If you have never been to Rome or if you want to go back to see it from a new perspective you must not miss these places. It’s no surprise that Rome is one of the most visited cities in the entire world. There are classic bucket-list monuments to visit such as the Fori Imperiali and Piazza di Spagna. There is so much to see and always so little time, but if you are looking for a perfect mix of classical sites with off-the-beaten-path routes enjoy this suggestion.
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One of the most exciting experiences you can have is to discover the city through its underground passages. Have you ever heard of the Underground of San Clemente and San Crisogono or the Vicus Caprarius? Visiting these places and their underground passages will allow you to get to know the city of Rome from a completely new point of view.
Everyone knows the famous Trevi Fountain, but the underground passages stretching beneath the Trevi district are less well-known. In the underground archaeological area of Vicus Caprarius – the City of Water, it could be possible to touch Rome’s millennial stratification and observe the archaeological evidence of the great events that characterized the city’s history, from the realization of Aqua Virgo to the Middle Ages.
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Rome is not only about history and ancient monuments. Many do not know that the city's underground areas also offer wonderful Street Artwork. The Eternal City is in fact among the Italian cities with the highest concentration of Street Art works scattered throughout the city and the Roman art scene is among the most active in recent years.
Ostiense is the result of an urban redevelopment process that has made use of Street Art. All this has made Ostiense an unmissable stop for lovers of open-air art. Here you can appreciate an underground Rome with an industrial charm. And if the mix of industrial and ancient art arouses your curiosity as a visitor, go and discover a pearl of this exceptional district: The Centrale Montemartini.
This is an extraordinary example of converting an industrial archaeology building into a museum venue that displays sculptures, mosaics, and archaeological artifacts from the Roman era belonging to the Capitoline Museum Collections.
You could alternate these off-the-beaten-path routes with more famous places such as the Colosseum and the Forums where, however, if you have already been there, we suggest you go on an urban trek to discover the history of these monuments and the role they have played in the transformation of the city, an exceptional point of view could be a stop at Trajan's Markets.
If you want to visit another unmissable site of the city like the Vatican, you can still make your visit out of the ordinary. Did you know that in the Vatican Museums, there is a gallery where you will feel like you are going around Italy by bicycle? Have you ever had the opportunity to admire the city from the famous Bramante staircase? Well, if you haven't already done so, take advantage and let the city's history be told by discovering the lesser-known collections of the Museums, without losing the famous Raphael rooms and the Sistine Chapel.
If you are passionate about churches, do not miss a visit to Santa Maria Maggiore with its Loggia and its ancient mosaics, you can visit places not usually open to the public and enter one of the most exciting building sites of antiquity, and if you want to enjoy the green lung of the city visit Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese the Delight of Rome. The gallery collection covering twenty rooms consists of antiques, sculptures, and many paintings, including the statues ‘Apollo and Daphne’ by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, and Sanzio Raphael.
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Finally, if you want to immerse yourself in the beauties of the Roman countryside do as the Romans do and treat yourself to a trip out of town to the Castelli Romani, where among other things you can visit the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo and its gardens, Nemi and its charming lake, or go discovering Genzano with its traditional Infiorata and its branded bread.
By following these suggestions, you will get to know another Rome, through experiences of art, local traditions, music, and good food since you cannot truly appreciate Rome if you don't also enter its culinary traditions.
Nicoletta Giannini
Nicoletta Giannini is an archaeologist specializing in the Middle Ages of the city of Rome, who for many years has carried out research activities in universities and has participated in numerous archaeological missions. She lives in Rome and is a tourist guide of the Italian State and an official guide of the Vatican State, where he also works as a didactic operator. She is the President of the APS La Fonte, a social promotion association for tourism in Rome and sustainable tourism in the Castelli Romani and Tuscia areas. She has a love and passion for educating others about Rome’s history & culture through her tours. Nicoletta is passionate about music and photography and in her free time, she likes to discover new places for her off-the-beaten-path tours to enjoy good food and wine.