Hidden Places In Rome: Visit The Unknown Gems Of Rome

View of the Roman skyline with traditional architecture buildings on a bright and sunny day.

Rome is the capital of Italy and stands in the central-western part of the Italian Peninsula on the Tiber River. One can find several hidden places in Rome. With a rich cultural history spanning 28 centuries, many secret places in Rome are still unknown. These hidden places in Rome make this place all the more enigmatic. The wanderlust souls find Rome as a history of ancient times with its grand art and architecture. The following list highlights the number of must-visit places that are unknown to many and would help fellow travellers to plan their trip.

Top 10 Unknown Hidden Gems Of Rome

The hidden places of the Appian Way or local neighbourhoods such as Testaccio often go unnoticed. These unknown places make a visit memorable and are to be cherished for a lifetime.

1. Galleria Sciarra

A breathtaking view of the intricately designed interiors of the Galleria Sciarra in Rome.

Photo: Frank C. Müller / Wikimedia Commons

The Galleria Sciarra is a magnificent courtyard that is often missed by the human eye. This place is privately owned but open to the public during regular work hours. This grand structure was built in the 1800s, and the intricate frescoes painted by Gabrielle Cellini on the walls make this place all the more attractive. The frescoes are painted in the Art Nouveau style and depict allegorical imagery of women from Greek mythology. Originally, the building was made to function as a shopping mall, but this could not be realized. Now it serves just as an office space. This spot is undoubtedly one of the most underrated hidden places in Rome.

Location: Via Marco Minghetti, Roma RM, Italy

2. Appian Way

Appian Way in Rome, an ancient road built amidst lush greenery and historic structure

Photo: Nicolò Musmeci / Wikimedia Commons

The Appian Way is one of the most ancient roads in Rome. It was originally built in 312 BC, and the initial construction began in Rome. This way stretched towards the South through Campania, all the way to Brindisi, in modern-day Puglia. Surprisingly, parts of the roads still exist today. The same roads that were once trodden upon by the mighty Roman Emperors. One can find historic villas, monuments, and ruins that can be visited by just paying an additional fee. The first few kilometres of the road are located in Parco dell’Appia Antica. This is outside the central part of Rome. One can easily reach the park by metro and bus. It takes 30-45 minutes to reach the destination.

Location: Roman Forum, Rome to Brindisi

3. Quartiere Coppede

The grand Quartiere Coppede with stunning architecture stands tall, depicting its rich ancient history.

Photo: Andrea Bertozzi / Wikimedia Commons

This place consists of a unique area within Rome’s Trieste neighbourhood. This place was designed by the architect, Gino Coppede, from whom the place derived its name. This grand location is home to 26 small palaces and 17 villas, all built in the early 20th century. Art Nouveau is the main architectural style here, where one can find elements of Gothic and Roman influences. One can enter this area through the arch on Via Tagliamento, which leads to the Piazza Mincio. There is a Fountain of Frogs at the centre of the Piazza. This is a charming area of Rome away from the crowded streets. The distinctive architectural style in this place makes it a spot worth visiting. This grand place is indeed one of the most happening hidden places in Rome.

Location: Piazza Mincio, Roma RM, Italy

4. Baths Of Caracalla

The spectacular view of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome, beneath a blue sky on a perfect sunny day.

Photo: Ethan Doyle White / Wikimedia Commons

This structure was built around 212 AD and is the second-largest bath complex in Rome after the Baths of Diocletian. After a few hundred years, the baths fell into disuse and were gradually buried under centuries of construction and time. The late 19th-century excavations brought these structures to light. One can find spectacular mosaic floors and other decorative pieces scattered around this place. The outer part of these baths remains in proper condition, making it one of the most beautiful sites from ancient Roman times. One can enter the area by walking through cold rooms, hot rooms, and open-air swimming pools.

Location: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Roma RM, Italy

5. Testaccio Market

The deserted streets of the Testaccio Market with empty buildings during the evening.

Photo: Lalupa / Wikimedia Commons

Rome’s Testaccio neighbourhood lies across the Tiber River. It is an uncommon spot, and so few travellers come here. This place is known for the delicious food that it offers to the locals and the tourists. The pizzas are very popular, especially from Casa Manco. They are delectable and add to the spice of the place. There are many restaurants located in the Testaccio Market that also sell mouthwatering Roman Cuisine like Pasta alla Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Amatriciana. The Testaccio market is one of the best food markets in the entire of Rome and is home to hundreds of people. When visiting Rome, one should plan a visit to this hidden yet interesting place.

Location: Via Aldo Manuzio, Roma RM, Italy

6. Janiculum Hill

A mesmerising view of the Roman city as seen from the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Photo: DimiTalen / Wikimedia Commons

This point is a favourite among the travellers who know about it. To reach this heavenly place, one should head through Trastevere and up the stairs to Janiculum Hill. This hill does not belong to Rome’s original “seven hills”, as it stands outside the main city of Rome. However, it is referred to as “the eighth hill” of modern-day Rome. The terrace at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi offers a breathtaking view of the ancient city. The best time to visit this place is during sunset when the sun lights up the entire city. Afternoons are the second-best option to visit this place as a cannon is fired every day at noon for 100 years.

Location: Municipio I, Roma RM, Italy

7. Oratorio Del Santissimo Crocifisso

A heavenly night view of a beautiful church overlooking a bridge running across a water body.

Photo: Jebulon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This church is another hidden destination to visit in Rome. The Oratory of the Most Holy Crucifix is tied to the San Marcello al Corso Church. This church was destroyed by fire except for the wooden cross in the 16th century. Three years later, a plague was stopped by the same wooden cross, or it was believed to be so. The importance of the cross led to the creation of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Crucifix. The Most Holy Crucifix is a brotherhood dedicated to the service of helping the needy. It was this brotherhood that built the oratory as the meeting place, which is now a home to the cross. The modest facade of the building will make anyone overlook its grandeur. This place is a treat to the eyes with frescoes on the walls and ceiling.

Location: Piazza dell’Oratorio, Roma RM, Italy

8. Parco Degli Acquedotti

The royal structures at Parco Degli Acquedotti are the ruins of the great ancient Roman architecture.

Photo: Maurizio Moro5153 / Wikimedia Commons

The Aqueduct Park in Rome is built on an area of more than 600 acres. This place is easily accessible via metro from the central part of the city. The city’s aqueducts converged here in ancient times. Seven aqueducts are still there, standing on partial ruins, whereas a few others are still intact. One can visit the ruins of several towers and the Villa dei Sette Bassi while in the park. The Villa dei Sette Bassi is one of the largest Roman suburban villas. This park has a wide area of beautiful, lush green landscape. It is perfect for jogging and picnicking with this heavenly atmosphere. This place is even more beautiful during sunset. The unusual stature of this park makes it one of the most popular hidden places in Rome.

Location: Via Lemonia, Roma RM, Italy

9. Trastevere

A picture of a lively neighbourhood at Trastevere in Rome on a perfect sunny day.

Photo: Jorge Franganillo / Wikimedia Commons

Trastevere is still Rome’s most enchanting neighbourhood and is no longer a secret. It is located across the Tiber River and is inaccessible by metro. One needs to reach here either by bus or on foot. Wandering through the quaint streets of Trastevere takes one into a different version of the city. The place is charming yet modern in outlook and is like a breath of fresh air away from the weight of history and crowds like the ones in proper Rome. The food options are the best here, with an incredible range of items on the menu card. Beautiful spots like Villa Farnesina and Janiculum Hill are in its neighbourhood.

Location: Lazio, Roma RM, Italy

10. Teatro Di Marcello E Portico Of Octavio

A grand Colosseum-like structure stands tall, upholding Rome’s great ancient culture.

Photo: Gaiadh / Wikimedia Commons

To get the Colosseum vibes without the crowd, one should visit The Theatre Of Marcellus, an open-air amphitheatre that was completed around 13 BC, i.e., 100 years before the Colosseum was built. This structure was commissioned by Julius Caesar, though completed after his death, and held 20,000 people, making it the largest amphitheatre in Rome at that time. The ruins of this grand structure are free to visit, along with the other areas near the place. The Portico di Octavio is an ancient gate built around 24 BC by Octavius and is found near the amphitheatre. Many people still do not know much about the place, leaving it to be one of the hidden places in Rome.

Location: Via del Teatro di Marcello, Roma RM, Italy

Rome is an amazing destination among the other places on the bucket list while visiting Europe. These unknown places in Rome make a visit worthwhile. Time is short when visiting such important cities compared to the number of places for sightseeing. One should plan the trip accordingly and make a list of all the significant places in Rome. Though there are many hidden places in Rome, they are no less prominent than the most prominent ones. TripXL makes the trip easier for their travel partners with detailed information and thorough guidance throughout the journey. It lives up to the expectations of the people who trust it with all their travel itineraries.

Cover Photo: Bert Kaufmann / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Rome is an ancient place with its origins thousands of years ago. The nickname reflects Rome’s eternal grandeur represented through great art and architecture, literature, history and cultural impact. These date back many years but continue to inspire the modern world.
Vatican City is an independent city-state within Rome and is an area of major attraction among tourists. It is the centre of the Catholic Church that is famous worldwide.
Rome is known for its authentic Roman cuisines that include pizzas and various kinds of pasta like pasta alla carbonara, pasta alla amatriciana, and pasta alla gricia.
Rome should be visited during the off seasons, like winter or late fall. The flight and accommodation fares are cheaper during this time. Rome’s public transportation is a better option over taxis.
Staying in the Centro Storico or near the Pantheon is a better option due to its location near some of the important sightseeing places. Trastevere is a great neighbourhood for someone who wants to get a local feel with great dining opportunities.

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