Historical Marvels

Art and Museums

Green Spaces in Rome

Lesser-Known Historical Sites and Hidden Gems

Rome’s Street Art Scene

Family Adventures

Practical Tips for moving in Rome

Local Neighborhoods and Hidden Gems

Historical Marvels

Explore Rome’s historical landmarks, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon. Learn about the Roman Forum’s rich history and the architectural marvels of ancient Rome, perfect for enlightening young minds about the grandeur of the past.

A marvel of ancient engineering, the Colosseum once hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It’s said that naval battles were even reenacted here, flooding the arena floor.

Legend states that the Colosseum’s construction was funded by the spoils taken from the Jewish Temple after the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Near the Colosseum, the Arch of Titus depicts this victory and supposedly confirms the legend.

The nerve centre of ancient Rome, each temple and public building here has a story, like the Curia where Brutus betrayed Julius Caesar.

This architectural masterpiece has a fascinating history, including its transformation from a pagan temple to a Christian church, which likely saved it from destruction.

The Pantheon’s oculus, the hole at the dome’s centre, is the only natural light source. During the Pentecost, red rose petals are dropped through the oculus, symbolising the Holy Spirit’s descent.

Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers here is a baroque masterpiece, symbolising the world’s major rivers and showcasing the sculptor’s genius.

A pinnacle of Renaissance architecture, the basilica houses Michelangelo’s Pietà, a masterpiece carved when he was just 24.

It is said that Bernini’s Baldachin, the large, elaborate sculpted bronze canopy over the papal altar, was made using bronze taken from the Pantheon’s portico. The Romans’ saying “Quod non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini” (What the barbarians did not do, Pope Urban VIII did) reflects the public’s outrage at this.

Legend has it that throwing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome. The fountain collects over €3,000 daily, which is donated to charity.

The steps have been a meeting place for centuries, and the nearby Keats-Shelley House commemorates two of England’s greatest poets.

Initially Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, this castle is associated with many legends, including an angel ending the plague of 590 by sheathing his sword atop the castle.

These underground burial places hold countless stories of early Christian and Jewish life in Rome.

Art and Museums

Delve into Rome’s art scene. From the Vatican Museums to the Capitoline, these art havens offer a glimpse into the artistic mastery of the Renaissance and beyond. Engage with the stunning works of Michelangelo and Raphael.

Housing one of the most significant art collections globally, the highlight is the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes.

As the world’s oldest public museums, the Capitoline Museums in Rome boast a remarkable collection of art and artifacts, including famous statues such as the Capitoline Venus, the Dying Gaul, the Capitoline Wolf, and the statue of Marcus Aurelius. These masterpieces represent significant milestones in the history of art.

This private gallery houses an impressive collection of art, including works by Raphael and Caravaggio.

Green Spaces in Rome

Unwind in Rome’s lush parks and gardens. The Villa Borghese and the Appian Way Regional Park offer serene escapes, ideal for family picnics and strolls, surrounded by history and nature.

The Villa Borghese Gardens, one of Rome’s most extensive public parks, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. This landscape garden, in the naturalistic English manner, contains a number of buildings, museums (like the Galleria Borghese), and attractions.

Curiosity: Inside the park, the 18th-century ‘Temple of Aesculapius’, built on a small island in a lake, is a delightful spot. It was erected to celebrate the healing of a member of the Borghese family and is accessible by a quaint, ornamental bridge.

The Appian Way, one of the earliest and most important Roman roads, is now a protected area combining historical sites and a rural landscape. It’s a perfect spot for walking, biking, and enjoying the Roman countryside.

Curiosity: Along the Appian Way, you’ll find the ruins of several ancient Roman tombs, including the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, known for its sizeable circular mausoleum.

This small park on Aventine Hill offers one of the city’s best views. It’s known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful orange trees.

Curiosity: The park is formally known as Parco Savello and was designed in 1932. The keyhole of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, located nearby, offers a unique framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Lesser-Known Historical Sites and Hidden Gems

It would take a lifetime to discover all the wonders of the Eternal City, but sometimes its charm is hidden, even from the eyes of Romans themselves. Beyond the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, and the most celebrated monuments, in the capital, you can find many unusual and secret places.

Once a massive bathing complex, the Baths of Caracalla are now an impressive archaeological site. The baths could accommodate over 1,600 bathers and were known for their grandeur and architectural finesse.

Curiosity: Today, the Baths of Caracalla are a spectacular backdrop for summer opera performances, combining ancient history with contemporary culture.

This lesser-known church is a historical layer cake. Beneath the 12th-century basilica lies a 4th-century church and even older Roman buildings.

Curiosity: The church is a prime example of Rome’s architectural and historical stratification, with its underground layers revealing a fascinating journey through time.

The Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, nestled in the heart of Rome, is an architectural jewel famed for its stunning Baroque frescoes by Andrea Pozzo, showcasing an extraordinary blend of art and optical illusion.

Curiosity: The church’s most remarkable feature is its trompe-l’oeil dome, masterfully painted by Pozzo. This ingenious illusion, simulating a three-dimensional dome on a flat ceiling, shifts mesmerizingly with the changing daylight.

Local Neighborhoods and Hidden Gems

Experience Rome like a local. From Trastevere’s bohemian streets to Monti’s trendy vibes, each neighbourhood offers unique experiences, charming cafes, and artisan shops.

Trastevere is known for its traditional and bohemian charm, with narrow, cobbled streets, lively squares, and historic buildings. It’s a great place to experience Rome’s nightlife and enjoy authentic Roman cuisine.

Local Experience: Don’t miss a visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, boasting beautiful mosaics. The neighbourhood’s evening atmosphere is vibrant, with street artists and musicians adding charm.

Monti, Rome’s first ward, is a trendy and artistic neighbourhood known for its vintage shops, artisan boutiques, and hip cafes. It offers a mix of bohemia and history, nestled near the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Local Experience: Explore the Via del Boschetto, the heart of the Monti district, where you can find unique handmade goods, vintage clothing, and cosy eateries. The Piazza della Madonna dei Monti weekend market is a must-visit for local crafts and antiques.

Testaccio is the heart of Rome’s working-class history and is renowned for its authentic Roman food, vibrant market, and nightlife. This neighbourhood is less touristy, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of Romans.

Local Experience: Visit the Mercato di Testaccio for a taste of local produce and traditional dishes. Don’t miss the Monte dei Cocci, a hill made entirely of ancient Roman pottery shards, which is a testament to the area’s historical role as Rome’s trade and warehousing district.

Prati offers a more upscale and polished experience. Located near the Vatican, it’s known for its Art Nouveau architecture, elegant shopping streets, and sophisticated dining options.

Local Experience: Stroll along Via Cola di Rienzo, one of Rome’s prime shopping streets. The neighbourhood is also home to the magnificent Castel Sant’Angelo, which provides a stunning view of the city from its rooftop.

Garbatella is a unique neighbourhood with a strong community feel, known for its garden homes, ancient villas, and the distinct architectural style of its public housing projects from the 1920s.

Local Experience: Walk through the labyrinth of courtyards and alleys, each with its own story and character. The area is also famous for its traditional Roman osterias, where you can enjoy classic Roman dishes in a friendly atmosphere.

Rome’s Street Art: A Journey Through Urban Creativity

Discover the contemporary side of Rome through its vibrant street art. Districts like Ostiense and San Basilio showcase murals that transform urban landscapes into artistic masterpieces, reflecting the city’s dynamic cultural evolution.

Ostiense is a district that has become a canvas for local and international street artists, transforming its industrial buildings and urban spaces into art.

Highlight: The area is renowned for its large-scale murals, like the one by Blu on Via del Porto Fluviale, depicting a colourful critique of society. Another notable piece is the mural of Amy Winehouse by Eduardo Kobra, a tribute to the iconic singer.

San Basilio, once known for its challenging social issues, has embraced street art as a means of transformation and expression. The neighbourhood showcases murals that reflect its history and community.

Highlight: The SanBa project revitalised the area through art, engaging local youths and artists. Look out for works by Alice Pasquini and other artists who depict everyday life and the community’s hopes.

Tor Marancia, a residential district, has become an open-air gallery, with its apartment buildings serving as canvases for large, vibrant murals.

Highlight: The Big City Life project transformed the area, with 20 artists worldwide creating murals that narrate stories of the city and its people. The contrast between the modern art and the traditional architecture is striking.

Quadraro is a lesser-known neighbourhood with a strong sense of identity and history, now famous for its ‘Museum of Urban Art of Quadraro’ (MAAM).

Highlight: This open-air museum features works by both Italian and international artists. It’s a living gallery where the artwork continually evolves, representing the dynamic nature of street art.

Pigneto, known for its bohemian atmosphere, is a hub for artists and creatives. The neighbourhood’s walls are adorned with graffiti and murals that reflect its edgy and artistic spirit.

Highlight: Walking through Pigneto, you’ll encounter a mix of politically charged graffiti, whimsical murals, and vibrant street art. It’s a neighbourhood that truly embodies the spirit of Roman street art.

Family Adventures

Rome is a playground for young explorers.

A 30-minute multisensory journey through Rome’s history, perfect for engaging young minds.

A miniature city where children can engage in science and social experiences.

This zoo in the historic Villa Borghese offers a chance to see over 200 animal species.

Practical Tips for Visiting Rome

ATAC stands for “Agenzia del trasporto autoferrotranviario del Comune di Roma”, the agency responsible for public transportation in Rome. The ATAC ticket is valid for trains, buses, and tram travel. It is also valid for travel on suburban trains within the Rome metropolitan area.

Tickets can be purchased at automatic dispensers or ticket offices in metro stations and at tobacconists (marked with a blue T) and kiosks throughout the city.

BIT: The single ticket is valid for one journey on the metro or suburban train or 100 minutes on a bus (1.50 euros).

Rome 24H: this ticket is valid for one day to travel on any ATAC transport (7 euros).

Rome 48H: A 2-day ticket for all ATAC public transport (12.50 euros).

Rome 72H: a 3-day ticket valid for any ATAC transport option (18 euros).

CIS: a 7-day ticket valid for buses, metro, and suburban trains (24 euros).

It’s worth noting that some Rome Sightseeing Passes, like the Roma Pass, include a free public transport subscription for two or three days.