Rome Esquilino district question

I haven't been to the area right around Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, but I stayed in the Esquilino district last year and visited several places in the district last week. In general, as a single, older traveler, I feel safer in Rome than I often do in American cities. Yes, there are pickpockets, but there are also huge numbers of people on the streets, with a large percentage of them pulling out their phones for navigation or photos. The odds of trouble are pretty low as long as your daughters use some common sense. Also, stories about pickpockets rarely include violence - frequently people don't even know that something has been stolen until the crime is over and the thief has disappeared. I know that sounds alarming but it is meant to be reassuring about your daughters' physical safety.

There are some extraordinary and particularly old churches in that general area. Santa Maria Maggiore is a favorite of mine. Entry is free but a tour ticket will allow you to go up on the portico to get close to some of the dazzling mosaics.

Have a great trip!

If you are worried about their cell phones, you could try to use a lanyard. I saw lots of people including Italians using them in Rome. They have ones that go around the neck, but also ones that attach to clothing with a cord. You can also use the cord around your wrist as well.

Thank you both so much!!