When we plan a trip to the city of Rome We are all very clear that we are not going to miss some of the most interesting places, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon of Agrippa or the Roman Forum. But these are the places where everyone moves, the essential things. If our visit is long, we can go a little deeper into the less known and popular Rome and discover equally spectacular and interesting corners.
This time we will see 8 unknown visits in the city of Rome. These are visits that we can add to our itinerary if we have enough time, since some may also be close to other more popular places. Be that as it may, there is a whole unknown Rome that does not appear in the top ten of the most visited places, but that can discover a new world for us.
Isola Tiberina, an island in the Tiber
La Isola Tiberina or Isla Tiberina It is an island in the Tiber river of Rome in the shape of a boat, a perfect place to walk, and it is a place with a lot of history, since it housed the Temple of Aesculapius and was used as a hospital for the time of plagues, so that the sick people could be isolated from the rest of the city. It is reached by the Ponte Fabricio or the Ponte Cestio. The Fabricio Bridge is also the oldest bridge in Rome, from 62 BC, so we will be seeing more than one place of interest.
Basilica San Paolo Fuori le Mura, a spectacular church
Also known as the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, is one of the four major basilicas in the city of Rome. It is where the apostle Saint Paul is located, and although it is not the most popular, it is certainly worth a visit for its incredible interiors. Huge columns and beautiful mosaics, arches and paintings make this space a must for lovers of art and architecture. The only downside we can put to this beautiful basilica is that it is not located in the center of the city, but if we have time it is worth traveling to it.
The incredible views of the Vatican from Mount Aventine
Mount Aventine is one of the seven hills in which the city of Rome was founded. A quiet place where we will find the beautiful orange garden. But it is also a place from which to have spectacular views of the city and the Vatican.
The secret side of Rome, the catacombs
The catacombs were used to give burial of christians when it was a minority religion. Not all of them are accessible, although part of them can be visited. It is estimated that there will be about 160 kilometers of catacombs, but not all of them can be accessible or have been reached, since there will be thousands of tombs. Tours are made through them to be able to see the places whose access is easier. Entering them is enjoying a hidden part of the history of Rome, and with the audio guides we will learn even more details about these catacombs.
An Egyptian style pyramid, the Cestia pyramid
This Egyptian-style pyramid was built in 12 BC as tomb of Cayo Cestio Epulón. It stands out for emulating the ancient Egyptian pyramids in the city of Rome, where the tombs are quite different. It is located next to the San Paolo gate and is covered with marble. However, its interior is brick. Be that as it may, it constitutes an original visit to discover another part of Rome that we did not know.
Beautiful gardens at Villa d'Este in Tivoli
Tivoli is a town near Rome, and to get there you have to travel, but it is worth seeing the Villa of Este, a Renaissance style residence that stands out for its spectacular gardens. They are so incredible and extensive that they have more than 500 sculptures and fountains scattered throughout the space they occupy. It can be reached by bus since it is 30 kilometers from Rome, and it is an interesting visit.
Michelangelo's Moses in San Pietro in Vicoli
The Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains is a religious building that stands out precisely for being very simple and having little decoration. Its interior may not be impressive, but the important thing about visiting this basilica is that it contains the statue of Michelangelo's Moses, and therefore it has become a very visited place to appreciate this incredible statue.
The mouth of truth
La Mouth of Truth It is a well-known place and surely this legend sounds familiar to you, which said that this round statue bit the hand of those who lied. It is very typical to take a photo by putting your hand in the opening of the stone mouth. Do you dare to test if they are legends or is it true?