13 Unique Places to Visit in Rome Even Locals Don’t Know About
Rome is a city of endless discoveries, where ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, and hidden alleyways reveal stories centuries in the making. While the Colosseum and Vatican draw millions, the Eternal City still holds countless secrets—places so tucked away even lifelong Romans haven’t explored them all.
If you’re ready to venture beyond the usual tourist spots, these hidden gems in Rome will surprise and enchant you. From underground wonders to overlooked courtyards, here are 13 unique places to visit in Rome that even locals might not know about.
1. Quartiere Coppedè – Rome’s Fairytale District
Tucked between Piazza Buenos Aires and Via Tagliamento, Quartiere Coppedè feels like a dreamscape of mismatched architectural styles. Designed by Gino Coppedè in the early 20th century, this enchanting neighborhood blends Art Nouveau, Baroque, and medieval influences into a whimsical masterpiece.
Start at Piazza Mincio, where the stunning Fountain of the Frogs sits in the heart of the district. As you wander, look for details like gothic turrets, grand archways, and intricate mosaics—this is Rome’s most photogenic secret.
2. Basilica di San Clemente – A Time Machine Under Rome
This unassuming basilica hides an incredible secret—three layers of history stacked on top of each other. The 12th-century church you see today stands above a 4th-century paleo-Christian basilica, which in turn was built over a 1st-century Roman temple dedicated to Mithras.
Descend beneath the church to explore this archaeological treasure, where ancient frescoes and pagan altars whisper stories of Rome’s layered past. The underground fresco of St. Clement saving a drowning boy is one of the most hauntingly beautiful sights in the city.
3. The Keyhole of the Knights of Malta
On Aventine Hill, an inconspicuous green door hides one of the most perfectly framed views of St. Peter’s Basilica. Peeking through the Priory of the Knights of Malta’s keyhole, you’ll see a perfectly aligned pathway lined with hedges, leading straight to the iconic dome.
Visit at sunset for a magical glow, but be prepared for a short wait—this secret spot is gaining fame. Still, it remains one of Rome’s most intriguing optical illusions.
4. The Little London of Rome
Hidden near Flaminio, Via Bernardo Celentano is a street that feels completely out of place in Rome. Known as “Piccola Londra”, this tiny enclave was built in the early 1900s, inspired by British townhouses with wrought-iron fences, colorful facades, and elegant lamp posts.
This charming street offers a glimpse into Rome’s forgotten architectural experiments and is perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the city’s chaos. It’s particularly photogenic in the golden hours of the afternoon.
5. The Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)
Perched atop the Aventine Hill, this secluded garden offers one of the most romantic panoramic views of Rome. Known for its fragrant orange trees, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and soak in the beauty of the city.
Bring a picnic or simply sit on the stone benches to enjoy a sunset over the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Basilica. The garden is at its best in spring and early autumn, when the air is crisp and the scent of citrus fills the air.
6. Santa Maria dell’Orazione e Morte – The Church of the Dead
A church dedicated to death? Yes, and it’s just as eerie as it sounds. Located on Via Giulia, this hidden gem was built by the Confraternity of Prayer and Death, an order that provided burials for the city’s abandoned dead.
Inside, you’ll find macabre skull carvings, faded frescoes, and a crypt decorated with human bones. It’s a fascinating yet chilling insight into Rome’s relationship with death and the afterlife.
7. Casina delle Civette – The House of Owls
Located within Villa Torlonia, this fairytale-like cottage was once the private retreat of Prince Giovanni Torlonia. Known as the House of Owls, it’s a stained-glass wonderland, filled with intricate Art Nouveau details, hidden passages, and stunning mosaics.
The highlight? The owl-themed stained glass windows, which give the villa its name. It’s a must-visit for lovers of eccentric architecture and whimsical design.
8. Palazzo Spada’s Forced Perspective Corridor
One of the greatest optical illusions in Rome, the corridor in Palazzo Spada was designed by Francesco Borromini to appear much longer than it actually is. Through a clever play of shrinking columns and diminishing ceiling height, a 9-meter corridor looks like it stretches over 30 meters.
Located just steps from Campo de’ Fiori, this Renaissance trick of perspective remains one of the city’s most overlooked artistic marvels.
9. The Underground Temple of Mithras at San Clemente
Rome is filled with hidden temples, but this underground sanctuary dedicated to Mithras is among the most mysterious. Found beneath Basilica di San Clemente, it dates back to the 2nd century AD, when the cult of Mithras thrived in secrecy.
You’ll find an ancient altar, intricate carvings, and dimly lit chambers, evoking the atmosphere of an underground brotherhood. If you love ancient mysteries, this is an unmissable experience.
10. The Protestant Cemetery – Keats and Shelley’s Final Resting Place
A peaceful escape near Pyramid of Cestius, this cemetery is the resting place of Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. With ivy-covered tombs, angelic sculptures, and quiet pathways, it’s one of the most serene spots in Rome.
Even if you’re not a literature lover, the striking contrast between the pyramid and the graves makes this an unexpectedly stunning site to visit.
11. Villa Farnesina’s Hidden Raphael Frescoes
While most visitors flock to the Vatican Museums, few know that Villa Farnesina houses some of Raphael’s most exquisite frescoes. This Renaissance villa near Trastevere was built for a wealthy banker and features stunning mythological scenes.
The highlight is Raphael’s fresco of Galatea, an ethereal masterpiece often overlooked in favor of his Vatican work. Go early in the morning to enjoy the art without crowds.
12. The Underground Basilica of Porta Maggiore
Discovered by accident in 1917, this subterranean basilica remains one of Rome’s greatest mysteries. Located near Porta Maggiore, it’s believed to have been a meeting place for a mystical Neopythagorean cult.
The delicate white stucco decorations, depicting mythological scenes and celestial symbols, make this a hidden archaeological treasure like no other.
13. The Monster House of Rome (Palazzetto Zuccari)
Nicknamed the “Monster House,” this bizarre 16th-century palace near Piazza di Spagna features doors and windows framed by monstrous open mouths. Designed by Frederico Zuccari, it was inspired by the surreal Park of Monsters in Bomarzo.
Today, it’s part of a library and not open to the public, but the facade alone is worth a visit for those who love quirky and unexpected architecture.
