//
Photo: m/m, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The enormous building at the southeast end of the Circus Maximus is the headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). From its roof are undoubtedly the best views of Rome, but you will need to know someone who works there to get past the strict security.
The FAO Building is the international headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), located in the San Saba rione of Rome, Italy. Originally built under the Fascist government of Italy in the 1930s to be the seat of the Ministry of Italian Africa, the building was repurposed after World War II to be the headquarters of the then-new United Nations' agricultural agency, the FAO. The building is located the in one of the most scenic parts of Rome, southeast of the Aventine Hill, and overlooking the Baths of Caracalla and the Circus Maximus.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The western end of the ancient Via Appia road connecting Rome to Brindisi in the heel of Italy, and as such the third world heritage site in Rome together with the Old Center and the Vatican. As such it's an important historical location, even if the remains of the gate aren't as impressive as the city's major sites. As Via Appia heads southeast out of Rome, and after a few kilometers the route is officially named Via Appia Antica and starts looking more historical: it gets narrow as a city street, the asphalt is replaced by a rock surface and the road is lined with parks and park-like areas and walled old buildings. This section has been described as the world's longest museum.
Inaugurated in 217 AD and used until the 6th century. The baths were big enough for 1600 bathers at a time. Impressive and well-preserved. Used for operas in summer months (see Opera di Roma for details) and was the location for the famous "three tenors" concert in July 1990, at the time of the World Cup (soccer).
The contours of the ancient stadium, built in the 6th century BC, are still visible in what is now a park in the shadow of the Palatine. Circus Maximus was primarily devoted to chariot races and was used for this purpose until around 550 AD. The stadium could seat up to 150,000 people. The original structure was built of wood. It burned down twice, on the second occasion starting the great fire when the Emperor Nero was said to have fiddled while Rome burned. It was in one of the tunnels here that Caligula met his end. Excavations began in 2009 at the east end of the circus and are likely to go on for some years.
Case Romane del Celio
Early Roman houses dating back to the 1st century, believed to be homes of early Christians. Well-preserved frescoes and a small museum.
A relaxing place to sit and recover from the exertions of sightseeing. Permanent collection plus annual competition.
In the 8th and 9th century, San Saba was one of the most prestigious monasteries of Rome. The church has been built up over many centuries and contains a variety of architectural styles. Worth a look are the floor mosaics and some interesting frescoes on the left side of the church.