(Photo by © Brandon Elijah Scott / Eye & Pen)
Rome boasts the well-earned title of the Eternal City for its enduring status as a great power in the world for over two millennia. But the name also fits in as a description of its popularity; it’s one of the ultimate holiday destinations in the world and as such is endlessly popular with tourists. Whilst the great sights of Rome like the Coliseum, the Sistine ceiling and the Trevi fountain are visited for good reason, there are a lot of other, lesser-known marvels in Rome that most travellers miss out on. So book your flights, check into a hotel in Rome, and follow this pick of the city’s top five hidden gems, to experience a very different Roman holiday.
Forte Prenestino
To make the ultimate rebellion against the classical tourist spots of Rome, head to Forte Prenestino. This huge ex-military fortress has been transformed into what can only be described as a shanty-town of libertarianism and anarchy. Whilst many people live in Forte Prenestino its main function is as a social centre that welcomes all. A wide range of activities are available including gigs, markets and one-off events, but be sure to spend some time walking around the fort to take in some of the beautiful graffiti and installation art.
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is undeniably one of Rome’s most popular destinations in the summer months, but not many tourists know about the giant hot air balloon located in these picturesque gardens. One of the largest in the world, this lesser-known attraction allows up to 30 people to float up in a beautiful blue and gold balloon to get the best possible view of Rome.
Catacombs of Rome
If you’ve had your fill of Rome’s beauty and romance then the best antidote lies beneath the snappily-named church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the Via Veneto. This macabre attraction consists of the bones of over 4,000 French monks who are said to have fled – unwisely it would seem – to the safety of Rome during the French Revolution. To cheer things up a bit the bones have been arranged in intricate patterns such as flowers, arches and crosses.
L'Oasi della Birra
It may be called the "Oasis of Beer", but this off-licence and popular bierkeller in bustling Testaccio is as much an oasis for locals looking to get away from the tourist herd. With a wide range of wines and specialist beers lining the walls the L’Oasi della Birra is a popular spot at both day and night time. Head there after 5.30pm when the staff begin to prepare a buffet of goodies, a plate of which can be bought with a drink for €10.
Piazza Vittorio
If the weather is nice head to one of the many open-air arena cinemas which pop up around the city during the summer. The Piazza Vittorio in the Esquilino district of the city has a great outdoor theatre that plays a mix of new releases as well as arthouse films. The theatre often runs two films back-to-back meaning that you can have a whole evening of entertainment for the price of one ticket.
To make the ultimate rebellion against the classical tourist spots of Rome, head to Forte Prenestino. This huge ex-military fortress has been transformed into what can only be described as a shanty-town of libertarianism and anarchy. Whilst many people live in Forte Prenestino its main function is as a social centre that welcomes all. A wide range of activities are available including gigs, markets and one-off events, but be sure to spend some time walking around the fort to take in some of the beautiful graffiti and installation art.
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is undeniably one of Rome’s most popular destinations in the summer months, but not many tourists know about the giant hot air balloon located in these picturesque gardens. One of the largest in the world, this lesser-known attraction allows up to 30 people to float up in a beautiful blue and gold balloon to get the best possible view of Rome.
Catacombs of Rome
If you’ve had your fill of Rome’s beauty and romance then the best antidote lies beneath the snappily-named church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the Via Veneto. This macabre attraction consists of the bones of over 4,000 French monks who are said to have fled – unwisely it would seem – to the safety of Rome during the French Revolution. To cheer things up a bit the bones have been arranged in intricate patterns such as flowers, arches and crosses.
L'Oasi della Birra
It may be called the "Oasis of Beer", but this off-licence and popular bierkeller in bustling Testaccio is as much an oasis for locals looking to get away from the tourist herd. With a wide range of wines and specialist beers lining the walls the L’Oasi della Birra is a popular spot at both day and night time. Head there after 5.30pm when the staff begin to prepare a buffet of goodies, a plate of which can be bought with a drink for €10.
Piazza Vittorio
If the weather is nice head to one of the many open-air arena cinemas which pop up around the city during the summer. The Piazza Vittorio in the Esquilino district of the city has a great outdoor theatre that plays a mix of new releases as well as arthouse films. The theatre often runs two films back-to-back meaning that you can have a whole evening of entertainment for the price of one ticket.
(This post was written by Gary Greenall)
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