You have your flight tickets, found the loveliest hotel in the centre of Rome, and meticulously planned your itinerary to include the iconic landmarks – the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and Vatican Museums. However, Rome, a city with so much history as it has existed for more than 2,800 years, has much more to offer than these landmarks.
Think of exploring unknown territories, coming across hidden plots in city squares, finding ruins cloaked in the warm evening glow, and finding a simple but delicious restaurant that only true Romans go to. Intrigued? Here are 10 unknown destinations worth visiting during your Rome trip.
Hidden Gems to Include in Your Rome trip
1. Trastevere: A Bohemian Paradise
Trastevere is a beautiful district located on the left bank of the Tiber River, far from the noise but still in the heart of Rome. Paved roads lead through the town, where buildings are painted brightly and decorated with art. Quaint coffee shops open to piazzas, and people sit around discussing something vigorously as they sip their coffee.
Wander Through History: Visit the Basilica of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, a 5th-century church with beautiful mosaics inside. Go to the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which has another excellent structure and is a historical icon.
Embrace the Local Flavor: Trastevere is a haven for foodies. Sample the freshest ingredients at Campo de Fiori market, overflowing with local produce and artisan products. Indulge in a traditional Roman pizza at a cozy pizzeria on a side street. In the evening, enjoy an aperitif at a lively bar and watch the neighbourhood come alive.
2. Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci): A Tranquil Escape
Are you sick and tired of a regular bustling city life? Visit the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) located on Aventine Hill during your vacation to Europe. It is a beautiful, quiet place that provides an excellent view of Rome from Saint Peter Basilica to the hill called Janiculum. Take a leisurely walk under the shades of orange grooves and look at the flowers and lovely valley view.
A Hidden Paradise: Orange Garden was originally an enclosed garden built for the Dominican monks. Today, it’s public knowledge that locals and tourists can visit to escape life’s hustle and bustle.
A Photographer’s Delight: The park’s elevated location provides stunning photo opportunities. Capture the city skyline bathed in golden sunlight or snap pictures of the vibrant orange trees bursting with fruit.
3. Keats-Shelley House: A Literary Haven
Culturally inclined visitors should visit the Keats-Shelley House, a historical landmark that has influenced literary works. This charming residence, located in a hidden corner by the Spanish Steps, was once the home of two of the most beautiful stars of the Romantic movement: John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Step Back in Time:
Explore the rooms where these literary giants lived and wrote.
Peruse their personal belongings and manuscripts on display.
Immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere that inspired some of their most famous works.
Events and Exhibitions: The Keats-Shelley House hosts regular events and exhibitions, including poetry readings, talks, and workshops. Check their website for upcoming events to enhance your visit.
4. Centrale Montemartini: An Industrial Masterpiece
Are you looking for something off-limits to what most people travel on their vacations to Europe? The Centrale Montemartini, a museum in a former power station, can conveniently be found.
Industrial Chic: Most of the museum’s collections are housed in original interiors, and large machinery and exposed brickwork give it an atmospheric and somewhat ominous aura.
A Feast for the Eyes: The museum’s highlights include a rich collection of Roman sculptures, including some recovered in the Baths of Caracalla. Grand figures and detailed reliefs are gorgeously lit against the cinematic backdrop of a gritty loft.
5. La Sapienza University: A Historical Gem
La Sapienza University was established in 1303, so it is among the oldest Universities that have not been shut down and have not been interrupted in operation. A walk through its campus is a cheerful way of coming face to face with the academic capital of Rome.
Architectural Marvels: Visit the university with its patterns and sculptured fountains in the central yard. Enjoy the sightseeing and architectural landmarks of the city, such as the 16th-century Palazzo della Sapienza.
Student Life: Experience student life by visiting the university library or opting for coffee in any student café. The indescribable, colourful atmosphere of the place captures the imagination and gives one an idea of the great scholars who must have traversed the corridors.
6. Pyramid of Cestius and Non-Catholic Cemetery
A Tomb with a View: Facing cardinal directions where Testaccio now stands, there’s a pyramid unseen by many because of its overgrowth of green plants. Constructed in 30 BC to serve as a tomb for a Roman magistrate, this 36-meter structure stands like a grand pyramid amidst many Baroque constructions. There’s a narrow staircase inside, and climbing to the top gives an excellent view, especially of Rome (visitable only for a few days).
An Oasis of Peace: Beside it is the Protestant cemetery, which gives visitors a reasonably decent, calm, and quiet environment despite being in a relatively busy city. Here, shielded by cypress trees and graced with elegant cherubs, poets John Keats/Shelley and sculptor Antonio Canova rest. Walk and spend some time in an uneventful, appalling environment compared to the rest of the cities.
7. Domus Aurea: Nero’s Golden House
Unearthing an Emperor’s Extravagance: Hidden in yards of modern Oppian Hill, one can find the impressive ruins of the Roman monumental complex of Nero’s Golden House, also called Domus Aurea. Created by the notorious Roman emperor, this palatial residence featured brilliant interior design, gardens, and an anachoretic pond. Visit the labyrinth of underground rooms and corridors, splendid with beautiful frescoes and architectural reliefs and discover the opulent Roman lifestyle.
A Glimpse into the Future: The Domus Aurea is a work in progress, with ongoing excavations constantly revealing new sections. Book your tickets in advance, as visitor numbers are limited to preserve the delicate frescoes.
8. Centrale Montemartini: A Power Plant Turned Museum
Industrial Chic Meets Artistic Treasures: The Centrale Montemartini offers a unique and captivating museum experience in a former power plant. A collection of Roman sculptures initially displayed in the Baths of Diocletian stands amidst the exposed brickwork and towering industrial machinery.
A Surreal Juxtaposition: The stark contrast between the industrial setting and the classical sculptures creates a unique atmosphere. Imagine gazing at a colossal marble statue of a deity bathed in the soft glow of a hanging light bulb or observing intricate friezes set against a backdrop of exposed pipes and gauges.
9. Catacombs of Rome: An Underground Journey
A Window into Early Christian History: There is always more to discover beneath the moving city streets, much like the catacombs of Rome, which represent subterranean Christian cemeteries from the medieval ages. These winding passages in red jasper stone were burial chambers for early Christians and provided a glimpse of early Christian culture.
A Walk Through Time: Have you fancied going on a candlelight tour to a cave-like structure with burial niches of early Christians? Look at the beautiful examples of the frescoes, illustrating scenes from the Bible and graphical symbols of the faith. Although it was a sorrowful experience, one had to visit the catacombs to examine ancient Roman history and the Church.
10. Mercati di Porta Portese: A Treasure Trove for Thrifty Travelers
Beyond Designer Boutiques: For those with a little more money to spare on their Rome trip, there are lovely luxury stores, but for the real experience of Rome, head to the flea market called Porta Portese, which is open every Sunday morning. This century-old and phenomenal market offers a colourful and diverse food trip, housing everything from antiques to secondhand clothing, homemade items, fresh buys, and almost anything between and beyond.
Hone Your Bargaining Skills: Be prepared to haggle with the friendly vendors and practice your Italian phrases (even a few essential words can go a long way!). Whether you score a one-of-a-kind vintage scarf or a quirky souvenir or soak up the lively atmosphere, Porta Portese offers a truly authentic Roman experience.
Planning Your Roman Adventure
These hidden gems offer a taste of the wonders waiting to be discovered in Rome. You can unlock the city’s secrets and create an unforgettable experience with some exploration.
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