Lesser Known Attractions in Rome

This week as I venture out again after 3 weeks of recovering from a bad cold at home, I have listed 7 lesser known attractions in Rome that I would like to visit.

This list started while reading the book  The Secrets of Rome by Corrado Augias which was given to me for Christmas.  If you want to get to know Rome more intimately, this is a great read as it’s filled with fascinating information I had never known before.

On top of that, while I was homebound, I came across blogs and videos of more attractions in Rome which are interesting and slightly off the beaten path. Naturally, the list grew and here’s what I have listed.

7 Lesser Known Attractions in Rome

From The Secrets of Rome, there are three attractions which I intend to visit.

1. Church of St.Peters in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli)

Here’s the passage in the book that got my interest:

“But what immediately catches the eye when first walking into the basilica are the twenty magnificent columns, ten on each side which divide the nave into three sections.  They are among the most beautiful to be seen in Rome and, I feel, the entire world.”

With such a description, wouldn’t you want to visit this Church?  What’s more is that this is where Michelangelo’s marble statue Moses is housed.

Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli 4/A, 00184  Rome

Updated: The statue of Moses was stunning and even with renovation work going on inside the Church, it’s worth the visit.

2. Basilica di San Clemente

I have always passed by this Basilica but have never stepped in. After living here for several years, you are spoiled by the number of attractions in Rome that you tend to take them for granted.

This is how the book describes the Basilica:

“Of all the Roman churches and basilicas, this one, at least from a historical point of view, is the most amazing. The sheer fact that is consists of at least three buildings, constructed one atop the other over the courses of several centuries, is enough to get a sense of it’s singularity”

Wikipedia clearly depicts this in its explanation of the three structures.

Address: Via Labicana 95, 00185 Rome

3. Basilica di Santi Quattro Coronati (Four Crowned Saints)

I have never heard of this Basilica before reading the book and it is located just a short walk from Basilica di San Clemente.

The original church was built in 4th century but burned to the ground during the Norman’s sack on Rome in 1084.  It was then rebuilt but on a much smaller scale. Here’s some brief information from the Lonely Planet about the Basilica and its opening hours.

Address: Via dei Santissimi Quattro Coronati 20,

4. Palazzo Valentini

My sister-in-law had mentioned that she was going to arrange a visit to Palazzo Valentini for my 7 year-old niece and some of her school friends.

She said that Piero Angela and a team of experts have brought to life ancient houses which were found beneath Palazzo Valentini with the use of virtual reconstructions.  She thought the children would find these effects interesting and instead, she got me interested!

Updated: Yesterday afternoon, I was near the vicinity of Palazzo Valentini and went in to book their English tour. Instead, they gave me a brochure and said to call or make reservations online. There are tours in English and here’s their website for more information.

We finally visited Palazzo Valentini and it was really cool!

5. Palazzo Farnese

Thanks to the article in The New York Times written by Revealed Rome, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit this Palazzo.  I was scheduled to visit the Palazzo on Wednesday when they have English tours but got sick the weekend before.  Great timing! When the weather improves, I will make arrangements again.

More information at InventerRome.

6. Villa Farnesina

This week some familiar faces were featured on the Rome episode of CNNGo. Jessica from RomePhotoBlog gives us a glimpse of  Villa Farnesina in the second part of the video (at 4:50 mark).

Here’s information on visiting the Villa Farnesina.

7. La Citta dell’Acqua

Recently a post of La Citta dell’Acqua was written by Young in Rome.  I am in this area once a week and thought if I have time to spare, I can drop by to checkout the ancient ruins beneath the Trevi Fountain.

Address: Vicolo del Puttarello 25

Updated: Yesterday, I dropped by La Citta dell’Acqua and almost missed it as they were closed.  Here are their new opening hours.

I sure look forward to visiting these attractions and will share my experience here. Which attraction seems most interesting to you?

Have you visited any of these attractions in Rome and which one did you find the most fascinating?