Historical city centers represent complex urban environments where the preservation of cultural heritage must coexist with contemporary demands for accessibility, liveability and sustainability. This study investigates mobility patterns and barriers within the historical center of Rome, one of the largest and most significant heritage areas in Europe. The proposed interdisciplinary methodology integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches, combining spatial data analysis, simulation-based modeling and empirical observations of traffic, public transport and pedestrian flows. The spatial analysis, obtained by overlapping traffic flow mapping with technical and heritage constraints, enables the identification of critical issues affecting different transport modes and supports the development of targeted measures for sustainable urban mobility. Results show that, while the Limited Traffic Zone (LTZ) has effectively reduced private vehicle congestion within the core, high traffic volumes persist along its perimeter, mainly due to taxis, rental cars with driver and electric vehicles. Public transport remains the most efficient mode for accessing and traversing the center, although operational performance is often constrained by narrow streets and shared spaces with pedestrians. Pedestrian mobility, particularly along major axes such as Via dei Fori Imperiali and Via del Corso, exhibits very high volumes, reflecting the overlap of tourist and local activities. The study highlights the need for integrated mobility strategies that balance heritage preservation with functional accessibility, promoting an equitable, multimodal, and sustainable transport system.