Rome is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. While many of its famous landmarks and attractions are certainly worth visiting, there are also plenty of hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. Here are 10 hidden gems in Rome that you need to visit:
1. The Aventine Keyhole: Located on the Aventine Hill, this small keyhole in a nondescript door offers a stunning view of St. Peter's Basilica framed by trees and gardens.
2. The Capuchin Crypt: This eerie crypt beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is decorated with the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks.
3. The Protestant Cemetery: This peaceful cemetery is the final resting place of many famous writers, artists, and poets, including John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
4. The Appian Way: This ancient road is lined with tombs, ruins, and beautiful countryside, and is a great place to escape the crowds of the city.
5. The Basilica di San Clemente: This church is built on top of two earlier churches, and features stunning frescoes, mosaics, and a hidden underground level.
6. The Palazzo Spada: This small palace features a stunning forced perspective gallery that makes it appear much larger than it actually is.
7. The Baths of Caracalla: These ancient Roman baths are incredibly well-preserved, and offer a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans.
8. The Villa Farnesina: This beautiful villa features stunning frescoes by Raphael and other Renaissance artists.
9. The Mouth of Truth: This ancient stone mask is said to bite the hand of anyone who tells a lie, and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
10. The Gianicolo Hill: This hill offers stunning views of the city, and is a great place to watch the sunset.
These hidden gems in Rome are just a few of the many treasures that the city has to offer. By exploring beyond the usual tourist spots, you can discover a whole new side of Rome that many visitors never get to see.