10 Secret spots in Rome

1. The keyhole to the cupola

If you’re looking for an alternative view of Rome’s most famous dome, here’s where you’ll find it – through the keyhole of a large door in Piazza Knights of Malta on Aventine Hill. Look through this keyhole and you’ll get a direct view of the famous dome.

2. Pyramid of Cestius, Via Raffaele Persichetti

Hard to believe but not just Egypt has Pyramids, in fact you can also find one in Rome! Dating all the way back to circa 18BC, the Pyramid of Cestius was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a member of one of the four religious corporations in Rome. It is conveniently at a metro station called “Piramide” and beside the Protestant Cemetery where celebrated English poet John Keats is buried.

3. Basilica de San Pietro in Vincoli, Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli

Ask somebody to name one of Michelangelo’s most famous works and most will reply with the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel or the Statue of David. Not many will refer to the statue of Moses found here. Sculpted sometime around 1513-1515, it depicts a Moses with horns on his head, based on a description in the Vulgate.

4. The view from San Gianicolo Hill

Rome is famously built on seven hills, but ironically it’s not one of these hills that afford visitors the best view. Instead, you need to go to Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi on Gianicolo Hill on the west side of the River Tiber.

5. Street art of Trastevere 

One thing I advise you do in Rome is nothing! Take a day to avoid the museums and tourist attractions, instead visit Trastevere. In this neighbourhood along the River Tiber there is some amazing street art around every corner. Once you’ve spotted some gems you can then relax in squares such as Piazza Santa Maria in Travestere, Piazza San Cosimato or Piazza dei Mercanti, all great for people watching.

6. Basilica Santa Pudenziana Rome, Via Urbana

 As you do your homework on Rome’s attractions, you’ll soon discover that they each have unique attributes and attractions that they go to see. One of these is the mosaic in this basilica, which dates back to the 4th century. Regarded as the most beautiful mosaic in Rome, it is noted for its use of iconography.

7. Ostia Antica, via dei Romagnoli

Located 20 minutes by train outside Rome is Ostia Antica, the Italian capital’s very own answer to Pompeii. The ruins of the ‘harbour city of ancient Rome’ date back to the 4th century BC and boast stunning frescoes, architecture and mosaics.

8. Statue of Lord Byron, Villa Borghese Gardens

The Villa Borghese Gardens are the second largest gardens of their type in Rome, which is in itself a reason to visit. Another is the statue of Lord Byron. Here’s a tip – if you do make it there, go in the evening and stay for a sunset.

9. The view from Rome’s highest Hill 

Monte Mario Park is located on the highest hill in Rome. As it’s just outside The City Centre it is also considered one of the most peaceful and Beautiful Spots to capture a great view of Rome. You can relax by having a stroll throughout it’s Nature reserve or by dinning enjoying the view.

10. The neighbourhood of Testaccio and its nightclubs

The second neighbourhood that has to be on your list is Testaccio. Similar to Trastevere, it’s a good place to go at night, only here things are a lot livelier. Make your way to Via di Monte Testaccio and you’ll find nightclub after nightclub.