My April, 2015 edition of Smithsonian magazine just arrived and contains an article "La Dolce Via" naming the Via Margutta in Rome as "the world's best little street". Between the Piazza del Populo and the Spanish Steps, associations include Fellini, Truman Capote, and Roman Holiday, among others. Other European streets mentioned in the article ("Small Streets That Live Large") include Grand Rue in Colmar, Placa Street in Dubrovnik, and Gasthuismolensteeg in Amsterdam. The cover story is devoted to Chauvet cave near the Ardeche Gorge in France. This is always a fascinating and informative magazine for those who may not be familiar with it. Happy and safe travels.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I considered Toledo my favorite in Spain for medieval "twisty" streets - not so much one specific street.
I'm sure I've been on Via Margutta but can't recall that as the best street in the world. Is it only because of associations with celebrities and Hollywood? Or are there more sights along the street than any others?
Posted by
OP
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
Hi Brad. Frankly, I think it is the best little street in the world because the author of the article has decided it is. He seems to be a film buff, which might have fired his enthusiasm, but notes "Debussy, Liszt, Puccini and Wagner are all said to have lived on the Via Margutta". It has a tradition of attracting painters since the mid-1800's and an annual painter's festival. I only posted because I thought it might be fun and interesting to readers. From the pictures that accompany the article it looks like many charming little streets we have wandered, too. Perhaps when we write for national syndications we can choose our own. Happy travels!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The artist connection comes from via Margutta's proximity to the Spanish Steps, where from at least the Baroque period, artists' models used to pose on the steps waiting to be hired. That's the story and I'm sticking to it.