With the Jubilee this year, the cost of visiting Rome has been getting higher and higher. But there are plenty of free things you can do in Rome that won’t cost you a cent.
Beautiful churches to visit in Rome
Unlike other cities that charge an entrance fee to churches of historical importance, Rome doesn’t (with the exception of the Pantheon), giving you access to some amazing spaces for free. Here are some of our favorite churches in Rome, but there are so many more to discover.
1. St. Peter’s Basilica
Despite its size, the immense basilica of St. Peter’s is beautiful and light. The greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque eras worked as architects on the world’s largest church, with many of them also helping to decorate it. Among the many great artworks that you won’t want to miss are Michelangelo’s Pietà, Arnolfo di Cambio’s 13th century statue of St. Peter and Bernini’s tomb of Pope Alexander VII.
2. San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St. Paul’s outside the Walls)
Built over the necropolis where St. Paul, Rome’s other patron saint, was buried, the Basilica of St. Paul is different from the other papal basilicas that were dramatically changed during the Baroque. St. Paul’s kept its original appearance until much of it was destroyed by fire in the 19th century. The pope decided it would be rebuilt exactly as it was, reusing the original elements that had survived, including some beautiful mosaics. It is famous for the portraits of every pope from St. Peter to Pope Leo XIV.
3. Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major)
According to legend the pope dreamed of the Virgin Mary who told him to build a church to her on the spot where it would snow on an August night. Inside are wonderful 5th century mosaics, on one side showing Old Testament stories and on the other side the life of Christ. Pope Francis chose to be buried here instead of at the Vatican.
3. San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran)
Rome’s cathedral is the oldest church in Rome and the ‘mother church’ of all other churches. When Constantine won the Battle of Milvian Bridge, he built the church over the barracks of the imperial guards who had sided with his rival. Popes lived here until the Avignon papacy in the Middle Ages and the pope remains the bishop of Rome. Revamped in the 17th century, you can’t see much of the older church, but look closely at one of the columns on right of the nave (as you enter) and you’ll see the remains of a fresco by Giotto of Pope Boniface VIII announcing the Jubilee in 1300. Don’t miss the baptisry around the back, next to the imposing Egyptian obelisk.
4. Scala Santa (the Holy Stairs)
Legend also says that Helena brought back to Rome the steps from the palace of Pontius Pilate, that Jesus climbed on the day he died. You can climb the stairs on your knees to the Sancta Sanctorum at the top. Don’t worry if you don’t want go on your knees, there are also steps on the side that you can walk up.
5. Santa Maria degli Angeli
A church built inside the ruins of a Roman bathhouse isn’t something you’ll see everyday. And this one was even designed designed by Michelangelo. Admire the impressive structure and check out the 18th century Meridian Line on the floor that is still accurate today, then look for other remains of the Baths of Diocletian in the surrounding area.
6. The frescoes of Santo Stefano Rotondo
Around the walls of this circular church, each fresco depicts one or more graphic imagines of the deaths of Roman martyrs: flayed, boiled in oil, limbs cut off, pressed under stones, eaten by lions, chopped into pieces, anything the nasty Romans emperors could think of! Charles Dickens called them ‘horrid’, but modern visitors tend to have stronger stomachs.
7. S. Agnese / Santa Costanza
A peaceful complex with 2 churches, catacombs (not free) and the remains of an ancient basilica. St. Agnese was a young Roman martyr who was buried in the catacombs here. Inside her church all the images are of female saints from the city. Santa Costanza was once the 4th century mausoleum of Constantine’s daughter, with a mosaic-covered ceiling. Next to the basilica you can see the ruins of an older basilica.
8. Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
This church has a surprisingly rich history. In the crypt is the original church, part of the palace of Helena, mother of Constantine. Decorations show her visit to the Holy Land where she discovered the True Cross and brought it back to Rome. Other relics that Helena brought back are housed here, including part of the Crown of Thorns, a nail and Doubting Thomas’ finger.
9. Abbazia Tre Fontane
Close to Laurentina metro is the site where St. Paul was beheaded and his head bounced 3 times, creating 3 fountains. There’s now a peaceful monastic complex on the site with 3 churches from different periods. The fountains inside one of the churches have now been switched off and only the grates that used to cover them remain.
Free works of art to see in Rome
Check out these churches and public spaces with art by some of the most famous artists who lived in Rome and worked for the most powerful figures of the day.
10. Piazza Barberini
There’s nothing nice about the traffic chaos in this square. But Bernini’s wonderful Tritone fountain is enough reason to visit. Sadly a traffic island these days, but it was once a source of public water designed for Urban VIII Barberini. Bernini built another, much smaller fountain in one corner (at the beginning of Via Veneto) for horses to drink from. Both fountains have plenty of Barberini bees on them.
11. Piazza Navona
One of Rome’s most delightful squares built on the remains of a Roman stadium. In the 17th century, it was revamped by the Pamphili pope to show how important his family was. Enjoy the church Borromini designed for him and Bernini’s Four Rivers fountain.
12. Santa Maria della Vittoria
The Baroque was all about making art into theatre, and nobody could do this quite like Bernini. Here he took the theater rather literally for his statue of Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. The young saint is being pieced in the heart by an angel, while floating on a cloud. Take a look at the side walls and you’ll see members of the family that owned the chapel leaning out of theater boxes to get a better look at what is going on!
13. Sant’Andrea della Fratte
Next to the house where Bernini lived (there’s a plaque on the wall), this church contains 2 of the original angels from Ponte degli Angeli (in front of Castel Sant’Angelo) carved by the master. Go in the side door to avoid disturbing mass goers and get up close to these beautiful statues.
14. Santa Maria del Popolo
This would have been the first church visitors to the city came across when they entered the city walls. Made famous by Dan Brown’s ‘Angels and Demons’, inside you’ll find works by Bernini, Raphael and Caravaggio. His paintings of the martyrdoms of Saints Peter and Paul are two of his best.
15. Basilica San Sebastiano
While you’re on Appia Antica visiting the catacombs, don’t miss the Basilica of St. Sebastian. Sebastian is a popular Roman saint who was buried in the catacombs below. You can spot images of him all over the city; he’s easy to identify by the numerous arrows sticking out of him! But the real draw here is Bernini’s last work, Salvator Mundi, made when he was in his 70s.
16. Santa Bibiana
Hidden at the back of Termini just before the tunnel to San Lorenzo, this little church has some inconvenient opening hours – currently 07.15-08.00, 17.00-19.30 Monday to Saturday and 08.00-12.00 on Sundays. The church was designed by Bernini when he was 26 and had already been working in Rome for 10 years. Inside he also sculpted the statue of the saint above the alter.
17. Santa Maria sopra Minerva
For many, the church is overshadowed by Bernini’s cute elephant outside. Inside, you’ll find a rare example of gothic architecture in a city that is heavy on the Baroque. There’s also a bit more Bernini and a sculpture by Michelangelo.
18. Moses
Michelangelo’s statue of Moses was supposed to be one of many to decorate the tomb of Pope Julius II, but he was never given a chance to finish it. The plans for a massive tomb in St. Peter’s eventually became a more modest structure in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli where the prophet continues to draw crowds.
19. San Luigi dei Francesi
Caravaggio’s paintings of St. Matthew are popular with tour guides so expect lines. The 3 paintings face each other in a small chapel at the end of the aisle. Spot Caravaggio’s self-portrait in the background of the Martyrdom of St. Matthew.
Parks and gardens to visit for free in Rome
When Rome gets too hot, join the locals in some of the cities beautiful green spaces.
20. Appia Antica
One of Rome’s most spectacular parks. Walking along the ancient Appia Antica, is a trip through history and into nature in the middle of the city. The nicest part to walk is between Basilica San Sebastiano and Villa Quintili, where traffic is mostly limited to residents.
21. Villa Aldobrandini Garden
Most casual visitors to Rome never notice this raised garden at the end of Via Nazionale. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and relax in the shade if you’re in the area and the sunsets behind the monuments of Piazza Venezia can be impressive.
22. Circus Maximus
In Roman times, the Circus Maximus was a monumental public space, even larger than the Colosseum, where Romans watched chariot races. Today the city finds a lot of uses for this massive public space, from concerts and New Year’s celebrations, to horse jumping, Rome’s birthday and lots more. When it isn’t hosting events, come here to jog or sunbathe.
23. Villa Borghese
One of Rome’s most popular parks, right in the center of the city. A popular place for jogging, sunbathing and people watching, the park also contains plenty of monuments, a boating lake, several free museums and a replica of London’s Globe Theatre.
24. Verano
Visitors are welcome at Rome’s monumental cemetery and a number of different itineraries have been created to help you find noteworthy tombs. Even if you don’t know any of the names, it’s still an interesting place to stroll around and great for photographers.
25. Rose Garden
This garden on the side of the Aventino is open when the roses are in bloom (in 2025 from April 21st). Take a close look and you’ll see that the paths form a menorah to remember that the site was once a Jewish cemetery. On the other side of the street are participants and past winners of the Premio Roma competition.
26. Villa Celimontana
Not far from the Colosseum, this park offers a shady escape from the crowds in the summer months. In the summer, you’ll find a free jazz festival here in the evenings and Rome’s loud parrot population during the day.
27. Parco degli Acquedotti
A public park with 3 ancient aqueducts that brought water into the ancient city running through it. Walking next to these beautiful structures is such an ‘only in Rome experience’ that it’s worth the metro trip to the south of the city to spend an hour here. Take metro line A to the Furio Camillo stop and follow the signs to the entrance.
28. Villa Pamphili
Rome’s largest park is easily accessed from the top of the Janiculum Hill. It was once the gardens of Villa Doria Pamphili. The villa is still there, but isn’t open to the public, still the park is very popular for walking, running and enjoying the sunshine.
29. Palazzo Venezia Courtyard
Escape the crowds for a while and relax in the courtyard garden of Palazzo Venezia. Rome doesn’t have a lot of benches, but you’ll find several here under shady palm trees.
Stunning views to enjoy in Rome
30. View from Musei Capitolini terrace
Many visitors don’t realize that you can access the museum café without paying to go inside the museum. Facing the ticket office in the square, walk around the building to the right, through an archway and slightly uphill until you come to a side entrance that takes you straight to the museum café. You don’t need to buy anything to wander out onto the terrace and enjoy the view of Teatro di Marcello and the rooftops of Rome.
31. Enjoy the view from the Orange Garden
Down the road, you can have the same view without the line. The walled orange garden is popular with locals and tourists looking to escape the summer heat. You’ll often find musicians playing here, or wedding photographers taking advantage of the fabulous view across the city.
32. Colosseum at sunrise
Sunset is also very nice, but Rome’s most iconic monument is quieter at dawn. There’s a moment when you can capture the first burst of sun appearing from behind the amphitheater that is quite spectacular.
33. View from Pincio
Above Piazza del Popolo is another iconic view of the city. Climb up the steps (or take the slightly easier road that slopes steadily up from the top of the Spanish Steps) to the terrace and before you you’ll have a clear view straight down Via Cola di Rienzo to the Vatican and Michelangelo’s dome.
34. Gianicolo
There are great viewing points from the 17th century fountain of the Acqua Paola and outside the church of San Pietro in Montorio.
35. The Forum
From the statue of Marcus Aurelius outside the Musei Capitolini, walk to either side of the building at the back and you’ll find amazing views of the Forum, all the way to the Colosseum.
Neighbourboods worth visiting in Rome
36. Walk in Trastevere
Its narrow streets and ancient buildings make Trastevere one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods. This was once a commercial area, home to Rome’s port and merchants from all over the world. You can still see traces of them in the names of the streets. Today, Trastevere is popular with students (The American University of Rome and John Cabot both have campuses here) and tourists thanks to its many bars and resturants.
37. Campo dè Fiori
Said to be Rome’s only square without a church, perhaps because it was once used as a place of execution. During weekdays, it hosts a market in the mornings. The best time to visit is on Sunday mornings when there’s no market and the bars haven’t opened yet.
38. Piazza Vittorio
This 19th century square, today one of Rome’s most multiculture areas, isn’t typically Roman in appearance. It was built in honor of Victor Emanuele II, the first king of Italy, and reflects the architecture of his hometown of Turin. At the center, the gardens contain the remains of an impressive ancient nymphaeum.
39. EUR
Started as Mussolini’s brutal Fascist vision for a new Rome, the wide boulevards and incredibly straight monumental buildings were put to another use in the 1960s when Rome hosted the Olympics. Today it’s a pleasant neighborhood, with some disturbing reminders of its Fascist beginnings.
40. Garbatella
When Mussolini decided to build Via dei Fori Imperiali, he ordered the demolition of the houses in that area and moved the residents to Garbatella. First, they lived in 3 big ‘hotels’ before each family was assigned an apartment in lots built around communal gardens in the style of an English garden city. The area still feels like a village within the city and is a great place to find Roman businesses.
41. San Lorenzo
Once a working-class area that was heavily bombed during the war, former factories and workers’ housing are being transformed into trendy boutiques and hotels near the university’s main campus. Visit the church of San Lorenzo, one of the oldest in the city, and the monumental cemetery next door. San Lorenzo has a lively nightlife with plenty of bars and casual eateries to choose from.
42. Coppedè
A break from traditional Roman architecture, the Coppedè area is an eclectic mix of Liberty-style buildings with classically inspired decorations. Look closely and you’ll notice the unusual decorations include spiders, flies and frogs.
43. Tor Marancia
The unattractive housing blocks of this residential neighborhood were transformed by the ‘Big City Life’ street art project. The buildings became canvases for street artists from around the world, making the area bright and vibrant.
44. Ghetto
One of Europe’s oldest ghettos and the saddest parts of Rome’s history. Today the former ghetto is a lively area, home to the Great Synagogue and the ruins of Porta d’Ottavia and the Theater of Marcellus. The numerous Stumbling Stones remember the families who were deported and didn’t return home after the war.
Free Historical Sites in Rome
45. Museo della Mura
This small museum is inside the old St. Sebastian Gate which is part of the ancient city wall. Climb to the top of one tower and on a clear day see along Appia Antica, the statues on San Giovanni and out to EUR. Visitors can walk inside part of the walls where Roman soldiers used to keep watch.
46. Vittoriano
The massive white structure in the middle of Piazza Venezia is unmissable. Built to celebrate the first king of united Italy, there’s a free museum to Italian Unification inside. If that doesn’t interest you, there’s still a great view if you walk up the many steps at the front.
47. Largo Argentina
The four temples in the middle of the square are among the oldest ruins in Rome. Although you can pay to go down into the site, three of the temples are easy to see from the street above.
48. Piazza della Pietra
One of the magical things about Rome is finding ancient remains in unexpected places. The Chamber of Commerce is built into the remains of a Temple of Hadrian, dominating one side of of this square. You can often enter for free and watch a video about the history of the temple and its restoration.
49. Arch of the Argentari
Stuck to the side of a church behind the Mouth of Truth is what remains of an arch that used to be the entrance to the cattle market. If you think it looks a bit smaller, that’s because it isn’t the whole thing. It was originally much taller, but the supporting columns weren’t engraved as all the cattle rubbing against the arch would have damaged them. The reliefs inside are evidence of damnatio memoriae where Caracalla removed all traces of his brother Geta.
50. Republican Temples
Opposite the Mouth of Truth (not really free because donations are aggressively suggested) are 2 well-preserved temples that survived because they were converted into churches. Although you can’t go inside them, they are very cute and the area outside has recently been converted into a relaxing little park.
51. Circus of Maxentius
On Appia Antica, just before the tomb of Cecilia Metella, is the Circus of Maxentius. The 4th century circus isn’t as large as the Circus Maximus, but it was never intended for the whole population to fit in. The remains of the walls, spina and towers make it a fascinating historical site. Not open on Mondays.
52. Tombe Latine
In a small park close to the Arco di Travertino metro stop(line A), is a stretch of Roman road which still seem to be in the countryside. At the side of the road are several ancient tombs from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD that belonged to important citizens.
53. Mausoleum of Augustus
Currently not open to the public as the square is undergoing a serious revamp, you can still admire the tomb of Rome’s first emperor from outside.
Modern Rome
There’s not much in Rome that is really modern, but there’s quite a lot from Italy’s Fascist period.
54. Museo Via Tasso
During the Nazi occupation of Rome, the building was the headquarters of the SS. On the upper floors, the windows were bricked up and the rooms were transformed into cells. The free audio guide is available in English.
55. Stadio dei Marmi
Part of a big sports complex built under Mussolini to promote the Fascist ideal of a warrior population. Around the running track are 60 huge marble statues of athletes. Access to this stadium is free during the day, just look for the open gate in the car park. Next door is the Olympic Stadium with an obelisk celebrating Mussolini outside.
56. Fosse Ardeatina
One of the darkest stories during the Nazi occupation of Rome was the execution of 335 Roman citizens as a reprisal for an attack by the Resistance. This national monument near Appia Antica is a moving place with a free multilingual audioguide explaining the history.
57. Città Universitaria
Another big Fascist project, intended to educate the population. As well as the central ‘University City’ the streets around it are filled with the various departments of the teaching hospital, still in use today.
58. Acquario Romano
From 19th century fish farm, to theater, to the House of Architecture. This beautifully restored building in a slightly less beautiful area near Termini, is open to visitors when it’s not hosting events.
59. Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana
Visit EUR to see the Fascist interpretation of the Colosseum. Nowadays the headquarters of fashion house, Fendi, they don’t mind visitors climbing the steps and wandering around the outside to take photos. They sometimes host free exhibitions on the ground floor – check their event page to see what’s scheduled.
60. Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso
Richard Meier’s Jubilee church was designed to look like a ship and absorb car exhaust fumes. For fans of architecture, it’s worth making the trip to Tor Tre Teste to see a rare example of a modern building in Rome.
Free Bucket List Sites to see in Rome
61. Look through the keyhole
A favourite with tourists, everyone should squint through the keyhole on the Aventine and try to work out how to take a photo at least once. It’s best to come early in the morning or off-season to avoid the long line that is there even in winter, though if the line is long, the view is just as good from the Orange Garden!
62. Trevi Fountain
Although talks are underway to charge for access to Rome’s most famous fountain, it’s still possible to visit the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin to ensure you come back to Rome. Go in the early morning or the evening off-season to see it without the crowds and take the time to appreciate all the animals and plants that are hidden around the basin.
63. Spanish Steps
Rome’s most iconic steps! Named for the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See in the corner of the square, though they were paid for by a French cardinal and lead to a French church of the Trinity! Divided into 3, the steps are a clever bit of architecture that hides that the church and square don’t really line up. Best visited in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
64. Visit the Vatican Museums for free on the last Sunday of the month
The Vatican Museums open their doors for free on the last Sunday of the month. This day is always very popular, so get up early and have your coffee waiting in line! Entrance is from 9am to 12.30pm.
65. Attend a papal audience
Request tickets for the Wednesday Papal Audience before you travel and pick them up the day before. When it isn’t raining, the audience takes place in St. Peter’s Square, on rainy Wednesdays it’s in the auditorium next door.
Walks around Rome
66. Visit the 7 pilgrim churches
Traditionally walked during Holy Week, the route leaves from St. Peter’s then stops at San Paolo, San Sebastiano, San Giovanni, Santa Croce, San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Maggiore. It takes about 6hrs to do the whole walk and you’ll get to see some of Rome’s most historic churches along the walk.
67. Walk round the ancient walls
The 3rd century fortification that protected Rome is mostly still intact. If you’ve got half a day to spare, you can follow the ancient walls pretty closely from Testaccio to Piazza del Popolo. Along the way you’ll pass churches, monuments and see something of modern Rome.
68. Follow the Obelisks
Some of the many obelisks in Rome were brought from Egypt by the Romans, some they made themselves. Over time most of them have fallen down and suffered damage, but in the 17th century, popes decided to start putting them up again. Some were turned into works of art (Fountain of the Four Rivers, elephant outside Santa Maria sopra Minerva, fountain outside the Pantheon, outside the Quirinale), 5 of them were put up to create a pathway for pilgrims to follow from San Giovanni to St. Peter’s, which makes a nice walk. Other smaller ones nobody could find a proper home for (Opposite the Baths of Diocletian, in Villa Celimontana, in one corner of Villa Borghese).
69. Tiber Footpath
Walk, run or cycle along the banks of the river. You can follow the path all the way to Ostia on the coast. You won’t see much of the city, but the embankment walls keep the noise of the city at a distance. In the summer months, bars, restaurants and market stalls line the pathway between Trastevere and Castel Sant’Angelo.
Markets
You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy markets full of fresh, seasonal Italian products.
70. Farmer’s Market at Circo Massimo
On weekend mornings, visit the Farmer’s Market on Via di San Teodoro, next to the Circus Maximus. Local producers sell olive oil, wine, bread, seasonal produce, cheese, meat, fish and flowers. You don’t have buy anything, you can still enjoy tasting samples of many products.
71. Porta Portese Market
Rome’s largest and most famous market takes over the area between the Porta Portese Gate and Viale Trastevere every Sunday morning. Stretching for over a kilometer, it’s a lively maze of stalls where you can find everything from vintage clothing, antiques, vinyl records, and books to household goods, plants, and quirky curiosities. The atmosphere is bustling and a bit chaotic, with locals hunting for bargains alongside tourists exploring its eclectic offerings. A quintessential Roman experience—perfect for those who enjoy browsing and people-watching.
72. Nuovo Esquilino Market
If you agree that it’s fun to go to markets to see what is for sale and to people watch, you should check out Nuovo Esquilino market. Just off Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, this large covered market sells food from Italy and around the world. It’s busiest on Saturday mornings when sellers compete to attract the attention of shoppers with better prices and louder voices.
73. The Ex-Mattatoio
Inside Testaccio’s old slaughterhouse, there’s now an exhibition space, organic bar and restaurant and a multipurpose outdoor space. Città dell’Altra Economia frequently hosts events in the former paddocks, including farmer’s markets, car boot sales and concerts.
74. Testaccio Market
Popular with locals and visitors alike, this modern structure has butchers, fishmongers, and greengrocers selling fresh, high-quality ingredients, alongside stalls serving ready-to-eat food. More photogenic, but less authentic than Piazza Vittorio.
Curiosities
Fun things to keep your eyes open for as you wander around Rome.
75. Rinascente
In the basement of the Rinascente department store on Via del Tritone is part of the ancient aqueduct that feeds the Trevi Fountain. Go downstairs and head for the far corner (it’s not immediately obvious from the escalator) to see the light display that explains a bit about the history of the aqueduct and the layers of Rome’s history. Another bit of it is visible just round the corner on Via del Nazareno.
76. Palazzo Zuccari
At the top of the Spanish Steps, follow Via Georgiana until you come to the entrance of the first building on the left. Look up to see why this building was called the ‘palace of monsters’. The building is a library and it’s not possible to go inside.
77. The Cat
Close to Piazza Venezia is Via della Gatta, or the Street of the Cat. Find the cat.
78. Flood markers
Before the high walls of the embankment were built, the Tiber flooded each year, filling the city. Around the city you’ll see markers showing how high the water got in different years. There are several on the wall of Santa Maria sopra Minerva and an ancient one just inside Arco dei Banchi near Castel Sant’Angelo.
79. Talking statues
When the popes ruled Rome and didn’t look kindly on people who criticized them. Rather than risk the pope’s displeasure, Romans did some anonymous posting at night, sticking opinions up on 6 statues around the city. Sometimes, the statues would ‘talk’ to each other when responses were posted the next night. Here’s where to find the statues:
- Madam Lucrezia is in the corner of Piazza San Marco, to the side of Piazza Venezia.
- Il Faccino is a small fountain on Via Lata
- Il Babuino is on Via di Babuino
- Abbot Luigi is in the small piazza/car park next to Sant’Andrea della Valle
- Marforio is a river god inside the courtyard of the Musei Capitolini
- Pasquino is the most famous of the statues at the corner of the street between Via del Governo Vecchio and Piazza Navona
80. Nuovo Regina Margherita
The Nuovo Regina Margherita hospital in Trastevere is built around an old monastery. Nobody minds if you wander into the old building. You’ll go through some archways but won’t have to go inside the hospital to reach the old cloisters. The second one with an old fountain is a lovely place to relax on a sunny day.
81. The pyramid
Outside piramide metro station is a pyramid from the 1st century BC. Egypt was all the rage at the time, inspiring a wealthy Roman to build this tomb. It survived when it was built into the city walls in the 3rd century.
82. Passetto del Biscione
Hidden away behind Campo dè Fiori is a painted passageway that you might have stumbled upon by chance. Part of the Theatre of Pompey in ancient times, the passage became part of the Orsini palace which was built over the theatre.
83. Optical illusion in St. Peter’s Square
Find the marble disc in the centre of each semicircle and watch the rows of columns disappear smoothly into a single row when you stand on it.
84. Tempietto
Hidden inside the courtyard of the Spanish Academy is the beautiful miniature temple of Bramante. It’s built on the spot where they believed at the time that St. Peter was crucified.
85. Centro degli Studi Americani
When the doors are open, nobody seems to mind if you wander into the courtyard to look at the collection of ancient statues, friezes and sarcophagi that were used to decorate Palazzo Mattei di Giove.
86. Isola Tiburtina
In the middle of the river is an island that connects Trastevere and the Ghetto. The ancient Romans made it look like a giant ship. In the summer, it’s a popular place for sunbathing during the day and there’s a free cinema here in the evenings.
87. Statue of Constantine
Follow the wall of Musei Capitolini round to the garden at the back to discover the monumental reconstruction of the statue of Constantine from the Forum.
88. Galleria Sciarra
Not far from the Trevi Fountain, Galleria Sciarra is used as a shortcut by locals who don’t take the time to look up. Designed as a covered passageway for an aristocratic palace, its glass-and-iron roof Art Nouveau frescoes are uncommon in Rome. Take the time to admire the paintings which celebrate 19th century ideals of femininity, family, and civic virtue. Closed at night and not open on Sundays and public holidays.
Free Museums in Rome
Check out some of the 8 free museums in Rome.
89. Museo Carlo Bilotti
Inside the old orangery of the Borghese Gardens is an art collection left by Italian American art collector, Carlo Bilotti, to the city. The collection includes works by Giorgio de Chirico and an Andy Warhol painting of Bilotti’s wife and daughter.
90. Museo Napoleonico
Although Napoleon never came to Rome, parts of his family ruled Rome and Naples and settled in Italy after his exile. This house-museum documents the family history in Italy and is a surprisingly interesting bit of history, even if you have no interest in Napoleon himself.
91. Museo Pietro Canonica
In the early 20th century, Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica was sought after by rulers the world over. His workshop in Villa Borghese contains the plaster casts he worked from. Some of the final bronzes were destroyed during revolutions, making the collection particularly fascinating.
Amazing Free Events in Rome
92. Visit museums for free on the first Sunday of the month
This is such a great initiative. All across Italy, state-run museums, monuments and archaeological sites are free on the first Sunday of the month. In Rome, this includes Galleria Borghese (as long as you book), Musei Capitolini and Castel Sant’Angelo. If you want to avoid the crowds, Villa Giulia and Ostia Antica always seem to be quiet.
93. The Pope at the Colosseum
On Good Friday, the Pope leads a candle-light vigil in the evening at the Colosseum. Arrive early (take the metro to Circo Massimo and walk) to get a good spot.
94. Snow in Rome
If you’re in Rome on August 5th, go to Santa Maria Maggiore in the evening to watch it ‘snow in Rome’. After some speeches and singing, foam is sprayed over the crowds from machines around the square, cos that’s kinda like snow, right?!
95. Ides of March
On the afternoon of March 15th, be in Largo Argentina to see the Gruppo Storico Romano reenact Julius Caesar’s murder which took place in 44 BCE at the Theatre of Pompey.
96. Catacombs Day
In mid-October, catacombs around Italy are open to the public for free for 1 day. There are so many catacombs that they aren’t all open each year. Pre-booking is required, usually through Eventbrite and some of the catacombs that are usually open to the public also offer tours in English.
97. Estate Romana
From June to September, concerts are organized in outdoor spaces around the city. Some are well advertised, like the Village Celimontana jazz festival (except this year it’s on the Gianicolo!), others you’ll stumble upon by accident walking around the city in the evening.
98. Rome’s Birthday
Every year Romans celebrate April 21st with events around the Colosseum and Circus Maximus. Mid-morning, Roman legions, Senators and Vestal Virgins leave their camp at the Circus Maximus and parade through the streets and around the Colosseum.
99. Casino dell’Aurora Pallavicini
On the first day of the month (but not every month so check their website before going), the casino with its beautiful ceiling fresco by Guido Reni, is open to the public for free. Just tell the security guard at the gate that you’d like to see the casino.
100. Monastero delle Oblate di Santa Francesca Romana a Tor de’ Specchi
There are some wonderful frescoes inside this convent, including a large, pointy-nosed devil, but they can only be seen one day a year. On March 9th, the convent where the saint lived at the end of her life near Teatro di Marcello, welcomes visitors for free.
