Rome

Hidden Gems in Rome

Rome’s alternative side reveals layers of history often missed by visitors. Explore the Pyramid of Cestius, an ancient tomb inspired by Egyptian architecture, and Centrale Montemartini, where classical sculptures stand against industrial machinery in a repurposed power plant. This collection includes the Museum of the Souls of Purgatory, housing supernatural relics, and Monte Testaccio, an artificial hill formed by millions of Roman pottery fragments. From the modern sails of the Jubilee Church to the alchemical symbols of the Porta Magica, these sites showcase the city’s architectural diversity and mystical legends.

Hidden Gems — Map

Livioandronico2013 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

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.

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.

MM / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

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.

Lalupa / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

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.

Croberto68 / Public domain

E

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.

Lalupa / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

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

G

Monte Testaccio

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

VINCENZO PENTANGELO / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

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…

Nicholas Gemini / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Metropoliz MAAM

Located in a former salami factory, this experimental museum features over 500 works of contemporary street art. It functions as both a living community and an art gallery, using cultural expression to protect the industrial site from demolition.

Livioandronico2013 / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

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

K

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,…

Tomk2ski / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Arch of Gallienus

The Porta Esquilina was a gate in the Servian Wall, of which the Arch of Gallienus is extant today.

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