A Guide to Rome’s Hidden Spots for Tourists

Rome is a city of immense historical and cultural significance. As the capital of Italy, Rome is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and its long-spanning history is reflected in its architecture, buildings, monuments, and art. From the Colosseum and the Pantheon to the Spanish Steps, Rome is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

The city is also well-known for its vibrant culture and rich culinary traditions. Although it attracts millions of tourists every year, there are still many hidden gems to be found in Rome that are not as well-known or as highly visited as the more popular attractions. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Rome’s hidden spots that are perfect for tourists visiting the city.

History of Rome

Rome has a long and storied history that stretches back thousands of years to the founding of the city in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus. Since then, Rome has been the center of power for various empires, from the Roman Republic to the Byzantine Empire and beyond. Over the centuries, Rome has been invaded by numerous armies, from the Gauls to the Ostrogoths. Through it all, Rome has remained a vibrant center of culture and art, with numerous churches, squares, and monuments to prove it.

Today, Rome is one of Italy’s most populous cities, with a population of almost 3 million people. It is a major cultural center that attracts millions of tourists each year. Although much of the city’s history is visible in its many monuments, there are still plenty of hidden sights to explore in Rome.

Explore a Roman Aqueduct

The Roman aqueducts are some of the most impressive engineering feats of the ancient world. These massive structures were built to bring water from distant sources into the city, and many are still standing today. The aqueducts of Rome are a great way to explore some of the city’s hidden gems.

The most famous aqueduct in Rome is the Aqueduct of Valens, which was built during the reign of Emperor Valens in the 4th century CE. This aqueduct is the longest standing Roman aqueduct in the world, and it stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Romans. The aqueduct is almost 2 kilometers long and it is still in use today to bring water into Rome from distant sources.

The Aqueduct of Valens is open to tourists, who can explore its many tunnels and arches as they walk along its length. Tourists can also visit the Aqueduct Park, which is located next to the aqueduct and features interpretive displays about its history and construction.

Experience an Ancient Roman Bathhouse

The ancient Romans were known for their love of bathing and public baths were a popular feature of life in ancient Rome. One such bathhouse is still standing in Rome today: the Thermae Caracalla. This bathhouse was built during the reign of Emperor Caracalla in 212 CE and it is still standing today in remarkable condition.

The Thermae Caracalla was once one of Rome’s grandest public bathhouses, with hot baths, cold baths, and saunas running throughout its length. Today, tourists can explore this ancient bathhouse and learn about its history and construction. The bathhouse is open to visitors who can wander through its ruins and take in its grandeur.

Discover the Jewish Ghetto

Rome has one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities and it has been an important part of the city’s history for centuries. The Jewish Ghetto of Rome is a great place to explore this important part of the city’s history.

The Jewish Ghetto was established by Pope Paul IV in 1555 as a way to separate Jewish citizens from other parts of the city. It was originally a walled area with gates that were locked at night to keep people in and out. Today, tourists can explore this historic area, where they will find numerous synagogues and Jewish restaurants as well as a museum detailing Jewish life in Rome throughout history.

Explore the Catacombs

The Catacombs of Rome are a series of underground tunnels that were used for burial purposes by early Christians during Roman times. The Catacombs are great place to explore some of Rome’s hidden history, as they contain numerous ancient tombs and burial chambers dating back centuries.

The Catacombs are open to visitors who can explore their winding tunnels and see some of the ancient artifacts contained within them. Tourists can also learn about early Christianity in Rome by visiting some of the tombs that have been discovered within the catacombs.

Visit an Ancient Temple

Rome was home to numerous temples during its ancient past, many of which still stand today. One such temple is the Temple of Hercules Victor, which was built during the 2nd century BCE by Emperor Hadrian as a dedication to Hercules. The temple is still standing today and is open to visitors who can explore its grand columns and learn about its history and significance in ancient Roman culture.

The Temple of Hercules Victor is located on the Capitoline Hill in central Rome and it remains one of the best-preserved ancient temples in the city. Tourists can explore its grand architecture as well as learn about its history and religious significance during ancient times.

Take a Trip to Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an ancient port city located just north of Rome that was founded by Emperor Claudius in 42 CE. This city was once an important port on the Tiber River but it was abandoned after it was sacked by barbarians in 410 CE. Today, Ostia Antica is one of Rome’s most fascinating historical sites, as it contains numerous ruins that offer a glimpse into life during ancient times.

Tourists can visit Ostia Antica on a day trip from Rome, where they can explore its ruins and learn about its history through interpretive displays at its museum. Visitors can also take a walk along its ancient streets and explore its amphitheater and baths, giving them a glimpse into life during Roman times.

Conclusion

Rome is an incredible city with a long and rich history that can be seen throughout its many monuments, buildings, and attractions. While it’s easy to get lost in its more popular attractions, there are still plenty of hidden gems to be found in Rome that offer tourists a unique glimpse into its past and present culture. From exploring ancient aqueducts to taking a trip to Ostia Antica, there’s something for everyone in Rome’s hidden spots.