Rome is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, known for its breathtaking monuments and historical sites. If you’re looking for something beyond the usual landmarks, you might be interested in exploring some of the city’s more unusual places to visit in Rome. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at five unique spots that offer a different perspective on the Eternal City.
Buco della Serratura
While walking around Rome, you can’t miss St. Peter’s Basilica with its majestic dome designed by Michelangelo. However, have you ever seen it from a different perspective? Head to the Aventine Hill and visit the Priory of the Knights of Malta to see the iconic landmark through the Buco della Serratura (hole through the door lock).
You can also explore the beautiful Giardino degli Aranci nearby. This unusual spot is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Buco della Serratura is less than a 15-minute walk from the Circus Maximum metro station, and there is no entrance fee. It’s open all year round.
Quartiere EUR
Quartiere EUR is a residential and business district in the southeast area of Rome, near the Tiber River. It’s a combination of modern architecture and wide streets, and the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, also known as the Square Colosseum, is the symbol of the district. It’s an exemplary model of monumentality and dates back to the fascist period and Mussolini. This neighborhood is full of history and worth a visit.
Acqua Paola’s Fountain
Although the Trevi Fountain is undoubtedly famous, the Acqua Paola Fountain is a hidden gem. It’s one of the most romantic and picturesque places in Rome, known among locals as “er Fontanone” (the big fountain). Pope Paul V of the Borghese family commissioned the fountain, and their emblems – dragons and eagles – can be seen in several places around the fountain.
Quartiere Coppedè
If you’re seeking something unique, Quartiere Coppedè is definitely the place to go. This exceptional neighborhood seamlessly blends various art styles, including ancient Greek, Baroque, Mannerist, Medieval, and Art Nouveau, in new, fresh, and stirring ways. The Florentine architect, Gino Coppedè, created this neighborhood in 1919, and due to its exceptional and captivating beauty, it has served as a popular filming location for several movies. Additionally, this distinct neighborhood is located in the northern part of the city, nestled within the Trieste district.
The water clock, Villa Borghese
A few steps away from the famous Terrazza del Pincio, you can find the water clock or in Italian, orologio ad acqua. It owes its name to the water mechanism that keeps it ticking. It is nestled in Villa Borghese, which is one of Rome’s largest public parks and closest to the historic center. You’ll find the Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps right on its borders.
Largo di Torre Argentina
Located in the city center, between Rome’s Ghetto and the Pantheon, Largo di Torre Argentina is a piazza inside a piazza. It’s an important archaeological area where Julius Caesar met his fate on the Ides of March in 44 BC. Interestingly, it’s also a cat sanctuary, known as the Feral Feline Colonies Torre Argentina (Colonia Felina di Torre Argentina).
These are just a few of the unusual places you can visit in Rome. So, step away from the usual landmarks and explore something unique and fascinating in the Eternal City.
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