Exploring Rome off the beaten path is extremely rewarding. There are many hidden places in Rome – spots that are lesser known to the big tourists crowds – and if you spend enough time in the city you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to go.
Since I have been to Rome many times (I literally got back from yet another trip there) and even lived there, I have had plenty of chances to explore not only the most famous attractions, but to even dig in a bit deeper to find Rome hidden gems: Rome secret places that are only known to locals.
I thought I’d share my personal favorites with you, so that you can get to see a side of Rome not many foreigners get to experience. My list could be longer, to be honest! But I decided to only share the places that would make sense to visit and that would truly enhance your overall experience in Rome.
Continue reading to discover the best hidden gems in Rome. You will find plenty of information about places you can visit in the Eternal City where you will be able to escape the tourist crowds but that are also beautiful and offer a unique perspective on the city.
What To See In 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. This is one of the oldest churches in the city, and it can definitely be considered one of the hidden gems in Rome.
I have been there a million times – I used to live nearby, and regularly walked by so I’d often stop for a quick look. I have also visited its undergrounds (scavi, in Italian) more in depth a few times.
The church has a 17th century facade, and a medieval interior – just like many other churches in Rome. Inside, it’s grand: the 12th century church has three naves and a beautiful golden mosaic located in the apse that wows its visitors.
The church is free to visit and it is open every day – for opening hours, make sure to check the church website.
What many don’t know, and what you may not realize at a first glimpse, is that San Clemente Basilica 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. The underground sites were first discovered accidentally in the 19th century, when the church was being renovated.
For a small fee, you can access the underground of San Clemente, where a series of excavations brought out three different levels of the church – one dating from the 4th, where you can see the relics of St. Cyril and some beautiful frescoes, and one dating from the 1st century, which appears to be the remains of two Roman villas and a temple dedicated to the god Mithras.
Current excavations prove there is an even older level, which went destroyed in 64 AD during the fire caused by Nero.
You can visit the undergrounds of San Clemente Basilica independently thanks to the many panels that provide plenty of information.
If you’d rather go on a guided tour, you could consider this San Clemente Underground Basilica tour that lasts 1.5 hours and also goes to San Giovanni in Laterano church.
You should also read my post A Guide To Rome Mithraeum Temples to discover more about these unique temples in Rome.
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. This is one of the nicest things to do in Rome off the beaten path.
San Giovanni in Laterano, as it is known in Italian, is the oldest basilica in Rome, not to mention the seat of the Pope in the capital city. It’s located in the lovely – yet lesser known – Esquilino neighborhood, and you can easily get there by subway (Metro Line A or C: just get off in San Giovanni).
The church you see today is the result of many reconstructions following several fires that destroyed the original structure. The beautiful Baroque facade was completed in 1735 and is a masterpiece of Alessandro Galilei.
Inside the church, you can see six grand papal tombs: popes Alexander III, Clement XII, Innocent III, Leo XIII, Martin V, Sergius IV are all buried here.
Right outside the church, there is the Lateran Obelisk, considered the largest standing Egyptian obelisk in the world and one of the most beautiful obelisks in Rome.
Next to the church – on its right facing the church – there’s the Scala Sancta, a stairway of 28 marble steps thought to be the one Jesus climbed to go to his trial in Jerusalem. These were brought to Rome by Saint Helena, mother of Constantine, in the 4th century and moved to their current location in 1589 by ope Sixtus V. Visitors have to climb it on their knees.
The church is free to visit and open daily – for information on opening hours, check out the official website.
There are some excellent tours that go to St. John in the Lateran and other lesser known basilicas in Rome. For example, you could consider this tour of St. John in the Lateran that also goes to San Clemente Basilica nearby.
My post A Guide To St. John In The Lateran highlights the unique history of this church and share more information that will help you plan your visit.
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 Pope Liberius in 352 and demanded the construction of a sanctuary, which was built with the fortune left by a Roman senator and his wife – who had no children to leave their wealth to. The legend continue to say that the following morning – August 4th – and despite the heat, snow fell on Rome’s Esquiline Hill.
The facade of the church was commissioned in 1740 by Pope Benedict XIV and designed by Italian architect Ferdinand Fuga: it’s a magnificent example of Baroque art. The 14th century bell tower measures 75 meters (246 feet) and is the tallest of its kind in Rome.
Inside the Basilica, which has 3 naves (a main one and two side naves) edged by 42 original marble and granite colonnades, you will find various architectural styles, including early Christian and Baroque.
Another thing to spot in the church is the Sistine Chapel (not to be confused with the one in the Vatican), which was built by Domenico Fontana and named after Pope Sixtus V. Just outside the chapel there’s the tomb of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his family.
Both the church and the museum are open daily – for information on opening hours, visit the official website. The church is free to visit but there’s a small fee to visit the museum.
My post A Useful Guide To Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica shares more insightful information about this lesser visited church in Rome.
The Vatican Necropolis
St. Peter’s Basilica is certainly one of the most famous places to visit in Rome, and one you will have on your selection of places to visit especially if it is your first time in the city. Some people feel overwhelmed when they go there, as it can indeed be quite crowded.
The church is a real masterpiece of Renaissance art, with some of the best works of Bernini, Michelangelo and other artists.
To explore the church and fully appreciate its history and art, I recommend going on a tour. There are many, but this tour of the Vatican Grottoes is particularly good. It takes you to St. Peter’s Tomb and then around the church and even St. Peter’s Dome for some of the best views of Rome.
So, why am I mentioning such a well known attraction within a selection of Rome off the beaten track places? Because hidden in the undergrounds of St. Peter’s Basilica there’s one of the best hidden places of Rome – the Vatican Necropolis.
The Vatican Necropolis was only discovered in the 1950s. This is the exact location where St. Peter was buried – which is why St. Peter’s Basilica was built here. The first church was built during the reign of Emperor Constantine, and subsequent ones later on until the 16th century church we now know.
It still remains a very well preserved burial ground dating back to the 1st century!
This part of the church can only be visited on a guided tour that is rather exclusive – no more than 250 visitors are allowed daily, and they are split in groups of up to 12 people.
The main difference between this tour – known as the Scavi Tour – and the Vatican Grottoes tour that I mentioned above is that the Scavi Tour goes one level below the Vatican Grottoes, to the exact location where St. Peter’s Tomb is located (the grottoes tour goes to the more accessible St. Peter’s Tomb located above the one you see during the Scavi Tour).
You will descending a staircase to get to the necropolis with over 100 tombs, including 91 for Popes. Additional tombs were discovered beneath the Basilica when Pope Pius XI ordered excavations in the 19th century, as he wanted to be buried next to St Peter.
The Scavi tour can be booked by sending a request to the Ufficio Scavi via this page. It lasts around 90 minutes and ends in the Vatican Grottoes, from where you can access St. Peter’s Basilica to complete your visit. This page gives exact instructions on the information you must provide when booking the tour. Children under 15 years of age aren’t allowed on the tour, and you can’t take photos during the tour.
Make sure to bring an additional layer if you are doing the Scavi Tour in the summer months, at the necropolis is quite humid and you may get cold.
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 hidden places in Rome, it gets way less visitors.
The Appian Way was built between 312 and 264 BC and remains one of the oldest surviving roads in the world. It was a crucial road for the Roman Empire: it connects Rome to places like Naples and Brindisi. It was used for military and commercial purposes and it is thanks to this artery that Rome thrived.
The Appian Way measures a whopping 713.4 km (that’s more than 443 miles), most of them straight, and it used to be 4.1 meters wide (around 13.5 feet), which meant that two carriages could going in opposite directions going comfortably pass. Much of the road is still in use today – though obviously the bits that are used are now paved.
You can enjoy the Appian Way the way locals do – a simple stroll to appreciate the sights along the way. My favorite way of appreciating this part of Rome off the beaten track is by bike, as I can cover a bit more ground and stop whenever I want to admire the sights along the way.
You can find a multitude of tours that go to the Appian Way – there are walking tours, biking tours and even horse riding tours. A tour is probably the easiest way to visit, otherwise you’d need to get a taxi or get there by bus.
I recommend this bike tour of the Appian Way that also stops at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and at the Parco degli Acquedotti.
Alternatively, there’s this classic bus tour that also stops at the Catacombs.
The Appian Way isn’t just a road to walk or bike on. There are many sites to visit along the way. For example, you will find the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, built in the 9th century, and the Catacombs of St. Sebastian and of St. Callixtus (Catacombe di San Callisto in Italian),
I particularly recommend visiting the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, one of my favorite Rome hidden gems. The catacombs date from the 2nd and 4th century were the burial ground of more 500,000 people. Among the people buried there, there were several martyrs such as Saint Cecilia, and 16 popes.
While the catacombs are indeed a burial ground, this is one of the most interesting hidden gems of Rome that you can safely visit with children, who are usually fascinated by underground and slightly (actually not at all) creepy places. Don’t worry: they won’t see bones!
There are some 20 km of underground tunnels, but visitors are only allowed to a small portion of the Catacombs, which can only be explore on guided tours (and photos are forbidden, by the way).
The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are open every day but Wednesday. For opening hours, you can check their official website. There is an admission fee to visit, and in fact I recommend booking your tickets via the official website. You can also get tickets in advance on Tiqets: visits are timed and limited to a certain number of people.
Make sure to also read my post A Guide To The Appian Way, Rome’s Via Appia Antica.
Parco degli Acquedotti
The Aqueduct Park – Parco degli Acquedotti in Italian – is certainly one of the best hidden gems in Rome, and one of my favorite places in Rome to go for a run. Locals love hanging out here: you can spot them running, going for a walk, sitting with a picnic, walking their dogs or playing with their children. However, not many tourists ever make it there.
The sprawling Park of the Aqueducts is home to two large aqueducts of ancient Rome: Aqua Felix, built by Pope Sixtus V in the 16th century, and the much older (and impressive) Aqua Claudia, completed in 52 AD under the reign of Emperor Claudius.
Both aqueducts would bring water to Rome all the way from the Alban Hills, and not only provided clean drinking water to the people living in the city, but they also fed many of the impressive fountains of Rome such as the Trevi Fountain.
Inside the park, you will also be able to spot the ruins of several other aqueducts.
The park is never crowded, so you can visit whenever you want. For a real treat, time your visit to see it as sunset, under a special light.
To get to the Parco degli Acquedotti, you need to take Metro Line A to either Lucio Sestio or Giulio Agricola stations – from there, it’s an easy walk to get to the park.
Another option to visit this beautiful place is on a guided tour. For example, you could consider this guided e-bike tour that also stops along the Appian Way and at the Catacombs, as well as other several Rome off the beaten path places.
Otherwise, there’s this Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome that also goes to the Capuchin Crypt and to St. Sebastian Catacombs. My sister and I took this tour during a visit to Rome and truly enjoyed it.
Baths of Caracalla and Circus Maximus
Not far from many popular sites in Rome there are the Baths of Caracalla. I am always shocked that this magnificent site does not receive way more visitors since it is so close to the Colosseum – it’s literally a 10 minutes walk.
This is really one of the best hidden gems in Rome. It’s an enormous bathing complex that unfortunately has suffered the passing of time.
Known as the Terme di Caracalla in Italian, and named after the son of the Roman Emperor who commissioned them) the baths were first built in 212 AD, and were the second largest bath complex in Rome.
The Baths of Caracalla didn’t just serve the purpose of keeping the people of Rome clean. This used to be an enormous social space with heated pools, a library, beautiful mosaics and frescoed rooms, saunas and even gardens that visitors could use to relax after a day of work.
They were used for more than 300 years, but with the fall of the Roman Empire they were pretty much abandoned.
They still remain a nice place to explore; not to mention they get way less tourists than the nearby Forum and the Colosseum. So, you may want to visit it if you have a full week in Rome and some time to spare.
The Baths of Caracalla are open daily. Opening hours varies with the season, so make sure to visit the official site before you go. You can get tickets for the Baths of Caracalla online and book a time slot for your visit on the official website.
I actually recommend joining a guided tour of the Terme di Caracalla to fully grasp their significance in the history and life of Rome.
Not far from the Terme di Caracalla, 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. It has often been portrayed in Hollywood movies such as Ben-Hur.
Teatro Marcello
Not many people who visit Rome take their time to check out Teatro Marcello – this is as Rome off the beaten path as it gets, although it’s actually located in the heart of the historic center. 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 final years of the Roman Republic.
The theater was actually built upon wishes of Julius Caesar, who was keen to build a theater to rival the popular Theater of Pompey. However, Caesar did not live to see the theater completed, as he was killed on 15 March 44 BC right in the Theater of Pompey.
The Theater of Marcellus was finally inaugurated in 13 BC during the reign of Augustus, who dedicated it to his nephew and son-in-law Marcus Claudius Marcellus.
In the 16th century a building was built right on top of the theater. Nowadays, this building contains some of the most luxurious apartments in town. You can only visit from the outside – it’s an easy spot to reach if yo are exploring the Jewish Ghetto of Rome.
Portico of Octavia
Located in the Jewish Ghetto you will find one of my favorite hidden spots in Rome – the Portico of Octavia. This site dates back to 27 BC, when it was built by Emperor Augustus in honor of his sister Octavia the Younger.
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.
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, although its location is incredibly central: it’s right by the Trajan Column, steps away from the Altar of the Fatherland and the Roman Forum.
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.
The site was first excavated in 2005, when along with the villas of the Roman Empire a large temple was also found. This was likely dedicated to Trajan and Plotina Divi.
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 open every day but Tuesday. You can only visit on a guided tour (available in a variety of languages), which lasts around 1.5 hours and that must be booked in advance on the official website. You are not allowed to take photos during the tour.
Another domus romana that you should visit if you have time in Rome is the Domus Romane del Celio which is incredibly well kept. You can get an audio-guide at the site, so your visit will be independent. Of all the underground sites I have visited in Rome, this is probably my favorite and a true hidden gem of Rome, almost completely unknown to tourists.
Domus Aurea – AKA Nero’s Golden House
The Domus Aurea is a beautiful villa that was built upon orders of Emperor Nero after the great fire of 64 AD (of which he was actually accused!) that destroyed most of Rome. Back then, it measured a whopping 300 acres, which where right in the heart of the city.
It was a beautifully decorated villa with frescoes, marble panels and columns, vast gardens, fountains, a golden dome with an oculus. It really was a masterpiece of Roman engineering!
When Nero finally died, the villa became a public space. In fact, subsequent emperors built right over it.
During the reign of Trajan, the villa was used as a foundation for his public baths (Trajan’s Baths are right above, the largest in the city) and he made sure that doors and windows were sealed and that art pieces were removed.
The villa was rediscovered by accident in the 15th century, when someone passing by literally fell through a hole and found himself in the villa. Local artists of the time were immediately drawn to it, and it is said that Renaissance art took much inspiration from what was found in the Domus Aurea.
The Domus Aurea 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. This is one of the most important Rome underground sites, and it’s incredible how after so much time the frescoes and mosaics in the villa are still so clearly preserved.
Excavations of the Domus Aurea are ongoing – so much has to be brought back to light still. But you can still visit on exceptional guided tours led by expert local guides.
During the tour, the guide will walk you through the most significant spots of the palace, and you will also stop for a virtual reality experience that will give you an even better idea of the magnificence of this place at its peak.
The Domus Aurea is located inside the Parco del Colle Oppio, right by the Colosseum, so getting there is a breeze. It is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and can only be visited on guided tours in a variety of languages and that must be booked in advance via the official website. If you are visiting in the summer months, don’t forget to bring a light jacket as the temperature inside is much lower than it is outside!
Make sure to read my posts A Guide To Visiting The Domus Aurea, Rome for more detailed information on how to visit this Rome off the beaten track site.
Santo Stefano Rotondo Church
Located in the lesser known Caelian Hill, incredibly close to the Colosseum, Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio church dates from the 5th century.
The church is named after the first Christian martyr, Saint Stephen, and the first king of Hungary, Stephen I (975-1038), who converted the nation to Christianity.
What’s special about this church – and what makes it one of my favorite hidden gems in Rome – is its internal shape: the church is actually round, with the altar at the center.
Another thing you will love here are the 34 panels and 16th century frescoes that depicts scenes of martyrdom, with graphic illustrations of their suffering and death.
Other than the frescoes, the church is relatively spare compared to many other churches in Rome, but it is a truly peaceful church that you will love, whether or not you are religious.
The church is open daily (you can find the opening hours, which vary seasonally, on the official site) free to visit. It is located in Via di Santo Stefano Rotondo, a pleasant walk from the Colosseum.
Villa Celimontana
One of my favorite hidden gems in Rome is a lovely park that is a stone’s throw from the Colosseum and literally across the street from Rione Monti, one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rome.
Found at the top of the Caelian Hill there’s Villa Celimontana. You can spend time there wondering the grounds of the gardens, where the main highlights are the Palazzetto Mattei, a beautiful villa that belongs to the Mattei family.
It was thanks to the work of Ciriaco Mattei – lover or art, patron and friend of Caravaggio – that the villa took the shape we know today. It now is private villa and since 1925 houses the Società Geografica Italiana, so you can only visit for special events.
Other important sites inside Villa Celimontana park are the obelisk and the ruins of the Basilica Hilariana, a sanctuary dedicated to the cult of Cybele and erected by local pearl dealer Manius Publicius Hilarus in 105 AD where you can spot beautiful mosaics, and that was discovered during excavations in 1889.
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 Rome, close to the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and many more famous sites.
Surely you will pass by it during your wanderings of the city, as it is located in Via del Corso 305, one of the main shopping arteries of the city.
It is a magnificent family villa with stunning interiors (make sure to look at the ceiling) that still belongs to the Doria Pamphilj family, and where you will be able to admire an incredible art collection that was accumulated through the centuries by various members of the family.
There are beautiful paintings and sculptures by Italian and international artists: you will be able to see the works of Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, Velazquez and Caracci and even a statue of Pope Innocent that was made by Bernini. There even is an entire collection of paintings by Flemish artists.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj is open every day. For the opening hours and to book your tickets visit the official website. Once you get to the gallery, you can pick up an audio-guide. This is completely free and available in a variety of languages, and the narrator is one of the members of the Doria Pamphilj family!
You should also read my post A Concise Guide To Visiting Doria Pamphilj Gallery for a more accurate account of this incredible place, 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, and right by the Spanish Steps there is Keats-Shelley Memorial House, a small museum dedicated to the English Romantic poets.
The visit starts with a video that shares the story of the life of poets Keats and Shelley in Rome – how they got to the Eternal City, and how they ended up living in what now became their memorial house.
It’s a series of beautiful rooms with a collection of treasures and artifacts connected to the lives and works of the poets. The highlight of the visit to many is seeing the room where Keats lived (and eventually died).
There is a library of more than 8,000 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.
For the opening hours and for tickets, make sure to visit the official website.
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, one of the best hidden spots in Rome.
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 every day but Tuesday. 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.
This small courtyard was built between 1885 and 1888 upon orders of Prince Maffeo Barberini Colonna di Sciarra. It was meant to become an upscale shopping mall – though it soon lost its intended purpose and it now is an office building.
It is an interesting place to admire the beautiful frescoes and the iron-glass ceilings. The most famous fresco is the Glorification of Women, by Giuseppe Cellini. He painted the best female virtues such as justice and faithfulness.
Galleria Sciarra is located in Via Marco Minghetti. While it is in the heart of Rome, unless you specifically look for it you won’t notice it: it’s one of the best hidden gems in Rome that are properly tucked away between buildings.
For more information about the history, art and functions of this place, read my post A Useful Guide To Galleria Sciarra.
Passetto del Biscione
This hidden gem of Rome is in plain sight (well, sort of). It is a narrow passage way that connects Via di Grottapinta with Piazza del Biscione. It dates back to the time of the Roman Empire, when it was used to connect the Theater of Pompey (parts of which are still visible today in the Largo di Torre Argentina) with the outside.
The name Biscione comes from the snake (biscia, in Italian) of the coat of arm of the Orsini family, owners of the Palazzo Orsini Pio Righetti which overlooks today’s Piazza del Biscione.
For many years the Passetto del Biscione was almost completely abandoned, but renovation works took place from 2013, and the passage was finally opened again in 2016.
Church of Santa Barbara dei Librai
Located in the Rione Parione, close to Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Farnese, this is one of my newest Rome hidden gems discoveries. The church dates from the 10th-11th century, and was founded on the ruins of the Theater of Pompey.
In 1601, Pope Clement VIII donated the church to the Università dei Librai, a guild of publishers and book sellers who dedicated it to St Thomas Aquinas. In 1680 the church was restored in Baroque style.
The church was pretty much abandoned (and deconsecrated) in 1870 – it was used as a warehouse for the Campo de’ Fiori and reopened more than a century later, in 1982, after having been restored.
Today, the square where the church is located remains a quiet corner in the historic center of Rome. Next to it, you will find the Filettaro di Santa Barbara, a favorite local eatery where the main item on the menu is the “filetti di baccala” (battered and fried cod) and a few other side dishes. It’s a lovely spot!
Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt is one of the best hidden places of Rome. 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.
If you think the Capuchin Crypt is similar to the Catacombs, think again: the experience couldn’t be more different!
The church and the crypt were built in the 17th century (1630 to be precise) to preserve the bones and skulls of 4,000 friars after the cardinal of Rome ordered them to move to Santa Maria della Concezione from the previous location – Santa Croce and San Bonaventura dei Lucchesi Church by the Quirinal.
When they moved, the friars had to bring the bodies of those buried in the previous location with them. The various chapels of the crypt contain skeletons and mummies of friars still wearing their habit, and that died between 1528 and 1870, and which are arranged as works of art. Everything – literally – is made of human bones, all of them friars.
A plaque is a reminder about the inevitability of death. It reads “what you are now, we once were. What we are now, you shall be.”
It really is a unique place – though surely not for everyone.
The Capuchin Museum and Crypt is open every day. No photos are allowed inside.
I recommend this guided tour of the Capuchin Crypt as it gives you insightful information about the church and its history.
There’s also this excellent Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome: it’s the tour my sister and I took when we visited and we found it to be excellent. The chapel is the first stop of the tour, which ends at the Aqueducts Park.
My post A Short Guide To The Capuchin Crypt shares a bit more information about this Rome secret place.
Villa Farnesina
Villa Farnesina is located in Via della Lungara 230, close to the Tiber River and the Vatican City in the Trastevere neighborhood. It was built in 1506 upon orders of Sienese banker Agostino Chigi and is one of the best palaces of Renaissance in Rome.
Chigi lived in the villa until his death in 1520. A lover of art, he accumulated several pieces which he kept in the villa.
The beautiful villa is named after the Farnese family, who acquired it in 1579 (apparently illegally).
Despite being the home of some of Raphael’s best frescoes – for example the Loggia di Amore e Psiche and the Ninfa Galatea fresco – Villa Farnesina still remains one of Rome off the beaten path places.
Probably what makes this one of the best hidden places in Rome is the fact that until recently the villa would only open upon request. If you care to visit, you need to book your tickets and tour in advance via the official website.
Orto Botanico
The Botanical Garden of Rome is located in Trastevere, between Via della Lungara and the Janiculum Hill. Part of the park of Villa Corsini, once the residence of Christine of Sweden, and the largest botanical garden in Italy, the Botanical Gardens of Rome also embrace part of the Horti Getae, an archeological area where the Baths of Septimius Severus were located.
The Orto Botanico of Rome was first opened in 1883, after the former botanical gardens located in the Vatican were moved several times.
Spreading over 12 hectares, here you will find varieties of plants from all over the world. The collection includes secular trees, cork oaks, cedars of Lebanon, Himalayan cedars and an impressive bamboo collection.
Other places to visit in Rome’s Botanical Gardens include the large glasshouses which include a collection of 400 orchid species, a Garden of Aromas, the Japanese Garden and the Mediterranean Garden. It’s here you will also find the already mentioned Rose Garden of Rome.
You’ll find the Botanical Gardens in Largo Cristina di Svezia 23 A. The park is open daily. For more information on opening hours and admission fees, visit the official website.
Largo di Torre Argentina
Another of the best hidden gems in Rome that is located in the historic center, Largo di Torre Argentina is a nice archeological site, where the ruins of the Theater of Pompey, where Julius Cesar was murdered on the Ides of March, is located.
The site was first excavated in 1929 and is found between Piazza Venezia (home to the Altar of the Fatherland) and Piazza Navona, so you will likely pass by it in your Rome wanderings. I first discovered it by pure chance during a trip to Rome with my dad, around 20 years ago.
What attracted my attention wasn’t so much “yet another archeological site in Rome” but the fact that there were cats hanging out there!
In fact, Largo di Torre Argentina is home to the oldest cat sanctuary in Rome – cats moved here as soon as the excavation started, and soon afterwards came the people that take care of them.
You can visit the Largo di Torre Argentina cat sanctuary 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. Make sure to visit the official website for the exact opening hours.
Tiber Island
One of my favorite places to visit in Rome off the beaten path is Tiber Island. Known as Isola Tiberina in Italian, this is the only island inside the Tiber River that is actually in the city of Rome.
It’s a fairly easy walk from Trastevere, so if you are looking for a bit of fresh air during your trip to Rome, and wish to see one of the most unique hidden gems of Rome, make your way there
The island is so small that it won’t take you long to explore it.
The Tiber Island 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 in its place.
Also found on the island there’s the Basilica di San Bartolomeo, a beautiful 10th century church.
If you happen to visit in the summer months, make sure to attend the film festival. It’s a unique experience in Rome at night.
My post A Useful Guide To The Isola Tiberina shares a bit more information about this unique place.
The Protestant Cemetery of Rome
Known as the Non-Catholic Cemetery of Rome (Cimitero Acattolico in Italian), and referred to as the English Cemetery, the Protestant Cemetery is located between the neighborhoods of Testaccio and Ostiense, close to the historic center of Rome. You can get there by underground – metro line B stop Piramide.
The cemetery was founded in the early 18th century. It was used to bury all the people that lived and died in Rome who were not Roman Catholics, and at the time this included some famous artists and poets, as notable Italian political opponents or members of Rome’s large Jewish community.
Among the most notable people buried at the Protestant Cemetery there are English Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. You will also find the tomb of Antonio Gramsci, one of the founders of the Italian Communist Party.
From the cemetery, you can enjoy views of the Pyramid of Caius Cestius (more about that in a bit). It’s one of the best hidden spots in Rome, where you can enjoy some tranquil moments browsing the tombs, walking around the beautiful park, and petting one of the cats living in the local cat sanctuary.
The cemetery is located in Via Caio Cestio 6, in the Testaccio neighborhood. It’s open daily – for opening hours, check the official website. Visiting is free but you will be asked to leave a donation for the maintenance of the site.
For more information about its history and the people buried there, head over to my post A Guide To The Protestant Cemetery Of Rome.
Pyramid of Caius Cestius
One of the best Rome hidden gems is actually a pyramid. It was built between 18 and 12 BC, and served as the tomb of a prominent public figure of Rome – Caius Cestius, a Roman magistrate and a representative of one of Rome’s four leading religious corporations.
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.
You can’t actually visit the pyramid inside – it is only open for special occasions – but if you are exploring the area of Ostiense for other sites (the Protestant Cemetery, San Paolo Fuori le Mura church, etc), make sure to stop for a quick photo.
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 for more information about this unique site.
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 Eternal City, and one of the many Rome hidden gems for tourists. 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 it on July 15th, 1823. The church was rebuilt thanks to the donation raised following Pope Leo XII encyclical in 1825.
The church is divided into five naves, separated by 20 monolithic granite columns. The walls are clad with marble and decorated with geometric motifs. There are frescoes of saints and a series of tondi (circular paintings) that you should take your time to admire.
The apse is particularly beautiful: it was thankfully spared by the fire of 1823. The mosaics here date from the time of Pope Honorius III (1216-1227).
The church is located in Piazzale San Paolo, not far from the Garbatella neighborhood and Testaccio and Ostiense. You can get there by Metro line B. For information about the opening hours, visit the official website. The church is free to visit, save for the excavation bit for which you need to pay a small fee.
Make sure to also read my post A Guide To Visiting The Basilica Papale Di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura, Rome for more information about this stunning church.
Garbatella
Garbatella is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rome. It became popular among Italians when a show aired on national TV was filmed there, but it is still unknown to tourists and as such one of the nicest Rome hidden gems.
The neighborhood was first built in 1918 and until a couple of decades ago it was thought to be a dangerous part of town. Now it is considered one of the best places to live in Rome.
It’s an overall nice area to explore to admire examples of architecture from the early 20th century – my favorite are the Alberghi Suburbani, residential buildings meant to become the residence of displaced families in the late 1920s.
They have an unusual shape with three blocks protruding from their center, each of which faces a courtyard or garden below.
Not far from the Garbatella, crossing the Settimia Spizzichino Bridge (named in memory of a holocaust survivor) between Ostiense and the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura, you will find the Centrale Montemartini Museum, one of the most interesting museums in Rome with a vast collection of classic statues in the unique setting of a power plant.
Getting to Garbatella is easy: it’s on the metro line B that also goes by Termini Station and the Colosseum. Very few guided tours go to this part of the city, but if you want you can consider this photography tour of the Garbatella District. Otherwise, this is simply a pleasant area to explore independently.
If you feel like you need some guidance, you can follow the trail I suggest in my post A Useful Guide To The Garbatella District.
Janiculum Terrace
Among the best views of Rome there are those from the Janiculum Terrace – Gianicolo in Italian. Still unknown to tourists, it’s a locals’ favorite found south of the Vatican and just above Trastevere. If you look closely, from the Gianicolo you’ll even be able to see the Colosseum.
Among the attractions at the Janiculum Hill, you can observe the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola (pictured above), a beautiful marble fountain that dates back to the 17th century.
Another spot not to miss here is the Manfredi Lighthouse, built in 1911 as a gift from the Italians who had emigrated to Argentina.
You can also stop at the Church of San Pietro in Montorio and see 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.
Knights of Malta Keyhole on Aventine Hill
The secret was spilled – 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 Knights of Malta Keyhole is stunning.
You will find it in Piazza di Cavalieri di Malta, on the Aventine Hill, Rome’s southernmost hill. The area is now mostly residential, but there are some interesting places to visit nearby too and since it is within easy reach from the Colosseum, you should make it a point to go.
The Basilica di Santa Sabina is located nearby too.
There may be a line when you visit – it moves swiftly when people realize that taking photos with a smartphone is virtually impossible. It took me several tries with my camera and the result (as you can see above) was still quite meager!
Make sure to also read my post A Guide To Visiting The Aventine Keyhole for more information on how to visit this unique spot.
Orange Garden
Also located on the Aventine Hill, the Giardino degli Aranci, or Orange Garden in English is one of Rome secret places that you are going to love the most.
This is a well kept garden that was designed in 1932 by Raffaele de Vico, and from where you can get marvelous views of the city which include St. Peter’s Basilica and the Altar of the Fatherland.
While it is commonly referred to as Orange Garden, the official name of this place is actually Parco Savello – due to the fact that the park was created in an area that belonged to the Savelli family. The nickname comes from the bitter oranges that grow in the area.
It’s a lovely, panoramic spot in Rome where you can find some peace and quiet, though it’s becoming a more popular attraction with time.
Not far from the Orange Garden, you will also find one of my favorite Rome hidden gems – the Rose Garden. If you are visiting Rome during rose season, make sure to visit!
Palazzo Spada
Palazzo Spada is a beautiful Renaissance palace located in Piazza Capo di Ferro 13, home to Galleria Spada. The building itself is a must see – lavish decorations, beautiful furnishings and the location make this one of the best Rome hidden gems.
But there’s more. Inside the palace you will find and art gallery with some interesting pieces such as Portrait of a Violinist by Titian or Madonna and Child by Artemisia Gentileschi.
However, what makes this a truly special place to visit is the optical illusion created in the gallery in the courtyard by Francesco Borromini. He designed the gallery in a way that you think it’s much longer than it actually is, and that the objects at the end are much larger than their real dimensions.
When I visited, a person working on the site decided to show me and some other visitors the trick and when she walked to the statue at the end of the gallery we could not believe how small it was!
Palazzo Spada is open every day but Tuesdays. For information on opening hours and for tickets, you can visit the official website.
Villa Borghese Gardens
While pretty much all first timers in Rome visit Borghese Gallery, not many take the time to visit Villa Borghese Gardens, so this park – the largest public park in Rome – remains a bit of a local secret and one of the best places to visit in Rome off the beaten path.
It’s incredibly easy to get there: the park is in central Rome and you can access from Piazza del Popolo, where the staircase leads to the Pincio Terrace. It’s a really pleasant place to go for a walk, but there’s also a lot to see inside the park so don’t miss the chance to explore.
Among the must-sees, there’s the water clock. Invented by Giovan Battista Embriaco, the water clock was built in 1867. You will find it at the center of a small lake. What’s incredible about it is that works by telling time by regulating the flow of water into and out of vessels.
Another place you can spot here is the Cinema dei Piccoli, known as the world’s smallest cinema and which has been showing kids movies since 1934. The theater only has 63 seats, so seeing a movie there is quite a family affair.
If you are traveling to Rome with kids, you should take the chance of taking them there for a truly unique experience.
Quartiere Coppedé
The Quartiere Coppedé is one of the most interesting residential areas of Rome which is not far from Villa Borghese, but while it is within very easy reach from the historic center of Rome, it gives a completely hidden vibe as there are none of the tourist crowds: it’s one of the best hidden gems in Rome.
The entire area was designed by architect Gino Coppede in 1915. He had the plan to build 18 beautiful palaces and 27 residential villas.
As he died in 1927, the project was taken over by by architect Paolo Emilio Andre, who was inspired by Roman Baroque, Mannerism and Art Nouveau – which is indeed the most prominent style in the area.
Start your exploration from Piazza Mincio – it’s not closed to traffic, but it’s incredibly quiet. Here you will be able to see the Fontana delle Rane – “Fountain of the Frogs” in English. Built in 1924 it was meant as a homage to Bernini’s Fontana delle Tartarughe (“Fountain of the Turtles”) found in the Jewish Quarter.
Another must see is the Archway of Via Tagliamento, an impressive portal topped with a two storey bridge that links two towers. Finally, head to the Villino delle Fate, the “Little House of the Fairies”, one of the most famous buildings in the entire area.
You can easily visit the Quartiere Coppedé independently – my post A Guide To Quartiere Coppedé gives guidance about its history and its main sights.
Palazzo Zuccari
Also known as Palazzo dei Mostri (Monster House), Palazzo Zuccari is located in Via Gregoriana, close to the Spanish Steps. This is a 16th-century residence with a Baroque facade.
The unique building now houses the Bibliotheca Hertziana (part of the Max Planck Institute for Art History) and can’t really be visited – not unless you are there for work purposes.
It’s still a fun place to visit in Rome off the beaten path – especially if you are visiting with children. They will love looking at the carved monsters around the doors and windows. It really looks like a haunted house and it’s a fun place to photograph.
Arco dei Banchi
The Arco della Madonna dei Banchi really is one of the best hidden places of Rome. It’s located in the Santo Spirito area, not far from St. Peters, where Via Arco dei Banchi is a side street to Via del Banco di Santo Spirito.
The name “banchi” refers to the boots that where used by local vendors, scribed and notaries to run their business. A stone placed under the arch that gives its name to the street is a reminder of the floods caused by the Tiber River in 1277.
During the 15th century, there used to be a statue of the Virgin Mary under the arch, which was however replaced by a large oil painting in the 19th century.
Today, no tourists know this place unless they happen there completely by accident. It really is a secret spot in Rome!
EUR
EUR is short for Esposizione Universale Roma. This is 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 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 on top of that.
In the following decades, the EUR project was completed anyways and people as well as businesses started moving there. It’s an interesting place to visit to admire examples of Fascist architecture.
Places of interest here include the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, known as Colosseo Quadrato, which however can only be visited when there are special exhibits. Stop there for a photo and to admire the unique design.
Another beautiful spot here is the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul, which many suggest is a minimalist version of St. Peter’s Basilica and that was first opened in 1955 (it became a basilica in 1967).
You can get to EUR by subway. Take Metro line B and get off at EUR Magliana. As this is a rather sprawling area of Rome. You can certainly explore independently, but I honestly recommend hiring a local guide for a more insightful experience in such a unique place. I recommend Samuele Casarin – you can get in touch with him via email at samuelecasarin@gmail.com.
My post A Guide To Visiting EUR Rome District better explains the interesting history of this district and explains how to visit.
More Unusual Things To Do In Rome
For more things to do in Rome off the beaten path, you should consider exploring the up and coming neighborhood of Pigneto, which is a fantastic place to enjoy a more local side to Rome’s nightlife than what you’d get in the historic center and in Trastevere. It’s close to San Giovanni so not too hard to get to.
Finally, consider going on a street art tour of Rome. There are many places where you can see street life in Rome. In Quadraro, the entire neighborhood was painted as a way to redevelop it.
Another fantastic area to admire street art in Rome is the Tor Marancia neighborhood, which is completely off the beaten track and still very local. Since it is quite a hidden spot in Rome, you should definitely join a guided tour for this one.
I recommend this guided street art tour of Tor Marancia. It’s one of the best rated street art tours in Rome.
Rome Off The Beaten Path Tour
If you feel like you would prefer to join a Rome off the beaten path tour, you are lucky – there are some excellent tours that will take you to the best hidden places in Rome. The following are great options that can be booked online:
Rome like a local 3 hour private tour – an excellent tour, it is quite budget friendly considering it lasts 3 hours. It goes to Trastevere, and you will also be able to see the Isola Tiberina and the famous Ponte Sisto.
Rome: Paranormal Night Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets – this Rome off the beaten path tour goes to some of the best hidden places in Rome. You will learn about Rome’s darkest secret and the ghosts that terrify the children of Rome (or so they say!).
Rome hidden gems private tour – this is probably the most expensive option, but also one of the best as you can customize your tour to an extent since you will be alone with the guide.
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
- 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 Sistine Chapel And The Vatican Museums
- How To Get St. Peter’s Basilica Tickets And Skip The Line
- A Complete Guide To Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica Dome
- 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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