What are some must-see...little-known places to visit in Rome, Italy?

Question

What are some must-see...little-known places to visit in Rome, Italy?

Answer 1

I loved the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Really cool place and not visited that much.

Answer 2

The Guide by Fonisol hasn't left a stone unturned

http://fonisol.com/rome/romeindex.htm

Check it out.

For running events in Rome, check out their blog, accessible form the website.

Have fun!

Monica

Answer 3

You've already received a couple of good answers.  One of the best, "little-known" places to visit in St. Peter's is the crypt.  Formerly one entered to the left of the Altar and wnet down stairs to see the burial sites of St. Peter and numerous others.  Now, you must make a reservation for a time-of-entry.  This must be done at least 2 months in advance.  The entrance is outside St. Peter's, facing it, walk around the left side past the Swiss Guard about twenty yards to an information window.

It's an unusual site to visit that most tourists overlook.

Answer 4

Climb to the top of Palatine Hill (Monte Palatino).

Legend has it that the ancient city of Rome was born atop Palatine Hill. Well-preserved samples of Roman era palaces and temples still stand, incorporated into the natural landscape by trees and vegetation that grow out of the ruins. Today these sites — which include the Baths of Septimus Severus — feel more like a park than an archeological site. Quiet paths shaded by slanting maritime pines give the place a serene feel. For a treat, visit Palatine Hill at early dusk, and watch the sun set on the center of ancient Rome — from Circus Maximus, to the Forum, to the Colosseum.

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The Scoop:

Address: Via Sacra; Phone: [phone]; Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily April through October; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily November through March; Cost: 12,000 lire; Web Site: Tourist Information Service, www.romaturismo.com

Stroll the grounds of the Roman Forum (Foro Romano).

You won't have to strain your imagination to picture the Forum as the political, commercial and religious center that it once was, Columns, arches and temples built between 500 B.C. and A.D. 400 — including the Temple of Vesta, where virgins once guarded the sacred fire — are artifacts of its ancient prominence. This center fills the valley between Capitoline and Palatine hills.

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The Scoop:

Address: Via dei Fori Imperiali; Phone: [phone]; Hours: 9 a.m. to one hour before sunset; Cost: Free; Web Site: www.capitolium.org/english.htm

Imagine yourself a gladiator at the Colosseum (Colosseo).

The Colosseum is the most recognizable symbol of Rome. Once called the Flavian Ampitheater, it was built from A.D. 72 to A.D. 80 — in just eight years. Here, up to 50,000 spectators — protected from the sun by an ingenious system of shades — packed the stands to watch Roman gladiators fight it out in the ultimate combat. Today, the only wild animals haunting visitors are stray cats that make their home in the shadow of this monument.

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The Scoop:

Address: Piazza del Colosseo; Phone: [phone]; Hours: 9 a.m. to one hour before sunset; Cost: 10,000 lire, adults; free for children under 12; Web Site: Tourist Information Service, www.romaturismo.com

Make a wish at Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi).

Squashed into the corner of a small piazza, Trevi Fountain's statue of Neptune seems ready to burst forward from the ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct. The recently cleaned, and gleaming, 18th-century fountain is one of Rome's most famous sights. It draws throngs of tourists, who crowd into the tiny square to toss coins into the water over their left shoulders; legend says this assures a return trip to the city.

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The Scoop:

Address: Piazza di Trevi, off Via del Tritone; Phone: Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT), U.S., [phone]; in Rome, [phone]; Rome Tourist Information Service, [phone]; Hours: All; Cost: Free; Web Site: Tourist Information Service www.romaturismo.com

Take a break on the Spanish Steps.

A grand outdoor staircase, the Spanish Steps offer a fabulous view of city monuments and rooftops. But they are also a great vantage point for people watching. The Spanish Steps are the meeting place in Rome, filled daily with guitar-playing city dwellers and stylish shoppers descending on the piazza's world-class boutiques. When you've had enough rest, head next door to the Keats-Shelley house, and take a look at memorabilia from literature's Romantic period. Or take a sip and a photo in front of the piazza's azalea-trimmed Fontana della Barcaccia (Old Boat Fountain).

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The Scoop:

Address: Piazza di Spagna, junction of Via Condotti, Via del Babuino and Via Due Macelli; Phone: Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT), U.S., [phone]; in Rome, [phone]; Hours: All; Cost: Free; Web Site: Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT) www.italiantourism.com

Answer 5

Miss P28,,,

I was in Italy for the Winter Olympics,, and stayed for the whole month of February... I would recommend you visit the several places that have been mentioned before me.. The Vatican,, to see the Sistene Chapel,, GO EARLY ,before 7 am,, and first ask which days it is open,, the lines are LONG,,believe me...it is worth seeing..actually all the art work before you get there is better...

Then,take the rest of the day off, you will spend 4 hours just getting to the chapel....

Next go to the colosseum,, and forum,, and the Spanish Steps... all not to far from one another...

BUT  Listen and listen good !!!!!  Be Aware of Pick Pockets and Purse snatchers... DO NOT be the usual tourist with you head in the clouds.... They are in Rome, more than anywhere... and they love tourists... get something small,, put a certain amount of money in it,, and keep it close,, if you have to,, put your debit card in you SHOE>>>. dont carry your passpourt on you, make a copy of it and leave the passport at the hotel desk..or safe in your room;...

Anymore questions,, e mail me.... i got the answers for you...

Answer 6

the vatican

Answer 7

Well, I can tell you the Hilton Cavalieri in Rome is a gorgeous place to stay. They have the most delicious Sunday brunch and a great aquarium on the bottom floor.

Oh, plus, there is this little cafe (ok, there are tons of them, but stay with me here) at the Trivoli Fountain. If you're looking at the fountain, take the alley to your upper right side. The first cafe you find makes delicious pizzas and spaghettis!! Don't forget to toss your coins in the fountain.

Do not drive in Rome, those people are crazy!

Ooooh, on the outskirts of the city there are catacombs. This was the coolest part of Rome as far as I'm concerned. Definitely worth the trip -- eerie, cool, and historical!

Plus, if you can get to Venice, I highly recommend it!

Answer 8

Well you shoulnd't miss these while you are in Rome. It's a pity.

- The Palatine Hill - great view of Rome at sunset

- Fontana di Trevi - throw the coin over the left shoulder and you will come back here

- The Spanish Stairs - great view at night

- Piazza Navona

- St.Peters church in the Vatican

- Forum Romanum

- The Pantheon

- Altare Della Patria

Find more information about prices, phone numbers, addresses and open hours here : http://www.travelmanual.info/visiting-ro...