Explore Beyond Rome's Classics
A collection of remarkable sites beyond the usual tourist circuit—each a true heavyweight in Rome’s historic and artistic legacy.
Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo
One of the Most Unique and Mesmerizing Circular Church in Rome | Known for its haunting frescoes depicting Christian martyrdoms.
Special Notes: A lesser-known place, often nearly devoid of tourists.
Terme di Diocleziano
Baths of Diocletian | A Majestic Ancient Roman Bath Complex | A Testament to the Grandeur of Imperial Rome
Special Notes: The Chiostro di Michelangelo is perfect for a 20–30-minute break when walking with small children. The fish fountain at the entrance is a small but delightful attraction for younger visitors.
Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
A Masterpiece by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the Heart of Rome | Designed in 1561 within the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian.
Special Notes: Easily reachable from Stazione Termini, the central station.
Quartiere Coppedè
A Hidden Gem of Eclectic Architecture | An Enchanting Neighborhood Blending Art Nouveau, Gothic, and Baroque Styles | Known for its fairytale-like buildings.
Special Notes: Easily reached from Piazza Buenos Aires. Take Metro Line B to Policlinico, then walk about 10 minutes, or use tram lines. A must-see for lovers of unique architecture. Perfect for a relaxed stroll.
Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Rome's dazzling snow-white basilica | where ancient mosaics tell stories in gold
One of Rome's most beautiful treasures, this 5th-century basilica showcases the evolution of art across centuries. The Byzantine mosaics on the triumphal arch shine with golden light, while Torriti's 13th-century masterpiece in the apse captures medieval brilliance. Bernini later added his touch with the stunning Pauline Chapel.
Special Notes: Best visited in early morning when sunlight brings the mosaics to life; dress code applies as with all major basilicas.
Chiesa di Santa Prassede
Church | A hidden medieval masterpiece | steps away from the crowds
While tourists flock elsewhere, this 9th-century gem offers a serene encounter with Byzantine artistry. Don't miss the Chapel of San Zenone, known as "The Garden of Paradise" - it's one of Rome's finest and most intimate medieval spaces.
Special Notes: Take time to discover the unique mosaic of Pope Paschal's mother wearing a square halo, indicating she was alive when portrayed - a rare detail in medieval art
Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli
Must Visit - Home to Michelangelo Buonarroti's legendary Moses | a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture
This basilica houses one of Rome's most commanding artistic treasures - Michelangelo's Moses, created for Pope Julius II's tomb. The statue's intensity and the artist's mastery of marble make it a must-see for art enthusiasts.
Special Notes: The church also preserves the chains said to have bound St. Peter; best lighting for viewing Moses is mid-morning. It has been recently restored!
Basilica San Silvestro and Martino ai Monti
An ancient church | glimpses into Rome's layered history | one of the oldest in Rome
Located along the charming Viale del Monte Oppio, this fascinating basilica offers unique glimpses into Rome's layered history. The upper church showcases medieval architecture, while the lower level reveals ancient Roman structures, creating a remarkable journey through time.
Special Notes: The underground level contains remains of ancient Roman buildings. It’s not usually crowded with tourists.
Terme di Caracalla
Baths of Caracalla | Monumental ancient Roman baths | showcasing imperial engineering prowess
These massive 2nd-century baths demonstrate the grandeur of imperial Rome's public architecture. The impressive ruins give visitors a clear sense of the sophistication of Roman engineering and social life, with remaining mosaics and architectural elements hinting at their former splendor.
Special Notes: extensive grounds; summer opera venue; virtual reality tours available; At the moment, there is a captivating installation called “Specchio d’Acqua” (“Water Mirror”), which spans 1,000 square meters, exactly the same size as the natatio, the swimming pool of the ancient baths.
Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola in Campo Marzio
A Remarkable Example of Roman Baroque Architecture | Famous for its fake dome painted by Andrea Pozzo, a masterpiece of optical illusion | The church overlooks the unique Piazza Sant’Ignazio, designed by Filippo Raguzzini in a Rococo style.
Special Notes: The fake dome is a trompe-l’œil that creates the illusion of a real dome, astonishing visitors with its clever perspective. The adjacent square, with its distinctive design, adds to the charm of the site.
Terrazza Del Pincio at Villa Borghese
One of Rome’s Most Iconic Views | Offers a stunning panoramic vista over Piazza del Popolo, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the city’s rooftops | A must-visit spot within Villa Borghese.
Special Notes: Easily accessible via a scenic walk from Galleria Borghese or Piazza di Spagna. The terrace is a romantic spot for sunset views and photography.
Ostia Antica
Rome’s Ancient Harbor City | Often called “Pompeii by the sea” for its remarkably preserved streets, baths, and houses | A complete Roman city frozen in time.
Special Notes: Features a stunning ancient theater and intricate mosaics. Less crowded than Pompeii but impressive.
Museo Nazionale Romano
A Treasure Trove of Ancient Rome | A multi-site museum covering Roman art, sculptures, and frescoes | Includes Palazzo Massimo, Terme di Diocleziano, Palazzo Altemps, and Crypta Balbi.
Special Notes: Home to iconic pieces like the Boxer at Rest and stunning Roman frescoes.
Ara Pacis & Museo dell’Ara Pacis
The Altar of Peace | A masterpiece of Augustan propaganda from the 1st century BC | Preserved in a striking modern pavilion designed by Richard Meier.
Special Notes: Known for its finely detailed reliefs celebrating the imperial family. Best visited with a guide to appreciate its symbolism.
Mercati di Traiano – Museo dei Fori Imperiali
The World’s First Shopping Mall | A massive ancient Roman market complex, now home to a museum on the Imperial Forums | A unique blend of archaeology and history.
Special Notes: Offers panoramic views of the Forum of Trajan and the Vittoriano.
Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna (GNAM)
Rome’s Modern & Contemporary Art Hub | Features works from the 19th and 20th centuries, including Klimt, Van Gogh, De Chirico, and Balla
Special Notes: Walking distance from Villa Borghese and Galleria Borghese.
Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica (Palazzo Barberini & Palazzo Corsini)
Baroque Splendor | A collection of medieval to baroque masterpieces, including works by Caravaggio, Raffaello, and Bernini | Housed in two historic palaces.
Special Notes: Highlights include Raffaello’s La Fornarina and Pietro da Cortona’s ceiling frescoes.
Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia
The Best of the Etruscans | The most important collection of Etruscan artifacts, including the famous Sarcophagus of the Spouses | A fascinating look at pre-Roman civilization.
Special Notes: Set in a stunning Renaissance villa commissioned by Pope Julius III. Walking distance from Campo de Fiori
Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura
The Grandest Basilica After St. Peter’s | Built over the tomb of St. Paul | Known for its enormous colonnaded nave and golden mosaics.
Special Notes: Home to one of Rome’s most atmospheric cloisters. Quite far from the city center, but it can be combined with a visit to the authentic Garbatella neighborhood.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Oldest Marian Church in Rome | A stunning basilica famous for its golden medieval mosaics | A spiritual heart of Trastevere.
Special Notes: In the heart of bustling Trastevere, you can drink, eat, and admire this beauty at night when its illuminated facade glows beautifully.
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
A Church with Layers of History | A 12th-century basilica built over a 4th-century church and ancient Roman buildings | A true underground time capsule.
Special Notes: Features a Mithraeum and incredible early Christian frescoes.
Mausoleo di Augusto
The Tomb of the First Emperor | A monumental circular mausoleum built for Emperor Augustus | Recently reopened after decades of restoration.
Special Notes: A fascinating insight into imperial propaganda and Rome’s transition from Republic to Empire.
Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Rome’s Only Gothic Church | Houses Michelangelo’s Christ the Redeemer and tombs of Renaissance figures | Built over an ancient temple to Minerva.
Special Notes: The Elephant Obelisk in front of the church was designed by Bernini.
Basilica dei Santi Quattro Coronati
A Medieval Fortified Church | A hidden monastery near the Colosseum with a peaceful cloister | Home to stunning 13th-century frescoes.
Special Notes: A quiet escape from the busy streets of central Rome. If you’re a good walker, it’s within walking distance from the Colosseum and can be combined with a visit to the Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo, which also appears on this list.
Chiesa del Gesù
The First Jesuit Church | A baroque masterpiece known for its illusionistic ceiling frescoes by Baciccio | A defining work of Counter-Reformation art.
Special Notes: The ceiling’s Trionfo del Nome di Gesù is one of the most impressive painted perspectives in Rome.
San Luigi dei Francesi
Caravaggio’s Masterpieces | The church houses three of Caravaggio’s most famous paintings on the life of St. Matthew | Free to enter.
Special Notes: A must-visit for art lovers—Caravaggio’s works are breathtaking up close. It's in the heart of the city centre and walking distance from the Pantheon.
Piramide di Caio Cestio & Cimitero Acattolico
Rome’s Pyramid & A Poets’ Sanctuary | A striking Egyptian-style tomb built in the 1st century BC | Next to one of the most romantic cemeteries in the world.
Special Notes: The Cimitero Acattolico (Non-Catholic Cemetery) is the resting place of John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
