No wonder that in 2023 more than 35 million visited Rome, one of Italy’s most visually beautiful cities, which millions are craving to visit.
The time-tested loved walking tours in Rome take visitors to the top attractions of the Colosseum, Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Trevi Fountain-all symbols of the rich historical presence and greatness of this ancient city. Beyond these famous attractions, the Eternal City rewards its explorers with charming cobblestone alleys and lesser-known piazzas and local eateries.
These tours form an immersive experience of city culture, history, and street life. Whether one’s passion is history or appreciating breathtaking architecture, the city has something for every one of its visitors. This article will explore five of Rome’s hidden wonders so you can discover the Eternal City beyond the crowds.
Quartiere Coppedè / Coppedè Neighborhood
Quartiere Coppedè, literally meaning ‘neighbourhood’ in English, has become Rome’s most hidden treasure due to its unique architectural design. This small collection of homes is a true pleasure for architects and photographers alike, as they exhibit many different architectural styles.
Quartiere Coppedè is located far from the main routes of tourists. It, therefore, has few tourists. However, access can be taken at the junction of Via Dora and Via Tagliamento. From this junction, the exploration begins. Additionally, those who would want to understand Rome’s smallest district better can join a guided walk by a local expert.
Fun fact: That neighborhood is named after one Italian architect who built this. His name is Gino Coppedè.
Parco Degli Acquedotti / Park Of The Aqueducts
Parco degli Acquedotti is a conservation area southeast of the town, that accommodates two major aqueducts, Aqua Felix and Aqua Claudia and the ruins of other monuments.
Many residents come to jog or cycle, walk their dogs, or simply sit around sunset near the umbrella pine trees and ancient aqueducts.
The public park is just walking distance from both Lucio Sestio and Giulio Agricola metro stations and this makes it easy to get into the central part of Rome.
Gianicolo Hill / Janiculum Hill
Known in the Italian tongue as ‘Gianicolo’, Janiculum Hill lies south of the Vatican City and directly above a famous neighborhood known as Trastevere, although getting to the top itself is a moderately demanding climb and delivers some of the best views of Rome available.
There are a few significant attractions on the hill including Piazzale Garibaldi, the 17th-century Aqua Paola Fountain in Italian known as ‘Fontana dell’Acqua Paola’, Giuseppe Garibaldi Monument, and a cannon, which is fired every day at noon.
Even though it is the second-highest hill in the Eternal City, Janiculum is not one of Rome’s Seven Hills; this is because it stood outside the ancient city wall. Consequently, most tourists pass by this place and the area tends to be far less crowded.
Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio / Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo
Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo al Celio is the first known example of a centrally planned church in Rome. The building was completed in the 5th century and is highly renowned for its graphic 16th-century frescoes, unique circular form, and austere interior.
There are more than 900 churches in Rome. Still, this little one is truly a hidden wonder. It’s just about a 10-15 minute walk from the famous Colosseum and probably would go unnoticed unless someone knew it existed.
Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo is open to the public from 10am until 1pm and 2pm till 5pm in the winter periods, which run from October to March, while from 3pm till 6pm in summer periods which run from April to September.
Park Caffarella
Caffarella Park is central Rome’s largest and most famous recreational area for recreation, particularly for its neighbors who get away from all the cacophony that usually heralds world famous tourist areas.
This place is located at just a 15-minute walk distance from the Colosseum but is good to discover the rural side of Rome. You can find more than 70 species of birds, goats, sheep, foxes, maple trees, oaks, walnuts, fig trees, wild roses, and wild apples.
Besides the park, it has a wide variety of attractions, including: ancient Roman ruins, cheese production facility, Tomb of Annia Regilla, Old Mill Farmstead, the Museum of Cecilia Metela, the Temple dedicated to Ceres and Faustina, artificial cave called the Nymphaeum of Egeria, besides a cistern with considerable capacity.
Ready To Explore Rome’s Hidden Wonders?
This article will take the reader through various locations that will reflect very different aspects of Rome. Getting away from traditional routes and tourist paths, visiting the Italian capital is not only beautiful but also peaceful.
The positive side is that most of these places, besides the famous places of Rome, can be explored as a whole since they are all strategically located.
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