The Alternative Side to Rome – Not As You Know It

Caught in the headlights of so many architectural wonders, visitors to Italy’s capital city often overlook the secret side of the Eternal City.  But if you’ve had enough of the Colosseum, St. Peter’s, and the Trevi Fountain, we’ve found some lesser-known attractions that show you a completely different Rome.

The Keyhole of the Priorato di Malta

A keyhole might not sound terribly interesting, but the one in the arch-headed central portone of the Villa of the Priorato di Malta in Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta is well worth a look.  Peer through it and you’ll get a perfectly framed view of the dome of San Pietro, an effect seemingly intended by the architect, Piranesi.

St. Peter’s Basilica seen through a keyhole at the Villa Malta, Rome, Italy by AngMoKio

Centrale Montemartini

If you like your culture uncrowded, Rome can be a difficult place to be.  Not if you visit the Centrale Montemartini, however.  Here, you can wander around, unimpeded by camera-toting tourists in an ingenious exhibition space in the former Giovanni Montemartini Thermoelectric Centre, a remarkable example of industrial archaeology converted into a museum.  Closed Mondays.

The Porta Portese Market

The Porta Portese, near the end of Viale Trastevere, is a classic Roman flea market where you can pick up bargains in everything from jewellery to pottery, and kitchen implements to bicycles.  The market takes place every Sunday from 6.30 a.m., but you’ll have to get there early to snap up the best deals.

Porta Portese, Rome, Italy by Lalupa

Villa Doria Pamphili

It is one of life’s unsolved mysteries why tour groups do not flock to the Villa Doria Pamphili, but it is fortunate for us that they don’t because this delightful oasis in the Monteverde quarter of Rome is largely overlooked.  Stroll freely through Its French-styled garden (the largest landscaped public park in the city) among sparkling fountains and quirky statues and admire the enormous 17th-century villa.

Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso

Even the biggest fan of religious buildings could suffer church fatigue in Rome, as it’s impossible to go far without stumbling into yet another flamboyantly ornate place of worship.  The Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso is not your ordinary church, though.  Situated on Piazza Largo Terzo Millennio, it features three massive sail-like arches and a whimsical bell tower that certainly do not fit the usual ecclesiastical stereotype.  Visit at sunset, when the light floods the massive windows of this unforgettable landmark.

Municipal Rose Gardens

If you’re in Rome during May and June, and you’re struck by an incredible perfume emanating from Viale del Circo Massimo, you’ve found Rome’s Municipal Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale di Roma).  Home to more than 1,000 varieties from over 20 different countries, the Rose Garden makes a comforting stop after a visit to the historically brutal Coliseum nearby.  Look out for the the green-petaled Chinensis Virdiflora and the stinky Rosa Foetida.

Municipal Rose Gardens, Rome, Italy by Yannick Carer

Porta di Roma Shopping Center

One of Europe’s biggest shopping malls, the Porta di Roma is a 150,000-square-meter retail heaven off the GRA, the road that rings Rome.  Car hire is a good option for anyone considering a visit to this centre, which features more than 200 shops, numerous restaurants, four tennis courts, two football pitches, and an indoor gym with a swimming pool.  And you can save your feet for the Ancient City:  The mall is furnished with a series of moving sidewalks, escalators, and upholstered seating.

Ristorante-Caffe’ Lo Zodiaco

For one of the best views you’ll get of historic Rome, it’s hard to beat this charming cafe on Viale del Parco Mellini.  High above the city, it offers panoramic views but is a little off the tourist track.  It is particularly romantic in the evening, when meals are served by candlelight beneath the enormous windows that frame the cityscape.

Villa d’Este

If you weren’t convinced already, a visit to the Eternal City  illustrates just how comfortable the life of a Roman Catholic clergyman could be.  Villa d’Este is a testament to the the power and opulence enjoyed by the Church’s upper echelons.  Built in the 16th century on the order of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, this palatial estate encompasses some of Europe’s loveliest gardens in Europe and exemplifies Renaissance culture at its grandest.

Villa d’Este, Tivoli, near Rome, Italy by Mmxbass

Join the evening passeggiata

Masters of style, the Italians have turned their dinner amble into the premier social event of the day.  During the evening passeggiata (“little walk”) between 5 and 7pm, crowds parade the city streets to be seen fare la bella figura, (“cutting a beautiful figure”).  You may not feel suitably attired to take part, but you can always watch.  Via del Corso is passegiata central, but every locality has its own minor version.

Aoife O’Carroll is a staff writer for Nova Car Hire, a convenient website for arranging car rental in 26,000 locations worldwide, including Rome car hire.

Tags: architectural wonders, exhibition space, industrial archaeology, keyhole, kitchen implements, lalupa, piazza dei cavalieri, piazza dei cavalieri di malta, piranesi, porta portese, porta portese market, priorato, remarkable example, rome italy, Trevi Fountain, unsolved mysteries, villa doria pamphili, villa malta

Category: Cities, Rome