Half an hour on Bus #50 which leaves from the main terminal for trains, coaches and buses, Stefano's place is ideal for those who want to visit the chaos that is Rome by day, but then escape to a quiet neighbourhood far from the madding crowd in the evening. It is also an ideal place for those who would like to learn just what can be done with a small apartment. The use of space at Stefano's is incredible. The beds, which you access via ladders (lively pensioners only) were ideal for us. They were hard, without being uncomfortable, which was perfect for my back, which was under considerable strain walking miles around Rome and its magnificent sites.
Sadly, we never met our host, but from his eclectic book collection, I think we would have got on well. However, he was super attentive via WhatsApp and there was no problem getting the keys. The couple who welcomed us on his behalf were very helpful, drawing maps to the different bus stops we could go to in order to get to different sections of the city. Even accompanying us to the main bus stop (bus #79 for the monumental section of the city and 50 or 105 to Termini (the transport hub) were the main ones we used. The stop is literally two minutes walk from the apartment.
Just around the corner from the flat, in the morning, there is a lively market in the main pedestrian street and in the evening a great choice of bar/restaurants with prices half that of central Rome.
We were lucky enough to be there when the street in which the flat is located had a street party and the friendly neighbours welcomed us to eat with them and enjoy the entertainment laid on (jugglers, clowns, folk music, etc). It was a real taste of authentic Italy that you wouldn't have got in the centre of the city. Altogether, a great experience. The only negative thing I would add is that if your map shows line C of the metro going from Pigneto to the Colisseum don't believe it. We were told that that section of the line should have been open, some time back, but it is still under construction. When that is open it will considerably improve communication between the apartment and the main city. But then there are some great things to see from the buses, that you would miss on the metro.
Altogether, an unforgettable five days in the Eternal City and the "real" district of Pigneto.😀