ERMAL ALIBALI

Rome is a city where every cobblestone whispers history, but beyond the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain lies a labyrinth of secrets waiting to be discovered. Forget the crowds, let’s explore Rome, which even guidebooks often miss. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these hidden gems will make you feel like a true Roman.

1. The Aventine Keyhole: A Divine Peek

Tucked away on the peaceful Aventine Hill, the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) offers stunning city views. But the real magic lies in the unassuming green door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta. Peek through its keyhole, and you’ll see a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Dome, a sight so surreal it feels like a Renaissance painting come to life.

• Why visit?: Free, uncrowded, and Instagram gold.
• Pro tip: Combine it with a stroll through the nearby Roseto Comunale (Rome’s Rose Garden), blooming spectacularly in May-June.

2. Quartiere Coppedè: Rome’s Fairy-Tale District

Imagine a mix of Art Nouveau, Gothic, and Baroque architecture sprinkled with whimsical mosaics and surreal sculptures. Welcome to Quartiere Coppedè, a tiny neighborhood near Via Nomentana that feels like stepping into a Tim Burton movie. Don’t miss the Fontana delle Rane (Fountain of the Frogs), a quirky masterpiece hidden in a quiet piazza.

• Why visit?: Zero tourists, endless photo ops.
• Local secret: The area’s cafes, like Caffè Coppedè, serve some of Rome’s best maritozzo (a cream-filled pastry).
• Useful link: How to get to Quartiere Coppedè.

3. The Underground Basilica of Porta Maggiore

Beneath the bustling Porta Maggiore lies a 1st-century underground basilica, rediscovered in 1917. Adorned with intricate stucco reliefs of Greek myths, this eerie yet beautiful space was likely used for pagan rituals. Visits require booking, but it’s worth the effort.

• Why visit?: A haunting glimpse into ancient Rome.

4. San Luigi dei Francesi: Caravaggio’s Hidden Masterpieces

While crowds flock to the Vatican, art lovers quietly slip into San Luigi dei Francesi, a church near Piazza Navona. Inside, three Caravaggio paintings—The Calling of St. Matthew, The Martyrdom of St. Matthew, and The Inspiration of St. Matthew—hang in a dimly lit chapel, their dramatic lighting still dazzling after 400 years.

• Why visit?: Free entry and no lines.
• Pro tip: Pair this with a visit to the lesser-known Galleria Doria Pamphilj (tickets here), a private palace with an epic art collection.