Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a top destination for travelers seeking history, art, and culture. While famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican City are must-see attractions, there are also many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best hidden gems to visit in Rome, including the Appian Way, the Protestant Cemetery, the Baths of Caracalla, the Capuchin Crypt, the Aventine Hill, the Villa Borghese Gardens, the Palazzo Spada, and the Janiculum Hill. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply seeking a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city, these hidden gems offer something for everyone. So if you happen to be in Rome for your Master or planning a trip to Rome in the future, be sure to add some of these off-the-beaten-path attractions to your itinerary!
The Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica, is one of the oldest and most important roads in ancient Rome. Today, it is a peaceful, tree-lined avenue that winds through the countryside south of the city. The Appian Way is lined with ancient ruins, catacombs, and tombs, and is a great place to escape the crowds of central Rome.
The Protestant Cemetery, also known as the Non-Catholic Cemetery for Foreigners, is a serene and beautiful place located in the heart of Rome. It is the final resting place of many famous writers, artists, and scholars, including John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The Baths of Caracalla are a massive complex of public baths built by the Roman Emperor Caracalla in the early 3rd century AD. Today, they are a popular destination for tourists, but are often overlooked in favor of the better-known Colosseum and Roman Forum.
The Capuchin Crypt is a unique and macabre attraction located beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. The crypt contains the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin friars, arranged in intricate and decorative patterns.
The Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s seven hills and is home to several lesser-known but stunning attractions. These include the Orange Garden, which offers panoramic views of the city, and the Keyhole of Rome, a small hole in a door that frames a perfect view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Villa Borghese Gardens are a sprawling park in the heart of Rome that is home to several museums, galleries, and other attractions. The gardens are a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city and offer a variety of activities, including walking trails, bike paths, and boating on the park’s lake.
The Palazzo Spada is a magnificent Baroque palace located in the heart of Rome. It is home to a small but impressive collection of art and is known for its stunning trompe l’oeil gallery, which features a seemingly endless corridor that is actually only 8 meters long.
The Janiculum Hill is another of Rome’s seven hills and is home to several interesting attractions, including the Garibaldi Monument and the Tempietto del Bramante, a small temple built by the famous Renaissance architect Donato Bramante.
While there are certainly many famous and well-known attractions to see in Rome, there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From ancient ruins to peaceful gardens to quirky crypts, there is no shortage of off-the-beaten-path attractions to explore in the Eternal City. So the next time you’re wandering in Rome, be sure to venture beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover some of these hidden gems for yourself.
