The Eternal City is hit by people from all over the world who come to see its masterpieces every year: Colosseum and Vatican. They hardly need an introduction as it has been said much about them.
Although there are plenty of must-see attractions in Rome, and most tourists just spend the time ticking off one more from their list, this thousand-year old city has a lot more to offer. Surprisingly, you do not need much effort to visit Rome away from the crowds because, being such an ancient place makes it also fully provided with tons of things to do and hidden gems to discover within easy reach.
If you are traveling to Rome for the second time or more you may be willing to explore the off the beaten tracks and experience the city like a local would do.
In fact, sometimes the best game you could play at is strolling around the central areas and delving into their unforgettable past to find your favourite spot.
Here is a useful guide to the 5 places you cannot miss.
Coppedè District
This fairy-tale neighbourhood seems like a peaceful oasis, one of the quiet places in Rome where you can relax away from the busy chaos and traffic of the main roads.
Despite being located just a few meters away from the busiest streets in town, it is enough just to turn the corner to wind up in a bizarre area that will make you forget to be in the Capital City of Italy. Coppedè is a truly unique district and the best way to access this enchanting world is walking through Via Dora, passing through the great arch that connects two apparently different massive buildings.
You do not need to have much time to visit this area as the recommended sites are few but worthy, located one close to the other. Among them, the lovely Fountain of Frogs in Piazza Mincio is unmissable.
Appian Way
Romans do it better: the Appian Way is witnessing their great knowledge of architecture and materials that make their construction almost everlasting. One of them is surely the cobblestone Appian Way. Formerly being used as the main access to the Empire Capital City and to carry goods, today the Appian Way is the ideal place for everyone looking for Rome Tours away from the crowds.
Here is an insider’s tip: you can enjoy even more your time in this area by renting a bike to feel the contact with nature. The Appian Way is surrounded on both sides by millenary green trees which make the air cleaner and the path relaxing.
Tiber Island
This tiny island, the only one in Rome located among the banks of river Tiber from which it takes the name, is just 300 meters long. It is connected to the dry land by two bridges, Cestius and Fabricius, that are the most ancient in town.
Its location makes it the perfect passageway to reach both Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto.
Tiber island was once housed the Temple of Aesculapius, the god of Medicine. Today, this small land still keeps its healing function as the Fatebenefratelli Hospital is located here.
Here is an insider’s tip: if you go there by Lunch or Dinner time, do not miss a stop at Sora Lella restaurant, a traditional trattoria where to taste delicious roman food.
Doria Pamphili Palace
This historic building, that dates back to the XV Century, is a hidden gem to discover.
Doria – Pamphili family was one of the most powerful and wealthy at that time and their impressive Palace surely reflects their opulent lifestyle. They decided to place their residence just a few steps away from the central Venice Square, along Via del Corso, the most common street to shop at.
Many prestigious artists worked hard to satisfy the Doria – Pamphili: the result is a stunning palace adorned with breathtaking paintings and art pieces.
Non – Catholic Cemetery
It is no secret that Rome has a very deep connection to religion and Christianity: this is why finding a Non-Catholic Cemetery here may be whimsical. However, this is listed among our off the beaten track itinerary since the graves you will find there are not common ones: sometimes they are beautifully decorated, others instead have been given to relevant historic personalities. They belong to English poets like John Keats and Percy Shelley or to italian politicians.
For Cat lovers, this is a must see as well. At the Non- Catholic Cemetery you will find a great cat – colony looked after by local volunteers.
