Rome, capital of Italy

The monuments in Rome stand out amongst the world’s greatest and many go to visit the beautiful squares, the Coliseum, the Great Circus, and many of the other famous icons of history.

What if there was a way to see Rome from a different perspective? Is there a hidden Rome that you could explore that would provide the majesty of the famous tourist attractions, but still be off the beaten path enough that you could explore at your own leisure? There is and that’s why you should go to Rome.

Did You Know Rome Has a Portion of the World’s First Paved Road?

With all the firsts that this city has to offer, it only makes sense that it would have the world’s first paved road as well. The Via Appia Antica is extensive, at over 500 kilometers, so you’re not likely to see the entire original road. You can, however, visit the section that is contained within Rome! It is a national park and allows visitors to travel through the ancient ruins of the city on bike or by foot. It is peaceful, lovely, and filled with plenty of green space for you to enjoy.

When you’ve completed your time on the Via Appia Antica, make your way up to the top of Aventine Hill. You’ll probably have some competition to see the locked gates of the Priory that belongs to the Knights of Malta. What you probably don’t know is that when you look through the keyhole of the gate itself, you’ll be able to see the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Talk about your unique photographic opportunity!

Rome Has Some Incredible Coffee!

Who doesn’t love a good, steaming cup of coffee? Those who call Rome home are always on a quest to find the best coffee close to their home. You’ll often find locals and tourists alike mingling outside with a cup on a beautiful day, simply enjoying the life of the city itself. If you truly want to experience one of the best coffees you’ll every have in your life, however, you need to find a way to get down to Sant’ Eustachio.

It is located between the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona, two very common places you’ll find yourself wanting to visit in Rome anyway. The recipe for their espresso is so guarded that the baristas who fulfill your order are hidden behind screens so you can’t actually see how your preferred brew is being crafted. It really will be a highlight of your entire trip!

Why Not See How People Actually Lived Before the Sights Became Ruins?

One of the sets of ruins that are on permanent display, but not necessarily a permanent fixture on a visitor’s itinerary, is the Roman Villas at Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini. Unlike other ruins that stand as reminders of previous cultures and civilizations, the items included on display here are part of a large multimedia exhibit. Virtual reconstructions help give a visitor a better perspective of ancient Roman life, the meaning behind the architecture, and oh by the way – there are dozens of incredible mosaics and artifact to enjoy too!

After you’ve experienced a glimpse of real Roman life, make your way on down to the church of San Luigi dei Francesi. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore art while in Rome, but not everyone takes the time to see what are arguably three of Caravaggio’s greatest works:

• Calling of St. Matthew,
• Matthew and the Angel, and
• Matthew’s Martyrdom.

Often called three of the greatest examples of Baroque artwork in the world today, this church, which is by the Pantheon, provides incredible value to the visitor in so many ways. It’s also a great excuse to be in the area to get more coffee at Sant’ Eustachio!

Can a Cemetery Really Provide a Sense of Peace?

Depending on the faith and the perspective, death is viewed in a number of different ways. Some consider death just a time of sleep. Some believe that humanity has a soul and it communes with others upon death. No matter what you believe, however, a visit to the Protestant Cemetery is serene way to experience Rome in a way that many do not.

Now called the “Non-Catholic Cemetery” by some, the grounds actually backup to the Pyramid of Cestius. The pyramid once stood at the fork of two roads and was incorporated into the fortifications of the city. Built around 18 BC, it was initially intended to be just a tomb for Gaius Cestius. Because of its incorporation into the city, however, it is one of the best preserved examples of ancient Rome. This means you can check out some famous names, like John Keats, and then go see another ruin of the ancient city that really isn’t a ruin at all.

Have You Reached Your Artistic Overload?

At some point, any extended visit to Rome becomes more of a chore than a pleasant visit. One feels almost compelled to look at ancient statues, artifacts, and artwork. Eventually very little pleasure is taken by gazing at yet another fully sculpted figure of human anatomy. If you reach this point, then the place in Rome you need to go is Esquilino.

For a long time, Esquilino was considered one of the last places you’d wish to visit. The buildings in this neighborhood are far from spectacular. You can get a peek-a-book view of the Alban Hills in this melting pot community, but you can also get a real glimpse of what life in Rome is all about.

You see, Rome in many ways is the Miami of Italy. It matters how someone looks. Your status is judged on what you do and how you do it. The city has two primary moneymakers in food and tourism, but in Esquilino, there’s a third: gossip. Visit here and you’ll be certain to join the gossip mill!

You’ll also be treated to some of the most incredible food you’ll ever eat in your life. The best example of this is at Trattoria Monti. The service here is warm and friendly and so is the food. You’ll need reservations to eat here because it is incredibly popular, but you’ll be rewarded for your efforts to get in the doors. Traditional dishes are complimented with a modern take on Italian cuisine and it will refresh the tamed taste buds you have… that you may not even know you have!

While You’re Making Reservations, Get One In For the Vatican Gardens

One of the most overlooked places to visit while in Rome are the Vatican Gardens. These expansive greens are filled with fountains, hedges, and plenty of open space that will let you enjoy your own piece of paradise. The reason why it is overlooked is because you must make reservations at least one week in advance in order to tour the grounds.

How expansive are the grounds? They cover over half of the land the Vatican occupies in its South and Northeast portions. Dating back into medieval times, it is said that the gardens were grown with dirt that was brought back from Gologotha. Whether that is true or not, there is a piece of Israel growing there by way of an olive tree that was donated by the country to the Vatican.

And since you’ve made your way into the Vatican, you’ll obviously want to see the primary sights and perhaps catch a mass that is led by the Pope himself. The admission cost for the tour of the Gardens includes an unguided tour to the Vatican Museums as well.

And on Your Final Day in Rome…

As a general rule, the best day to do your shopping in Rome is the last day that you spend within the city. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stop in an interesting shop or grab something that you love. It just means that the emphasis on shopping becomes the priority on the final day instead of seeking out more sites.

One of the best places to get your shopping craving satisfied is the Tridente district. It is littered with designer shops that will cause you to quickly burn the rest of your budget, but there are also incredible artisan shops tucked in here and there as well. Leather working in this area is common and you can have a custom handbag made for you here while you wait!

Rome truly has a lot to offer, which is why a visit here should happen at least once in every person’s lifetime. Be sure to see the primary sights, especially if you’ve never been to this city before, but also take a moment to travel outside of the normal tourist pathways. When you do, your efforts will be greatly rewarded!