Exploring Rome off the beaten path is extremely rewarding. The Italian capital has a plethora of interesting places that are lesser known to the big tourists crowds, and if you spend enough time there you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go.
Since I have been to Rome many times and even lived there, I have had plenty of chances to explore the most famous attractions and to even dig in a bit deeper to find those that are only known to locals. I thought I’d share them with you, so that you can get to see a side of Rome not many foreigners get to experience.
In this post, I will highlight the best hidden gems in Rome, and share some tips to make the most of them.
The Best Places To Visit Rome Off The Beaten Path
San Clemente Basilica
San Clemente Basilica is not far from the Colosseum, yet it remains one of the less visited churches in Rome, despite being one of the oldest and it can definitely be considered one of the hidden gems in Rome.
It was built over a site which was used by Christians to hide while praying, at a time when their religion was still illegal in Rome. A series of excavations brought out different levels of the church – one dating back to the 1st century, and one to the 4th. Current excavations prove there is an even older level, which went destroyed in 64 AD during the fire caused by Nero.
The church is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:00 to 5:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 5:30 pm.
You can visit San Clemente independently thanks to the many panels that provide plenty of information.
If you’d rather go on a guided tour, you could consider joining a Roman crypts and catacomb tour – book it here. Alternatively, there’s this great San Clemente and Quattro Coronati Church small group tour or a Crypts and Catacomb tour with Bone Chapel visit – you can book it here.
St. John in the Lateran
I am always baffled by the fact that St. John in the Lateran doesn’t get more visitors than it does. It’s the oldest basilica in Rome, not to mention the seat of the Pope in the capital city. It’s located in the lovely Esquilino neighborhood, and easily reached by metro (just get off in San Giovanni).
Right outside the church, there is the Lateran Obelisk, considered the largest standing Egyptian obelisk in the world. The highlight of the church is the Scala Sancta, a stairway of 28 steps thought to be the one Jesus climbed to go to his trial in Jerusalem. Visitors have to climb it on their knees.
The church is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm. The Baptistery is open daily from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Visiting the church is free.
There are some excellent tours that go to St. John in the Lateran and other the lesser known basilicas in Rome. Some add the Catacombs to the visit. For a tour of the Archbasilica, click here. If you’d rather go on a private tour, click here.
Make sure to also read my post A Guide To St. John In The Lateran.
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
One of the coolest places to visit in Rome off the beaten path is the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. This is the largest of the 26 churches in Rome that are entirely dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was built in the 4th century upon orders of Pope Liberius, over a pagan temple that was dedicated to the goddess Cybele.
Legend says that the Virgin appeared before the Pope and demanded the construction of a church. Inside the Basilica, you will find various architectural styles, including early Christian and Baroque.
The church is open daily from 7:00 am. to 6:30 pm. The museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm and has a small admission fee.
The Catacombs and the Appian Way
One of the best hidden gems in Rome is the Appian Way and the Catacombs. Mind you – this is a well known site, but as it is a bit more difficult to reach compared to other places, it gets way less visitors.
The Appian Way was built in 312 BC and remains one of the oldest surviving roads in the world. It used to connect Rome to places like Naples and Brindisi. It was used for military and commercial purposes.
Along the Appian Way, you will find the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, built in the 9th century, and the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, which are the burial ground of 16 popes, and St. Sebastian.
You can book a tour of the Appian Way here or here. For a bike tour, click here.
Make sure to also read my post A Guide To The Appian Way, Rome’s Via Appia Antica.
Baths of Caracalla and Circus Maximus
Not far from Colosseum there are the Baths of Caracalla, an enormous bathing complex that unfortunately has suffered the passing of time. They still remain a nice place to explore; not to mention they get way less tourists than the Forum and the Colosseum. So, you may want to visit it if you have a full week in Rome.
The Circus Maximus was founded as a circus for chariot racing. It was a place where deadly races took place, and it is currently used for concerts and public gatherings. Circus Maximus has often been portrayed in Hollywood movies such as Ben-Hur.
The Baths of Caracalla are open daily from 9:00 am. Closing time varies with the season.
You can get tickets for the Baths of Caracalla online and book a time slot for your visit on the official website here. For a private tour, click here.
Teatro Marcello
Not many people who visit Rome take their time to explore Teatro Marcello – this is as Rome off the beaten path as it gets. Yet, it’s a pity, as this is a beautiful site. Much like the better known Colosseum, this was a theater that in its heyday could seat 20000 people. It was completed in 12 BC. In the 16th century a building was built right on top of it. Nowadays, this building contains some of the most luxurious apartments in town.
Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini
This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Rome off the beaten path: it is still relatively unknown. The Domus were two Roman villas dating back to the 1st and 4th century AD. They are visited on a tour that goes above a glass floor, from which the villas are visible. The building above is Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance villa that dates back to the 15th century.
What makes visiting the Domus Romane interesting is the use of modern technology – light, sound and video – to show that the villas must have looked like when they were in use.
The site is currently open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. You can only visit on a guided tour, which lasts around 1.5 hours. You can book it here. Photos aren’t permitted.
Domus Aurea
The Domus Aurea is a beautiful villa that was built upon orders of Emperor Nero after the great fire of 64 AD that destroyed most of Rome. It only opened to the public a few years ago, and much of it still has to be excavated, but in terms of Rome secret places, it is hard to beat – literally: you need to wear a hard hat to visit!
During the reign of Trajan, the villa was used as a foundation for his public baths and he made sure that doors and windows were sealed and that art pieces were removed – yet you can still admire some of the frescoes, despite the fact that dirt is covering most of it while everything is taking back to its former glory by restorers.
The Domus Aurea is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:15 am to 5:00 pm. Visits – all guided – must be booked in advance. For information on tickets and tours, click here.
Make sure to read my posts A Guide To Visiting The Domus Aurea, Rome and What To See In Rome Underground.
Villa Celimontana
One of my favorite hidden gems in Rome is a lovely park that is at a stone’s throw from the Colosseum and literally across the street from Monti, on top of the Caelian Hill – Villa Celimontana. You can spend time there wondering the grounds of the gardens, where the main highlights are the Palazzetto Mattei, which since 1925 houses the Società Geografica Italiana, the obelisk and the ruins of the Basilica Hilariana.
Villa Celimontana is a great place to spend an hour or two simply getting away from the crowds of the popular tourist sites in Rome and to seek shade in the heat of the summer. And it is completely free to visit!
Make sure to also read my post A Complete Guide To Villa Celimontana.
Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
Palazzo Doria Pamphilj was built upon orders of Pope Innocent X in the 17th century. It’s interesting how it can be considered Rome off the beaten path when in reality it is right in the center of action – yet not many people know it.
Located in the heart of Rome, in Via del Corso 305, it is a magnificent family villa where you will be able to admire the beautiful paintings and the decorated ceilings. Among the artists on display, you’ll be able to see Caravaggio, Caracci and even a statue of Pope Innocent that was made by Bernini.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. For guided tours click here.
One of the tour I recommend is an excellent guided tour run by an art historian that will take you around the palace and show you all the finest pieces of art of Caravaggio. The tour only runs on a Saturday.
You should also read my posts A Concise Guide To Visiting Doria Pamphilj Gallery and A Guide To Visiting Villa Doria Pamphilj, Rome.
Keats-Shelley Memorial House
Again, a place in Rome off the beaten path that really is in plain sight!
Not far from Palazzo Doria Pamphilij, near the Spanish Steps there is Keats-Shelley Memorial House, a small museum dedicated to the English Romantic poets. It’s a series of beautiful rooms with a collection of treasures and artifacts connected to the lives and works of the poets. There is a library of more than 8000 books thought to be the finest library of Romantic literature in the world. On top of this, there are two terraces from where you can enjoy incredible views of the city below.
The museum is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 to 6:00 pm.
Make sure to read my post A Guide To Keats Shelley Memorial House.
Palazzo Barberini
If you are a fan of Caravaggio as much as I am, you have to visit Palazzo Barberini. Located in Via delle Quattro Fontane 13, Palazzo Barberini is one of the lesser visited museums in Rome. I wonder why, since it is home to the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica and there you will find pieces of artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael and Bernini. On the first floor you’ll be able to see gorgeous Renaissance and Baroque paintings and frescoed ceilings.
The best piece in the gallery is by far Caravaggio’s Judith Beheading Holofernes.
The museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Admission includes a ticket to Palazzo Corsini, which is located in Trastevere.
Galleria Sciarra
Another Rome off the beaten path place that is located well in the historic center of Rome is Galleria Sciarra. Located close to Trevi Fountain, this is a must for Art Nouveau lovers. It was built between 1885 and 1888 upon orders of Prince Maffeo Sciarra. It was meant to be an upscale shopping mall – though it lost its intended purpose and it now is an office building. It is an interesting place to admire the beautiful frescoes and the glass ceilings.
Galleria Sciarra is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
For more information, read my post A Useful Guide To Galleria Sciarra.
Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt really is one of Rome secret places. It’s located in Via Vittorio Veneto 27, beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, which used to be home to the Capuchin friars. The crypt was built in the 17th century with the bones and skulls of the friars that died at the monastery located right above.
The various chapels of the crypt contain skeletons which are arranged as works of art. Everything – literally – is made of human bones. It really is a unique place – though surely not for everyone.
The Capuchin Museum and Crypt is open every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. No photos are allowed inside. For a guided tour, click here.
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori Le Mura) is one of the lesser visited churches of the Eernal City. Many are actually unaware that this is one of the oldest basilicas in town! Built over what was thought to be the burial place of Saint Paul upon wishes of Roman Emperor Constantine I, the church was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. Further works on the church started in 386 upon wishes of Emperor Theodosius, and finished in 402. That’s when the church was consecrated again, this time by Pope Innocent I.
A fire almost entirely destroyed the church on July 15th, 1823. The church was rebuilt thanks to the donation raised following Pope Leo XII encyclical in 1825.
The church is located in Piazzale San Paolo in the Garbatella neighborhood (you can get there by Metro line B); it’s open daily from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm.
Make sure to also read my post A Guide To Visiting The Basilica Papale Di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura, Rome.
Villa Farnesina
Villa Farnesina is located in Via della Lungara 230, close to the Tiber between Vatican City and Trastevere. It was built in 1506. Despite being the home of some of Raphael’s best frescoes, it still remains one of Rome off the beaten path places.
Villa Farnesina only opens upon request. For guided tours, click here.
Largo di Torre Argentina
One of the best Rome secret places is located in the historic center. Largo di Torre Argentina is a nice archeological site, thought to be the place where Julius Cesar was murdered. He was actually killed at the Theater of Pompey, a couple of blocks away, but this doesn’t make this site any less interesting.
What’s more, Largo di Torre Argentina is home to the oldest cat sanctuary in Rome. You can go in to pet the resident cats, buy a small souvenir from the in-house gift shop, and even make a donation to support the care of cats.
Tiber Island
One of my favorite places to visit in Rome off the beaten path is Tiber Island. This is the only island inside the Tiber River that is actually in Rome town. It is connected to the city by two bridges – Ponte Cestio and Ponte Fabricio. Once there used to be the Temple of Aesculapius – the Greek God of medicine and healing. However, in 1584 the Fatebenefratelli hospital hospital was built there. The island is so small that it won’t take you long to explore it.
Portico of Octavia
Located in the Jewish Ghetto, Portico of Octavia dates back to 27 BC, when it was built by Emperor Augustus in honor of his sister. Inside the portico, under the colonnades, there were the temples of Jupiter Stator and Juno Regina. The portico burnt in 80 AD and was subsequently rebuilt. In Medieval times and until the 19th century it was used as a fish market.
The Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome
The Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome is located in Testaccio. It’s the resting place of many famous non-catholics, among them artists such as poet Percy Shelley. It now is the site of a large cat sanctuary. From there, you can enjoy great views of the Pyramid of Caius Cestius.
The cemetery is located in Via Caio Cestio 6, in the Testaccio neighborhood. It’s open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sundays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Visiting is free but you are kindly asked to leave a donation for the maintenance of the site.
Pyramid of Caius Cestius
One of Rome’s best kept secret is actually a pyramid. Known as Caius Cestius Pyramid, this was built around 12 BC, and served as the tomb of a prominent public figure. The tomb has been ransacked so there is nothing left inside, but the structure of the pyramid is incredibly well kept and a great sight.
The Pyramid of Caius Cestius is located in Via Raffaele Persichetti in the Ostiense district. You will spot it as soon as you get off the metro at Piramide – Line B, two stops after the Colosseum.
Make sure to read my post A Guide To Rome Pyramid Of Cestius.
Janiculum Terrace
Among the best views of Rome there are those from the Janiculum Terrace. Still unknown to tourists, it’s a locals’ favorite. If you look closely, you’ll even be able to see the Colosseum.
Among the attractions at the Janiculum Hill, you can observe the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, a marble fountain that dates back to the 17th century; Manfredi Lighthouse, built in 1911 as a gift from the Italians who had emigrated to Argentina; the Church of San Pietro in Montorio and the Monument to Garibaldi, part of a park that recalls the event that took place on the Janiculum Hill in 1849, when the French Army assaulted Rome.
Keyhole on Aventine Hill
The secret has actually spelt – so I am not sure how appropriate it is to insert this as one of the best hidden gems in Rome. Anyways, the view of St. Peter’s Basilica from the keyhole of a door of the Knights of Malta is stunning. Make sure to go early to avoid lines.
The Keyhole is located in Piazza Cavalieri di Malta.
Make sure to also read my post A Guide To Visiting The Aventine Keyhole.
Orange Garden
Giardino degli Aranci, or Orange Garden in English, is located on the Aventine Hill and it’s one of Rome secret places that you are going to love the most. It’s a beautiful place – a well kept garden that was designed in 1932 by Raffaele de Vico, and from where you can get marvelous views of the city and especially of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Rose Garden
If you are visiting Rome during rose season, make sure to explore this garden which is very close to the Orange Garden. It’s still quite unknown, which makes it very peaceful.
Palazzo Spada
Palazzo Spada is a beautiful Renaissance building located in Piazza Capo di Ferro 13, home to Galleria Spada. This is a small art gallery with some interesting pieces, though the most interesting one of the optical illusion created in the gallery in the courtyard by Francesco Borromini. It’s such that you end up thinking it’s much longer than it actually is.
Palazzo Spada is open on Mondays and from Wednesday to Sunday, from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. Get tickets in advance here.
Orto Botanico
The Botanical Garden of Rome is located in Trastevere and it’s a must if you are a fan of exotic plants. There, you will find more than 3000 species of plants, the Japanese gardens, greenhouses and even a couple of waterfalls. It’s a wonderfully quiet place.
You’ll find the Botanical Gardens in Largo Cristina di Svezia 23 / A. The park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. You must book your visit in advance here.
Quartiere Coppedé
This is one of the most interesting residential areas of Rome which is not far from Villa Borghese. It’s a nice place to go if you are a fan of Art Nouveau buildings. It won’t take you long to explore it.
Garbatella
Garbatella is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rome that is still relatively undiscovered. It became popular among Italians when a tv show was filmed there. The neighborhood was first built in 1918 and until a few years ago it was thought to be a dangerous part of town. Now it is considered one of the best places to live in Rome. You will find some nice museums and churches such as St. Paul’s Outside The Walls.
Quadraro
Lovers of street art shouldn’t skip Quadraro. The entire neighborhood went through recuperation works a while ago, and its walls were painted by some of the most prominent national and international street artists.
You can get to Quadraro by Metro: take line A from Termini Station and get off at Porta Furba / Quadraro. For a guided street art tour, click here.
For more street art, make sure to read my post A Short Guide To Tor Marancia.
If street art is your thing, check out this tour!
Pigneto
Not an actual hidden gem in Rome, Pigneto is actually an area most foreigners never end up visiting because it is simply a bit out of the way. It now is an up and coming neighborhood in terms of nightlife. You will find some excellent restaurants and cool bars.
EUR
EUR is short for Esposizione Universale Roma. It’s a residential and business neighborhood located in the Southern part of the city that easily qualifies as Rome off the beaten path. In the 1930s Italian dictator Mussolini picked this as the site of the 1943 World Fair. He meant to celebrate the first 20 years of Fascism there. However, at the time when the celebration was meant to take place, war was blasting in Europe, and Italy was the theater of a major civil war.
In the following decades, EUR was completed and people as well as businesses started moving there. It’s an interesting place to visit to admire examples of Fascist architecture. Make sure to stop by the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana.
Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana can only be visited when there are special exhibits. You can get there on Metro line B: get off at EUR Magliana.
You should also read my post A Guide To Visiting EUR Rome District.
Hidden Gems In Rome Tours
If you feel like you need some more guidance to discover Rome off the beaten path, you may opt for a guided tour. The following are great options that can be booked online:
- Rome like a local 3 hour private tour – an excellent tour, a bit more budget friendly than the one above.
- Off the beaten path Rome tour including aqueducts and Jewish quarter – a fun tour that hits some of the most unique landmarks in town.
Further Readings
Make sure to read my Rome itineraries – you will find plenty of tips to make the most of the city:
- 37 Unmissable, Fun And Cheap Things To Do In Rome
- 18 Useful Things To Know Before Visiting Rome
- The Perfect Itinerary To See Rome In 2 Days
- A Fantastic Itinerary For 4 Days In Rome
- A Wonderful Itinerary For 5 Days In Rome
- A Great Itinerary For A Fabulous Week In Rome
- Where To Get The Best Views Of Rome
- 20 Great Day Trips From Rome
- A Fantastic Day Trip To Castel Gandolfo
- All The Food In Rome You Should Eat: 25 Delicious Dishes
More tips to make the most of Rome and its attractions can be found in these posts:
- How To Get Tickets To The Colosseum And Skip The Lines
- How To Get Tickets To The Sistine Chapel And The Vatican Museums And Skip The Line
- How To Get St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets And Skip The Line
- A Complete Guide To Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
- A Complete Guide To The Pantheon
- How To Get Galleria Borghese Tickets And Skip The Lines
- The Best Roma Pass Options And How To Make The Most Of It
Make sure to also read my post 17 Reasons To Visit Italy As Soon As Possible.
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