Rome is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to, infact I love it so much that I keep returning. Yeah, I already have been six times and everytime I discover something new.
While in Rome people often tend to visit the major sites such as the the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, the Vatican and Trevi Fountain (yeah to not forget to throw that coin!). Without any doubt these are a must when visiting Rome for the first time but below I am going to share with you 7 other places that you need to add to your itinerary!
1. The Orange Trees Garden
If you’re looking for something special, magical and unique, you will find it all here in this garden filled with pine trees and the scent of orange blossom. This picturesque viewpoint is truly special especially during sunset. From here right at the center of the garden you will be able to admire the most beautiful view ever with the dome of St. Peter's Basilicata.
2. The Knights of Malta Keyhole
Next to the Orange Garden, on the Aventine Hill you will find the ‘Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta’. When you arrive here, stop and take a look through the keyhole of the large door were you shall admire the most breathtaking view, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica as you’ve never seen it before. When looking from the keyhole of the entrance door, it is possible to see two states at the same time: the Italian state and the Vatican City State.
If you are lucky enough (like we were) someone might open the door and instead of admiring the view through the keyhole you will be able to see the bigger picture! Get your camera ready!
3. The Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio Masterpieces in the Borghese Gallery.
Even if you are not an art lover this place will leave you speechless. Located in the ‘Villa Borghese’ you will be able to admire some of the greatest masterpieces in the world. This place is home to the world’s largest collection of Bernini’s works including The Rape of Proserpina and Apollo and Daphne.
Here you can also admire some of the most famous Caravaggio paintings including the Boy with a Basket of Fruit and David with the Head of Goliath.
4. Trastevere
Located across the Tiber River, Trastevere is considered the 'heart' of Rome. It is famous for its 'bohemian' atmosphere, restaurants and wine bars, boutiques and craft shops. A walk here will take you away from the crowds to a more hidden corner of Rome and one of the most lively neighborhoods. Do not miss a stop in one of the cafes, drink the famous espresso and have a chat with the locals. In the afternoon you can opt for an aperitivo! Do not skip the Aperol Spritz!
5. Orvieto
Okey this is not technically in Rome but it is only 1 hr train ride away hence making it an ideal day trip. Orvieto is a small city on a rock cliff in Umbria and during the 16th-century it also served as a place of refuge for the pope.
Walk the charming streets and the pretty shops, admire the countryside of Umbria until you arrive at the Duomo. The façade of this Gothic Church will be one of the most spectacular you will ever see.
Another big highlight of your trip here will be the huge St Patrick’s Well (Pozzo di San Patrizio). This is a huge well, which I highly suggest you climb down, will lead you to an underground city that dates to Etruscan times!
Last but not least, Orvieto is an Italian wine region located in Umbria, primarily known for its white wines made from a blend of mostly Grechetto and Trebbiano, so before you return back to Rome, don’t forget to stop for a glass or bottle of wine!
6..... Musei Capitolini
After the Vatican Museums, the Capitoline Museums are the most important that can be visited in this city as they preserve the memory of Ancient Rome.
The Museums are also home to a large collection of statues, paintings and objects from the history of Rome and also to several temporary exhibitions not strictly of Roman art, conferences and concerts. It is a must visit if you love history!
7. Jewish Ghetto
The Ghetto is considered to be the oldest in the western world. Pope Paul IV ordered its construction in 1555, revoking all the rights that have been granted to the Roman Jews.
On October 16, 1943 the Nazis surrounded the neighborhood and captured over 1,000 Jews people by force from their homes. Two days later the prisoners were loaded onto a train bound for Auschwitz: of the 1,023 deportees only 16 survived the extermination.
The Jewish ghetto of Rome is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures in the city.
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