Unusual places to see in Rome

Porta Portese is not exactly an unusual place, in fact, it is the most famous flea market in Rome, as famous if not as famous as Portobello in London. The unusual thing, however, is what you will find there by visiting it every Sunday morning, because at Porta Portese there is really everything: vintage clothes and objects, toys, bicycles, medals, jewelry and antique watches, not to mention books, of course, and even furniture... and that doesn't mean you can't get some great deals! But the most fascinating thing are the old family photos, postcards and letters from decades ago, which still have so many stories to tell.

Here is a truly unusual piece of Rome, off the beaten track for tourists: the Centrale Montemartini. This was the first electricity production plant in Rome: it was inaugurated in 1912 and operated until 1963. The Centrale had to wait until 1997 to be redeveloped, becoming an extraordinary example of industrial archaeology converted into a museum. Today, the Centrale still houses the ancient cast iron machinery, surrounded by archaeological finds and works of art that were kept in the warehouses of the Capitoline Museums. The Centrale Montemartini is a destination that is truly off the beaten track for tourists, yet beautiful and interesting: a place that you absolutely must include on your list of unusual things to see in Rome.

The oldest Jewish community in Rome has existed since the 2nd century BC, and it still does. As is well known, the Jews have suffered various persecutions over the centuries, and it was in 1555 that Pope Paul IV confined them to the ghetto, which was then dismantled 300 years later. The Jewish ghetto of Rome is located between Piazza Venezia and the banks of the Tiber, right in front of Tiber Island. The neighborhood is full of monuments, such as the Turtle Fountain, the Portico d'Ottavia, built by Augustus, or the Teatro Marcello, a small Colosseum. Right on Via del Portico d'Ottavia you will find many small restaurants where you can taste typical Roman-Jewish cuisine, such as Taverna del ghetto, Nonna Betta or Giggetto, where we recommend you order the very famous (and delicious) artichoke alla giudia.

How many times have you heard of this place, where some of the most popular Italian television programs are recorded and where so many Italian and international films have been shot? Of course we are talking about Cinecittà, an iconic place not only in Rome, but in all of Italy. For some years, thanks to guided tours, Cinecittà has been accessible and you can visit the film sets of some famous films up close, see the original costumes and discover its history and how films are created. A truly unmissable tour and exhibition, not only for film buffs. We recommend that you visit the site from time to time to discover the special events that are often organized.

"A people of poets of artists of heroes / of saints of thinkers of scientists / of navigators of transmigrants", this famous inscription is found at the top of one of the main monuments of the Italian 20th century, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the Colosseo Quadrato. This name derives from its particular architecture, with arches repeated 216 times, across the entire surface of the building on all four sides. Designed to be ready for the Universal Exhibition of Rome in 1942, its construction was completed only after the war. The structure, in reinforced concrete, is enriched by 28 statues, allegories of the arts and activities of man. A great example of monumental architecture, the Colosseo Quadrato is located in the EUR district and has been the setting for films by great Italian directors, such as Antonioni, Rossellini and Fellini.

If you count the arches, on any of the 4 sides of the building, you can compose the word Benito vertically and Mussolini horizontally.

Between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, a very particular artistic style developed in Europe, which was inspired by floral themes and, especially in the architectural field, was characterized by eclecticism and the recovery of typical medieval forms, also drawing on the world of fantasy. We are talking about art nouveau, known in England as liberty and which in Italy was renamed, precisely, floral style. Many Italian cities have an liberty district and in Rome this is certainly the Coppedè district, named after the architect who designed it and who began building it in 1915, and who then left it unfinished due to his death in 1927. The district is really very interesting to visit, it almost seems like the setting of a fairy tale and, at times, even a horror film. Among the most interesting buildings, the Palazzi degli Ambasciatori, which recall the style of Gaudì, the Palazzina del Ragno and the Villa delle Fate.

We remain in the Coppedè neighborhood, where we find a typical example of Art Nouveau architecture of that period, the Casina delle Civette. This small cottage seems to have come out of a fairy tale, and this was probably the impression that the architects of that period wanted to give. The Casina was a sort of annex of Villa Torlonia and is located on the edge of the park. It was originally built as a Swiss chalet, another very popular style at the end of the 19th century, and then underwent transformations and additions, including porticos, turrets, bay windows and loggias, which recall the medieval world. A distinctive feature are the numerous colored windows that are found there, according to the style of the time. The Casina was inhabited by Prince Torlonia until 1938 and subsequently occupied by the Allied troops, and then experienced a long period of decline. Fortunately, the Municipality of Rome acquired and restored it, making it today a delightful museum dedicated to artistic stained glass.

The Church of the Sacred Heart of Suffrage is an architectural gem located in the Prati neighborhood of Rome. This fascinating and unique church is also known as the “Church of the Souls in Purgatory” due to its connection to the cult of the souls in purgatory and as the Small Cathedral.
The facade of the church is characterized by an imposing staircase and a series of statues of suffering souls that emerge from the facade itself.
These evocative sculptures capture the attention of visitors, creating an atmosphere of mystery and spirituality.
The interior of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Suffrage is equally evocative.
The walls are adorned with paintings and frescoes that represent biblical scenes and the suffering of the souls in purgatory. A particular point of interest is the Chapel of the Souls in Purgatory, where urns containing the prayers of the faithful departed are kept.
This place offers a unique experience of devotion and reflection.
If you are interested in exploring an unusual and
spiritually charged place in Rome, the Church of the Sacred
Heart of Suffrage is an excellent choice.

Address: Lungotevere Prati

The Orange Garden, officially known as Parco Savello, is a charming garden located on the Aventine, one of the seven hills of Rome.
This small but suggestive park is famous for its tranquility and for the splendid panoramic view it offers of the city, in particular of the Dome of St. Peter.
As the name suggests, the garden is adorned with lush orange trees, whose citrus scents spread in the air, creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. The Orange Garden is a perfect place for a relaxing walk, a picnic or simply to enjoy a moment of peace, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Address: Piazza Pietro D’Illiria

The Villa Borghese Water Clock in Rome is an engineering and artistic marvel, hidden among the green paths of one of the city’s most beloved parks. Created in 1867 by inventor and artist Gian Battista Embriaco, a Dominican friar with a passion for mechanics, this clock is an extraordinary example of creativity and ingenuity.
Located near the Galoppatoio in Villa Borghese, the clock is made entirely of wood and stone and works thanks to the force of water, which activates a complex hydraulic mechanism. The water, coming from a nearby fountain, moves a series of wheels and gears that, in turn, regulate the movement of the hands.
This clock is not only a piece of history, but also a work of art that enchants visitors with its beauty and ingenuity. Its elegant design and innovative mechanism make it one of the most fascinating and lesser-known attractions in Villa Borghese.

The Keyhole, located on the Aventine Hill, is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets.
This fascinating landmark offers a unique perspective on the Eternal City.
It is a magical experience that allows visitors to look through a small hole in a gate and see a breathtaking view of Rome that seems to be perfectly framed.
To reach the Keyhole, you can walk along the quiet avenue that leads to the Aventine Hill.
Along the way, you can admire the picturesque gardens and ancient architecture that surround this area. When you arrive at the gate of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, you will be faced with a small hole in the metal. Looking through this hole, you will be greeted with a spectacular view of Rome.
What makes the Keyhole so fascinating is the perfect framing that it creates. Through the hole, you can admire the dome of St. Peter’s rising majestically among the trees of the Orange Garden.

In a single snapshot you will have the opportunity to admire 3 distinct states: the one where you are of the Italian Republic, the one immediately after the lock with an enchanting garden, the Republic of Malta and on the horizon the Vatican with the "Cupolone".

If you are in Rome and are looking for a unique and unusual experience, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Buco della Serratura.
It is a privileged point of view that will allow you to admire the beauty of Rome in a completely new way.

Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, 4

The Colonnade of St. Peter is one of the most fascinating and recognizable elements of St. Peter's Square, the beating heart of the Vatican in Rome. This masterpiece of Baroque architecture was designed and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century.
The colonnade is composed of four rows of Doric columns arranged in a horseshoe that extend into a double portico on each side of the square. The 284 columns and 88 pillars form a sort of welcoming arms that, in Bernini's own words, symbolize the "maternal welcome of the Church towards the faithful and heretics".
One of the most striking aspects of the colonnade, however, is the optical effect that Bernini cleverly incorporated into his design. From the center of the square, looking through the columns from one of the two focal points, the multiple rows of columns appear to merge into a single row due to the perspective alignment.
This optical effect has become a very popular tourist attraction and a perfect example of Bernini's ingenuity and artistic mastery.
Rome is a city of priceless treasures and the colonnade of St. Peter's is undoubtedly one of its greatest jewels, a symbol of universal welcome and majestic architectural beauty.

There is a small detail in this square, known only to a few visitors, that has a special meaning: a heart-shaped “sanpietrino”.
Sanpietrini are the typical basalt cobblestones used to pave the streets of Rome and the Vatican. The name comes from St. Peter’s Square, where they were first used in the 16th century.
Among the thousands of sanpietrini that pave the square, there is a special heart-shaped block. It is not known for sure why it is there or who placed it, but it has undoubtedly captured the imagination of many.
Some say it represents God’s love for the world, while others believe it is a gift from an unknown craftsman.
Regardless of the truth, the heart-shaped sanpietrino has become a small but significant symbol of love and hope.
Finding it can be a fun and rewarding challenge for visitors.
Once discovered, it offers a unique opportunity for a souvenir photo and a reminder of a curious and fascinating detail in the grandiose St. Peter’s Square.
Go to the “Vento di libeccio” tile and move to the right towards the Church, and looking carefully at the cobblestones you will find the heart drawn.

Address: Piazza San Pietro

Bar Canova Tadolini in Rome is a unique place where art and gastronomy merge into an unforgettable experience. Located in the lively Via del Babuino neighborhood, near Piazza del Popolo, this historic café was once the studio of sculptors Antonio Canova and Adamo Tadolini. Inside, guests can admire sculptures and sketches that transform the place into a true museum. The atmosphere is refined but welcoming, perfect for enjoying a coffee, an aperitif or a light meal, surrounded by works of art that tell the story of Italian art.
Bar Canova Tadolini is a must-see for lovers of art and culture in Rome.

Address: Via del Babuino, 150/a

Palazzo Zuccari is a fascinating historical building located in the Rione Ludovisi neighborhood of Rome.
This palace, also known as the House of Monsters, is a unique architectural work of art.
Its façade features a series of grotesque masks and mythological figures that give the building an eccentric and suggestive appearance.
Inside, Palazzo Zuccari houses an art gallery that presents works by contemporary artists and offers visitors a unique artistic experience.

Address: Via Gregoriana, 28

The Tempietto del Bramante, located in the courtyard of San Pietro in Montorio in Rome, is a Renaissance masterpiece of extraordinary importance. Designed by the architect Donato Bramante around 1502, this small but imposing building is considered a perfect example of Renaissance architecture.
With its circular structure, Doric columns and hemispherical dome, the Tempietto represents an ideal homage to classical harmony and proportion.
It is often described as a monument that marks the beginning of Renaissance architecture in Rome.
This structure, despite its small size, had a significant impact on the history of architecture, influencing numerous architects in the following centuries.

Address: Piazza di S. Pietro in Montorio, 2

The Cloister of San Cosimato, located in the heart of the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood in Rome, is a place of peace and historical beauty.
Part of the ancient monastic complex of San Cosimato, founded in the 9th century, the cloister is a splendid example of medieval architecture.
Characterized by elegant columns and round arches, it offers an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection.
The cloister has been restored over the centuries, but still retains its original charm.
Today, it is an oasis of serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a place where visitors can immerse themselves in history and art, admiring the simplicity and beauty of this hidden corner of Rome.

Free admission
Address Piazza di S. Cosimato, 3214

Antica Farmacia della Scala, hidden among the streets of Trastevere in Rome, is a pearl of history and tradition. Founded in the 17th century by the Carmelite friars of the nearby convent of San Crisogono, this historic pharmacy is a fascinating example of historical and cultural continuity.
Inside, the environment is a journey into the past: dark walnut shelves cover the walls, displaying ceramic and glass jars, some of which date back to the time of its founding.
These containers, once filled with medicinal herbs and pharmaceutical preparations, are now silent witnesses to centuries of pharmaceutical practice. The ceiling, decorated with frescoes, and the floor, with its original tiles, add to the historic charm of the place.
The ancient pharmaceutical instruments on display, including scales, mortars and pestles, tell the story of the pharmacy and its evolution over the centuries.
In addition to its function as a pharmacy, the place also serves as a small museum, thanks to the preservation of ancient recipes and manuscripts, which offer a fascinating look at the history of medicine and healing practices.
Visiting the Antica Farmacia della Scala is a unique experience, which allows you to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of times gone by and to discover a lesser-known but incredibly rich aspect of the city of Rome.

Reservation required by email: anticafarmaciadellascala@gmail.com
Address: Piazza della Scala, 23

Arco dei Banchi is an ancient Roman arch located in the heart of Rome, near the Roman Forum and the Capitoline Hill. This arch, dating back to the 2nd century AD, was originally part of an ancient Roman road. Today, Arco dei Banchi is a historical monument of great importance and offers a splendid panoramic view of the eternal city.

Address between Via del Banco di Santo Spirito with Via Paola.

The Passetto del Biscione is an ancient walkway located in the heart of Rome. This beautiful secret passage today connects Via di Grottapinta with Piazza del Biscione but in Roman times it connected the cavea of ​​the Theater of Pompey with the outside.

Address: between Via di Grotta Pinta with Piazza del Biscione

Arco degli Acetari is another fascinating Roman arch located in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome.
This 16th-century arch is named after the vinegar merchants who once resided in this area.
The arch features Renaissance architecture and offers a picturesque and charming atmosphere.
It is a great place for a quiet stroll and to admire the historic architecture of Rome.

Address: Via del Pellegrino, 19

The Botanical Garden of Rome is an oasis of tranquility and beauty located in the heart of the city.
This beautiful botanical garden offers a variety of plants, flowers and trees from all over the world, creating a fascinating and colorful environment.
While exploring the Botanical Garden, you can walk along the manicured paths and admire a wide range of plant species.
From exotic flowers to plants, from ancient trees to aromatic herbs, here you will find a great variety of flora that enchants the eyes and stimulates the senses.
In addition, the Botanical Garden also houses greenhouses and thematic gardens that will allow you to immerse yourself in different natural environments.
In addition to the botanical beauty, the Botanical Garden also offers a pleasant relaxing atmosphere.
The Botanical Garden also hosts events and exhibitions that will allow you to deepen your knowledge of local and international plants and flora.
You can participate in guided tours, workshops and conferences.
Enjoy a regenerating walk among the colors and scents of the plants and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of nature inside the Botanical Garden of Rome.

Address: Largo Cristina di Svezia, 23 A – 24

The “Barocca Machine” in the Church of the Gesù in Rome is a fascinating example of Baroque engineering and art. This unique mechanism, located in the main altar of the church, is activated daily, usually in the afternoon, at 5:30 pm to reveal a statue of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Hidden behind a painting, the statue appears through a sophisticated system of pulleys and curtains that move, creating a dramatic and theatrical effect.
The action of the Baroque Machine is a moment of great attraction for visitors, combining visual art with the element of surprise and technical mastery. This tradition, which continues to amaze and fascinate, is a vivid example of Baroque style and aesthetics, where art is not only to be admired, but to be experienced in a dynamic and engaging way.

Address: Piazza del Gesù, Rome

Galleria Borromini is a must-see destination for art and architecture lovers visiting Rome. Located in the Piazza Navona district, this contemporary art gallery offers a unique experience inside an architectural masterpiece.
The gallery is housed inside the Palazzo Spada, designed by Baroque architect Francesco Borromini in the 17th century. The building itself is an extraordinary expression of Borromini’s creative genius, with its elegant façade and clever use of perspective.
One of the main attractions of Galleria Borromini is the famous “Borromini’s Perspective”, a room that creates an extraordinary optical illusion. Upon entering, you can admire a long corridor that seems to extend for an incredible length.
In reality, the room is designed to be shorter than it appears, creating a surprising visual effect.
This illusionistic perspective is a perfect example of Borromini’s genius in using architecture to fool the human eye.
Galleria Borromini also houses a collection of contemporary art, with works by Italian and international artists. Prepare to be surprised, enchanted and inspired by the beauty and brilliance that characterize Galleria Borromini.

Address: at Galleria Spada: Piazza Capo di Ferro, 13, 00186 Roma RM

Vicus Caprarius, also known as the “City of Water,” is an archaeological site hidden in the heart of Rome, near the Trevi Fountain.
Discovered during the restoration of a cinema, this complex dates back to the imperial era and represents a section of the great water distribution network of ancient Rome.
Visitors can explore the remains of an ancient apartment building, tanks and water pipes, testifying to the sophisticated Roman hydraulic engineering.
The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of ancient Rome, combining history and engineering in a unique location, just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the modern city.
Address: Vicolo del Puttarello, 25, Rome

The Stadium of Domitian, located in the heart of Rome, under the current Piazza Navona, is an archaeological site of great historical importance. Built by order of the Emperor Domitian in 85 AD, this stadium was originally dedicated to athletic sports, especially running races, and could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators. Its structure, typical of ancient stadiums, was characterized by a long elliptical track surrounded by stands.

Today, the remains of the Stadium of Domitian can be visited in an underground archaeological area. This site offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of ancient Rome, exploring the foundations and structures that once formed the basis of the stadium. During the visit, it is possible to admire the remains of the stands, corridors and other parts of the building, as well as discover objects and finds that tell the story of daily life and the shows of the time.

A visit to the Stadium of Domitian is a unique experience that allows you to connect with Roman history and better understand the urban evolution of the city. Piazza Navona, with its characteristic shape, follows the footprint of the stadium below, testifying to the historical and cultural continuity of Rome.

The “Serpens Ultor”, also known as the avenging serpent, is a symbol linked to the punishment of unfaithful men. A slit inside the Stadium of Domitian bears the inscription: “BALLISTRARIUM VERITATIS FIDEM NON PRODERE PERICULUM HOSTIS FACERE”.
This phrase, quoted in the medieval text “Mirabilia Urbis Romae”, has been interpreted as a warning to men who cheat on their wives and boast about their love affairs.
According to legend, an unfaithful man who urinates in the slit risks being castrated by a snake hidden inside this small space, a symbolic punishment for his betrayal.

Address: Via di Tor Sanguigna 3 -Rome

Commissioned by Cardinal Oliviero Carafa around 1500, the Chiostro del Bramante is a linear and elegant construction, the work of Donato Bramante who, having moved from Milan to Rome, became the first architect of Pope Julius II and a great rival of Michelangelo. It is part of the complex that also includes the adjacent Church of Santa Maria della Pace.

The Renaissance architecture of the Cloister takes inspiration from classicism, with the banishment of any additional decoration in favor of the power of the structural elements. Built on a square plan, it consists of two superimposed orders: a large portico with four arches on each side with Ionic-style pillars with capitals and bases (pilasters), vaulted roofs, and an upper loggia in composite style, with alternating Corinthian pillars and columns that support the flat-roofed architrave.

The stylistically different elements are harmoniously integrated into the architecture, such as the superposition of an architrave order on an arched one, the columns of the upper order on the central axis on the arch below, the framed arches on the ground floor, the set of Ionic, Corinthian and composite capitals, the pilasters on the ground floor and the composite pillars on the upper floor.
In this space, the rooms for collective life were distributed on the ground floor and the living spaces on the first floor, now areas dedicated to cultural activities.

At the base of each pillar of the loggia, there are seats once used by the monks, while the walls of the portico on the ground floor are decorated with sepulchral monuments from the end of the fifteenth century. In almost all the lunettes, delicate frescoes can be admired with stories from the life of Mary.

The exhibition spaces are spread over approximately 1000 square meters on two floors.

The exhibition itinerary is completed by a Bookshop, a store, a café in the upper loggia with the suggestive Hall of Raphael's Sibyls attached. The Chiostro del Bramante has today become a multifaceted reality, through the organization of multiple cultural activities such as conferences, seminars, book presentations, concerts, theatrical performances.

Since 2010, the Chiostro has given life to a series of initiatives that aim to recreate what was originally the function of the Cloister: a place for the spirit, therefore yoga and meditation courses.

Among the curiosities to see in Rome, one of the lesser-known is the Passeggiata del Gelsomino, a charming avenue that winds along the old Vatican railway, built in 1929.

This suggestive path offers a unique view of St. Peter's and its majestic dome, providing an unusual and memorable experience.

To find it, just enter the Stazione San Pietro, as if you were about to take the train, and follow platform 1 until you discover this hidden treasure in the heart of the eternal city.

The name comes from the jasmine flowers that adorn the path and, during the summer bloom, release a sweet and unmistakable scent as you walk. Furthermore, the path once overlooked the Valle del Gelsomino, which extended from the Vatican to the Janiculum.

In the heart of Rome, between Viale del Vignola and Via Flaminia, there is Little London, a small street of pretty villas in “old England” style. It is precisely Via Bernardo Celentano.

This enchanted corner represents a historical testimony of the urban transformations of the 1900s, when the mayor Ernesto Nathan imposed height limits and designed the area.

Little London is a romantic glimpse, one of a kind, that offers an exciting journey into the past of the Eternal City.

A curiosity to see in Rome is a little-known palace entirely decorated with paintings inspired by literature.

From Dante to Ludovico Ariosto, the walls of this villa tell the story of all ancient Italian literature, created by the Nazarene collective, a group of German painters who dedicated themselves to non-religious works.

The address of this wonderful villa is Via Matteo Boiardo, 16. You can visit it at the following times: Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 12:00. And the best thing is that admission is free!

This enchanting place will give you a journey into Italian literature through splendid frescoes, and you will discover a lesser-known but equally fascinating part of Italian art and culture.

The Lovers’ Fountain in Rome is located on the right side of the Trevi Fountain and consists of 2 simple spouts that intersect their water jets before pouring them into the stone basin below.

The architect Nicola Salvi, commissioned by Pope Clement XII to design the Trevi Fountain, inserted these two spouts to allow people to access the pure and healthy water of the Acqua Vergine Aqueduct, which would otherwise be inaccessible. Why were the water jets arranged in this way? There are at least two reasons behind the architect Salvi’s choice. First, the two water jets were designed to allow Roman women to fill their water containers more quickly. Secondly, the arrangement of the spouts also has a great symbolic value, referring to the two white doves drinking from the source. They are a reference to Christian symbolism, where they represent thirsty Christian souls drinking from the grace of God. Therefore, the Lovers' Fountain also represents a tribute to the person who commissioned the work.

It is said that couples in love who drink from this fountain will stay together forever. It is a simple ritual that, in the past, was performed for the departure of the fiancé during military service. The evening before the farewell, the two young people went to the fountain and the girl filled a glass that had never been used before, offered it to her lover who drank it and then broke it. In this way, the girl was sure not to lose her loved one and he would always remember her and Rome.

The Basilica of San Clemente in Rome is an archaeological and religious marvel.

What makes it even more fascinating is the possibility of descending into its bowels to discover the various levels on which the city was built over the centuries. It is also in this place that you can understand that "Rome was not built in a day"...

This incredible site offers a journey through time through layers of history and architecture. The beautiful internal courtyard is also unmissable.

It is located in via Labicana 45, not far from the Colosseum, and is open every day from 9:45 to 18:30, except for lunch and Sunday mornings.