Metropolitan City of Rome

Hidden Gems of Rome

Beyond the Colosseum, Rome's outskirts and quiet corners harbor unique historical treasures. This collection features the 6th-century Subiaco Abbey carved into rock, the mysterious 17th-century Alchemical Door, and the Centrale Montemartini, where classical sculptures stand amidst industrial machinery. Explore the ancient pottery mound of Monte Testaccio, the Roman Republican ruins at Largo di Torre Argentina, and Richard Meier's modern Jubilee Church. From the Museum of Purgatory to the ancient aqueducts and the Cestius Pyramid, these sites showcase the city’s architectural and spiritual diversity.

Hidden Gems of Rome — Map

LPLT / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Subiaco Abbey

The existence of the abbey dates back to the 6th century AD. It was established by Benedict of Nursia who chose the place (in fact he chose…

Alessio Damato / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Argentina Square

Archaeological site featuring four ancient temples from the Roman Republic and Imperial periods with well-preserved ruins.

Croberto68 / Public domain

C

Museum of the Souls of Purgatory

This neogothic church, consecrated in 1921, may not be the oldest or the most breath-taking in Rome, however, it is certainly worth a visit.

Daniela Matarazzo / Public domain

D

Abbey of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

A Benedictine complex and UNESCO World Heritage site adjacent to the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. It features a well-preserved 13th-century cloister with Cosmatesque inlaid marble columns.

Lalupa / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Parco degli Acquedotti

Enjoy beautiful views from this park which is a well-known filming location, that featured for example in the movie La Dolce Vita.

Ragusaibla / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Spada Gallery

The Galleria Spada is a museum in Rome, which is housed in the Palazzo Spada on Piazza Capo di Ferro.

Lalupa / Public domain

G

Porta Alchemica

The Alchemical Door, also known as the Alchemy Gate or Magic Portal, is a monument built between 1678 and 1680 by Massimiliano Palombara,…

Lalupa / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Villa of the Quintilii

Take a good look at these ruins. Once, they were a magnificent villa of the noble Roman Quintilii family.

Lalupa / Public domain

I

Centrale Montemartini

Tired of all the ancient palaces? Visit this museum of ancient art, set in the oldest power plant to be opened in Rome.

Blackcat / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Pyramid of Cestius

Ancient Roman tomb built in the shape of a pyramid, inspired by Egyptian architecture and dating back to 12 BC. It features early Roman brickwork, frescoes, and marble decoration.

Federico Di Iorio / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Jubilee Church

The Jubilee Church, formally known as Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, is a Catholic church and community center in Tor Tre Teste in…

Lalupa / Public domain

L

Monte Testaccio

Monte Testaccio or Monte Testaceo, also known as Monte dei Cocci, is an artificial mound in Rome composed almost entirely of testae,…

Lalupa / CC-BY-SA-3.0

M

Tre Fontane Abbey

Tre Fontane Abbey, or the Abbey of Saints Vincent and Anastasius, is a Roman Catholic abbey in Rome, held by monks of the Cistercian Order…

Livioandronico2013 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Abbey of Saint Scholastica, Subiaco

The Abbey of Saint Scholastica, also known as Subiaco Abbey, is located just outside the town of Subiaco in the Province of Rome, Region of…

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

O

Grotta di Nettuno

A scenic grotto located within the gardens of Villa d'Este in Tivoli. Part of the elaborate 16th-century hydraulic landscape, it is situated beneath the Organ Fountain and dedicated to the Roman god of the sea.