Ciao, fellow travelers!
Yes, Rome is known for its iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican, but the eternal city has so much more to offer. Let’s venture off the well-trodden path and explore some of Rome’s best-kept secrets!
Venture into The Aventine Keyhole
Looking for a unique view of Rome? Head to the Aventine Hill and peek through the keyhole of the unassuming gate of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. You’ll be rewarded with a perfectly aligned view of St. Peter’s Basilica, framed by a leafy avenue. It’s a little magic in the heart of Rome.
Savor the Tranquility at Quartiere Coppedè
Quartiere Coppedè, a small, lesser-known neighborhood, is an architectural treasure. Designed by architect Gino Coppedè, it’s an amalgamation of ancient Greek, Roman Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles, giving it a fairy-tale vibe. Walk through the elaborate archway and enter a world away from Rome’s bustling city center.
Discover Rome’s Lesser-known Museums
Rome’s museums are as diverse as they are numerous. Skip the crowded Vatican Museums and visit the Museum of the Souls of Purgatory, Centrale Montemartini Museum, or the Crime Museum instead. They offer fascinating and often overlooked insights into different aspects of Roman culture and history.
Explore The Quartiere Garbatella
For a taste of local Roman life, head to the Quartiere Garbatella. This charming neighborhood, built in the 1920s, is known for its garden-city architecture and lively piazzas. It’s also a hotspot for some of Rome’s best food, with family-run trattorias offering delectable Roman dishes.
The Protestant Cemetery
Also known as the Non-Catholic Cemetery, this peaceful oasis is the final resting place of famous non-Catholic foreigners, including poets John Keats and Percy Shelley. It’s a lovely, tranquil spot to rest and enjoy the unique sculptures and tombs.
The ‘Other’ Colosseum: The Theatre of Marcellus
While everyone flocks to the Colosseum, give the Theatre of Marcellus a visit. It’s a semi-circular theatre that was once as grand as the Colosseum but is now partially integrated into a residential building. It’s a testament to Rome’s constant evolution.
Stroll Along the Appian Way
The Appian Way, one of the oldest surviving Roman roads, is lined with ancient monuments and ruins. A walk here is like stepping back in time. Plus, it’s part of the Appia Antica Regional Park, perfect for escaping Rome’s city hustle.
Relax at Roseto Comunale
The Roseto Comunale is Rome’s municipal rose garden. It’s home to over 1,100 varieties of roses from around the world. The best time to visit is in May when the roses are in full bloom. It’s a scented haven in the heart of the city.
Rome is a city of endless discovery. It’s the little-known places, like those we’ve explored, that add an extra layer of magic to the Rome experience. So go beyond the Colosseum and the Vatican, and let the eternal city reveal its best-kept secrets to you.
Buon viaggio, and happy traveling!
