or the rain.

The living room has an L-shaped sofa backed by antiqued glass. One wing of the sofa overlooks the terrace and has a Coliseum view. A glass dining table for six adjoins the living room. Next to the living room is a tiny "den" for reading and watching TV.  Fine Persian carpets are arrayed across the parquet floor.

The master suite has a moderate sized bedroom with ample closets and a French door onto the terrace bringing in light and the scents and colors of the garden on the terrace. The bed is queen-sized, mattress on strapped frame, the usual in Italy.

The master bath is distinctively and exuberantly tiled in a checkered pattern of tan and brown. A contemporary basin-style sink is joined by the usual fixtures. There is a shower over tub with the typical hand-held shower head that can be placed into a receptacle on the wall for a standing shower.

Beyond the den is the kitchen in its pretty melanzana, eggplant-colored tiles. There is a large refrigerator with freezer, gas stove top and oven, microwave and electric coffee maker.

A kitchen balcony connects the kitchen with the small bedroom. There is a modern washing machine with drying racks out there. Few Italians have clothes dryers; you put your clothes on the drying racks to dry.

Between the kitchen and the tiny second bedroom is a very small half-bath bathroom with sink, toilet and bidet.

The second bedroom is fine for one person. It is small and simply furnished. Cabinets above the bed for storage, no closet. There is a flat-screen television in this room. This bedroom gets some traffic noise from below, light sleepers take note.

Included in the rent is €2/day per person Rome tourism tax.

Five night minimum stay. 7 nights for Christmas- New Years and Easter.

Included: Utilities up to an average of 20kwh/day, additional usage is charged at the rate of €.35/kwh. Internet service €30/gigabyte, please advise in advance if you need this so it can be prepared for you. The second bathroom does not have a shower; it is a half-bath. The second bedroom does not have air conditioning.

Lounge on the expansive terrace while the icon of Rome, the Coliseum, changes with time of day, season and weather. The Coliseum views are stunning.