Rome is incredibly charming and we cannot deny it. As the settlement of the powerful Ancient Rome, the city is shrouded in magnificent history and unbreakable mystery. Thus, Rome displays a timeless beauty as its centuries-old structures stay untouched a midst of the bustling modern life. For that reason, ‘The Eternal City’ has been Rome’s nickname for years. Besides that, there are tons of hidden gems in Rome that call us for a treasure hunt.
We have heard about Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, but Rome is more than that. It has a hidden facade that lures us to discover. Let’s dive deeper into this Italian city‘s wealthy history and culture by discovering the hidden gems in Rome. They are all extraordinary, so make sure to put them in your Rome bucket list!
Hidden Gems in Rome – Summary
- Palazzo Spada
- Coppede District
- Villa Farnensina
- House of Augustus
- Baths of Caracalla
- Domus Aurea
- Capuchin Crypt
- Terrazza Caffarelli
- Da Gino al Parlamento
- Armando al Pantheon
Palazzo Spada
Evey side of Rome is a piece of art and the Palazzo Spada proves that to us. The stunning 16th-century palace keeps a diverse collection of art pieces, ranging from paintings to furnitures. Thus, they are collected by the Italian Cardinal family, the Spada. It boasts the intricate pieces from maestros like Caravaggio and Rubens.
Moreover, the best thing about Palazzo Spada is the forced architectural gallery designed by Fransesco Boromini. It is a nine-feet long corridors with an intricate statue at the end. Thus, it will blow your mind with its optical illusion. The corridors comprises different-sized columns that make it look longer than its original size. Therefore, Palazzo Spada is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Rome.
Coppede District
This off-the-radar district in Rome looks more like a work of art than an ordinary neighborhood. Coppede District is a true masterpiece, lined with Rome’s remarkable architectural jewels that come from different timelines. Thus, it comprises 40 magnificent structures that include a combination of Ancient Greek, medieval, Baroque, and Art Noveau architectural styles. Therefore, it is one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Rome. It will make art, history, and architecture lovers go crazy!
Wandering around Coppede District might feel like a museum tour. Every inch of the 20th-century district looks picturesque and camera-worthy. Thus, make sure to stop by Coppede’s iconic Fountain of Frog. Located at the heart of Copedde District, this fountain will capture anyone’s eyes with its eccentric structure.
Villa Farnesina
We can’t get enough of Rome’s dazzling masterpieces and Villa Farnesina is one of them. This ornate building in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood will make your jaw drop in a single glance. From the outside, it looks incredibly beautiful with its baroque-style architecture. As you enter the villa, you will be blown away by its artistic design and sumptuous setting.
Villa Farnesina was built by a wealthy banker Agostino Chigi in 1506. Thus, the villa was used as the settlement of his family, as well as a proud piece to show-off. Villa Farnesina looks more like an art museum rather than a private house. It is adorned with frescoes and paintings commissioned by famous Renaissance artists, such as Raphael and del Piombo. Undeniably, it is one of the most artistic hidden gems in Rome to see.
House of Augustus
Sitting on the top of Palatine Hill, House of Augustus is a regal and stunning place in Rome. It was originally the private settlement of Emperor Augustus before it transitioned into an imperial seat. Thus, it is considered one of the most sacred spots in Rome. The gorgeous ruins is set close to the Temple of Apollo. Furthermore, it represents Augustus’ power as Ancient Rome’s prominent leader.
Now, the House of Augustus looks more like ruins. However, you can still see a hint of the lavish architecture and interesting rooms. See the breathtaking ‘Second Pompeiian’ architecture that comprises decorated frescoes and red building materials. Besides that, you can also see sculptures, centuries-old rooms, and art pieces that the Emperor used to love. Thus, House of Augustus is one of the best hidden gems in Rome to visit for everyone who loves history.
Baths of Caracalla
Travel back into time and see how the VIPs of Ancient Rome spend their relaxed time in this bathing complex. Terme di Caracalla or Baths of Caracalla was once a public bathing spot in around 200 AD. Thus, it was designed in sumptuos decorations, frescoes, mountains, and tiles. Moreover, the bathing spot is divided into three chambers, which has cold, hot, and lukewarm waters.
Among the list of hidden gems in Rome, we highly recommend visiting this spot. The Baths of Caracalla shows that the Ancient Roman were geniuses in engineering and architecture. Besides being lavishly decorated, the Baths of Caracalla also has a lot of features. It requires a complex architecture to build an effective water supply system.
Domus Aurea
Translated as ‘The Golden House’, this structure in Palatine Hill is one of the most extravagant in Rome. It was built by Emperor Nero between 64-68 AD as his personal settlement. Thus, it was beyond the imagination of anyone in the Ancient Rome. The enormous area, sumptuous architecture, and intricate design are mindblowing during the period, even until today.
Domus Aurea covers an area of 300 acres. A few parts of the palace are now ruins, but you can still see the lavish side of the palace. Find walls and ceilings decorated with frescoes, glass mosaics, marbles, and pearls. Thus, often overlooked by tourists, Domus Aurea is a hidden gem in Rome that is worth visiting.
Capuchin Crypt
Get ready to feel the chills and goosebumps as you enter this hidden gem in Rome. Capuchin Crypt is probably one of the most bizarre and fascinating places in Rome. It comprises small chapels in the area of Capuchin Church of Immaculate Conception. The crypts hold mummified remains and bones of thousands of Francisian monks. Moreover, they are organized in a neat manner, scattering on an altar or hanging on the walls. Furthermore, visiting this crypt allows you to learn the long history of Christianity in Rome.
These hidden gems in Rome are surely dazzling! Make sure to put them on your Rome bucket list and get ready to be enchanted by their beauty. But, do you know what is the best way to discover a city’s hidden gems? Yes, by going with local guides and group tours! You will travel with a guide that knows the destination like the back of their hand. Thus, you won’t have any trouble in finding hidden places, secret restaurants, and other awesome places in town!
If you are looking for a group tour for your next trip to Italy, JoinMyTrip got you covered! You can connect with other like-minded travelers and find an awesome trip in JoinMyTrip. Plus, the trips are incredibly small with only 4-8 people on board. You will get a more intimate and fun time with your travel buddies! Moreover, there are TripLeaders that would gladly guide you all over Rome and other Italian cities.
So what are you waiting for? Go for your dream trip with us!