{"id":1743,"date":"2019-09-30T07:33:37","date_gmt":"2019-09-30T07:33:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vaticantour.com\/blog\/?p=1743"},"modified":"2019-09-30T07:49:13","modified_gmt":"2019-09-30T07:49:13","slug":"secret-rome-a-guide-to-the-citys-most-offbeat-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vaticantour.com\/blog\/secret-rome-a-guide-to-the-citys-most-offbeat-places","title":{"rendered":"Secret Rome: A Guide to the City\u2019s Most Offbeat Places"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rome is one of the most popular cities in\nthe world and it\u2019s easy to see why. Almost at every bend is an enchanting\nmuseum, a lush green garden or a remarkable church. The Eternal City is teeming\nwith cultural wonders packed with legions of tourists.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it\u2019s not too difficult to beat the\ncrowds and find a secluded spot draped in old-world charm and tranquillity.\nHere\u2019s our selection of Rome\u2019s finest hidden gems:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teatro Marcello<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For first-time visitors, encompassing tours of the Colosseum<\/a><\/strong> are highly recommended. Exploring the world\u2019s greatest gladiatorial arena is an experience of a lifetime. You will discover oodles of ancient history at every corner of the site.<\/span><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, there are other medieval attractions\nin Rome that are equally magnificent and elaborate -minus the swarming tourist\ntraffic. Teatro di Marcello is one of them. This mini-version of the Colosseum\nis a feast for the senses.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Teatro Marcello was originally built by the\nRoman emperor Augustus in 12 BC to serve as a 20000-seat open-air theatre but the\nstructure went through a series of modifications throughout history. It is\nfascinating to see how the different layers of history add to the beauty. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroll around the crumbling blocks for\nfree. If you are lucky, you may even enjoy a summer concert just outside the\nruins.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palazzo Barberini<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Want to soak in one of Caravaggio\u2019s most\nexclusive works all by yourself? Head to Palazzo Barberini. Home to the Galleria\nNazionale d\u2019Arte Antica, this humongous yet lesser-known palace includes some\nof the most exquisite artworks by Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini, Piero di\nCosimo, Filippo Lippi and few others.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The highlights, however, are Caravaggio\u2019s\nspectacular \u2018Judith Beheading Holofernes\u2019 followed by the grand staircases by\nBernini and Borromini and the exuberant secret garden tucked away behind the\nbuilding.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Galleria Sciarra<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

 Just\na two-minute walk away from the iconic Trevi Fountain is Galleria Sciarra; its\nvaulted glass-and-cast-iron ceiling, elegant floral designs and colourful\nfrescoes attract instant attention.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Constructed in the late 19th<\/sup>\ncentury for the influential and wealthy Sciarra family, Galleria Sciarra is\nbreathtaking inside and out. While the facade is distinctive, the interior is\nfilled with gorgeous liberty-style frescoes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admire the outstanding artwork painted by\nGiuseppe Cellini in Art Nouveau style. Based on the theme glorificazione della donna <\/em>(glorification of women), the paintings\ncelebrate female virtues like patience, fidelity, justice and strength, as well\nas women in traditional roles such as mothers and wives. The smaller crowds\nheighten the atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cimetero Acattolico<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you looking for a heavenly oasis of\npeace and tranquillity amid chaotic traffic? The Protestant Cemetery is a\ncharming, isolated corner of the city that, despite being surrounded by roads\nall around, is a verdant escape filled with tall cypress trees and ancient\ngravestones.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More than 4000 people (mostly Russian\nOrthodox Christians, Buddhists and atheists) are buried here. Plus, it is the\nfinal resting place of two prolific English poets: Keats and Shelley. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning a quick trip to Rome? If yes, then don\u2019t forget to check out our Vatican & Colosseum Tour<\/a><\/strong>. Helmed by the experts, such guided tours offer an interesting take on the Eternal city.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy Travelling!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ ALSO OUR NEW UPDATES<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n