Rome’s Four Hidden Treasures

Click your heels together three times and repeat after me:

There’s no place like Rome.

There’s no place like Rome.

There’s no place like Rome.

Ancient Romans called their home city “Caput Mundi” (capital of the world) – and with good reason! Of all the places I’ve seen in my travels, Rome is truly one of a kind. When you’re roaming, you’ll traipse past millennia of history – with a single street housing ancient ruins, medieval churches, and Renaissance palaces. All in the same place. All jumbled – gloriously – together.

But, let’s be honest. Rome isn’t exactly a travel secret – almost 15 million visitors flock here each year. So, how can you experience the real Rome without feeling like just another tourist? Check out Rome’s Four Hidden Treasures below:

PIZZA BY THE COLOSSEUM

Whether it’s your first or fourteenth visit to Rome, viewing the Colosseum never ceases to impress. In its hay day, this stone stadium could seat 50,000 spectators for live battles and gladiator matches. With my help, you can enjoy a private tour inside the Colosseum with skip-the-line tickets. After your immersion in ancient history, you’ll be hungry for a taste of Rome. Nearby, I recommend Li Rioni Pizzeria – hidden on a non-touristy side street just a 5 minutes’ walk from the main ruins. Be sure to order here a wood-fired pizza, tomato-crowned bruschetta, and the creamy house tiramisu!

BORGHESE GARDENS AND VILLA

Not far from the famous Spanish Steps, you’ll find a green jewel in the heart of historic Rome – the Borghese Gardens. Built by the noble Borghese family (including a pope!) atop a former vineyard in 1605, the Borghese Gardens were the most significant green space created in Rome since ancient times.

From this vast and manicured park, you can also access the Villa Borghese gallery – housing Renaissance masterpieces from artists such as Caravaggio and Titian. Bring art history to life here with a private visit alongside an English-speaking guide. This will help you make the most of your time. You definitely want to prebook this visit. Unlike other museums, the Gallery is open in two hour scheduled segments. Visitors are limited to 360 per session. At the end of the two hours, the gallery closes, visitors leave, and a new group is allowed in.

JEWISH QUARTER

Rome is home to many sacred sites – including St. Peter’s tomb and the Vatican. It also boasts one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities, which reside principally in the city’s scenic Jewish Quarter. A guided tour through the Jewish Quarter will acquaint you with the history of the neighborhood. Also, you’ll see the stumbling blocks, known as Stolpersteines, laid into the pavement in front of some of the residences. These give the birth and death date and place of death of Jewish victims of the holocaust.

In addition to boasting kosher-friendly carbonara, this quiet cobblestoned quarter also houses some spectacular ruins – including Teatro Marcello. This theater dates back to 13BC and resembles the Colosseum (minus the crowds). Columns and remains of temples are scattered around this open-air theater. After wandering the Jewish Quarter’s back streets, walk to the nearby Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) for gelato at Tiberino Gelateria.

TRASTEVERE

Rome’s stunning Trastevere quarter is located on the far side of the Tiber River – easily accessed on foot by crossing one of the city’s scenic bridges. Boasting cobblestone alleyways, Renaissance palaces, and ivy-clad buildings, Trastevere bustles with local charm during the day and at night. It’s also home to some of the city’s most authentic Roman ristorante – including Trattoria Da Teo, Pizzeria Ai Marmi, and Da Enzo al 29.

Ready to roam through the real Rome? Contact me at 513-386-8081 to start making your dream trip a Roman reality.

Ciao, ciao!